ULSport AFC beaten on penalties in Cup Semi-Final

ULSport Amputee Football Club finished fourth in the EAFA Takeda League Cup on Saturday June 11th. The competition was played as part of the European Amputee Football Federation's Amputee Football Development Weeks. 8 teams from England, Scotland and Ireland competed through 2 groups for the top prize. UL started the day brightly recording wins against Partick Thistle (4-0) and Manchester City (1-0) and drawing with Arsenal (0-0) to top their group. Having secured 7 points from a possible 9, scoring 5 goals and keeping 3 clean sheets the UL squad were in buoyant spirits as they advanced to the knockout stages.

UL met Peterborough in their semi-final, the side that had narrowly beaten them to the League title in May. UL dominated the game, created numerous chances but were unable to make them pay and Peterborough held out for a draw. The game would be decided by a penalty shootout. Both teams scored each of their first 3 penalties but when UL missed their fourth, Peterborough converted theirs to move on to the final. Everton beat Peterborough (1-0) in the final, having beaten Man City (1-0) in their semi-final, to lift the Takeda Cup.

UL were beaten (1-0) by Man City in the 3rd/4th place playoff, having given their absolute all to secure a place in the final in their previous match. There were a number of top performances from the Irishmen yesterday. Alan Wall scored all 5 of UL's goals, player/manager Simon Baker remained solid at the back throughout the tournament and the team's youngest member Neil Hoey showed great versatility performing well at the back and in a central midfield role.

The Limerick side capped off an impressive season without any silverware but with 4 very solid performances. The club, Ireland's first Amputee Football club, has gone from strength to strength since its inception last Autumn and will undoubtedly be looking to compete for the League/Cup double next season.