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Intermediate Cup 4th round replay
Intermediate Cup 4th round replay 17th Feb'08
Carrigaline Utd. 0 v 1 Drogheda Town.
The silence that greeted the players as they trundled one by one back to their dressing room was, as has been said before, deafening!.Defeat at home was hard to take but when these opportunities only come once a year then it is doubly hard to take. Make no mistake they could and should have won this replay, they had enough possession to win. But when finesse was needed they offered force when guile was required they offered gullibility. The finesse was supplied by the cleverest player on the park the visitors front man, Paul Manuodo, who single handily kept his much bigger opponents busy all day. Just for good measure he headed home the only goal of the game on the 30th minute when, from a free on the right, he evaded all markers to nod home from six yards. From there to the end Carrigaline had the lion's share of possession but had very few clear cut chances. As the game edged towards its inevitable conclusions Carrig. did bombard the goal area without ever threatening the Drogheda goal. As frustration mounted the Drogheda centre half appeared to throw himself to the ground in the middle of a crowded goal mouth. Carrig players were incensed at what they perceived as time wasting and reacted poorly by trying to help the fallen sportsman to his feet .Ref Aidan O Regan did not like this approach and red carded the unfortunate Mark O Connell in time added on. A disappointing end to a very frustrating afternoon.
So its back to the league for Carrig and next up is the visit to UCC on next Thur.21st at 7 30pm and its good luck to Drogheda Town in the next round | |
| Match 9th Feb 08
Douglas Hall 2 v 0 Carrigaline Utd
The 'Hall' made light of the overcast day and the sticky underfoot condition to record a hard fought victory over a gallant but unlucky Carrigaline side in Castletreasure last Saturday to move within 3 points of leaders Rockmount, with a game in hand. Douglas started the brighter with Mulcahy and Moores especially, to the fore. However Carrig. were not without their stars and it was very unfortunate that Tony Houlihan had to go off to receive hospital treatment when involved in a clash with Hall keeper Birmingham.
The departure of Houli meant a loss of the physicality he brings to the game.
However his replacement youth player Paddy Kelleher brings an effervescent energy that invigorates those around him. As it was Alan Hennessy, Luke Noonan, Hugh Shields all upped their game to meet the challenge of their more vaunted opponents. It took some time for Carrig. to put their first meaningful attack but when it did it was the best move of the match. Scott O Regan playing the role of the lone striker, played a fine pass to advancing right back Roy Coughlan who in turn found Shields in the inside left position and his rising drive had Birmingham at full stretch to keep the goal bound shot out.
In answer the Hall had a range of chances and players to underline their overall first half superiorty, O Connell brought the best from Peter O Riordan in the Carrig. gaol with a fine drive on 30 minutes. Mulcahy had three threatening efforts on the 39th, 44th and 45th minutes. However, when a team is on top, the longer they go without scoring the greater the chance of a sucker punch, and at half time the Hall, although dominate, were level at 0-0.
The sucker punch never came as within one minute of the restart Hall were gifted a very fortuitous penalty by ref. Aidan O Regan and master Mc Sorley did the needful and slotted the ball home. 1-0.
On 14th minute ref. O Regan highlighted the controversy surrounding the 'active' verse 'inactive' offside rule when he failed to disallow the score of O Connell after he had scored when in an offside position , players will abide by the rules but they deserve consistency of implementation by all officials. None the less it was 2-0 to the Hall. From there to the end Carrig had the upper hand, Mark O Connell went close with a header, while Ken Dennehy on for Sheilds skimmed the cross bar with another header. Kieran Manley brought on for O Connell, as manager Jim Walsh switched to three upfront, played superb cross for O Regan but he headed just wide.
Carrig finished the stronger and will take heart,that with a little luck the result of this encounter would have been much closer. Next up for Carrig. is their Intermediate Cup replay in Ballea on Sunday next against Drogheda Town.
Our best wishes go to Tony Houlihan as we wish him a speedy recovery.
