VEC started aggressively, unsettling the visitor’s defense early on, resulting in Andy Hooke capitalising on a defensive error in the 2nd minute of this cup match. Rob Newe, with his first goal of the season, added a 2nd in the 25th minute rising highest to head in from a Seán Lynch corner. However, Quarryvale displayed great resilience pulling one back 10 minutes later and then equalising just before the break.

But in the 2nd minute of the re-start, that man Andy, this time capitalising on a poor back-pass, put VEC back in front, and there we stayed, edging out the opposition in what was a five-goal thriller, thus securing our place in the quarter-final of the Richard Knight Cup away to Harding FC.

A solitary second-half strike was enough to settle a tense semi-final encounter in Bray, as Wolfe Tone FC secured their place in the Challenge Cup final with a disciplined 1-0 victory. Despite a late onslaught from VEC, the home team’s defensive resilience proved insurmountable.

After a cagey first half with few clear-cut opportunities, the deadlock was broken in the 70th minute. A swift counter-attack down the left flank culminated in a low shot from their no. 10 that found the far corner of the net. VEC pushed forward in the closing 10 minutes, coming closest when a long-range effort from Neill Love bounced on the goal-line, struck the woodwork and somehow stayed out. Two very late chances from Paddy Cook and Andy Hooke also failed to find the net.

For VEC, the result marks a heartbreaking end to a notable cup run, with many feeling the team deserved more from their performance. They can be justifiably proud of their efforts; however, our lack of clinical finishing has to be lamented. Meanwhile, Wolfe Tone FC advance to the final, and we wish them the best of luck.

Two similar goals in the 60th & 70th minutes from VEC’s leading goal-scorer Paddy Cook helped us reach the semi-final of the Challenge Cup against a dogged Old Bawn side. Shane O’Connor had opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a characteristic header from a corner.  The visitors only goal came in between Paddy’s two goals.  We now play Wolfe Tone FC in Bray next Wednesday.

Skillfully evading the off-side trap, VEC’s man-of-the-match Paddy Cook scored this equaliser in the 67th minute, after the home team had taken the lead with a penalty in the 35th minute. It was no more than we deserved where all VEC players played with great heart and desire throughout. Alas, Roc regained the lead just 2 minutes later and then scored their third – again from the penalty spot – with the last kick of the game in the 90+5th minute, which was a little harsh after staying toe-to-toe with the league leaders right to the end.

With the VEC pitch declared unplayable, this Premier Division match was switched to Ringsend Park and a depleted VEC team held their own up to half-time after a few good chances. Then shortly after the re-start, Harding took the lead and increased it with a penalty in the 76th minute, before their 3rd in the 90th minute secured them the 3 points

We congratulate Colin Power on playing his 100th competitive game for VEC FC last Saturday against Blackforge FC, helping the team reach the last 16 of the Richard Knight Cup. Colly marked the occasion with  some excellent saves and a ‘clean sheet’, with the Club’s top goal-scorer Joey Byrne scoring the only goal of the game.