Rathfriland swifts pull off cup upset

Rathfriland Swifts claimed a shock victory over Seapatrick Reserves in the Second round of the O’Hara Cup.

Seapatrick ply their trade two divisions above the Swifts but it was the underdogs who came out 3-2 winners after a second-half comeback.

Rathfriland settled quicker and carved out the first clear chance of the game, strong play from Quinn holding the ball up and finding the great run of Eamonn Magee but the finish failed to match the build-up.

Rathfriland’s second chance came via a well delivered Magee corner, which was headed against the bar by Johnny Jackson. As Rathfriland pushed for the opener they were hit on the break against the run of play, quick clever movement from the Seapatrick strikers left the Swifts exposed at the back allowing a one on one opportunity that Seapatrick took well to lead 1-0 at the break.

The Swifts Reserves re-grouped at half-time and five minutes after the re-start, they were level. Daryl O’Reilly played a splendid ball into the path of Magee who shaped his body well and struck left footed off the post. The lively Declan Gribben was first to react, finishing coolly from close range. With the equalizer Rathfriland took control of the game and began to dictate the play.

Strong battling by Gribben won the ball in midfield and Power picked out the well-timed run of Quinn. He rounded the keeper and finished well from a tight angle to give the home side the advantage.

While Rathfriland pushed to seal the game the rear-guard of Scott, Monaghan, O’Neill and Jackson held firm to the quick counters of Seapatrick. Quinn struck the post from a near post corner and O’Neill had a strong strike tipped over from the edge of the area before Rathfriland found their third via the penalty spot. Quinn was scythed down when in on goal and dusted myself off to powerfully strike from 12 yards. Seapatrick bagged a late goal but Rathfriland were good value for their victory.

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