Brian Milne is a star for the future as Hugh Murphy finds the net for Boyne Rovers
TOM FLYNN THE MASTER AS WEST END UNITED SEE OFF CORPORATION TO REACH THE CUP FINAL AFTER EXTRA TIME
April 1988
TEENAGER Brian Milne, scorer of two goals in Drogheda United’s 3-1 win over Athlone Town the previous week, saved a point for his club with an equalising goal six minutes from the. end of this Combination League game against NIHB at United Park last Saturday.
Fielding the same 11 that impressed so much against Athlone, United were not at their best against the students. Having taken the lead with a rather fortunate goal following a defensive mistake in the 38th minute, NIHE defended strongly for the rest of the game.
With the United midfield losing their grip during the second half Gerry Martin, out of action with an injured ankle for the past four weeks, came on for the concluding 20 minutes as Gerry Kirwan limped off injured.
The inclusion of the team manager improved matters and coincided with the equalising goal six minutes from the end. It came following a cross from the left wing and after two colleagues had close in efforts blocked, Milne gained possession to shoot past ‘ keeper B. Drain to make the scoreline 1-1.
Alan Sweeney another good game in goals, while young David McGuire continues to impress at right full. As a matter of fact the defence with the experience of John Martin a decided asset coupled with the forceful and determined efforts of pivot Tom Rooney.
Brian Milne, apart from scoring, gave NIHE many anxious moments and seems destined to have a bright and successful future. Gary Farrelly, after showing up well, faded somewhat during the second half, while Gerry Kirwan fought hard as usual and one great effort in the 14th minute.
Drogheda United—A. Sweeney, D. McGuire, B. McEvoy, J. Martin, T. Rooney, E. Smith, B. Milne, G. Farrelly, G. Kirwan, E. Brennan, G. Healy; subs, P. Mohan for Healy, G. Martin for Kirwan.
MCDONAGH’S FREE KICK
DROGHEDA CELTIC 1 RATHNEW86 1
Drogheda Celtic’s fight for survival at the bottom of Division 1A was helped by taking a point from Rathnew 86 last Sunday, but the manner in which they played suggested that it will take a sustained effort to see them clear of the lower reaches of the league.
Although played at a fast and furious pace the match produced very little good football with neither side earning the firepower to worry the respective defences.
It was ironic that both goals came from defensive lapses early in the match with the visitors taking the lead in the 13th minute. A long ball into the Celtic area was misjudged by Anthony Brannigan and then fumbled by Declan Weldon as P. J. O’Connor nipped in to shoot the ball into the empty net.
Immediately Celtic swung into the attack and five minutes later drew level, Tommy McDonagh’s free kick not gathered by ‘ keeper Collie Duffy and John Murphy shooting home the rebound. There was little or nothing to enthuse about after that, Rathnew coming closest in the 44th minute but
Weldon saved.
The only incident of note in a poor second half came after 54 minutes with Aidan Black goaling but penalised for initial handball.
Pat Harte put plenty of effort into the 90 minutes and received good support from Anthony Brannigan and John Murphy. The attack lacked punch and power with John Reilly unable to shake a stubborn visitors reaguard.
Team—D. Weldon, P. Crilly, J. Murphy, A. Brannigan, C. Mclvor, E. Carolan, A. Black, P. Harte, P. Moroney, T. McDonagh, J. Reilly; subs, F. Dyas for Black, F. Milne for Moroney.
ROVERS WIN BATTLE
BOYNE ROVERS 3 GLENMORE CELTIC 2
Boyne Rovers got back to winning ways last Sunday at Parkview following their recent cup exploits with a hard earned 3-2 win over Glenmore Celtic.
Rovers took the lead after 35 mjnutes when a cross from Martin Walsh was slotted home by Hugh Murphy. Five minutes later Rovers went further in front when a Seamie Flanagan free kick found the top corner of the Celtic net. Murtagh made it 2-1 but Rovers restored their two goal advantage after 65 minutes when McGroggan shot home following good work by Walsh. Celtic pulled another goal back after 75 minutes through Barren but Rovers held out for a deserved win. Best for Rovers were Ben Buckley, Gerry Reynolds, Martin Walsh and Shane McGroggan.
TOM FLYNN SHINES
WESTENDUTD 4 CORPORATION CELTIC 3
(After extra time)
West End staged a remarkable recovery to force extra time with Celtic and then came strong in the finish to qualify for their second cup final in two years.
With five minutes remaining United despite ample possession trailed 3-1 but Tom Flynn, excellent throughout, gave them hope with a second goal and then after a frantic few minutes the youngest player on the park, Lee Connolly, broke the Celtic offside trap and sent David Gregory clear to level it at 3-3.
In extra time Paul Nolan set up John Walsh for the winner with only a minute to go.
Overall West End deserved the win after falling 2-0 behind late in the first half and showing good determination to make it 2-1 through Tom Flynn in the 55th minute. With 80 minutes gone Celtic must have thought it was all over when they caught United on the counter attack to make it 3-1.
Tom Flynn was the man of the match, backed superbly by Kevin Connolly, Lee Connolly, Mick Floyd and David Gregory.
ROVERS GO UNDER
BOYNE ROVERS 1
GLENMORE CELTIC 2
Boyne Rovers suffered their first league defeat this year when beaten 2-1 by promotion hopefuls Glenmore Celtic in Division 1A.
After a bad start in which they found themselves 1-0 down after 10 minutes Rovers came into the game but their efforts were not to be awarded with a goal.
Some harsh words by manager John Murphy got them going and Shane McGroggan scored.
LAYTOWN LOSE OUT
LAYTOWN ATH 2
DUN LAOIGHRE 2
(Dun Laoighre win 4-2 on pens) Laytown went out of the cup on penalties after being 2-0 down at half time.
Yet the second half saw Laytown recover sufficiently to force extra time with goals from Alan O’Donoghuc and Brian Keely with minutes ticking away.
All the pressure was applied on the visitors goalmouth in extra time and when Gerry Farrell chipped the ‘ keeper it looked a certain winner out a defender came from nowhere to head clear from almost under the crossbar. Somehow the underdogs held on for penalties and nerves began to show for the homesters with only Tom Reilly and Joey Flynn converting.
JOE LEAHY ON MARK
WEST END UTD 2 BALLYFERMOT UTD 3
West End United suffered a 3-2 loss last Saturday in this Major 1 Saturday League. A tough result this on the Drogheda team who after conceding two early goals fought back to level the scores with two fine goals by Joe Leahy, only to concede a late winner.
Best for West End were Kevin Roden, Paul Farrell, Joe Leahy and Martin Henry.
PETER BRENNAN’S DOUBLE
BOYNE ROVERS 6 PORTMARNOCK 1
Boyne Rovers under-16s continued their fine run of late with a convincing 6-1 win over their Dublin opponents, this despite trailing 1-0 after 10 minutes. Two Peter Brennan goals left Rovers 2-1 in front at half time and they completed the rout in the second half with goals from Sean Murphy (2), Shane McDonnell and another Brennan goal to complete his hat-trick.
Best for Rovers were Derek Briody, Martin Brennan, Robert Collins, Peter Brennan and Sean Murphy.