Villa goalkeeper Robert Bresnan dealing with a dangerous cross as Tramore’s Evan Connolly waits to pounce. | Photos: Jim O’Sullivan
Tramore 3; Villa 1
This was the first major shock of the season in cup football. The Villa side went into the game as odds on favourites against a Tramore team who are extremely young and who have been having a tough season to date.
Earlier in the season the city side defeated the Seasiders 5-1 in a league game and local observers predicted that the outcome on this occasion would something similar. Football can be a very strange game as we all know and such is the magic of the cup, Tramore turned the tables completely.
The Graun Par lads got off to a flying start and they never looked back afterwards. In the previous round they had defeated West Waterford outfit Pinewood Rangers, so there is no doubt that the Munster Cup is proving to be a good competition for the Tramore youngsters.
Early penalty
Despite their recent lack of positive results, Tramore looked bright and fresh during the opening minutes and they were awarded a penalty after four minutes. Damien Cashin cut into the penalty area before he was taken down by defender Shane Hayes. Zach Shanahan stepped forward top take the spot kick and duly sent Villa goalkeeper Robert Bresnan the wrong way.
The Villa almost got back on level terms 5 minutes later when Paddy Davis picked out Jack Gaule with a fine pass but his effort came back off the woodwork. Bresnan tipped an effort from Damien Cashin on to his crossbar later on and then he nudged the ball around his upright following a fine free kick by Shanahan.
Just before half-time Villa very nearly equalised once again but Shane Hayes headed wide following a cross from Shammy Byrne.
Second goal
The Villa outfit poured forward during the opening minutes of the second half but they came up against Mark O’Reilly who was in inspired form for the home side. Tramore increased their lead just after the hour mark. David Purcell controlled the ball superbly before picking out Damien Cashin who raced clear and then with his right foot beat the advancing Bresnan.
Zach Shanahan more or less booked Tramore’s ticket to the next round on 64 minutes. He took a very good ball from Thomas Moore and from the edge of the penalty area he gave Robert Bresnan no chance with a sweet left-footed strike.
Paul Power did pull a goal back for the visitors from a free kick after Darren O’Meara had handled but the three Tramore goals proved to be to much of a handicap for them. They tried manfully and for that they have to be given credit but Tramore fully deserved their victory.
Tramore: Mark O’Reilly, Mark McCarthy, Niall Murphy (Sam Shanahan 79), Darren O’Meara, Evan Connelly, Thomas Moore, Paul Farrelly (Sean Galvin 90 mins) David Jacob, Damien Cashin (Craig Vernon 69 mins) Zach Shanahan, David Purcell.
Villa: Robert Bresnan, Kevin Kelly (Robin Spencer, 69 mins) Shammy Byrne (Aaron Molloy, 62 mins) Stephen Flynn, Shane Hayes, Wayne Robinson, Niall O’Sullivan, Paul Power, Jack Gaule, Paddy Davis, Eric Marsh (John Hale, 74 mins).
Referee: Noel Purcell.
