League

07/03/09 @ 7:30PM -- Cappry Rovers 4-1 Copany Rovers -- David Graham (31) -- Venue: Cappry Park

Despite a valiant effort, Copany were defeated 4-1 in Cappry by a smart and creative Cappry Rovers side that clinched the C.T. Ball Division 2 title on Saturday night under the floodlights in a sporting encounter played in very poor playing conditions.

The fact that the referee came very close to calling the match off tells it's own story, and despite the players and coaching staff of both sides, as well as the referee having to endure the conditions, the large spectator presence were kept snug and warm inside the excellent spectator arena - with tea and soup to boot (glad i don't tog out anymore!).

Cappry got off to a dream start, when Benny McLaughlin found space on the left wing and fired a shot from long range that seemed to be going harmlessly over, but dipped at the last moment with the aid of a strong breeze and into the corner of the net to deceive Gary Ward in the Copany nets.

Cappry started playing with purpose and looked dangerous when breaking forward, with the impressive Kevin McGlynn, Benny McLaughlin and Niall Bonner all causing problems with their spark and creativity.

However, Copany began to settle towards the mid-point in the first half, and had a great chance cleared off the line after 28 minutes. Moments later, David Graham broke the offside trap and unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards that flew past the keeper and into the corner to level the scores. Two minutes later, the same player - who had found his range with his shooting - saw his long range effort spectacularly tipped over by the Cappry netminder.

Thomas Given - on his first start of the season - was next to go close for the Cobras, but his headed effort from a corner was well cleared off the line.

Cappry were also looking dangerous in attack, and on the 42nd minute a long range drive from Niall Bonner was superbly stopped from creeping into the corner of the net by Gary Ward, which left the scoring 1-1 after an enjoyable first period.

With the aid of the strong wind - Cappry picked up the second half, and Copany found it hard to find their way out of their own half.

Following a sustained spell of pressure, with numerous close shaves, Cappry took the lead when Niall Bonner turned on a sixpence onto his favoured left peg, and curled the ball into the net from the edge of the area after 60 odd minutes.

Five minutes later, the game seemed to be up, when Niall Bonner got his second, tapping home at the back post following a long cross. The same player then missed a penalty for his hatrick when his spotkick was well stopped by Gary Ward.

Copany's only real chance fell on 70 minutes, when good build up play sent Francie Johnston free down the right, and his early and intelligent through ball sent David Graham clear, and as he ran out of room he appeared to be caught by the Cappry keeper, but the referee waved play on.

Cappry put the gloss on the win when targetman Darren O'Leary rose highest to head home at the back post - and redeem his number of missed chances earlier on.

Cappry saw the game out to deservedly clinch the league title, and although the defeat could have serious reprocussions for this Copany side, the magnanimosity of the Copany players and management staff after the final whistle were a credit to themselves and the football club.

With two matches remaining, Copany shall now require back to back wins over Letterbarrow Celtic and Glenree United to at least grab the promotion play-off spot - and possibly the last remaining automatic promotion spot.

Best for Copany on the day were David Graham, William Given and Gary Ward. Cappry were best served by clear man of the match winner Kevin McGlynn, a right winger with pace, trickery and end product, who was ably assisted by Niall Bonner and Benny McLaughlin.

Copany Team:
GK - Gary Ward
RB - Christopher Doherty
LB - Darren Kilpatrick
CB - William Given
CB - Alan McGirr
CM - Aaron Scott ©
CM - Stephen Walls
RM - Thomas Given
LM - David Graham
CF - Francie Johnston
CF - Padraig Rooney

Subs:
Benny Mundy for Francie Johnston (73)
Kevin Brady for David Graham (80)