Report from Bonagee Utd
Bonagee Utd and Fanad Utd served up their own exciting storyline in this semi-final of the Knockalla Caravans Cup.
Played in atrocious conditions, Fanad played into the wind from kick-off which resulted in few chances for the league champions.
The first chance of either side fell to the home side, when Dean Larkin latched onto a poor back pass but he somehow hooked his opportunity wide.
Fanad came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute when Mark Friel rattled the crossbar from 20 yards.
Bonagee Utd began the second half well and took the lead in the 48th minute. Anthony Appiah, a constant threat all afternoon, broke down the left and his cross was met by Dean Larkin on the edge of the box who sidefooted home between keeper and post. That lead didn’t last long, as Fanad had drawn level within three minutes.
Paul Friel fed Brian McVeigh 25 yards from goal, and the young striker placed a shot into the far corner beyond the reach of David Tyrrell.
The visitors scored a second goal four minutes later, when Keiran Gorman scored at the back post following a free kick from Seamus Friel.
Bonagee Utd deservedly drew level in the 77th minute. Shaun McElwaine brought Larkin down 25 yards from goal, and up stepped Greg Magee to send the resulting free kick into the top corner of Lee McFaddens net.
The winning goal for Bonagee arrived with eight minutes on the clock. Aidan McLaughlin outpaced McElwaine into the danger area, only to be upended by McFadden on the edge of the box. Packie Coll had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Magee scored the resulting penalty to send Bonagee into the final to be played on Sunday May 27th.
Best for Bonagee were JP Doran, Anthony Appiah and Greg Mage, while Kieran Gorman, Mark Friel and Shaun McElwaine were the better performers for Fanad Utd.
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