Senior Focus

KDFL League Shield Semi Finals

(Reports by Jamie Connolly)

BBC United 1 Rathangan AFC 6

Rathangan FC stormed into the KDFL League Shield final with a dominant 6–1 victory over BBC United in an action-packed semi-final encounter. Rathangan took the lead early when Iain Doyle coolly converted a penalty in the 12th minute.  Their advantage was doubled just before the break as a BBC United own goal in the 37th minute made it 2–0.

BBC were handed a lifeline shortly after the restart when Rathangan turned the ball into their own net on 49 minutes to reduce the deficit to 2–1. But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed. Colm Cunningham restored Rathangan’s two-goal cushion in the 56th minute, finishing smartly after an assist from Oisín Dempsey.  The pair combined again in the 71st minute, Cunningham netting his second of the evening to make it 4–1. Rathangan continued to press and were rewarded when Nathan Cullen added a fifth goal in the 75th minute, this time Cunningham turning provider.  The scoring was rounded off in the 85th minute when Jack Cannon confidently struck home from the penalty spot. Rathangan’s emphatic win sees them march into the final full of confidence and intent. Man of the Match honours deservedly went to Jack Cannon, whose composed performance and late penalty capped a fine display. Colm Cunningham and Oisín Dempsey also stood out for the victors with their creative link-up play and attacking threat. For BBC United, it was a difficult evening, though Cathal Fox emerged with credit, providing a strong performance despite an otherwise under-par team display.

Straffan AFC 4 Newbridge United FC 4

(Starffan AFC win 3-1 on penalties AET)

Straffan booked their place in the Lumsden Shield final after a thrilling game against Newbridge United. Newbridge started the stronger team, popping the ball around the back and the middle of the park. Straffan didn’t give Newbridge any space to play in the final third, but Newbridge took the first chance they had when Keane Kennedy put the ball into the net from close range. Newbridge made the most of their momentum and pushed hard for a second goal. The goal came from a great one two by Ryan Kearney who found himself through on goal and slid the ball into the bottom right corner.

Straffan now 2 nil down, decided to change their game plan and pressed Newbridge higher up the pitch. Straffan got their reward when Ronan Keating provided a lovely cross to Azeez Moyosore who popped the ball into the Newbridge net. The game was 2-1 at half time.

Straffan made one change at half time, bringing on Rory Byrne. Rory made an immediate impact, scoring on the 51st minute after he got onto a lovely through ball from Ben Holmes and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Rory then put Straffan 3-2 ahead on the 57th minute, getting onto the end of a long pass from Matthew Duggan. Matthew Duggan then stepped up again and saved a penalty from James Mahony to keep Straffan ahead. However, Newbridge were determined to pull the game level and got the equalising goal shortly after.

The game was now on a knife edge and could swing either way. James Mahony stepped up and was the man to put Newbridge ahead after great play from Ryan Kearney. Straffan hit back immediately, Dan Farrell made a powerful run up the left wing, cut inside and squared the ball to Ronan Keating who made the even again at 4-4. Both teams continued to push hard for a winner but neither were able to grab a winner in normal time.

The game went to extra time and as in normal time, both teams pushed hard for a winner. Both teams created chances but were denied by some fantastic defending and goal keeping. The game went to penalties with Straffan proving the more clinical back up by Matthew Duggan in goal saving three penalties, to book their place in the League Shield Final where they will take on Rathangan AFC. Man of the match the impressive Duggan in goal, he was ably assisted by Rory Byrne, Ronan Keating and Shane McEvoy for the winners.