Broadford Rovers crashed out of the Lummy O’Reilly Cup in the quarter final on Sunday after a demoralising 4-1 defeat at home to Dublin University FC. Broadford were unable to extend their cup run which had seen them impressively defeat much fancied Tolka Rovers 2-1. However, Dublin University seemed a real class above on a sweltering day at Broadford Park. The victory for the visitors will see them face Mullingar Athletic, Dunboyne AFC or Lucan United in the semi-finals. The defeat for Broadford seemingly leaves them with nothing to play for other than pride in their last four matches of the season as they are well clear of the relegation scrap but are also out of contention for promotion.
Broadford started off well controlling the ball in the first ten minutes and went close through Ben Mitchell who was able to find the target from close range. Unfortunately for the Ballinteer side they were caught on the counter attack after having the visitors pegged back for the opening exchanges. Having conceded the first the floodgates seemed to open up as Broadford conceded three goals in the space of less than ten minutes. Quick counter attacking football from the visitors saw the hosts in complete disarray.
Broadford soon regained their composure and started to string several chances together. Having gone close several times the hosts were given a lifeline when striker Ben Mitchell was brought down in the area and midfielder Ben Meagan duly converted. Moments later and Broadford had another penalty shout as Mitchell was again brought down in the box but this time the referee was too far away from play to make a decision. Disaster soon struck once again for the home side as another defensive lapse allowed the visitors in for a fourth just before half-time.
Broadford came out fighting and made a number of chances early on in the second half but were unable to capitalize. Once again Ben Mitchell found himself with just the keeper to beat but he shot straight at the keeper. That chance was as good as it got for the hosts as the 4-1 deficit led them to lose hope and their heads. The home side’s frustration was quite telling as they received five yellow cards. The visitors seemed content with their three goal lead and despite having a few chances to stretch their lead in the closing stages they were unable to add to their lead.
Broadford manager Stephen Kane couldn’t hide his disappointment as his side crashed out at the quarter final stage “The result today is a difficult one to take both because of the performance and the fact that we are now missing out on a chance of a semi-final. The performance we showed today isn’t good enough and it’s a hard one to take considering the performances the lads have been putting in over the last few months. All we can do now is try to win our four remaining games in the league and try to finish as high as possible”. Broadford will have to pick themselves up quickly as they face an away trip to Collinstown on Friday night. For more information regarding the Lummy O’Reilly Cup and the Leinster Senior League visit www.lsl.ie.
