Irish goalkeeper saves three penalties in historic Carabao Cup shootout win

Ireland U21 international goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

KIERAN O’HARA WAS the hero for Macclesfield Town last night as the League Two club advanced to the third round of the Carabao Cup.

O’Hara made three saves in a penalty shootout away to League One outfit Walsall, as Macclesfield booked a place in the last 32 of the competition for the first time in their history.

In fact, O’Hara actually denied Walsall from the penalty spot on four occasions. Macclesfield were penalised in the second half when Irish defender Fiacre Kelleher fouled Andy Cook in the box. O’Hara saved Cook’s initial effort but Walsall’s penalty-taker did score from the rebound.

The game finished 3-3 after 90 minutes, but Macclesfield were 3-1 winners via penalties thanks to O’Hara’s saves from Cook, Luke Leahy and Kieron Morris.

Scenes last night beating Walsall on penalties to reach the 3rd round of the Caraboa cup. Lads were quality and never gave up 🙌🏼👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/vRWIGnCjvi

— Kieran O'hara (@KieranOhara_) August 29, 2018

“Penalty shootouts are always difficult for goalkeepers, but when you save three in a shootout obviously you’re going to be the hero,” O’Hara said afterwards. “It’s just good to help the team into the next round.”

O’Hara was making only his third appearance for Macclesfield, having joined the club earlier this month on a season-long loan from Manchester United, for whom he has yet to make a first-team appearance.

Twitter.com / ManUtd Twitter.com / ManUtd / ManUtd

The Manchester-born goalkeeper is expected to be back on international duty next week after being named in Martin O’Neill’s provisional squad for the games against Wales and Poland.

However, O’Hara is also likely to be required by U21 boss Noel King for their double-header of European Championship qualifiers against Kosovo and Germany.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Follow us: the42.ie