CFC Banteer round off a super season when beating Mogeely FC in the County Cup final
CFC Banteer players celebrate after winning the County Cup, following a 2-1 victory over Mogeely FC at the Cross.
Already crowned champions of League 1 as well as winning the St. Michael’s Cup, this victory makes it a treble of successes for what has turned out to be a wonderful season for the club.
But, it was not an easy victory as they had to come from behind against a very lively Mogeely side, who pushed them all the way before they ran out 2-1 winners in the end.
It was a front-foot start from both sides and with just minutes in, a cheeky back-heeled effort by Mogeely’s Johnnie Clifford tested Barry Kenneally’s awareness as the Banteer keeper had to get down smartly to smother the goal-bound effort.
Then, at the other end, Brendan Stack headed on from a throw for David Murphy, who looped over with his effort from inside the box.
Soon after, Ewan Wimpenny had to get his body behind a decent effort from Alan Coughlan.
A teasing cross at the other end from Kelvin Cody Byrne was helped narrowly wide by Ryan Sexton.
And when Timmy Murphy picked out Steward O’Keeffe, his goal-bound effort was blocked by a solid intervention from Karl Micchniewicz.
A chance fell for Mogeely after that – from a corner, the ball broke for Kalem Hennessy, who unleashed a cracking effort that whistled inches over.
Then, when Tadgh Sexton worked it on for Timmy Murphy, he narrowly cleared the bar with a rifling effort.
Banteer came so close minutes later, Timmy Murphy dispossessed James McConnell and delivered a rasping effort that saw Ewan Wimpenny get a hand to, before it struck the bar and go out for a corner.
But, Mogeely nosed in front, when from a corner, the ball bounced in the direction of Kelvin Cody Byrne who drilled home the opening goal on the stroke of half-time.
CFC Banteer came out in the second half, very much on the front foot and soon found themselves back in the contest again when man of the match Barry Murphy pounced on to a loose ball before finding the target with a low effort on 57.
David Murphy was unlucky then to see his audacious effort with an overhead-kick inside the box fly over.
But, Mogeely broke after turning defence into attack and when Billy Foley McGann found Mark Buttimer free on the right, he set off towards goal before firing a low effort that flew narrowly wide of the far post.
CFC Banteer threatened again though, when after Barry Murphy rifled a terrific effort agonisingly over, David Murphy was foiled by Ewan Wimpenny when the Mogeely keeper produced another magnificent save.
But, the decisive moment of the final arrived on 80 minutes when Timmy Murphy’s corner took a touch off Tadgh Sexton before nestling in the net and hand Banteer the advantage.
CFC Banteer went on then to finish the game strongly before
referee Paul Bowdren brought closure to a very entertaining County Cup final.
Mogeely FC: Ewan Wimpenny, James McConnell, Luke Cushen, Karl Michniewicz, Olan Jones, Dion Drake, Ryan Sexton, Kalem Hennessy, Johnnie Clifford, Billy Foley McGann and Kelvin Cody Byrne.
Subs: Jonas Azari for Ryan Sexton (60), Liam O’Connor and Aidan McNamee for Billy Foley McGann and Luke Cushen (64), Ruairi Murphy for Johnnie Clifford (85), Colm Beausang for Olan Jones (86).
CFC Banteer: Barry Kenneally, Alan Coughlan, Cathal O’Donoghue, Brendan Stack, Brian O’Keeffe, Barry Murphy, Tadgh Sexton, Dave McAuliffe, Steward O’Keeffe, David Murphy and Timmie Murphy.
Subs: Stephen Sheehan for Steward O’Keeffe (64), Evan O’Brien for Timmy Murphy (78), Tadgh Murphy for Dave McAuliffe (86).
Referee: Paul Bowdren.
Assistants: Robert Brosnan, Ken O’Driscoll and Jim Hennessy.
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