Paudie O Brien
11/02/2008 | |
| Intermediate Cup 3rd round replay
FAI Intermediate Cup 3rd round replay.
Ballea Park, 6-01-2008.
Carrigaline Utd. AFC 2 v 1 Newtown Rangers (Tallaght).
Like a good sergeant, ref. Finbarr Murphy tried hard to bring all his platoon home from this battle of an intermediate cup 3rd round replay at Ballea . However a red card to Newtown's Darren Fahey at the end meant a 'man down' and he could have been joined by any one of the six other yellow cards ref. Murphy was forced to dispense during this tough and at times fierce encounter. Under grey sleet filled sky Barry Duggan had barely finished announcing the teams over the tannoy system when Carrig's Luke Noonan had scored a majestic long range goal catching Newtown keeper, Daveron, off his line and gave Carrig. a 1-0 lead inside the 1st minute. Such a surreal start can sometimes work against a team and in this case Carrig's normal physical intensity was missing from their game, at least early on. Right sided player Alan O Duffy was a key figure for Newtown when his surging runs and clever link play unbalanced the Carrig defence. However a
switch by Manager Tony O Regan saw Hugh Sheilds moving to the left and Duffys influence waned. Carrig's defence of Ed. Delaney, Mark O Connell, Roy Coughlan, Calum Jones, Rory O Halloran, found the intensity needed and rose to the visitors challenge. The midfield of Alan 'Dubbie' Hennessy and Luke Noonan gradually gained parity in their midfield battle with Newtown's Madden and Fitzsimons. Up front Carrig's Ken Dennehy and Scott O Regan tireless running and clever play kept the back four busy. Overall Newtown had the better of the first half and deserved at least parity but in goal keeper Peter O Riordan, Carrig. have a peerless net minder. Time and again he stood between Carrig. and a cup exit. The more Newtown threw at him the more he rose to the challenge. Such is the way of soccer that if you do not take your chances then you will get punished. So when on the 45th minute a straight forwarded Ed. Delaney free, launched into the box, saw the Newtown defence push out, the in rushing Luke Noonan got his head to the ball and edged it under the stranded Daveron. This put Carrig 2-0 ahead on the stroke of half time.
In the second half Newtown continued to pressurise the home defence and with 4 minutes gone Alan Duffy thunderous effort rattled the crossbar but rebounded to safety. The gaol when it finally came, on the 70th minute, was a somewhat scrappy affair, knocked in by Fitzsimmons from inside the box through a forest of legs with more than a hint of offside. For everything else Carrig. had 'man of the match' Peter 'Twiggy' O Riordan. The remaining 20 minutes was a full bloodied affair with tackles and challenges very much the norm. Carrig. introduced Paddy Kelleher, Kieran Manley, Glen Bruton for Dennehy, Noonan, and O Regan. Ref. Murphy played 4 minutes added time before blowing the whistle on a hard fought victory for Carrigaline with a score line of 2-1.
Afterwards the management team of Tony O Regan and Mick. Mulcahay praised the Newtown Rangers side who they viewed as much improved since the first game but complimented their own lads for while not playing as well as they can, did enough to win. Away to Drogheda in the next round when hopefully more of the regular players will return from injuries and absences to strengthen this game Carrig. side.
Report by Paudy O Brien | |
| Intermediate Cup 18th Nov
INTERMEDIATE CUP 2ND ROUND REPLAY.
CARRIGALINE UTD. AFC. 1 MIDLETON AFC. 0
Ballea Park, Sunday 18-11-07
‘Never mind the quality feel the win' best describes Carrigaline's 1-0 victory over Midleton in this intermediate cup 2nd round replay in an overcast and cold Ballea Park.
The sides had finished 0-0 in the first game and again in this game goals were at a premium, with defences on top it was the intense physicality borne of playing at a higher level that proved to be crucial for Carrigaline over the 90 minutes.
