Feature Game

Ace Sports Awards Masters Cup Final

Coill Dubh AFC 3 Leixlip United FC 1

Finals never come easy but Coill Dubh AFC have long been written into Kildare football folklore for knowing exactly how to win the big ones. Going into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead thanks to a Joe Bowers hat trick at Doctor’s road Clane to clinch the Masters Cup for the first time in the Clubs’s history. 

Leixlip came into the decider full of confidence after a strong run to the final, dispatching their previous opponents with ease. They knew Coill Dubh were a side to be respected, and that every final brings its own moments of fortune.

Leixlip had an attack early on from the right and a cross from Robbie Murtagh was met hy No.9 Adam Chameau head but it was blocked superbly by the Coill Dubh rearguard. Five minutes later Leixlip had another opportunity to open the scoring when a pass from Eamon Lynch into the path of the on rushing Robbie Murtagh and his first time shot was blocked using the hand according to the referee and a penalty was awarded. Adam Chemaou had a chance to add to his already 27 goal tally this year. As he stepped up the keeper went left and he shot right and hit the outside if the post and a big let off for Coil Dubh.

Backed by their passionate supporters and led from the front by former player and manager Alan Mitchell, Coill Dubh grew in confidence. The midfield of both sides battle hard and had very little time on the ball and in spats each team had the upper hand. Then Coil Dubh took the lead with a cut in form the left and a smartly placed shot to the right post of the Tadgh Murphy by Joe Bowers put the Dubh’s 1-0 up. Another attack by Leixlip resulted in a corner after corner but the Coil Dubh handled all these attacks with determination.

A throw in down the right from Coil Dubh and a mishit by midfielder Ross Cullinane hit his hand and the referee pointed to the spot – a somewhat lucky decision for Coil Dubh. Coil Dubh striker Bowers stepped up and put the ball to the right as Murphy in goal went left to double Coill Dubh’s advantage. The leaders didn’t let their work rate drop and kept at Leixlip and even though Leixlip had many chances in the first half they couldn’t score. Coil Dubh 3^rd came from a long ball over the top and a collision between the Leixlip centre back Coil Dubh centre forward and the referee for a third time pointed to the spot. This time Murphy dived to the right side and got his hand to the ball the power in Bowers shot was enough for it to hit the back of the net to see Coill Dubh go in at the break 3-0 up. 

After the break Leixlip made a few changes and went on the attack from the start. Leixlip’s Robbie Murthagh moved from the right to left wing and continued to cause havoc to the Coill Dubh defence, However each cross was dealt with by their centre halves who were excellent on the day and they managed to keep dangerman Chameau quiet. Within seven minutes of the restart  Leixlip finally got a break. An attack down the coill Dubh right and a cross into the box and bypassed all the defenders and Lynch free in the box tapped into the open net. The fire was in the belly of Leixlip now and Coill dubh retreated to a very defensive setup. 

Leixlip kept attacking getting the passes through their midfield using their wide men Murtagh and Kenny to get crosses into the danger area but the defence particularly Micheal Bennet stood strong. The Coil Dubh goalkeeper was keeping Leixlip out with a string of saves including a point-blank shot form Leixlip Right back Karl Ebbs.

In the end, it was another masterclass in game management from Coill Dubh — proving why they remain one of the most successful and respected clubs in Kildare football. Best for the winners were Cathal Cronin, Adrian McNamee and halt trick hero Joe Bowers, while for Leixlip 

Graham Keirsey, Robbie Murthgh, Andy Kenny and Karl Ebbs all excelled. 

Additional game.

Ace Sports Awards Masters Division 1 (Round 3)

(By Wayne Bubba Doyle)

Ballycane Celtic FC 2 Leixlip United FC 3

The home side made an encouraging start, getting the ball moving early through Wayne Doyle and Jerry Murphy. Kevin Daly and Jonny Finnegan made some exceptional runs off the ball, unsettling the Leixlip defence. Jamie Grey worked diligently on the left, creating good openings and delivering excellent crosses. Ballycane's shape forced Leixlip into a more direct approach, which Gary Hunt easily managed at the heart of the Ballycane defence. The ever-reliable Cillian Sweeney engaged in tidy exchanges with Jamie Curran, and that combination proved fruitful for the home side.

Ballycane took the lead after twenty minutes when Jamie Curran was fouled in the penalty area following a sublime pass from Kevin Daly. Kevin Higgins converted the penalty, giving Ballycane a well-deserved lead.

Leixlip began to exert some pressure, with Ross Cullinane combining well with Vincent Dalton down the right flank, forcing Finbar Furey into a vital save. Eamon Lynch had a free-kick that crashed off the crossbar moments later. Although Ballycane defended the Leixlip attacks dutifully, there was an edginess and chaos that allowed Leixlip more opportunities than were warranted. Just before halftime, Leixlip equalised when another Eamon Lynch effort struck the crossbar. After two failed attempts to clear the ball, Leixlip were awarded a penalty for reckless play due to a high foot. Eamon Lynch converted the penalty after a valiant effort by Finbar Furey, who managed a strong hand but couldn't stop it. The game was deadlocked at halftime.

Ballycane got off to a disastrous start in the second half, with Leixlip taking the lead within five minutes. Kevin Higgins inadvertently gifted Adam Chemaou a simple five-yard finish after a misplaced header. The home side were guilty of squandering possession on several occasions, with poor passing and needless long balls that never found their intended targets. Ballycane were most effective when they moved the ball through midfield, with Murphy, Bubba, and both Jamies creating openings. 

Leixlip added a third goal fifteen minutes into the second half. After Wayne Doyle's header clearance from a Ross Cullinane throw, the ball fell to Robbie Murtagh, who took two touches and managed to shoot from twenty yards without being closed down. It was a preventable goal from Ballycane's perspective, just lacking the effort to cover the hard yards when needed most.

Not resigned to defeat, Ballycane began to find their rhythm again, with Jamie Gray and Wayne Doyle combining well down the left to create decent opportunities. Jerry Murphy had a good long-range effort that Tadhg Murphy saved well. Brian McLoughlin was immense for Leixlip at centre-half, playing a key role in nullifying any Ballycane threats. 

Ballycane managed to pull one back with eight minutes remaining when they were awarded a free kick wide on the left. Kevin Higgins whipped in a brilliant cross through a melee of bodies, taking a wicked bounce into the net, closing the deficit to one goal. Johnny O'Sullivan did well to negate long throws from Ross Cullinane with some good defensive headers, supported by Gary Hunt, who made vital interceptions to maintain Ballycane's momentum. Jerry Murphy made a driving run from his own half, passing two Leixlip defenders before delivering a perfectly weighted pass aimed for Jonny Finnegan. Unfortunately, Finnegan failed to connect properly, missing an opportunity to trouble Tadhg Murphy right at the end. It was a valiant effort from Ballycane in a game where they played some good football at times and perhaps could have won—this has been the story of their season. Best for the winners were Brian McLoughlin at centre half, Vinny Dalton on the left wing and strikers Eamon Lynch and Adam Chemaou. Best for Ballycane were Gary Hunt, Jamie Gray, Gerry Murphy and Wayne Bubba Doyle.