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Banjo’s penalty secures title for
Redcastle
21.05.09
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Clonmany Shamrocks...1 Jason Devlin 49 Redcastle United...1 Brian Tracey 43 (pen) by Michael Stamp, Inishowen Independent, at Clonmany WITH THE Jackie Crossan Premier League title at stake Sunday was always going to be a nervy day for Redcastle. Going into the one of the last games of the season needing only a draw to win the league sounds familiar, except unlike Manchester United Redcastle did not come to play for a draw. Playing for a point is a dangerous gamble and Bryan Bell to his credit sent his team out for a victory to win the title in style. With Clonmany being so difficult to beat on home turf, Redcastle were depending on experienced players such as Gerard Crossan, Jimmy Gallagher and Martin Farren to bring them across the finishing line. Clonmany played an attacking team knowing they needed a win to keep their hopes of forcing a playoff alive, Paul McLaughlin, Stephen McLaughlin and Jason Devlin being their main hopes. Their rivalry may be a modern one, but it’s no less intense for that. These sides have been met many times in league and cup deciders. |
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Needing a victory, Clonmany
started the Inishowen League’s version of El Classico at
a furious pace and were unlucky not to take an early
lead when Jason Devlin forced Gerard Crossan into a good
save with his feet within the first few minutes.
Redcastle were indebted to Crossan again moments later
when he saved a fine half volley from Raymond McDaid.
Redcastle were struggling to contain the home side at
this point with Steve Harkin heading just wide from a
Mark McLaughlin cross and McDaid forcing an excellent
save from Crossan. Lady Luck was on the side of Redcastle as they earned a penalty just before the interval. Paul McLaughlin made enough contact on Colm McLaughlin in the box to ensure referee Liam Porter had to |
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award a penalty. Brian
Tracey showed great nerve by stepping up and even better
composure to send Peter Devlin the wrong way and put
Redcastle on course for the title. Whatever Shaun Devlin and Martin Cavanagh said to their charges at half time must have worked as Clonmany started the second half with all guns blazing. Jason Devlin came close with a shot that went just across the face of goal. Minutes later Clonmany finally managed to restore parity when Devlin skipped past two challenges on the edge of the area and rifled a right footed shot to the top right have corner for a superb goal. The equalizer rattled Redcastle to the extent that they brought Gavin McCullen and Ciaran McGrory off the bench while there was still 40 minutes of football to be played. In fairness Redcastle did improve in this period with Donal Hartin hitting just over from a corner and Eamon Donnelly hitting a free kick that swerved so much in the air that it made what should have been an easy take into a good save by Peter Devlin. The home side had the bulk of the chances and Jason Devlin could have put them ahead, but he slipped at the vital moment after being teed up by Stephen McLaughlin on the counterattack. The Clonmany striker came even closer shortly afterwards when Crossan had to tip his cross over the bar. For all his endeavour Devlin just couldn’t get his double, shooting just over on the turn from a corner. With time running out Clonmany threw everything they had at the visitors but there wasn’t enough consideration to their attacks with many of their efforts going wide or easily into Crossan’s hands. Stephen McLaughlin hit a free kick that pulled hopelessly wide and Raymond McDaid shot straight into Crossan’s hands. Clonmany nearly got the goal they needed from a smart move involving Stephen McLaughlin and Jason Devlin but Ray Campbell made a vital challenge for Redcastle. The title was minutes away for Redcastle but Clonmany hadn’t given up and even sent keeper Peter Devlin up for corners. However this was to no avail as the whistle went moments later sparking scenes of delirium among the large Redcastle following. Redcastle meet Clonmany in next weekend’s Buncrana Credit Union Cup final in what will probably be the biggest game of the season at the recently refurbished Maginn Park. Can the new League Champions end their cup final hoodoo or will Clonmany deny them again? Redcastle’s string of cup final defeats has to end sometime. Doesn’t it? Clonmany Shamrocks: Peter Devlin, Mark McLaughlin (Niall McDaid), Liam Hirrell, Phil Pat Doherty, Philip Devlin, Raymond McDaid, Steve Harkin, Paddy Doherty, Paul McLaughlin (Brendan Devlin), Jason Devlin, Stephen McLaughlin (Aidan Doherty). Subs: Patrick McDaid, Jonathan McLaughlin, Kevin McCarron, Aidan Doherty Redcastle United: Gerard Crossan, Dee Coll (Gavin McCullen), Seamus Doherty, Martin Farren, Cathal Faulkner, Jimmy Gallagher, Eamon Donnelly, Colm McLaughlin, Mickey Devlin (Ciaran McGrory), Brian Tracey, Donal Hartin (Ray Campbell). Subs, Damien Coyle, Liam Davenport, Andy Porter, Paul McGordon For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the Inishowen Independent. |
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