It was not a game for the faint hearted bur neither was it a game that was in danger of boiling over as referee Gene Stephens handled the game with a mature and common sense approach.
Injuries, departures and suspensions have decimated this Carigaline side since the start of this season and within one minute of the start Steve Mangan came off with a reoccurrence of an old knee injury. His replacement Trevor Long was anxious to take up where he left off last week scoring the winner against Mayfield.
Hugh Shields carried a threat up front for Carrigaline and shot over the bar on two minutes after good approach work by Ken Dennehy. But overall it was Midleton that were playing the better football. On 14th minute Duncan Mc Carthy drove a shot just over the bar from 35 yards, one minute later Hogan at right back moved into the edge the Carrig box and let fly with a long drive that had O Riordan in the Carrig goal going down to his right to save well. Duggan and Mahon for Midleton were winning the battles around midfield but it was when they encountered the Carrig back four that they were met with stiff resistance. Calum Jones, Alan Hennessey and Roy Coughlan were in mean mood and gave nothing away. However in Edwin Delaney they have an inspirational leader, someone who can walk the talk, time and again Edwin's booming clearances turned defence into attack. Carrigaline's best chance of the 1st half came from such a clearance.The Midleton keeper advanced at speed to the edge of his box and palmed the ball to the feet of Rory O Halloran, but Roos lob inched just wide of the right hand post. Midleton's best chance of the 1st half fell to Duncan McCarthy who following a corner, swivelled and shot just wide of O' Riordan's post.
Half time the score remain 0-0.
Manager, Tony's O' Regan half time talk did the trick as the lethargic midfield and front men lifted their game in the second half. Cathal O Shea and Kieran Manly came thundering into the game. Hugh Shields rounded the keeper and seemed destined to score however centre half Mark Duggan cleared off the line. With 10 minutes gone in the half an innocuous free kick 40 yards from goal should have been delivered into the box to be competed for between backs and forwards. No one told Edwin Delaney and his powerfully stuck free found the back of the net to give Carrigaline the lead 1-0. Carrigaline were most definitely now on the ‘up' first Manley went close to scoring after beating two men on the left hand side but his right footed shot carried just wide.
Next Calum Jones, played in on the left by a superb ball from Cathal O Shea, rounded the keeper only to have his effort stopped once again by Robert Duncan.Youth player Paddy Kelleher came on for the injured Roy and proved a handful for the Midleton defence. Time was ticking for the visitors and their frustration showed with two yellow cards flashed to Hogan and Mahon for lounges at Manley and O'Shea respectively. But the game was up for Midleton and Carrigaline were in control until the end. Congratulartions to Carrig. and good luck to them as they travel to Dublin on 9th December for the 3rd fixture.
Report by Paudie O Brien. | |
| Munster Senior Cup 2nd Round
Munster Senior Cup 2nd Round
10-11-2007, Mayfield Park,
Mayfield Utd, AFC. 1. V Carrigalline Utd. AFC 2.
As we watched this entertaining Munster Senior Cup 2nd round tie the unusually mild and bright November Saturday weather did it its best to hide the winter from us. Mayfield started well and Dermot Ryan's flying header from a corner within 2 minutes of the start should have them ahead. But it was the visitors who settled the better with John Harrington and Steve Mangan winning the midfields battles early on ,with Mangan in particular relishing the physical challenges. Up front for Carrig. Luke Noonan proved a handful for the home defence and two chances on the 20thand 21st minutes when he shot narrowly wide and over underlined his threat. With 32minutes on the clock Kieran Manley brought a good save from Eamon Breen in the Mayfield goal following a neat flick from Steve Mangan on the edge of the box. On the 38th minute a double save from Carrig keeper Peter O Riordan the first from Paul Triggs and the follow up from David Kenny were top class. Two minutes later the same David Kenny missed a glorious chance when he sided footed over from 8 yards out with the keeper stranded and the gaping goal to aim at. That let off for Carrig. meant the sides went in level 0-0 at half time.
