1.30pm 7 December 2013
Irish FA Cup, Fourth Round
Sport and Leisure Swifts 2 Sirocco Works 1 aet (att 20)
Sport and Leisure Swifts are a recent addition to the Irish League but are currently struggling in its lowest tier, Championship Two.
Even so, I'd have backed them to comfortably see of non League challengers Sirocco Works, from the third level of the Northern Amateur League, effectively three divisions below the hosts.
But there was little to choose between the sides, and Sport and Leisure were a little lucky to come from behind before eventually winning the tie in extra time.
Sirocco, to the delight of the travelling supporters in the paltry crowd, matched the home side early on, and shocked them by going ahead thanks to a very well taken goal two minutes before half time. They held the lead until the 73rd minute, when Sport and Leisure eventually forced home an equaliser.
With the scores level at 90 minutes it took until the second period of extra time before the Irish League side scored the winner. Even that wasn't without controversy, as the referee had allowed played to continue despite a Sirocco player lying on the ground having apparently suffered a head injury.
Sport and Leisure Swifts' ground, Glen Road Heights, manages to feel remote despite being in Belfast. It's well named, as the approach road from Glen Road is steep, with the ground perched high up overlooking the city. On a nice day you'd probably get a good view, but on a chilly one you certainly feel the cold.
A seated stand looks a recent addition, presumably to comply with Irish League ground requirements, and refreshments are served from a converted shipping container behind the stand. The ground's other feature of note is an electricity pylon, which fizzes and crackles away behind the goal nearest the entrance. The cables run above the pitch, the ball striking them just once during the game, resulting in a drop ball.
Spectators are only able stand behind the near goal and along the stand side, but on the evidence of this game that's more than enough room for the number who come to watch.
Irish FA Cup, Fourth Round
Sport and Leisure Swifts 2 Sirocco Works 1 aet (att 20)
Sport and Leisure Swifts are a recent addition to the Irish League but are currently struggling in its lowest tier, Championship Two.
Even so, I'd have backed them to comfortably see of non League challengers Sirocco Works, from the third level of the Northern Amateur League, effectively three divisions below the hosts.
But there was little to choose between the sides, and Sport and Leisure were a little lucky to come from behind before eventually winning the tie in extra time.
Sirocco, to the delight of the travelling supporters in the paltry crowd, matched the home side early on, and shocked them by going ahead thanks to a very well taken goal two minutes before half time. They held the lead until the 73rd minute, when Sport and Leisure eventually forced home an equaliser.
With the scores level at 90 minutes it took until the second period of extra time before the Irish League side scored the winner. Even that wasn't without controversy, as the referee had allowed played to continue despite a Sirocco player lying on the ground having apparently suffered a head injury.
Sport and Leisure Swifts' ground, Glen Road Heights, manages to feel remote despite being in Belfast. It's well named, as the approach road from Glen Road is steep, with the ground perched high up overlooking the city. On a nice day you'd probably get a good view, but on a chilly one you certainly feel the cold.
A seated stand looks a recent addition, presumably to comply with Irish League ground requirements, and refreshments are served from a converted shipping container behind the stand. The ground's other feature of note is an electricity pylon, which fizzes and crackles away behind the goal nearest the entrance. The cables run above the pitch, the ball striking them just once during the game, resulting in a drop ball.
Spectators are only able stand behind the near goal and along the stand side, but on the evidence of this game that's more than enough room for the number who come to watch.
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