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Aileach crash out in extra time
03.02.11
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Aileach...1 (McCormick) Glenea United...2 (Cuffe, McFadden) by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent, at Lakeside (Photo: Herbie Barr) AILEACH manager Brian Bell must still be wondering just how Glenea United managed to snatch an extra-time victory from the jaws of defeat at Lakeside on Sunday afternoon. A Brian Cuffe header in the last minute of the ninety rescued the Donegal League men in the nick of time before a superb Ryan McFadden strike sent Glenea into delirium. Ahead just after the hour mark following Charlie McCormick’s brave finish, Aileach, dominant for long periods, were left to reflect on a succession of missed chances while Glenea celebrated a famous win which rarely looked likely. Second-half substitute Ryan Carlin sparked a slumbering United forward line into life while manager Tommy McFadden’s decision to go for broke and send Ciaran McFadden into attack proved a wise one. The big central defender, a constant threat in the air, ensured that Aileach spent much of the last ten minutes camped on the edge of their own box. |
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Battling Glenea, behind for
almost thirty minutes of the second-half, stayed in
touch with their Inishowen counterparts before launching
a late salvo, which brought rich reward. And while
Aileach were profligate in front of goal, failing to add
to their tally, Glenea, driven on by inspirational
midfielder Sean McGuire, were clincial; making the most
of any chances which fell their way. Setting the tone for much of the afternoon, Aileach started the game positively and could have been in front inside ten minutes but Gary Collett set his sights just off target following Charlie McCormick’s cut-back. Lively winger Collett was in on the action moments later, collecting Enda McDermott’s flicked header before seeing his shot sting the hands of Glenea keeper Ciaran Gallagher. A Glenea snap shot by Mickey Feeney flew well off target before Charlie McCormick should have put the home side in front. In the clear courtesy of Martin Donaghy’s incisive pass, McCormick saw his effort smothered by Ciaran Gallagher, who raced off his line to rescue the visitors. |
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Aileach full-back James
Gillespie was next to test Gallagher with a fine volley
before Mickey Feeney mis-kicked from ten yards as
Aileach continued to press. Hard-working Glenea United forward Brian Cuffe had justifiable claims for a penalty waved away by referee Terence Moyne, who harshly brandished a yellow card for diving. A well-worked Glenea free-kick saw Ryan McFadden head wide from Kevin McFadden’s centre before Sean McGuire’s perfect pass released Kevin McFadden, who saw his shot well saved by Aileach stopper Gerard Crossan. Moments later a booming Crossan clearance was beautifully caressed into the path of Charlie McCormick by Aileach front man Enda McDermott before Gallagher was the Glenea saviour again with a fine sprawling save. In the last meaningful action of the first period, both McCormick and McDermott, in the Aileach attack, saw efforts saved and blocked as Glenea stood firm. An early second-half shot by Michael Barry forced a fine save from Gerard Crossan before Ciaran McFadden headed the resulting corner over the top. Aileach wideman Gary Collett drew another save from Glenea’s Gallagher before Ciaran Craig had his effort blocked brilliantly by Frankie Rodgers in the Glenea defence. Mickey Feeney should have given Aileach a deserved lead on the hour mark but he somehow contrived to fire over with the goal gaping after Ciaran Gallagher had saved Enda McDermott’s stinging shot seconds earlier. After Glenea striker Ryan McFadden saw a long-range effort well saved, Aileach finally hit the front; Gary Collett skipped past Rodgers before his pinpoint cross was met by the onrushing Charlie McCormick, who drilled home from six yards. Crucially, the home team failed to build on that lead however with McDermott (twice) and Ciaran Craig both passing up excellent chances. Reverting to a 3-4-3 formation for the last ten minutes, Glenea almost levelled from the unlikely boot of defender turned makeshift attacker Ciaran McFadden before substitute Ryan Carlin drew a fine save from Aileach keeper Crossan. With Aileach dropping deeper and only minutes from a safe passage into the next round, Kevin Beag McFadden found a moment of calm during a frantic finale; picking out Brian Cuffe, who headed home to force an extra twenty minutes. With their tails up in extra-time, Glenea struck for a famous win; Ryan McFadden collecting Ryan Carlin’s pass on the opening period before racing clear and firing under the body of the advancing Crossan. Aileach: Gerard Crossan, James Gillespie, Conor Gallagher, Damien Barr, Neil McElhinney, Martin Donaghy, Mickey Feeney, Ciaran Craig, Charlie McCormick, Enda McDermott, Gary Collett. Subs: Sean Friars, Dermot Doherty, Dermot McGlynn, Declan O’Donnell. Glenea United: Ciaran Gallagher, Brian Cuffe, Frankie Rodgers, Paul Sweeney, Ciaran McFadden, Eugene McGuire, Kevin McFadden, Sean McGuire, Michael Barry, Ryan McFadden, Conor McGee. Subs: Ryan Carlin, Kevin McFadden. For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the Inishowen Independent. |
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