Verona FC 3-5 Balscadden FC 1sts

The first team dug deep to come out the right side of a rollercoaster Albert Walsh Cup last-16 tie against Verona on Sunday afternoon.

Balscadden started well in Blanchardstown but couldn't make their possession count in the first 20 minutes. Verona then countered, pouncing on a mix-up at the back to take the lead. Just before the half-hour mark it was 2-0, a corner catching Balscadden out and the Verona striker forcing the ball home.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time, Balscadden rallied. Anto Coates halved the deficit in the 51st minute, firing home after a Sean O'Rourke pullback. Ten minutes later, it was all square when Philly Cullen guided an excellent strike into the top corner.

Ger Sweetman put Balscadden ahead when he nipped around the back post to finish well.

But Verona hit back with 15 minutes to go, heading home from another corner.

With the game on a knife edge, Paddy Coates swung it Balscadden's way with a confident finsh after good work from Anto Coates before Ger sealed the victory with a clever strike from the edge of the box.

A hard-earned win and the lads are into the quarters.