Bolton helps UCD into Sigerson Cup final despite Rodgers' shoot-out heroics
Callum Bolton scores one of his two penalties in the shoot-out Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Kildare men were front and centre on a night of high drama as UCD eventually beat rivals TU Dublin 5-4 on penalties in the Sigerson Cup semi-final at Abbotstown.
The boredom of the opening half didn't hint at the excitement to follow.
UCD led 0-3 to 0-1 half time but the score was then 0-4 apiece after 40 minutes. There was just a point from each team after that and the full time score was 0-5 each.
Extra time failed to produce a winner and after final score of UCD 1-7 TUD 0-10 penalties were required.
Sarsfields' Callum Bolton scored the first of UCD's five penalties but not many were as sure in front of the goal.
Naas man Jack Rodgers, in goal for TUD, saved the third UCD penalty from Ben O'Carroll and both team missed two of their opening five penalties meaning sudden death was required.
Killian Roche had a chance to win it for UCD with their sixth kick but Rodgers made his second save of the shoot out to keep TUD, who also included Naas' Sean Hanafin in their line up, in the tie.
Both sides scored their seventh penalties, including Bolton converting his second of the shoot out.
However, Jordan Morris pulled TUD's eighth kick past the post. That left O'Carroll with the chance to be the hero and although Rodgers guessed the right way he couldn't quite prevent the shot hitting the net.
