Fermanagh fairytale as 'Rocket' spot kick sends Mallards flying into first Irish Cup final

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Mallards match-winner Ryan Campbell, wife Tiffiny and family.

Q Radio Sport

Championship club Ballinamallard will face Crusaders in the Tennent's Irish Cup final after an inspired victory in their semi-final against Warrenpoint Town on Saturday.

Ryan Campbell hit the winning spot kick as the second tier team won 5-4 on penalties.

The last four tie at Mourneview Park had ended scoreless after extra-time.

But 37-year-old 'Rocket' made no mistake in the shoot-out to send the Fermanagh side into their first ever final...

 

Harry McConkey's Mallards were relegated from the Danske Bank Premiership last year and struggled in the Championship for a time this season.

Centre-back Ryan O'Reilly missed a spot kick in the last eight shoot-out at Dungannon, but bravely stepped up again in Lurgan and made amends.

He says reaching the cup final caps a dramatic transformation in fortunes for the team over recent months.

And the former Stoke City player admits he's not bothered about being up against Crusaders - he's just happy to be there...

The Crues made it to the May 4th decider with a 2-0 victory at the Oval against holders Coleraine on Saturday night.

Both goals were penalties, scored by David Cushley and Jordan Owens.

There was controversy when the Bannsiders claimed they were denied a clear penalty. 

Meanwhile, Cliftonville beat Glentoran 2-1 in the final Danske Bank Premiership fixture before the split.

Ryan Curran grabbed a last-minute winner for the Reds. 

It was a last match in charge for Glens boss Gary Smyth, due to be replaced as he doesn't have the coaching qualifications to manage in Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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