Cup glory for Moville
23.04.08
Redcastle United...0
Moville Celtic...1
(aet)
(Nigel McMonagle ’110)
Redcastle’s cup hoodoo continues
by Michael Stamp, Inishowen
Independent, at Chapel Lane
FOOTBALL can be a heart breaking game at times, just ask
Redcastle manager Bryan Bell who saw his side suffer
their sixth consecutive cup final defeat. However
football can also be a magnificent soul enriching game.
For evidence of this ask Moville manager John Canning
who saw Celtic record their first senior trophy in a
decade. |
Bell had been on the
offensive before the match even began, lamenting the
fact that his side had to play a midweek game against
Cockhill on Tuesday while Moville had their game against
QPS postponed. Bell may have had a valid point as his
Redcastle side was on the back foot in the opening
period.
Gerard Crossan was a busy man in the opening period
having to save from Graeme Doherty and Nigel McMonagle.
Colin Doherty also shot wide during this period.
Redcastle’s first meaningful attack came when Paul
Doherty headed wide from a free kick by Marty McNutt.
Redcastle’s strikers were playing too deep during the
first half and Brian Tracey’s dangerous crosses weren’t
being attacked. Moville almost took the lead when Mark
Henry put through Nigel McMonagle but a bad bounce meant
his effort cracked the crossbar.
Unfortunately Martin Farren and Graeme Doherty had to
receive medical attention after an unintentional clash
of heads left both men bleeding. Thankfully both were
able to continue with the match. Tracey had another
effort for Redcastle but his shot careened over the bar. |
 |
Eamon Reddin headed just
wide from a Paul McGowan cross as Redcastle were
starting to get a foothold in the game. Moville were
still potent however and Alan Orr saw a shot fly wide.
Redcastle came out a determined side in the second half
and McNutt and Paul Doherty both had efforts. With the
League Cup on the line the game was unsurprisingly edgy
and Declan McGuinness and Brian Tracey were booked in a
five minute spell for tackles that would be best
described as tasty. Moville almost took the lead when
Graeme Doherty headed Alan Orr’s corner at goal but
thankfully for Redcastle McNutt was on the line to
clear.
Eddie McIntyre managed to get a shot away for Redcastle
under pressure from the Moville defence but could only
poke over. Crossan was called into action again for
Redcastle pulling off a stunning save from Gavin
Doherty. Good play from McGowan led to a shot for Paul
Doherty but the Redcastle midfielder could only hit
over. Moville had the better of the rest of normal time
with Graeme Doherty and Mark Henry both having efforts.
Moville almost won the tie in remarkable style with a
Graeme Doherty overhead kick but Crossan pulled off a
tremendous save, a feat he repeated moments later from a
Gavin Doherty strike.
Nevertheless, the game went to extra time.
Redcastle almost snatched victory when substitute Colm
McLaughlin clipped the post with a header. United had
the better of the first half of extra time with Joe
Doherty having chances. In the second half Redcastle had
more chances with McNutt striking over and Mickey Feeney
having a shot saved by Ralph Bredin.
The game seemed to be destined for the lottery of
penalties but in the last moments of extra time Declan
McGuinness sent a great ball through to man of the match
Nigel McMonagle who held his nerve and rounded Crossan
before slamming home and sending the Celtic fans into
raptures. Perhaps somewhat cruel on Redcastle but the
champagne soaked Moville team won’t mind.
Redcastle United: Gerard Crossan, Marty McNutt,
Brian Tracey, Martin Farren, Cathal Faulkner, Eamon
Reddin (Seamus Farren), Liam Davenport (Mickey Feeney),
Paul Doherty (Colm McLaughlin), Joe Doherty, Paul
McGowan, Eddie McIntyre. Subs: Seamus Doherty, John
McClenaghan, Liam Davenport.
Moville Celtic: Ralph Bredin, Darryl Doherty,
Mark Henry, Darren Bredin, Gordon Martin, Colin Doherty,
Gavin Doherty, Declan McGuinness, Graeme Doherty, Nigel
McMonagle, Alan Orr. Subs: Ryan McMonagle, Jimmy
Lafferty, Sean Canning, Emmet McLaughlin
For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the
Inishowen Independent. |
|
