Strand have too much power for Tipp opponents

Leo Doherty shines in 6-0 win

FAI Junior Cup

Round 4 – National Section Strand Celtic 6 Clodiagh Rangers 0 to prise open Clodiagh.

They opened the scoring from a set piece on the right flank. Barry O’Mahony curled a ball to the back post where Leo Doherty controlled and then fired home. 1-0 to the home side, four minutes gone. Strand, having set out their stall, were relentless. Looking to spring either Aaron O’Boyle, Dylan Martin or Mark McDaniel free with careful long passes from the back, Strand were still minding the house and Lee Wilson made a notable tackle to halt Clodiagh’s burly David Butler. Having defied Strand on several occasions, including fine stops to thwart Barry O’Mahony, Leo Doherty and Aaron O’Boyle, Clodiagh goalkeeper Adrian Cooke contributed to the winners’ second goal after 27 minutes.

The goalkeeper was initially solid, getting to a floated pass from Barry O’Mahony that was intended for Dylan Martin. But Cooke’s subsequent clearance was undercooked and he was off his line when Leo Doherty returned the ball accurately and from long-range.

Although Cooke redeemed himself somewhat, saving from Dylan Martin and Aaron O’Boyle, he was caught – as was Clodiagh – when Fiachra Cogan turned the ball in from a Leo Doherty flick following a 34th minute corner. Ten minutes later Aaron O’Boyle got the goal that his effort merited. He finished with composure after running onto a pass from Mark McDaniel.