Within a minute of the restart Steve Mangan went off with an injury to be replaced by Alan O Driscoll while Ken Dennehy came on for Hugh Shields after 15 minutes. The game continued in a even fashion with chances falling to both sides the best coming from a free kick on the left hand side of the box by Mayfields Mick Looney when his flighted free kick came back off the cross bar with O Riordan beaten.
On the 30th minute, Carrigs. John Harrington was fouled on the edge of the box, Calum Jones free found Ken Dennehy, whose header back across the goal was met by the determined run of Jones and he finished to the net giving Carrig. the lead 1-0. Mayfield introduced Brendan Cronin and Ambrose Sang as they sought the equalizer and it was Cronin's free in the 44th minute touched home by Dermot Ryan that brought Mayfield level. As the game headed into time added on and with extra time looming a break on the by Jones for Carrig found the free running Noonan whose shot was parried by Breen only to see the ball slotted home by the determined Trevor Long and give Carrigaline the winner in the 46th minute. Final score, Mayfield 1. Carrigaline Utd. 2.
Carrigaline go into the hat for the third round draw while Mayfield must be glad to see the back of the visitors, having already lost out to them in the Intermediate Cup they now find themselves out of the Munster Senior Cup.
Referee Tony Murphy was unpredictable and booked 3 players in what was very clean game played in a good spirit.
Carrigaline manager Tony O Regan was understandable pleased with his teams performance but bemoaned the fact that his injury list continues to grow. He also echoed his teams best wishes to John Harrington as John begins the ubiquitous 'gap year' to Australia,
Good luck John!
Paudie O Brien | |
| FAI Intermediate Cup
CARRIGALINE TAKE MIDLETON BACK TO BALLEA TO DECIDE INTERMEDIATE CUP 2ND ROUND TIE
FAI Intermediate Cup Midleton – 0 Carrigaline United - 0
This tie had all the makings of the classic cup contest, the side from the lower Division fancying a chance to upset their Premier Division rivals with both home venue and a vocal local support behind them, and so it proved. The only thing lacking was the winner but both sides will no doubt be grateful for a second shot at that title.
Midleton as expected started the game apace and had Carrigaline pinned back early on bringing players into the game from midfield and the back four to launch ball after ball into the Carrigaline box. Edwin Delaney mopped up everything that Midleton threw his direction and his steel in defence was the focal point as Carrigaline grew into the contest.
John Harrington and Tony Houlihan were causing problems on both wings but Hugh Shields and Steve Mangan were finding it hard to get anything out of a determined Midleton back four.
Twenty five minutes in Carrigaline broke down the left and with a clever ball over the top by Tony Houlihan, Hugh Shields found himself one on one with the keeper but failed to hit the target on his weaker left foot.
Five minutes later Houlihan broke through himself and spotting the keeper off his line took the effort early but off balance and his effort too went wide of the mark.
Carrigaline weren't having it all their own way. A series of well rehearsed Midleton corners picked out their big centre forward at the back post who headed back across goal for the incoming midfield. The third nearly opened the scoring when a goalbound driven half volley from ten yards was superbly blocked by Peter Riordain in the Carrigaline goal low to his right. All square at the break.
With Sean O'Connor substituted just before half time and Alan Hennessy slotting into the back four Carrigaline took the early part of the second half to adjust. Midleton perhaps sensing the indecision came at the away team but with Roy Coughlan and Cathal O'Shea in superb form in the full back positions they made little headway. Two sendings off in the space of ten minutes mid way through the half, both for fairly innocuous challenges deemed second yellow cards in each case opened up the spaces and suddenly chances came at both ends.
Tony Houlihan and John Harington's fitness levels were causing Midleton great problems late into the game and Hugh Shields almost wrapped it up in the last minutes but for an excellent smothering save by the advancing Midleton keeper. The final whistle closed out an excellent cup tie and both sides left the field to well earned and appreciative applause from the sizeable crowd.
