Semi-Final
Westport Utd 3
Knocknacarra 1
Liam Sammon
Westport
WESTPORT United U-16s had a fantastic win over Knocknacarra in the Connacht Cup semi-final on Saturday last in the Sports Park Westport.
The Covies were quick out of the blocks in the opening exchanges as Knocknacarra found it hard to string passes together. Westport had the first chance of the afternoon when a Ruairí Keating corner found the unmarked Pádraig Keane whose header flashed just wide. Two minutes later, Westport striker Paul McDonnell shot straight at Knocknacarra keeper Stephen Ryan after a great through ball from Ciaran McFadden.
The home side were dominating proceedings around the middle of the park but Knocknacarra opened the scoring. A poor clearance fell to Shane McNamara, who skipped past two defenders and finished coolly past Westport stopper Conor O’Malley. Westport were shocked and were nearly two goals down a minute later, as Knocknacarra’s William Condon played a nice ball to Ronan Dobey, who shot straight at Conor O’Malley.
Westport were now chasing the game but they didn’t disappoint. After 18 minutes, Alan Carroll played a defence-splitting pass to the feet of striker Paul McDonnell, who finished superbly past Stephen Ryan. The home side weren't finished, however, and three minutes later they were in front. A good cross by Ruairí Keating found striker McDonnell, who laid it off to Alan Carroll, and the midfielder blasted home from 20 yards.
Knocknacarra goalkeeper Ryan was picking the ball out of the net again minutes later, James O’Donnell’s free-kick from out wide cracked off the crossbar and Ruairí Keating was there to head in the rebound. Knocknacarra knew that they needed to respond quickly, and winger Mour Bidzane had two efforts in a minute, but Conor O’Malley was equal to the Galwegians all day. The teams retired to the sidelines for the interval with Westport the much happier team.
United began the second half as they had finished the first, pressing their opponents all over the pitch. The home side nearly had another goal in the 45th minute, as Ruairí Keating’s cross found Paul McDonnell, whose header was cleared off the line by Craig Kinneen. Both sides introduced fresh legs, and Westport sub Andrew Leahy made an immediate impact by playing in McDonnell, but the striker saw his shot well saved.
Knocknacarra’s day went from bad to worse when Shane McNamara was given a straight red for mouthing at the referee. Neither team had any decent goal chances in the closing moments. Andrew Leahy impressed late on and saw his goal-bound shot in the final minutes smash off the post. Westport closed out the game and were delighted at the final whistle to be in a Connacht Cup final.
Westport had got to this stage courtesy of wins over Conn Rangers (4-0), Castlebar Celtic (2-1), Kilmurray (4-0) and Stand Celtic (5-0). Now they hope to finish the job.
Westport United
Conor O’Malley, Niall Tierney, Pádraig O’Malley, Pádraig Keane, Killian Browne, Alan Carroll, Ciaran McFadden, Alan Rodcliffe, James O’Donnell, Ruairí Keating, Paul McDonnell.
Subs used: Brian Mullen for K Browne (55 mins); Andrew Leahy for R Keating (55 mins); Tom O’Malley for A Carroll (70 mins); Adam McDonnell for J O’Donnell (79 mins); James Gibbons for P McDonnell (79 mins).
Knocknacarra
S Ryan, D Hughes, J O’Donovan, M Meery, C Kinneen, D O’Malley, M Bidzane, W Condon, D Murphy, R Dobey, S McNamara.
Subs used: A Gannon for R Dobey (52 mins); J Hurley for W Condon (66 mins); C Lynch for D Murphy (75 mins); O McGinn for M Bidzane (77 mins).
What’s next?
Westport United take on Corofin United in the final at 1pm next Saturday, April 30 at 1pm in Willow Park, Athlone. That game is preceded by the U-12 Shield final between St Joseph’s and Swinford at 12pm. Castlebar Celtic meet Manulla in the U-14 Cup final at 1pm next Sunday, May 1.
