Local rivals FC Ailesbury from UCFL Premier were dumped out of the Leinster Junior Cup by the firsts on Saturday. Schalke started the game brightly, and could have gone ahead in within the 1st minute the Ailesbury keeper having to tip over a fierce drive from Spaniard Victor Diez. Schalke took the lead in the 2nd minute with a well worked goal, Stephen McDonnell beating a couple of players, before cutting the ball back for Stephen Bury to place into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The first half continued with Schalke creating chances without adding to their lead. HT 1-0.

Ailesbury grabbed the equalizer with 10 minutes remaining, when they cut in from the left to fire past the keeper. Game on & ten minutes remaining. Just 5 minutes remained when disaster struck for Schalke with the Ailesbury forward rising unchallenged to head the ball into the corner. 2-1 and the game appeared over but Schalke mounted 1 last challenge with left back Shane O’Sullivan going on a mazy run which ended with the 2 Ailesbury centre backs getting in a mix, and the keeper making a mess gifting the ball to Stephen McDonnell who rolled it into the back of an empty net 2-2 and extra time beckoned.

Just into extra time and Stephen Bury was shown a 2nd yellow card for a foul. This gave Ailesbury the chance to push on for the winner but when called up on, Berratt made 2 outstanding saves keeping Schalke in the game. With 4 minutes remaining Schalke forced a corner which was swung over finding Stephen Hegarty, who after managing to finally control the ball smashed it into the back of the Ailesbury net.3-2 and a fully deserved win for Schalke!

Great win for the lads over our long-held local rivals!