Brian Barry-Murphy has masterminded a shock result in the FA Cup this afternoon, guiding League One side Rochdale to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
The son of former Cork dual star Jimmy Barry-Murphy, Brian had a long playing career in England which ended finished at Rochdale. He would move into the coaching staff at the club, before being appointed manager early last year.
They currently sit just above the relegation zone in League One, meaning they entered this afternoon's FA Cup tie as huge underdogs.
It looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Newcastle who dominated the opening period. Miguel Almiron's goal was the least they deserved heading into the interval, and much of the same was expected into the second half.
Barry-Murphy would make an inspired substitution at halftime, introducing 40-year old Aaron Wilbraham.
Rochdale started to turn the screw a bit as the second half progressed, missing a couple of excellent opportunities to level the scores. They would finally get their reward ten minutes before the final whistle, with Wilbraham finding the back of the net.
1️⃣7️⃣ 👉 4️⃣0️⃣
Youngster Luke Matheson sets up veteran Aaron Wilbraham and @officiallydale are back in the game!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/RXkxVuFJPw— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 4, 2020
They could have won the game from this point, with Oliver Rathbone squandering a golden opportunity late on. It would finish in a draw, with the replay set to take place in St. James' Park.
