League

30/11/08 @ 2:00PM -- Arranmore United 2-3 Copany Rovers -- Francie Johnston (4), David Graham (12), Shane Walsh (26) -- Venue: Arranmore

After a couple of weeks of matches in difficult playing conditions, the Cobras were expecting much of the same in the Island of Arranmore, however they found the conditions perfect for a game of football upon their arrival. Clint Walsh was captaining the team for the first time in the absense of regular captain Aaron Scott.

The first half started very openly, with both sides creating chances, however, it was the visitors who took the lead with their first shot on target through Francie Johnston on 4 minutes, when he shot home from the edge of the area after Stephen Walls found his initial effort blocked.

Arranmore battled hard to get back into the game, but found themselves two goals down when David Graham slotted into the bottom corner after an excellent through ball from Gary McCafferty, who was making amends for missing an open goal less than a minute earlier.

After 26 minutes, the game looked as good as over. Shane Walsh picked the ball up on the right hand flank, cut inside his marker onto his favourite left foot, and pinged the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Arranmore started to gradually build up some sustained pressure, and deservedly pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time, when the striker finished neatly to wrongfoot the Copany stopper.

The next goal was going to be crucial in this half, but a dull half in comparison to the first followed. Arranmore did grab a goal with 6 minutes to go to set up a gripping finale, and indeed forced a flurry of corners in the final minutes, but the Cobras held out to grab an important three points. However, Arranmore shall feel they deserved to grab at least a draw from this encounter.

Darryl Duncan was best for the travelling Copany side.

Copany Team:
GK - Joe Gallagher
RB - Christopher Doherty
LB - Darren Kilpatrick
CB - William Given
CB - Clint Walsh ©
DM - Darryl Duncan
CM - Gary McCafferty
CM - Stephen Walls
RW - Shane Walsh
LW - David Graham
CF - Francie Johnston

Subs:
Conal Rooney for Francie Johnston (67)
Ted Bustard for Darren Kilpatrick (79)