The departing supporters from both sides had the last word and agreed that the draw did the contest justice and set up what should be another cracking contest in Ballea Park in a fortnights time. Who knows….. it could be the start of another Carrigaline Cup adventure | |
| M.S.L. SENIORS RETAIN THEIR PREMIER DIVISION STATUS
Saturday 7th May Ballea Park
Carrigaline United 2 Mayfield United 1
The M.S.L. Seniors faced a dramatic end to their season on Saturday when they faced Mayfield at home. This year it has been more enthralling at the bottom of the table than at the top where Rockmount retained their league crown, once again. Carrigaline weren't the only team on the brink of relegation, and in the past week the endless possibilities to the eventual outcome of who would claim that last relegation spot were played with time and again. In actual fact the tightness of this division meant that the idea of a three way tie between Carrigaline, U.C.C. and Mayfield for the final relegation spot was just one of those very real possibilities, and while Carrigaline faced Mayfield, U.C.C. faced an undefeated Rockmount, both kicking off at 3p.m.
No one could have predicted the drama that was about to unfold… mobiles echoed around Ballea Park and Rockmount Park as the twists and turns were reported on from either end, and the possibilities varied again and again.
At Ballea Park, Carrigaline were determined to finish the season by maintaining their premier status, which would be no easy task against an on form Mayfield. Perhaps it was Carrigaline's experience of big match days that stood to them, or the crowd of supporters who have turned out to support them all season that spurred them on, but Carrigaline settled from the whistle and were in constant control of the game and with just seven minutes in, Carrigaline were awarded a penalty; Danny Kelly made sure to convert it, 1-0.
Carrigaline dominated from the outset, and with just twenty minutes gone, John Harrington showed that pace and skill which has baffled many a defence in recent games when he passed the ball to Calum Jones and made a fantastic run, only for Jones to deliver an inch perfect cross back to Harrington who smashed it into the back of the net, 2-0.
The visitors seemed more settled in the second half but with the score line, 2-0 Mayfield had a tough job on their hands if they were to make sure of their safety. While Mayfield slotted home a late goal, 2-1, Carrigaline never feared they wouldn't get the result they needed, and just five minutes later the full time whistle went to the delight of Carrigaline and the devastation of Mayfield. The result meant that U.C.C. who only managed a nil all draw also retained their premier status, and Mayfield along with College Corinthians and Tramore Athletic are relegated. Carrigaline ironically after almost being relegated, end the season in sixth place on twenty-nine points.
Carrigaline United: Cathal O' Mahoney, Danny Kelly (Stephen Mangan), John Harrington (Ken Dennehy), John Gaffney, Tony Houlihan, Calum Jones, Seán Connors, Roy Coughlan, Keith Mc Govern, Alan Hennessey, Cathal O' Shea. | |
| SENIORS ONE STEP CLOSER TO SAFETY!
Senior M.S.L.
Tramore Athletic 2 Carrigaline United 4
Carrigaline travelled to Tramore Park this Sunday morning for a must win game in the race to preserve premier status. Tramore who are already relegated were still on form, after their victory last Thursday over Avondale United in the Donie Forde Cup Final at Turners Cross, this would be no walk in the park for the Carrig Seniors.
Just a minute in and it looked like it was not to be Carrig's day when Scott Regan who has been on goal form in the last few matches took a knock to the back and had to be replaced by old faithful Ken Dennehy. Besides this early setback Carrig were determined to dig the heels in and get the result they so desperately needed, and rewarded they were for the constant pressure they put on the home side when Ken Dennehy showed his experience by lobbing the ball expertly over the Tramore defence which fell at the feet of John Harrington who lobbed the advancing keeper, 1-0. Carrigaline dominated the game for the first half, yet with a free in Tramore spotted a gap in the Carrig defence slotted one home, 1-1. Several chances followed on for Danny Kelly, John Harrington, Calum Jones and Ken Dennehy but Carrigaline couldn't find another goal before half time.
