Bluebell's fairytale Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup run came to an end at Tallaght on Friday night. Having already beaten First Division side Cabinteely in the last round, Premier Division Cup specialists Shamrock Rovers were a step too far for the Leinste
Bluebell's fairytale Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup run came to an end at Tallaght on Friday night. Having already beaten First Division side Cabinteely in the last round, Premier Division Cup specialists Shamrock Rovers were a step too far for the Leinster Senior League side.
Bluebell manager Andy Noonan says the game was about more than just a first quarter-final appearance in the FAI Cup, as he explains to SSE Airtricity League reporter Peter Branigan.
"It was always going to be an uphill task, but it was all about the occasion for us tonight."
"We had the players' kids walking out at the start, and we welcomed all the families in tonight."
"In terms of the game itself, I can't fault the players' efforts."
"We're back to the grind stone now, and we've a massive game in the Leinster Senior League next weekend."
Noonan says his team showed great battling qualities, twice scoring goals to get themselves back into the game.
"The two centre halves, Flood and Walsh, were excellent."
"We were trying to catch them on the break, and that's exactly what we did."
"As soon as they scored, we immediately caught them."
Brandon Miele nabbed a fine hat-trick for The Hoops on the night, scoring two superb long range efforts. And the Bluebell boss was in awe of the efforts, having previously worked with Miele during his brief spell on the Naas Road.
"It's nearly impossible to defend against those types of long range goals that Brandon Miele scored tonight.
"But the character of the lads was clear to see this evening; we don't stop, we don't give in."
"I'm walking out of Tallaght tonight very proud of my players."
