Extra-time goals secures final spot for Strabane

Strabane Athletic 4

Newbuildings 2 (after extra-time)

STRABANE Athletic’s ambitions of a cup double remain firmly on track after twice coming from behind to defeat rivals Newbuildings United in a thrilling NIIL Challenge Cup semi-final contest at Melvin last evening.

Goals by Matthew Pierce and Darren Robb – a stunning free kick – looked to have won it for the visitors, however, a Warner Mullen goal just three minutes from the end meant extra-time was needed to separate the sides.

In truth, Strabane had been the better team over the course of the 90 minutes, and, in the first period of added time, they killed off the Buildings challenge with two goals in as many minutes.

Midfielder Aodhan Bishop fired Athletic into the lead with a low shot and Mullen completed the comeback by winning and converting a penalty shortly afterwards.

Sean Ferry had earlier cancelled out Pierce’s first-half opener just after the hour mark.

At the end of last year Strabane defeated Newbuildings in the League Cup decider.

FULL REPORT AND PICTURES IN MONDAY’S TYRONE HERALD