Clonmel dig deep to stay in the hunt

Clonmel Town and Bluebell United must meet again following their 1-1 draw at Clonmel's Dr Pat O'Callaghan complex yesterday.

Bluebell will be happier with the result and a replay at their own ground next Sunday, as the Dublin side struggled for long periods to cope with the committed Clonmel approach.

Bluebell went behind after just five minutes. Full back John Swift made a costly error when a kick across his own goal area was caught by the swirling breeze and fell at the feet of Glen Conway, who volleyed it first time to the net past Mark Clohessy.

The junior side from the South Tipperary league continued to press forward and had chances to increase their lead with Aaron Moroney and Ben Hannigan both going close with headers.

Bluebell weathered the storm with captain Liam Reilly outstanding at the heart of the defence. After 34 minutes, Clonmel were made to pay for their earlier missed chances when Bluebell caught them on the break to score an equaliser.

Graham Dunning was the provider with a cross from the right touchline and Ciaran Duffy rose highest to head past Stephen O'Neill.

The tempo dropped in the second half with the blustery wind causing problems for both teams, but once again the better chances fell to Clonmel but the Dublin club's defence held firm.

However, Bluebell looked the stronger team in the closing stages as Clonmel began to tire, but the Tipperary side held on for a deserved draw that sees them maintain their interest in the cup as many bigger names drop out.

Clonmel Town: O'Neill, A Ryan, Blanche, Hannigan, P Ryan, Conway, Shanahan, Scully, Moroney, Boland, Waters, Subs: Prendergast for Conway.

Bluebell United: Clohessy, Swift, Curran, Reilly, Geoghegan, O'Brien, Flood, Duffy, McGovern, Dunning, Wynne. Subs: Nolan for O'Brien, Fitzpatrick for Swift, Gill for Fitzpatrick.

Referee: A O'Regan, Cork.