THE GREAT DESSIE FAGAN IS THE HERO OF UNITED’S EPIC VICTORY
COME on, United! was never more vigorously exclaimed than during the concluding minutes of last Sunday’s epic Polikoff Cup Final replay against Wcstbrook at Rutland Avenue, when Drogheda United supporters roared United’s eleven to victory, bringing the trophy to the town for the first time.
Their enthusiasm was not in vain when, with two and a half minutes left to play of twenty minutes extra time, a perfect corner-kick taken by Paddy Crowley was deflected to the net by the Westbrook pivot, M Watson, who, in attempting to head clear, actually assisted the ball on the way to its final destination.
Thus, after 217 minutes of thrilling Cup-tie football between two wellmatched sides, Drogheda United had taken the lead for the first time. With the seconds ticking away, the plucky losers strove hard to save the day, but United’s defenders held out and it was a joyous and hilarious band of Drogheda fans who hugged and paraded their favourites from the pitch at the final whistle. United had won their first Cup in 12 years.
While perhaps not the classic display of tne previous encounter, due mainly to the most unfavourable weather conditions, the match, nevertheless, was brimful of thrills and goals, seven of them to be exact. United came from behind three times, no mean achievement when pitted against such a sound hard-tackling but clean Westbrook combination. As in the first match, United conceded a penalty from which M. Watson scored, midway in the first half, but by half-time the winners had equalised. It was really against the run of play that Westbrook scored their second score when both goalkeeper Collins and centre-half McDonnell fumbled an easy O’Hannigan attempt and the ball trickled over the line for a simple goal.
Again the fighting qualities of United were evident when during a continuous heavy downpour which commenced after 10 minutes in the second half, they fought back to again equalise and make the score after 90 minutes’ play at 2-2. When Westbrook went ahead once again in the third minute of extra time it looked as if United were to be content with runner-up honours, but the “never-say die “spirit still prevailed and by the eighth minute the scores were again level at 3-3.
It was two legweary teams which fought out the last ten minutes with the issue always in doubt. Even when United secured their winning score Westbrook still continued to share the exchanges and were attacking when the final whistle was sounded. In consolation they can claim they were very worthy finalists, that they made United fight every inch of the way for their 4-3 victory and if they continue to serve up such football will be a match for any combination.
While Tony Byrne, George Mc-Donnell and Patsy Devlin could rightly be termed as the architects of this memorable victory, the man of-the-match turned out to be centre-forward Christy Teeling, who bagged a hat-trick and gave glimpses of his best form. This was the Teeling we saw under somewhat similar circumstances in Ramelton last February, when he scored twice in a great 5-4 win over Swilly Rovers.
Another player who played no small part was Paddy Crowley. who had a major share in two of the goals, while each of his cornerkicks on this occasion were all wellplaced. Wingers Patsy Byrne and Dermot Kilroy strove hard, sent over some good crosses, but generally were well policed by two sound fulls in Quinn and Mulhall. Jacky Devlin distributed the ball well, had an exceedingly good first half, but somewhat failed to produce his best when the going got heavy.
It is legendary now what United owe to its first half-back line, which must be the best in the Leinster League. The trio were in their best mood with Tony Byrne always prominent, and Patsy Devlin little behind. McDonnell was the usual cool and collected pivot we know him to be and except for the slip which led to the second Westbrook goal was flawless. Donovan had a handful in coping with Cunningham and early on his clearances were erratic, but he never looked back after settling down. Collins had not a great deal to do and except for his lapse for the second score performed well.
Last but not least, a tribute to the golden boy of Drogheda soccer. As he trooped off the pitch a special cheer went up for captain Dessie Fagan, who finished his soccer career in a blaze of glory, leading his club he served so nobly for 21 years, to a Cup Final victory. The usual Fagan smile prevailed as he acknowledged the many handshakes of congratulations of “well done Dessie ! “Nor did the tributes come from Drogheda fans alone. The Dublin accent mingled Dublin, when a large contingent themselves hoarse.
MALAHIDE UNITED “B “1 DROGHEDA UNITED “B” .3
Later on Sunday afternoon, Drogheda United “B” brought off a great United double by deservingly defeating Malahide United “B “6-1 at Malahide in the 3rd Division North of the A.U.L.
The Drogheda combination by their victory, now occupy a leading position in the league table, having collected eight points from four games. This was the North County Dublin sfdes first defeat of the season, and thus for the third Sunday in succession the Drogheda team has inflicted first defeats on three sides.
Star performer was Jimmy Kelly at inside left who netted the three scores, thus recording the second hat-trick of the day by a United player. He was ably assisted by a strong forceful centre-forward in Tom Toner, while little behind was John Quinn at inside right. Wingers B Kierans and T. Berrill were both tricky and sent over some well-placed crosses. Johnny McElearney, at centre-half, played his usual good game and with S. Kierans and B. Coyle formed a formidable half-back trio. B. Kirwan, after an unsettled start, combined well with Joe Byrne in the full-back line, while M. Clarke brought off some excellent saves in goals, although he could have saved the shot that beat him.
Kelly gave Drogheda the lead with a good shot in the third minute. The winners defended well against strong pressure by the home team. Malahide were handicapped by the retiral of a player in the 15th minute, following a collision with McElearney. As the Drogheda team settled down, Malahide found the path to goal more difficult, and no further scores came before the interval.
Kelly increased Drogheda’s lead in in the 18th minute, following a good move in which Berrill and Toner, the same player scored the third goal in the 18th minute. In a strong finish by the losers, Clarke was beaten for their only score.
Drogheda United “B “—Clarke, Kirwan, Byrne, S. Kierans. Mc-Elamey, Coyle, B. Kierans, Quinn, Toner, Kelly, Berrill.