Less than two minutes into the second half, and Danny Kelly showed his fantastic ability to read the game when he took advantage of a miss-kick by the Tramore goalkeeper and fired it into the back of the net, 2-1. Carrigaline never let up the constant pressure on the home side, and after fifteen minutes John Gaffney ensured it would be Carrig's day when his shot from just outside the box crossed the Tramore defence into the net, 3-1.
Carrig never let the home side get the better of them, with fantastic runs from both John Harrington and Danny Kelly, a creative mid-field in John Gaffney, Tony Houlihan and Steven Mangan who replaced an injured Ruairí O'Halloran, and a solid defence in Seán Connors and Keith Mc Govern and Calum Jones, the Carrig side were determined to bring home all three points.
Tramore pulled one back after twenty minutes when the referee gave a misfortunate penalty, 3-2, yet they never seemed to threaten at any stage of the game.
With five minutes to go, John Harrigton polished off a sterling performance with a fantastic shot from just outside the box, which smashed into the back of the net, 4-2.
This deserved victory sees Carrig with 19 games played and twenty-six points, along with U.C.C. While Mayfield are currently in the last remaining relegation spot, they have a game in hand over Carrigaline and U.C.C. and face a difficult match against Everton mid-week, which could decide their fate. Ultimately, relegation will be decided the last day of the season, next Saturday the 5th of May when League champions Rockmount face U.C.C. at Rockmount Park and Carrigaline United face Mayfield at Ballea Park, both kick-off at 3p.m. and promise to be enthralling fixtures. | |
| CRUCIAL FIXTURES FOR CARRIGALINE UNITED!
The Senior M.S.L. Team travel for their penultimate match of the season to Tramore next Sunday the 29th of April (kick-off 10.45 a.m.) where they need to collect all three points to avoid relegation. The final match of the season for the M.S.L. Seniors is Saturday the 5th of May in Ballea Park against Mayfield United at 3p.m.which could decide the fate of either team!
This year is the closest year ever in the Beamish Stout Senior Premier League with just one spot left in the relegation zone and any number of teams able to go down, and looks like it won't be decided ‘till the last games of the season, on the 5th of May. | |
| Blarney United v Carrigaline United
Senior Munster Senior League
Carrigaline United 2 Blarney United 2
The senior M.S.L. team faced their old rivals Blarney United on a glorious Sunday morning at O'Shea park. Their past encounters have proved to be some of the most memorable and enthralling clashes, and this fixture lived up to everyone's expectations. From the whistle Carrigaline proved they were up for the challenge ahead, yet after testing each other for twenty minutes, Carrigaline found themselves 1-0 down at the hands of a fantastic shot which deceived the Carrig goalkeeper. Carrig ended the half pressurising the Blarney defence determined to get one back. They were rewarded their just desserts one minute into the second half when a fumble by the Blarney goalkeeper was taken advantage of by Scott O' Regan who slotted it home, 1-1. Now both teams had a battle on their hands. Carrigaline dominated with a great display of football and thought it was finally their day when John Harrington found the back of the net from a great move in the midfield, yet the linesman controversially called offside to the disbelief of everyone at O'Shea park. Another contentious decision came five minutes later when the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Blarney penalty, 2-1. After all Carrigaline's hard work they thought it was to be the same old story, yet with just ten minutes from time John Harrington was finally rewarded for his efforts with a well taken strike from just inside the box, 2-2. Carrigaline had yet another chance with only five minutes from time, the Blarney keeper making a fantastic save. The constant pressure and hard work from Carrigaline was all in vain when the referee blew the final whistle. With one point Carrigaline now have nineteen points along with Castleview and Douglas Hall. The Seniors now visit Castleview this Wednesday evening and Avondale at Ballea Park Easter Monday. | |
| Castleview Utd V Carrigaline Utd
Senior M.S.L
Castleview 1 Carrigaline United 2
