Westport United produce ‘fantastic’ display

United produce ‘fantastic’ display


Claremorris 1
Glynn 60

Westport Utd 3
Hoban 30, 79, Staunton 68

John Brennan
Claremorris

WESTPORT United took home the spoils from Claremorris on Sunday afternoon in a game that was spoiled by the weather.
The visitors always had the edge over their hosts, who were missing at least six regulars due to other commitments.
David Hoban caused havoc, scoring two goals and only denied a hat-trick by some quick thinking by Claremorris defender Andrew Shally.
Claremorris fared better in the opening exchanges when Derek Glynn was put through by Danny Broderick, but he pulled his effort wide.
The hosts were spraying the ball around with confidence but had nothing to show for all their possession and persistence in front of goal.
Westport had a brilliant chance in the 25th minute but Mark O’Sullivan (just back from New Zealand) slid in to cut out the danger.
Claremorris were on the back foot at this stage and in the 30th minute Westport broke the deadlock through David Hoban, who hooked Darren Browne’s dangerous ball into the corner of the net.
The homeside started the second half brightly. Both Danny Broderick and Glynn had half chances but the latter finished emphatically in the 60th minute to square up the match, sweeping the ball home following a lovely ball from Grant.
Shane Macken had to be replaced due to a hamstring injury, but Claremorris sub goalkeeper Paddy Burke pulled off a great reflex save as Hoban nearly added another goal on 65 minutes.
Westport’s second came three minutes later when Liam Staunton scored after the ball took a wicked deflection.
Mark Gallagher then weaved his way through a crowded defence but dragged his effort wide of the mark.
The next passage of play brought about the most controversial decision of the day.
On 79 minutes David Hoban raced clear but he was brought down by Mark O’Sullivan and referee Martin Halligan pointed to the spot. It seemed harsh on O’Sullivan, who made a great last-ditch tackle.
In any event, Hoban had his effort brilliantly saved by Paddy Burke, but the striker was alert to the rebound and he slotted it home.
Hoban nearly added to his tally soon after but Andrew Shally recovered and stopped the ball from trickling over the line. Liam Staunton almost had a second too but Burke saved well on 87 minutes.
Westport saw out the remainder of the game and manager Kieran Mulchrone hailed a “fantastic” performance, describing it as “the best we’ve played all season”.

Claremorris
S Macken, C Heffernan, A Shally, J Hutton, M O’Sullivan, P Ryan, M Gallagher, D Grant, D Glynn, D Broderick, M Doble.
Subs used: P Burke for S Macken; J Varley for Mark Doble.

Westport Utd
M Gibbons, A O’Malley, K Joyce, J Lawless, D Horkan, D Browne, D Cameron, L Staunton, D Hoban, P Keegan, G McLoughlin.
Subs used: V O’Malley for G McLoughlin; J Smith for A O’Malley.

Referee: M Halligan