Shillelagh United 7
Ballywaltrim B 1
Ballard Park
Eoin Horkan
Flying Start Sets the Tone as United Seal Dramatic Victory
United made a blistering start in a game packed with goals and late drama, racing into an early lead inside the opening two minutes. Milo Quinn’s header crashed off the crossbar and Cian Lancaster was quickest to react, tapping home to give the hosts the perfect beginning.
The advantage was doubled within ten minutes when Donal Rawson was brought down in the box. Captain Quinn stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to put daylight between the sides.
Stunned by the early blows, the visitors gradually regained their composure and enjoyed a spell of possession. However, they struggled to make it count as the United defence, marshalled superbly by Lee Dagge and Darragh Rawson, stood firm under pressure.
Midway through the first half Donal Rawson came close to adding another when he controlled the ball neatly before unleashing a classy strike that rattled the post. The third goal did arrive on the half-hour mark. Quinn, who was causing constant problems for the opposition, delivered a superb cross which Rawson met to finally get his name on the scoresheet.
United continued to threaten down the flanks, with Jonathan Smith pushing forward from the wing, though his dangerous delivery was well dealt with by the visiting defence.
Just before the break the home side struck again. Quinn found space on the edge of the box and drilled a precise effort into the corner to give Shilllagh a commanding lead at half-time.
The visitors emerged after the restart with renewed attacking intent and soon created a golden opportunity, only for the effort to be dramatically cleared off the line.
Chances began to flow at both ends as the tempo remained high in the south west Wicklow heat. Raswon looked certain to score when he broke through one-on-one with the keeper, but his shot was well saved. Moments later Ciaran Lambert curled an effort narrowly over the bar.
The Bray side continued to push forward and carved out another opening, but Dagge reacted quickly, sweeping around behind his defensive line to gather and clear the danger.
The final fifteen minutes belonged firmly to United. Smith found himself perfectly placed to fire past the goalkeeper, and within two minutes the net was bulging again as Jason Cush produced a superb volley that flew past the keeper before he could react.
Despite the flurry of attacking play, United’s goal remained protected thanks to two outstanding saves from Thomas Rawson.
The closing moments produced one final burst of excitement. Cush slipped a pass through to Lambert who calmly finished. Straight from the restart Ryan Fitzpatrick launched an effort that soared through the air, struck the crossbar and bounced into the net.
The dramatic late strike sparked wild celebrations on the away bench as the final whistle brought a thrilling contest to a close.
Shillelagh United:Thomas Raswon,Jonathan Smith,Cian Lancaster;Lee Dagge,Darragh Rawson,Ciaran Lambert,Milo Quinn,Thomas Kelly,Donal Rawson,Conall Butler,Jason Cush.
Subs Used:Dean Carthy for Darragh Raswon,Oscar Judge for Cian Lancaster,Cian Doyle for Thomas Kelly.
Ballywaltrim B;Sergiu Lubes,Duncan Bradley,Nathan O’Connor,Aaron Clancy,Cian Kinlan,Mark Byrne,Dylan O’Hagan,Jamie O’Brien,Joe Vickors,Des Traynor,Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Subs Used:Cian Ebbs for Jamie O’Brien.
Referee:Joe Byrne.
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