Carrigaline United travelled to Castleview on Wednesday. With both teams on level points, this promised to be a gripping fixture. After a gutsy performance form the Carrig seniors on Sunday at O' Shea park, they were determined from the outset that no less than three points would do. Ten minutes in, and a fantastic shot from Scott O' Regan from outside the box found the back of the net, 1-0 Carrigaline. The home side were not going to give up quietly though and with just five minutes before half-time, Castleview scored from a free kick which was headed on target into the net, 1-1. Carrig never let the home side get the better of them, with fantastic runs from both John Harrington and Danny Kelly, who were tireless in their quest for three points. With twenty minutes to go Danny Kelly had another superb run yet was taken down and once again to the dismay of the Carrig side, the referee ignored their pleas for a penalty. Tony Houlihan found himself inches from victory just minutes later, with a great ball from Calum Jones, which unfortunately just stuck to his feet allowing the Castleview keeper to recover in time. He was rewarded with just seven minutes from time when a John Harrington corner found him at the far side of the box and this time he made sure it found the back of the net, 2-1 Carrig. The Senior side deserved to take home all three points which now sees them fifth on 22 points along with Avondale who they face this Bank Holiday Monday, Ballea Park, 3p.m. | |
| Intermediate Cup 4th Round.
Intermediate Cup 4th Round.
Drogheda Town FC 2 v 2 Carrigaline Utd. AFC.
Marian Park, Drogheda, Sunday 3-02-2008, 2pm.
Carrigaline senior team made the long trip to the ‘Wee' county on last Sunday seeking a place in the quarter finals of the 2008 Intermediate Cup. Dark clouds, sleet, rain and soft under foot conditions made it very difficult to play any type of football. The object in such games is to achieve a result and with 2-2 draw Carrigaline will be very happy to invite Drogheda Town to Ballea where they will hope to finish the tie with a win. In truth Carrigaline were the better team over the whole match. In the first half the diamond formation of Carrigaline's midfield of Hugh Shields, Luke Noonan, Alan Hennessy and Paddy Kelleher ensured that lone striker Scott O Regan had enough good ball to trouble a rather flat standing Drogheda back four. At the back for Carrig, Edwin Delaney, Cathal O Shea, and Mark O Connell were rarely troubled but when they were they had keeper Peter O Riordan to call on. Deploying wing backs, Calum Jones on the left and Roy Coughlan on the right allowed them to tuck in and help out their defence, and to also, using a phrase much loved of managers, ‘bomb on' and help out in attack. However the first half ended in stalemate, 0-0.
The second half produced goals, the first came within twelve minutes. A long clearance from goalkeeper and former Inter Milan youth academy player Gabriel Sabatinni, carried in the wind and was allowed to bounce in the Carrig. penalty box. The uncertainity allowed certre forward Aaron Comerford to steal in and get the faintest of touches to steer the ball past O Riordan and put Drogheda one up,1-0. Stand in manager Lenny Walker pushed Paddy Kelleher into a more forward role and within minutes the switch worked. Having earlier been denied by a brilliant Sabatinni save, Kelleher made no mistake when he headed home an in swinging near post corner from the right to level the scores,1-1.
On the 22nd minute a free awarded to Drogheda came back off the upright and that man Comerford was again on hand to tap the ball home, 2-1.
Carrig upped their game, with Coughlan and Jones ‘bombing on' on the right and left flanks respectively. It was fitting that it was Coughlan who provided the equaliser. Raiding on the right, Roy raced into the box and almost to the end line when he found the net from an acute angle,2-2.
From there Carrigaline were comfortable excluding for the last few minutes when Drogheda pushed for a winner that would not come. Paddy Kelleher went off injured in the dying minutes to be replaced by Glen Bruton. This was a match Carrig. had enough chances to win, but they will be glad to have a second bite of this particular cherry when they replay in Ballea on Sunday 17-02-2008 at 2pm. See you all there for what promises to be a cracking game.
Report by Paudy O Brien. | |
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