PENALTY HEARTBREAK FOR THE COBRAS

COPANY TEAM

There was little to seperate Donegal Town and Copany Rovers in the Area Final that went to the dreaded shootout after a goalless draw in 90 minutes.

Copany, with their strongest panel for a game in a number of years, were looking to claim their first piece of silverware under Russell Gorman, but it was not to be as Donegal prevailed in the shootout.

In a very cagey game, chances were at a premium in the first period with a few long range efforts not troubling the two 'keepers. With the lone striker Clarke getting no change from Donegals impressive center half pairing of Raymie McGroary and Paul McHugh, Russell made a tactical switch midway through the half pushing Ryan Kerrigan further forward in support from his starting right midfield position.

Despite grafting extremely commendably, Copany stuggled to impose themselves on the game with Donegal winning a lot of ball around the middle.

A tactical change at half time saw Thomas Given come in to replace John Paul Langan in an attempt to compete more with the ariel challenge unfolding around the center in a scrappy battle.

The second period was a little more open with a few chances for either side - David Graham seeing his deflected effort superbly turned aound the post by John Leonard, Donegal substitute Stephen Keeney making an impact grazing the top of the crossbar and having another effort superbly blocked by a last-gasp Gary McCafferty block, and Paul Clarke spurning a glorious chance when through one on one with the keeper, but a draw was a fair reflection on how the game proceeded with both sides continuing to work extremely hard.

With the fading light, a pre-agreement was that the game would go straight to penalties. In truth, this seemed likely with many observers stating that one goal would be the difference between the sides. That did not come and so to the shootout lottery where Donegal prevailed, with John Leonard making an excellent stop from a well struck Gary McCafferty effort.

As likely happens in the game of football, this was very harsh on Gary who was Copanys best player on the day in a game where the defenses were well on top.

Best in a hard working team performance for Copany were Gary Ward, Gary McCafferty and Aaron Scott.

Despite the agonising way to lose, there are lots of reasons to be positive for the forthcoming season with this squad of players.

Referee: Liam Farren