Wall does damage
Shane’s late penalty helps ’Stones retain Premier Shield
GREYSTONES KILCOOLE 1 0
GREYSTONES retained the Premier Shield when an 88th minute penalty from Shane Wall saw off the challenge of Kilcoole in an extremely tight final at the Carlisle Grounds three decades ago this week.
With extra-time looking very much on the cards, Kilcoole defender Anto Harvey brought down the Greystones number eight, Steve Holmes, and referee Terry Mangan had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Wall converted the penalty kick with the greatest of ease and that was that.
While there was no doubt about the legitimacy of the award, Kilcoole can consider themselves most unlucky to lose as they gave as good as they got in this contest.
After a quiet opening period, Greystones’ keeper John Byrne was called into action in the 22nd minute, saving his side when Alan Hackett had turned quickly and shot in the one movement.
A minute later, it was Kilcoole keeper, John Campbell, who had to be brave as he dived at the feet of ’Stones striker Paul Scully to avert the danger. Andy McDonald then hit a powerful driver just the wrong side of the post as the holders grabbed the initiative.
Steve Holmes and Paul Scully both shot wide in the closing stages of the half as Greystones went all out in search of the opening goal.
Greystones did the bulk of the attacking after the resumption with Campbell having to make a fine stop from a Joe Mooney overhead kick following a long free from Noel Carroll.
Campbell also denied Paul Scully in the 57th minute while John Byrne produced a good stop at the other end when PJ Vickers seemed destined to score. Kilcoole were looking impressive at this stage and could have taken the lead when Alan Hackett got clean through in the 68th minute, but the big number nine only found the side netting.
Eight minutes later, ’Stones defender Gerry Kelly rescued his team with a fine block from a goalbound Hackett shot while Jimmy Gilbert missed a glorious opportunity in the 83rd minute, shooting wide with only Byrne to beat.
Steve Holmes missed the proverbial sitter for Greystones in the 86th minute after substitute Paddy
Allen had created the chance. Then disaster struck for the Kilcoole man and they had no time to recover.
Declan Bollard, Paul Scully and skipper Garry Kelly were the top men for the winning Greystones outfit.
Ashley Hayden, Frank Rennix and Alan Hackett making notable contributions for the luckless losers.
Greystones: John Byrne, Noel Carroll, Donnacha Smith, Garry
Kelly, Andy McDonald, Shane Wall, Declan Bollard, Steve Holmes, Killian Dunphy, Joe Mooney, Paul Scully. Subs: Paddy Allen for Mooney, Peadar O’Toole and Robert Gunning (not needed).
Kilcoole: John Campbell, Noel
Doyle, Anto Harvey, Thomas Vickers, Eugene Greene, AShley Hayden, Frank Rennix, Derek Campbell, Alan Hackett, PJ Vickers, Jimmy Gilbert. Subs: Terry Doran for Gilbert, Derek Greene and Declan Earley (not used).