Late KO for Killarney Athletic

MUNSTER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL Killarney Athletic 2 Janesboro 3 (after extra-time)

KILLARNEY Athletic’s oddessy in the Munster League Champions Trophy came to an end at Woodlawn on Sunday when they lost in extra-time to Limerick side Janesboro.

Unfortunately the goal that won the game came with just three minutes remaining in the second period of extra time so there was insufficient time to try and snatch an equaliser.

While Athletic will be disappointed at losing at such a late stage in the game they can feel very proud of their performance as they were still very much in the game right up to the final whistle.

This was a foul ridden, tough, robust game with the visitors questioning every decision the referee made while the Janesboro mentors on sideline were also in conflict with the match officials throughout the game.

Athletic had two former Kerry footballers in their squad with Bredan Kealy in goals while Aidan O’Mahony was introduced as a sub in the second half at left full back and acquitted for himself very well.

While Athletic matched their opponents throughout the game they were beginning to tire in extra time and the visitors took full advantage of it.

Janesboro were quickest off the mark and should have scored in the fourth minute when Shane Clarke slipped the ball down the wing to Keith Mawdzley and his delightful flick on fell to Anthony Power and his shot from 12 yards grazed the wrong side of the post.

Gradually Athletic found their stride and after a good attack William Courtney shot narrowly wide.

Athletic went ahead in the 15th minute in a lightning counter attack with Eanna Kavanagh getting the ball out of defence to Shane Lynch who raced in with the goalie advancing and his shot looked like it was going to be cleared but William Courtney was coming in like an express train on the blind side at the far post and he bundled the ball over the line.

Janesboro were pressing hard as the half advanced and John Tierney blasted a shot over the top and a goal-bound shot was taken off the line by Paudie O’Connor.

Then Athletic keeper Brendan Kealy was also called into action and he made a good save to deny John Tierney.

The visitors brought the game back to parity in the 38th minute with a one two between Aaron Noonan and Shane Clarke outwiting the Athletic defence and when Clarke got the return ball he applied a great finish from 12 yards.

Janesboro made a change at half time with Shane Walsh replacing Mike Ryan and they began to exert pressure on the Athletic defence.

They went ahead in the 53rd minute with Aaron Noonan setting up Shane Clarke and he slotted home from close in.

Athletic rallied after this and Jamie Doolan was only a whisker away from an equaliser with his fizzing shot just fractionally wide.

The game was all square again in the 66th minute when Athletic attacked from midfield and when William Courtney ran on to a loose ball just outside the box he sized up his options and drilled a great low shot to the bottom corner of the net.

Shortly afterwards the Janesboro defence were all at sea and their centre half Lee O’Meara almost conceded an og with his attempted clearance going over the bar.

Then Athletic goalie Brendan Kealy had to be alert making a fine save to deny Aaron Noonan.

As the clock wound down both sides were extra cautious and with the game remaining deadlocked it progressed to extra time.

Now Janesboro began to stamp their authority on the game with Athletic becoming weary after all the hard effort they put in over the previous 90 minutes.

Stalemate prevailed after the first period of extra time but Janesboro looked to be the more likely side to get a winner.

It looked as if Janesboro had taken the lead when sub Kevin Murphy was through on goals but he was denied by a great save by Brendan Kealy.

With just three minutes left on the clock both sides appeared to be resigned to sorting it out on penalties.

However there was a cruel twist of fate for Athletic with just three minutes to go with Janesboro spread-eagling their defence and when the ball came to John Tierney just inside the box he had only one thing on his mind and he blasted the ball to the back of the net from 15 yards.

It must have been very disappointing for Athletic to be caught with a sucker punch so late in the game as everyone were getting ready for the anticipated penalty shoot out. They were great ambassadors of Kerry soccer in the competition and getting to the semi final is no mean achievement.

Now they can get back to the domestic scene and focus on trying to defend their Premier A title. KILLARNEY ATHLETIC: Brendan Kealy, Ryan O’Carroll, Adam Moynihan (Aidan O’Mahony, 80 mins), Paudie O’Connor, Eanna Kavanagh, Shane Doolan, Sean Cournane (Brian O’Reilly, 78 mins), Mike O’Donoghue, Jamie Doolan, Shane Lynch, William Courtney.

JANESBORO FC: John Mulready, Danny O’Neill, Aled Harkin, Thomas Clarke, Lee O’Meara, Aaron Noonan, Mike Ryan (Shane Walsh, 46 mins), John Tierney, Shane Clarke, Keith Mawdzley (Aidan Hurley, 98 mins), Anthony Power.

REFEREE: Anthony Morrison