The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Leen winner earns Classic 2A title
DENNY DIVISION 2A LEAGUE FINAL REPLAY Killorglin B 2 Classic B 3
WHILE this was a fifth division final both sides punched well above their weight and provided a very entertaining game which hung on a thread right up to the final whistle.
What it lacked for in skill was made up for by whole hearted endeavour and commitment to the task in hand by both sides.
With both sides looking for their first piece of silverware the stakes were very high and there was a very competitive edge to the game.
Most of the Classic team are in the twilight of their playing careers with seven of the team on duty for this game over 37 years old but they had a sprinkling of good young players making it a cohesive cocktail that played very well as a unit.
Classic showed most of the early initiative and they forced two early corners which yielded nothing while a shot from outside the box was drilled just wide by Denis Cosgrove.
Gradually Killorglin found their feet and they went ahead in the 19th minute with a great goal.
An over the top ball by Jack O’Sullivan brought the Classic keeper off his line and he was beaten to the ball by Ryan O’Riordan who from the tightest of angles managed to volley the ball to the net.
Their lead only lasted six minutes with Classic forcing a corner kick. It was delivered to the back post by Tommy Naughton where Timmy Lynch rose above everyone and thundered a great header to the roof of the net.
Killorglin went close to regaining the lead in the 36th minute when James Cunningham found Brendan Ahern with a great cross but his effort on goal went over the top.
A breakdown of communication at the back proved costly for Killorglin in the 61st minute when they failed to deal with a long delivery from midfield and Denis Cosgrove took full advantage winning the ball and while he still had a lot to do he showed great composure drilling the ball low past the Killorglin keeper.
However the game was all square just two minutes later with a sumptuous goal by Killorglin.
A foul on the verge of the box gave Killorglin a free kick in a good scoring position. Ryan O’Riordan provided a decoy as the kick was about to be taken and Dylan Joy came in from the side and curled a delightful shot around the wall and into the top corner of the net for a goal of sheer class.
Now Killorglin were playing well and they forced two corner kicks that failed to produce anything.
As the half moved on it looked as if extra-time might be necessary but that all changed in the 76th minute when Classic produced the goal that won the game.
A long clearance out of defence was controlled by Jesse O’Sullivan who showed great vision to spot the run of sub Thomas Leen and he drew out the goalkeeper and picked his spot from close range.
Killorglin did their best to try and secure an equaliser but they never looked like getting it and Classic ran out deserving winners at the end.
There was a great reception for the captain of the team Tommy Naughton as he was presented with the cup by the secretary of the KDL John O’Regan.
The captain thanked his panel of players for all their commitment and dedication and paid tribute to manager Timmy Lynch for all the great work he has been doing promoting soccer in Tralee for the past 20 years.
“The team is known affectionately as Dad’s Army by many admiring supporters and they all put in a special effort all season to bring silverware to the club,” Lynch aid. “A lot of time was put in training and preparing for games and it all has now proved worthwhile at the end.
“We got off to a great start to the season winning our opening four games and that gave us great incentive to keep the show going and try and qualify for a final.
“That is accomplished now and we can enjoy the celebrations and play in higher division next season.”
KILLORGLIN B: Mike O’Grady (Brian O’Sullivan, 46 min), Jack O’Sullivan, Dylan Carey, Brendan Ahern, Sean Turner, Paul Browne, Mikey O’Sullivan, Keith Counihan, Ryan O’Riordan, James Cunningham, Dylan Joy.
CLASSIC FC B: Patrick Bailey, Padraig Breen (Jeremy Wells, 66 min), Joseph Duggan, Timmy Lynch, Kevin Cunningham, Jonathan Loughnane, Kieran O’Regan (Thomas Leen, 60 min), Denis Cosgrove, Jesse O’Sullivan, Mike Duggan (Dominic Houlihan, 52 min), Tommy Naughton (Damian Reid, 78 min).
REFEREE: Eddie O’Mahony