New York make history with shootout win over Leitrim

New York's Gavin O'Brien challenges Pearce Dolan, left, and Shane Quinn in the air(New York win 2-0 on penalties)

New York won their first ever match in the Connacht SFC at the 23rd attempt when they were victorious in a dramatic penalty shootout at Gaelic Park in the Bronx in the most amazing circumstances.

Former Dublin All-Ireland winner Shane Carthy forced extra-time in the eighth minute of stoppage time and then when they finished level after another 20 minutes, the Exiles kept their nerve in an astonishing penalty shootout.

Both teams missed their opening two penalties with Tiuernan Mathers and Killian Butler failing to convert for New York, while Paul Keaney and Keith Beirne did likewise for Leitrim.

The stalemate was broken in the third round when former Down player Niall Madine kept his nerve to score down the middle and then both Shane Quinn of Leitrim and New York's Jack Reilly both hit the crossbar before Evan Sweeney shot wide for Leitrim.

That left it to USA native Mikey Brosnan with the opportunity to make history and he duly obliged when he blasted to the top left corner of the net to spark off wild celebrations as they won their first Connacht SFC match since they entered the competition back in 1999.

Now they will prepare to take on Sligo in a couple of weeks in the Connacht semi-final after a remarkable win, while Andy Moran’s will now need to regroup for the Tailteann Cup.

Leitrim, taken to extra-time when they were last in the Bronx in 2018, knew the value of a good start but while they kicked three points without reply in the opening seven minutes, they found themselves adrift by 0-07 to 0-06 at the break.

New York, playing their first competitive game of the year, took time to settle but they didn’t