Limerick District League's Division 1B Calvert Cup final produces penalty shoot-out drama

Division 1B Calvert Cup

Newport B 2 Parkville 2 (Newport won 4-2 on pens aet)

NEWPORT and Parkville played put an exciting Division 1B Cup final at local headquarters at Jackman Park on Sunday morning in a game that finished 2-2 before the Tipperary side emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.

The win was achieved the hard way, as Newport had to bounce back from two goals down to make the win sweeter still.
The lottery of spot kicks decided it in the end and goalkeeper Brendan Coffey was the toast of the Newport pulling off a couple of fine saves to see them through. 

Parkville will be bitterly disappointed to lose. They looked well in control at 2-0 but seemed to take the foot off the gas and Newport made them pay. 

The first half was low on clear cut chances although Nathan Hartigan did threaten twice. 

With 18 minutes remaining in the opening half Conor Brett picked out Hartigan at the far post but he pulled his shot inches wide of the far post.

Minutes later, the same player tried his luck from 25 yards out but Parkville keeper, Damon Lee produced a stunning save to send the sides in goalless at the break. 

After the break Coffey did well to bat away a free kick from Dave McGrath and at the other end Conor Brett uncharacteristically fire wide when the goal opened up in front of him.  

Parkville broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when the impressive Lee Ryan delivered into the area and David Broderick rose to head powerfully home. 

Minutes later Parkville doubled their advantage when another fine delivery from Ryan fell to top scorer Keith Moran who blasted low into the net from ten yards.

Newport went all out in search of a way back into the tie and got their break when Jack Noble’s cross found Adam McEvoy at the back post and he guided the ball into the net. 

With the Tipperary lads now on the front foot Conor Brett tried his luck from distance but his effort smacked off the upright to safety.

With fifteen minutes to play Newport were awarded a corner kick and youth player Jamie Kavanagh took on the responsibly and curled a sweet delivery over everyone and into the top corner to level the tie. 

Extra time was called but the focus for and two cautious sides was not to concede. The neatest either side came to winning in in play was a late shot by Brian Scales that was saved by Newport keeper Coffey who then took centre stage in the penalty shoot out to clinch it for his side. 

Newport B: Brendan Coffey; John Barry; Jack Noble; Chris Carmody; Odhran Brett, Shaun Bonfield; Aaron Coleman; Ben O'Sullivan; Adam McEvoy; Conor Brett; Nathan Hartigan; Subs: Jamie Kavanagh; Pat Gallagher; Ciaran Carey; Darragh Meany; Darren Gleeson; James Collopy; Phelim O'Reilly; Stephen McCormack.

Parkville: Damon Lee; Luke Carmody; Lee Ryan; Dave Broderick; Bob Collins; Barry O'Sullivan; Dave McGrath; Brian Scales; Keith Moran; Ethan Hannon; Joe Dougan. Subs: Paul Scales; Morgan Conway; Farouq Rabiu; Amaso Oki; Cian Hannon; Steve Stokes; Ritchie Pearse; Nathan Kubicki.