Cork City U19's European dream came to an end this evening in against Roma, with the Leesiders succumbing to a 1-0 defeat in the Italian capital.
Sidy Keba Coly’s goal just past the hour mark was enough to see the Italian side through, the result coupled with their 3-1 win at Turner's Cross saw them comfortably progress.
Stephen Bermingham's men were forced to withstand early pressure from the home side and Aaron Drinan's shot midway through the first half was saved by Roma netminder Lorenzo Crisanto.
Filippo Franchi was the supplier of the Italian champions goal, his cross was met by Coly and the Senegalese tucked away the rebound after David Coffey's save.
Denzil Fernande struck the crossbar late on but were unable to find an equaliser.
"We’re so proud of the players today," manager Bermingham said after the game. "We had plenty of chances in the game and if we had taken one of them, especially at 0-0, it could have been a different story.
"David Coffey has pulled off some great saves during the game also but in the end, there wasn’t too much between the two sides and we’re a bit disappointed not to draw this game.
"The players have really grown in this competition and you can see the belief in this side. Roma are one of the top sides in Europe and have only lost once this season and we pushed them all the way.
"We’re going out but this has been a remarkable experience for the players and proves what we’re doing at the club is working, developing that local talent."
Cork City are the first Irish team to represent the country in the league and beat HJK Helsinki in the previous round.
Bermingham added: "It’s been an incredible experience for the staff and the players. At the start of the season, it was only a possibility that we’d compete in this competition and it feels like we’ve come such a long way from that.
"The result in Helsinki and then to win in the first round was unbelievable and then to get over 3,000 at a youth game at Turner’s Cross was magnificent for the club, players and staff. A really special night.
"The Under-19s league in Ireland is only five years old so it shows how far we’ve come in a short amount of time and progression we’ve had. It has come a long way.
"It’s been a great competition for us, we’ve upped our standards and intensity over the last few weeks. The players have put in so much work, training five times a week and I’m sure this will be an experience we will never forget."
Incredibly professional performance by @CorkCityFC U19s superb ambassadors for club & for youth football in Ireland #standupforthecorkcity pic.twitter.com/npKB8FBKxh
— Lisa Fallon (@lisafallonsport) November 23, 2016
Full time 1-0 to @OfficialASRoma. City can be very proud of their U19s. Fantastic performance. #CCFC84
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) November 23, 2016
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