It went all the way to spot kicks on Saturday afternoon but Kingswood Castle’s remarkable Frank Roe cup journey continued as they advanced to the final four after an intriguing 110 minutes of competitive action against St Pats/Phoenix at Ballymount Park.

In a back and fourth opening 45 minutes, it was Phoenix who got the edge when Kingswood failed to get the ball clear, allowing their striker to get in behind and give St Pats the 1-0 lead going into the break.

However, Kingswood returned to the field with a renewed sense of optimism following some stern half-time words from manager Paul Farrell which resulted in ‘The Castle’ getting their leveler barely two minutes into the restart. John O’Brien found a pocket of space outside the Phoenix box and rifled the ball home at the edge of the area in what was an excellent finish.

As the half progressed the game intensified with the tackles coming in hard and fast, especially around the midfield area. St Pat’s then regained their advantage to go 2-1 up. Just as it looked like Phoenix were heading for the semis, Brian Coleman found Alex Murray who controlled the ball expertly before lofting it above the keeper and into the net in what was a piece of pure class from the 17 year-old to tie up the game at two apiece.

Neither side could grab a third in extra-time so it was to be decided in a tense penalty shootout where Robbie Baker proved to be the hero as he stopped 2 of Phoenix’s spot kicks to put Kingswood into the semi-finals of the Frank Roe Cup where they will either face Belclare Celtic or Donnycarney.