17/01/10 @ 2:00PM
Copany Rovers 1-2 Castlefin Celtic
Padraig Rooney (43)
Venue: Killowen Park

  A last minute penalty dispatched by Emmett White gave Castlefin Celtic an important three points in this encounter.

A last minute penalty dispatched by Emmett White gave Castlefin Celtic an important three points in this encounter.

Both teams started tentatively, with Copany having the majority of the play but unable to turn possession into chances.

However, on 22 minutes, a surging run from the lively Dara Brogan saw him break down the right, and he centered the ball for David Graham, who's goalbound drive was well stopped by the Castlefin netminder.

Castlefin when close to opening the scoring against the run of play in the 32nd minute, when a fine left-footed drive from the edge of the area from Simon McGlinchey was tipped over the bar by Gary Ward.

Castlefin opened the scoring from a set piece on 40 minutes. Simon McGlinchey getting on the end of Emmett Whites delivery to accurately head into the far corner of the net.

Copany equalised on the stroke of half time through Padraig Rooney, who found himself free following a through ball from Clint Walsh, and Rooney coolly clipped the ball over the advancing 'keeper to level the proceedings.

Copany upped their game in the second half, and spurned three real opportunities to take the lead. On 57 minutes, the dangerous David Graham broke free into the box, but his effort crashed off the crossbar and away to safety.

On 73 minutes, Paul Clarke found himself free after Emmett White misread the ball in the center of midfield. Clarke broke into the penalty area but clipped the ball just over the bar.

On 80 minutes, substitute Benny Mundy's close range lob was tipped acrobatically away to safety by the Castlefin keeper.

Into injury time and Castlefin were awarded a penalty following a mistimed tackle, and Emmet White stepped up to emphatically bury the ball into the bottom corner to give Castlefin the lead.

There was still time for one further chance, when a Castlefin substitute's spectacular turning volley from the edge of the area was somehow tipped over the bar by Gary Ward.

Clint Walsh had a fine game at center half for Copany, who saw lively performances from David Graham and Dara Brogan. A good team effort for the visitors, whose late strike will no doubt have made the trip back through the gap all the sweeter.

Referee: Marty McGarrigle

Copany Team:
GK - Gary Ward
RB - Gary McCafferty
LB - Damien O'Laughlin
CB - William Given
CB - Clint Walsh
RM - Dara Brogan
CM - Aaron Scott ©
CM - Alan McGirr
LM - Daryl Duncan
CF - Paul Clarke
CF - David Graham

Subs:
Padraig Rooney for Damien O'Laughlin (39)
Benny Mundy for Daryl Duncan (73)