WATCH: Aherne “It was a cracking cup tie”

Aisling Annacotty manager Mike Aherne was relieved to see his side advance in the FAI Junior Cup after a very entertaining penalty shoot-out victory over Geraldines on Saturday evening. The nerves and stress was evident throughout the evening as both sides brought a massive intensity to proceedings.

The game finished 3-3 after extra-time. Annacotty took the lead through Paudie Walsh but fell behind to goals by Shane Cox and Barry Hartnett.

Paudie Walsh equalised but it looked as though last year’s semi-finalists were about to crash out when Bobby Tier scored in the second half of extra-time. However, substitute Tommy Canty rescued the situation with a very composed finish inside the penalty area.

Annacotty showed great character to come back from falling behind twice and Aherne was quick to acknowledge that after the game.

“It was a cracking cup tie. It ebbed and flowed. We went in front then they went in front twice. They will probably be disappointed that they didn’t keep the lead for more than 3 or four minutes.

It was great character from our lads. We have a young team and yes we have the experience of the Clarke brothers now but we all kept plugging away.”

Aherne speaks of the importance of the competition to the club and the importance of home advantage also.

To watch the full interview, click on the link below.