Tullamore Rovers" shield run continues after penalty win

(Tullamore Rovers win 4-3 on penalties) Tullamore Rovers reached the last sixteen of the CCFL Shield after a tough encounter against Rathmore Utd. It was always going to be a tough game for both sides with wind and rain making for a gritty and tough battle. Despite playing into the wind, Rovers made a good start although found clear-cut opportunities hard to create in the first twenty minutes. On the half hour mark, a good break down the left by Rovers ended with James Carty finding JP O"Leary just inside the box but his powerful drive sailed over. Rathmore tried to make the best of the wind, shooting when given the chance, but Rovers stopper Jimmy O"Brien was in good form and made a great save towards the end of the half. Shane Mannion had a chance for Rovers moments later with a free kick on the edge of the box but he opted for power rather than accuracy and missed to the right. Rovers continued to press with Stephen Toohey and Pat Tyrell looking lively going forward. Rovers received a killer blow just before the break after a cross from the right managed to find the Rathmore centre-forward just in side the box. Despite what appeared to a blatant handball, he fired home to give Rathmore the lead. It was unfortunate break for the Rovers centre-back pairing of Dean Tyrell and Ian Harvey who had been superb throughout the game. The visitors were aided by the wind in second half and used the opportunity to get full-backs Derek Dolan and man-of-the-match David Murphy more into the game. Rovers switched Ed Finnerty to the left for the second half and, following the introduction of Phil Evans in the middle, he began to find more space to unlock the home side"s defence. With ten minutes left, Evans found JP O"Leary into of the box with great ball and, despite great control from the centre-forward, he fired just wide. In a effort to salvage the game, Rovers manager Pat Meehan sent centre-back Ian Harvey up front and it paid dividends as Harvey"s unsettling presence allowed Evans to find James Carty in the box and he calmly slotted home to give Rovers a deserved equaliser, thereby sending the game to extra time. The worsening weather conditions ensured the extra was tight and tense with very few opportunities for both sides so the game went to penalties to find a winner. Rathmore missed their second spotkick and Rovers missed their third, so all was equal before the home side missed their final effort allowing James Carty to send Rovers through. A great result for Rovers and welcome distraction from the league, next up for the Tullamore side is Millnore Rovers in the third round. Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy O"Brien, David Murphy, Derek Dolan, Ian Harvey, Deano Tyrell, Shane Mannion, Ed Finnerty, Stephen Toohey, JP O"Leary, Pat Tyrell, James Carty, Phil Evans.