Bellurgan shock Bohs
BELLURGAN United caused a major National Cup upset, defeating Bohemians 2-0 in Flynn Park on Saturday morning.
The victory was based on a very disciplined performance in which Bellurgan kept a great team shape with Luke Spain and Shane McCusker getting control of the midfield from the very first whistle with great energy and endeavour.
From this platform Bellurgan’s wide players, Chris Conlon and Tommy Keenan were then able to get on the ball and display their vast array of attacking skills down the flanks, threatening the Bohemians goal on many occasions.
As Bellurgan continued to press for the opening goal, a major setback occurred with their inspirational captain, Thomas Bothwell having to leave the field of play with a serious hand injury.
This didn’t deter the team and soon afterwards the deadlock was broken with Tommy Keenan running half the pitch and into the Bohemians penalty area.
The ball was partially cleared into the path of the midfield powerhouse Shane McCusker who rifled the ball into the top corner from outside the box.
Bohemians immediately reacted to the goal and started to come into the game but everything was comfortably dealt with by the Bellurgan defence of Craig Tuohy, Finnan Crawley and Eoin McCoy.
This resulted in Bohemians shooting from distance and Marc Byrne’s handling was excellent in greasy conditions, preserving the 1-0 lead into the half time break.
The second half was a fairly even affair with good football being played by both sides. Bellurgan introduced Sam Elvin and Pierce McArdle to solidify the midfield and protect their lead, which they did effectively.
Ruairi Walker started to cause problems up front as Bohemians pushed for the equaliser. Great compusure on the ball by Luke Spain in midfield found Tommy Keenan on the left who counter attacked at pace, passing the Ruairi Walker who skilfully beat a couple of defenders before burying the ball in the bottom corner to win the game for Bellurgan.
The team displayed a great work ethic throughout with Finnan Crawley marshalling the defence and Tommy Keenan has the potential on this display to follow in the steps of right footed left wingers for Dundalk FC like Daryl Horgan and Michael Duffy.