Mosney best against Mell
THE first round of the F.A.I. Junior Cup produced a hard fought match between local rivals Mosney Celtic and Mell Celtic.
It was the former who made full use of home advantage to win despite having to field without Chris Flanagan, Joe Martin, Jim Hughes and Liam O’Neill.
Mosney - settled down well and took an early lead when Thomas Maguire ran on to a loose ball, that the Mell keeper Eamon Kearney seemed to think would break for Barry Coyle, in the confusion the young winger took his chance to slip the ball home. Both sides tried to add to the scoring but the respective defences dominated the opening half.
Early in the second half Mosney went further ahead when Joe Rock passed cleverly to Frank Taaffe who “picked his spot” from 25 yards.
Mooney wasted some good chances with Maguire heading over and Rock shooting wide while Mell introduced Paddy Connor and Pat Pentony in an effort to sway the tie and in a good ten minute patch they looked as if they could, perhaps draw level.
Mosney however responded well with the prompting of Rock and Taaffe in midfield to see the game out 2-0.
Mosney were easily the better side on the day with Joe Rock, Danny Coyle, Ben Buckley and Thomas Maguire all playing well. Best for Mell who fought every inch were Chris Byrne, Joe Flanagan, Tony Murphy and Chris O’Rourke.
Mosney Celtic: D. Montgomery, J. Murphy, P. Murphy, J. Maguire, B. Buckley. J. Rock, T. Maguire, K. Coyle, B. Coyle, F. Taaffe. T. Donagh, 12th man O Berrill.
Mell Celtic: E. Kearney, C. O’Rourke, J. Faulkner, P. Hall C. Byrne. A. Brodigan. G. Bird, P. Bird, S. Mulroy, J.. Flanagan, T. Murphy. Reserve P. Connor, P. Pentony.