This was a hard earned victory against a dogged home team, helped greatly by the introduction of Antoine Daubigny, Paddy Legros and Paddy Cook around the hour mark. Firstly, Legros played Daubigny in behind and he dispatched exquisitely across the onrushing Coolock keeper to give VEC the lead on 79 minutes. Then, just 4 minutes later, Cook stepped up with a weaving run down the right wing to set up Tshepo Montsho for our second to secure the 3 points.
Coolock Village FC v VEC FC
When you analyse this game, how we lost is perplexing and frustrating! We had numerous chances to score, but failed due to poor execution and bad luck! And, of course Coolock took one of their two real chances in the game, with a sweet strike from Dermot Blaine in the 32nd minute.
Debutants tonight! Ben, Christian & Conor. Welcome on board!
Coolock Village FC v VEC FC
A game that could have gone either way! We came from behind twice to draw level and bring this cup match to extra time in absolutely horrendous conditions in the AUL. With sheeting rain non stop, Oisín Kinsella’s sweet free-kick in the 42nd minute cancelled out the home team’s scrappy goal 12 minutes earlier. They restored their lead from a corner kick in the 75th minute, before Joey Byrne levelled matters 10 minutes later. Unfortunately, Coolock scored the winner just 2 minutes into extra time, knocking us out of the Challenge Cup. Our lads were out on their feet by the end of a courageous performance!