Mallow Town will take to the pitch at Turner’s Cross on Friday evening looking to complete one of the great cup stories in recent Cork AUL history.
The League 3 side face the daunting challenge of taking on reigning champions Coachford A in the AOH Cup Final, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm at Munster FA headquarters.
While Coachford will be favourites as they bid for a fifth consecutive AOH Cup title, Mallow Town arrive at the final having earned a reputation as the competition’s giant killers.
Their route to the final has included victories over teams from higher divisions, producing a string of impressive performances that have captured the attention of the local football community.
Mallow’s journey began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Castlebridge Celtic, thanks to a strike from Mark Tobin.
A dramatic second-round encounter against Rylane Celtic followed, with Mallow emerging 7-5 winners after extra time in a contest that produced 12 goals and showcased the side’s resilience.
The real shocks, however, were still to come.
In the last 16, Mallow travelled to face Premier Division title challengers Village United and produced a disciplined display to secure a memorable 2-1 victory. Goals from Kennedy Plaku and JJ Zupancic sent the North Cork side into the quarter-finals.
Another Premier Division opponent awaited in the form of Grattan United. Once again Mallow rose to the challenge, coming from behind to secure a famous 3-2 victory. Daniel Moloney’s stunning equaliser was followed by goals from JJ Zupancic and Bevis Nguenko as another upset was completed.
The semi-final against Division Two leaders Cathedral Celtic proved to be the toughest test yet.
After 120 minutes failed to separate the sides, Mallow goalkeeper Artur Osinski emerged as the hero. Having produced a series of outstanding saves throughout the game, he helped guide his side through a dramatic penalty shootout victory.
Mallow converted all four of their spot kicks, while Osinski’s saves ensured a 4-1 shootout triumph and sparked celebrations among the travelling support.
A young and ambitious squad has overcome opponents from higher divisions throughout the competition and now stands just one game away from lifting one of Cork AUL football’s most prestigious trophies.
Standing in their way are a Coachford side chasing a fifth consecutive AOH Cup title, but Mallow Town have built their run on proving the odds wrong.
Tonight at Turner’s Cross, they will have one final opportunity to complete a remarkable cup journey.
AOH Cup Final
Mallow Town v Coachford A
Turner’s Cross Stadium
Friday, June 5
Kick-off: 7pm