USL Results & Reports 22.09.13
4 Lanterns USL
Results
Cockhill Celtic 3 2 Drumkeen Utd.
Finn Harps Res. 6 4 Swilly Rovers
Reports
Cockhill Celtic claimed the 4 Lanterns Ulster Senior title for 2013 after a hard fought victory over second placed Drumkeen Utd on Sunday, their 3-2 victory giving them a second double in 4 years. Drumkeen needed a win to take control of their destiny with both sides still to face Kildrum and they certainly brought the game to Cockhill taking an early lead before a penalty and two late goals put the Inishowen men in the driving seat and despite a late flurry that saw the visitors pull back a goal, they couldn’t find the equaliser that would have pushed the destination of the title to the final game of the season.
Cockhill Are Champions
Cockhill Celtic 3
Drumkeen Utd. 2
Cockhill claimed the 2013 Ulster Senior League title after a 3-2 victory over second placed Drumkeen United at a sun baked Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds on Sunday last. The home side needed the win to secure the title but the nerves played a part in this tense battle. Drumkeen, the visitors, settled the better and Seamus Nani Friel was an outlet right from the off when he forced a corner in the opening minute, Gavin Cullen was strong to punch the ball clear after it dropped inside the six yard box. Drumkeen then were forced into a substitute in the 9th minute when Chris Kyle was replaced by Mark Marley. Mickey Rogers side took the lead on 21 minutes when their latest signing Ronan Coyle got in down the right channel and after Cullen saved his initial shot he poked the ball goal wards but after Cockhill’s Kieran McLaughlin cleared the ball it bounced off the helpless Johnny Havlin into the empty net. Cockhill responded well and on 28 minutes Garbhain Friel curled a delightful ball from the right to the back post that just eluded Aiden O’Donnell’s outstretched leg with the keeper stranded. As the half ticked by Cockhill started to create more openings and Drumkeen’s keeper McCauley had to be smart to save from Aiden O’Donnell after a deep cross from James ‘Jimmy’ Bradley. Cockhill then were awarded a penalty on 39 minutes when Aiden O’Donnell was clipped by the outstretched leg of McCauley as he pounced on a week back pass from the Drumkeen rearguard. The ref issued only a yellow card as the ball was heading away from goal even though the keeper was the last man. Cockhill’s Friel held his nerve to side foot the ball powerfully past the keepers’ left hand to level the game at 1-1. Cockhill then had to replace O’Donnell with Mark Moran after O’Donnell failed to recover from the challenge by keeper McCauley
Cockhill’s Moran had the first chance off the second period when he picked up the ball on the right skipped past Bonner in the left back area but his low drive fizzed past the far post to the keeper’s right. As the game entered the final quarter it was evenly balanced with Drumkeen having nothing to lose they started to play more open and stretch the game more. Oisin McColgan got caught under the ball for the home side and when Richie Moore picked up the ball he played a great low cross into the box behind the Cockhill defence but Carlin was late to anticipate. Cockhill opened up the visitors defence on 72 minutes but both Liam O’Donnell & Friel had efforts blocked in quick succession. Cockhill took the lead on 75 minutes when Malachy McDermott produced the games first bit of magic. Moran, who had looked lively since his introduction late in the first half, fizzed the ball at McDermott to the left of the Drumkeen Box 25 yards from goal, McDermott shifted the ball onto his right foot and sent a pile driver to the roof of the net much to the delight of the home bench & support. Cockhill went 3-1 up on 86 minutes when Moran made space on the edge of the area to shoot powerfully low into the net from 18 yards. This sparked real celebrations on the pitch as the Cockhill dugout emptied to celebrate on the pitch with the players. When the play resumed the Hoops retreated and defended deep knowing that they had a two goal cushion to see them over the line. That two goal cushion was reduced to one when Seamus ‘Nani’ Friel showed the other moment of magic in the game by curling a superb 25 yard free up and over the wall into the top corner. Drumkeen pushed for the leveller but really deep down knew that they really need a win to have the best chance to claim the title, as the visitors pushed and committed more men forward Friel had a chance to kill the game by squaring the ball but he delayed his pass and the chance was gone. The last chance arrived in the fourth minute off added on time but Eunan Kelly’s header under pressure was high and wide. The referee blew his whistle following the kick out and the celebrations began for the Cockhill Celtic FC players and faithful. Cockhill add the league title to the League Cup from last week making it their second Double in 4 years. Well done to all involved with the club.
10 Goals at Finn Park
Finn Harps Res. 6
Swilly Rovers 4
10 Goals at Finn Park
Finn Harps Res. 6
Swilly Rovers 4
It was a Sunday morning goal fest at Finn Park as both teams approached this USL league game with what can only be described as an adventurous approach.
The game was barely five minutes old when Dylan Hegarty, switched to a midfield role, burst through the middle before releasing the impressive Oisin Duffy on the right and Duffy swung in a perfect cross for the inrushing Hegarty to slot home. On 12 minutes Swilly stunned the home side by scoring again, Duffy finishing following some sloppy Harps defending from a Lawrence Toland corner. It was the Ramelton men who were next to concede following a corner kick , McGinty crossing for Derry man Emmet Coyle to make it 2-1. Ten minutes later and Rovers regained their two goal advantage when Blaine Curtis finished from the rebound after Rodgers did well to stop a fantastic Toland volley. Despite defensive frailties Harps continued their attacking approach with some very tidy possession football on view. Referee Stephen Toner awarded the home side a penalty just before the break which McGinty dispatched with confidence to round off a breathless first half.
Both teams came out from the restart intent on continuing the emphasis on attack. Harps were first to draw blood when Buncrana man Johnny Bonnar slotted home to make it all even.
Harps went ahead for the first time in the match on 69 minutes Bonnar finishing with an excellent curling shot from 20 yards. The home side might have felt they were in the ascendency at this point but a determined young Swilly side were having none of it – Marty Boyce rising to head home and incredibly it was 4-4.
McGinty broke through to put Harps in front again on 70 minutes and sub Harkin increased the lead shortly before the final whistle.
Credit to management and players on both sides for serving up an entertaining spectacle for the early risers on Sunday morning.
Harps: Rodgers, Friel, Colquan, Sheilds, O’Hagan, Lonergan, Bonnar, McGinty, Barclay, Coyle, Buchanan subs Doherty, Henry, Harkin
Swilly : Toland, Patterson, Toland, Boyce, O’Donnell, David Fisher , Declan Curtis, Hegarty, Duffy, Blaine Curtis, Dunsworth. sub Cathal Diver
Ref Stephen Toner.
Fixtures
Monday, September 23rd at 8pm
FAI UMBRO Intermediate Cup
Fanad Utd. v Bonagee utd.
Ref. P. Duddy
2013 Intermadiate Inter Provincial Tournament, Sligo
Friday, Sept. 27th at 8pm Strand Celtic Community Park
Ulster Senior League v Leinster Senior League
Saturday, Sept. 28th at 1pm Forthill
Ulster Senior League v Connacht Senior League
Sunday, Sept. 29th at 10:30am Strand Celtic Community Park
Ulster Senior League v Munster Senior League
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