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Redcastle set up final date with
Bell
28.10.10
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Redcastle United...2 (Tracey, Murphy) Clonmany Shamrocks...1 (S. Harkin) by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent, at Foyle Park (Photo: Andrejs Plavins) IT'S official. Redcastle United have conned us all. The Foyle Park men have spent much of the last three months lulling opponents into a false sense of security by talking down any chances of securing silverware in the 2010/11 season. But, far from being also rans in the wake of Brian Bell’s high-profile departure, Redcastle remain the team to beat in Inishowen. Following last Sunday’s win over Clonmany John Logue’s men now have a cup final date to accompany a perfect start to the league season. Ironically the champions face their former manager’s Aileach team in the final as they seek to retain the West End League Cup, secured last year after victory over perennial challengers Clonmany. With Brendan Murphy and Brian Tracey on the scoresheet against Clonmany last weekend, Redcastle have an attacking threat, which is the envy of many in Inishowen. At the back they are unrivalled. |
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Returning from injury,
Martin Farren excelled against the Shamrocks on Sunday
and his heart and attitude symbolise all that is great
about a Redcastle United team which can no longer
masquerade as underdogs. Tipped as the team to grab Redcastle’s title this year, Clonmany didn’t do enough to test goalkeeper Johnny Noone despite controlling much of the play. Too many of Clonmany’s forward forays were laboured with the Shamrocks constantly playing into Redcastle’s hands by attacking through the middle where Cathal Faulkner and Barry Kearney reign. Ultimately a late Steve Harkin strike proved too little too late for a Clonmany team which couldn’t match Redcastle’s desire to win. |
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After a cagey opening from
both sides Clonmany were first to threaten when an
expert flick by Brendan Devlin released Paddy Doherty
before Cathal Faulkner came across to alleviate the
danger for Redcastle. A Paul McLaughlin cross was headed straight at Johnny Noone by Clonmany winger Jason Devlin before Martin Farren put an end to Brendan Devlin’s threatening run. Three Devlins, Brendan, Michael and Jason combined well again in the final third before Redcastle defender Martin Farren denied the visitors a sight at goal once again. With the Shamrocks enjoying large amounts of possession, they failed to turn their superiority into shots on target with Brendan Devlin firing a great chance wide after being put clear by Raymond McDaid midway through the first-half. Collecting Jonathan McLaughlin’s pass, Michael Devlin cut inside Redcastle centre-half Barry Kearney to finally test Johnny Noone in the home goal, who saved well. In a rare attack, Redcastle wideman Damien Coyle forced a corner following Andy Porter’s deep cross. In his first significant involvement of the game home forward, Brian Tracey was sythed down by Liam Hirrell, who was lucky to escape without a yellow card. Struggling for fitness this season, Tracey retains his star quality and a stunning strike to put Redcastle in front before half-time proved that; ‘Banjo’ cutting inside two defenders before rifling past Peter Devlin from the edge of the area. In the last action of the first-half, Johnny Noone raced forty yards from goal to deny Brendan Devlin a goalscoring opportunity. Bouyed by a half-time lead, Redcastle began the second period in more confident mood with Brendan Murphy heading Damien Coyle’s cross over the top. Less than five minutes later and Murphy made no mistake to put his side two clear; the Redcastle forward latching onto Martin Farren’s long pass before cooly rounding Peter Devlin and stroking home left-footed much to the delight of the Foyle Park faithful. Introducing substitutes, Mark McLaughlin and Steve Harkin, in a bid to spark their attack, Clonmany continued to enjoy the majority of midfield possession with attack after attack petering out in the final third. A Paul McLaughlin pass created an opening for Mark McLaughlin, who clipped a fine effort inches over Johnny Noone’s crossbar from 25 yards. As the half wore on the Redcastle defence looked increasingly comfortable until the 75th minute when Steve Harkin snatched a goal back for Clonmany; the super sub taking advantage of an error by home keeper Johnny Noone to slot the ball home. Despite a frantic finish in which Clonmany created a number of half-chances, Redcastle held on for a famous win to set up a date with you know who next month. Redcastle United: Johnny Noone, Liam Davenport, Martin Farren, Barry Kearney, Cathal Faulkner, Gavin McCauley, Colm McLaughlin, Andy Porter, Brendan Murphy, Brian Tracey, Sean Curran. Subs: Emmet McConway, James Curran, Conor Doherty, Damien Coyle. Clonmany Shamrocks: Peter Devlin, Jonathan McLaughlin, Liam Hirrell, Kevin Harkin, Philip Devlin, Raymond McDaid, Brendan Devlin, Paddy Doherty, Michael Devlin, Jason Devlin, Paul McLaughlin. Subs: Steve Harkin, Mark McLaughlin, Alan Friel, Michael Grant, Daniel McLaughlin, Jason Doherty, Kevin McLaughlin. For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the Inishowen Independent. |
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