Shoot-out joy for Cannon, but Lady Luck deserts Bonagee in draw

While Oisin Cannon admits that there was an element of ‘luck’ in Bonagee United’s FAI Intermediate Cup win over Everton AFC last weekend, Lady Luck certainly wasn’t shining on them at the quarter-final draw.

Cannon saved a penalty in normal time in last week’s round of 16 game and was the penalty shoot-out hero, repelling another Everton spot-kick.

Bonagee are in the last eight for the first time, but Jason Gibson’s men have been handed a most arduous test in the quarter-finals. Bonagee were paired with top Munster Senior League side Rockmount in Tuesday’s draw, which was conducted by the Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

Cockhill are also on their travels as they go to Bluebell United in Dublin.

Bonagee needed penalties to see off Everton after a 2-2 draw. Goalkeeper Cannon saved from Jason Dunphy in normal time and beat away Troy O’Sullivan’s effort in the shoot-out.

Jason Gibson highlights Bonagee's volunteers after Cup win

Bonagee United defeated Everton on penalties to reach the FAI Intermediate Cup quarter-finals for the first time

“There’s a lot of luck involved,” Cannon said.

“You just try and guess from their shape or the run-up. It’s half a guessing game really.

“Our penalties were excellent. The boys were very composed, fair play to them.

“It was a great night. It was tough for a while, but it was great to get over the line and get into the next round. It’s great for the club and everyone involved to go deep in this competition.”

Bonagee fell behind when Alan Greaney broke the deadlock, but goals late in the first half by Micheál Doherty and Deano Larkin turned the tide.

Chris Fox drew the Cork side level before Cannon saved Dunphy’s penalty, although Bonagee lost the experienced presence of Packie Mailey to a straight red card for a handball infringement.

Cannon is in his first season at Dry Arch Park. He was a goalkeeper for Donegal’s Under-20s last year and was recruited by Gibson in the summer.

The Creeslough man said: “It was hard when we went down to ten men. We rallied around and finished the game strong. When it goes to penalties, it’s anyone’s game.

Bonagee into the last eight after historic shoot-out win over Everton

Goalkeeper Oisin Cannon saves a penalty in normal time and again in the shoot-out as Bonagee reach Intermediate Cup quarter-finals for the first time

“If they had scored the penalty, it would’ve been a tough way back for us. The conditions were so difficult. It turned a wee bit scrappy. It was a big moment and it was definitely goof that we didn’t go 3-2 down at that stage of the game

“We got the two goals at the end of the first half. We were quite good so I think the two goals were deserved. They put us on a good footing.”

Gavin Cullen’s Cockhill saw off Liffey Wanderers on penalties after a 0-0 draw on Sunday and they’ll return to the capital for their quarter-final assignment.

FAI Intermediate Cup Quarter-Finals

1. Maynooth University Town v Malahide United/Carrigaline United

2. Bluebell United v Cockhill Celtic

3. St Francis v Killester Donnycarney

4. Rockmount v Bonagee United

Semi-Finals

2 v 3

4 v 1

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