Coachford add the Mossie Linnane Cup to the AOH Cup to cap off a great season with a big win over Grattan
Coachford's players celebrate after winning the Mossie Linnane league cup following their 4-1 victory over Grattan at the Cross.
As expected, ahead of the contest, this one was always certain to produce a final that was going to be full of quality and endeavour and these two did not disappoint.
We saw battles all over the park until Coachford got a foothold on the game before going on to produce some clinical finishing which in the end, earned them the win.
Getting the nod for the man of the match accolade was Coachford’s Cialan O’Sullivan who proved to be a huge thorn in the sides of the Grattan rearguard.
And not alone did he grab his side’s first, but he was instrumental for their second and fourth goals also.
With both sides cancelling each other out, Matthew Bradley’s free kick produced an early scare when Mark Murphy headed across goal, but no-one pounced to avail of an inviting opportunity.
And when a ball over the top arrived into the path of Cian Hawkins, the striker fired across goal from a narrow angle.
A delicate flick-on from Keating picked out the run of Aaron O’Sullivan whose cross was just off course for the probing Keating.
A cracking effort from Adam Murphy then followed which whistled agonisingly past the upright.
Then, a pass from Aaron O’Sullivan found Mark Murphy down the channel and when the midfielder crossed for Mark O’Connell, Tommy Martin proved his alertness by smothering the danger swiftly.
Minutes later, Aaron Broderick combined with Cian Hawkins before lifting his effort over from 25.
Grattan’s defence failed to deal with a throw ball on the right and when opportunity knocked for Cialan O’Sullivan, he produced a finish of quality into the corner to hand Coachford the advantage on 39.
A tricky delivery from Shane Spitere forced Stephen Murray to change his stance before punching clear on the line.
Cialan O’Sullivan showed neat skill to get past two opponents down the left channel before knocking it into the path of Declan Keating who slammed home and double Coachford’s advantage on the stroke of half-time.
With just two minutes gone in the second period, Aaron O’Sullivan controlled from Declan Keating’s cross, but David Curtin was sharp with his tackle to quell the threat, at the expense of a corner.
From the set piece, Adam Murphy stole in to hammer home following Matthew Bradley’s delivery into the box.
Mark Murphy threatened next when his headed effort from Matthew Bradley’s free kick made Tommy Martin work before collecting.
At the other end, a sharp turn and strike by Christy Bullman flashed over.
Grattan produced a neat passage of play when John Paul O’Sullivan knocked it out Bullman who flicked on to Spitere and from the winger’s delivery across the box, John Paul O’Sullivan saw his header land on the roof of the net.
An opportunity fell for Grattan after that, but from Spitere’s corner, Michael Kent headed over while unattended near the far post before Cian Hawkins saw his effort from a headed clearance sail over also.
But, a fourth arrived for Coachford and it was instigated by that man again – Cialan O’Sullivan who embarked on a run that saw him slalom his way through to Grattan’s defensive third before crossing for Daniel Merrick who tapped into the Grattan net from close range on 75.
Grattan refused to be bowed, despite the way the game was really running away from them now, but they did manage to pull one back when a sweetly struck free kick by Shane Spitere rocketed into the top corner on 80 minutes.
But, it was too little too late as Coachford went on to win comfortably in the end.
Coachford A: Stephen Murray, Billy Casey, Matthew Bradley, Chris O’Connell, Keith Linzell, Adam Murphy, Aaron O’Sullivan, Mark Murphy, Declan Keating, Cialan O’Sullivan and Mark O’Connell.
Subs: Daniel Merrick for Declan Keating (68), Gavin Kearney for Chris O’Connell (80), Jack Murphy for Aaron O’Sullivan (87), Neill Moynihan for Cialan O’Sullivan (89), James Cotter for Keith Linzell (90).
Grattan A: Tommy Martin, Gary Coughlan, David Curtin, Dean Murray, Anthony Byrne, Keith Harris, Aaron Broderick, Anthony O’Callaghan, Cian Hawkins, Christopher Bullman and Shane Spitere.
Subs: John Paul O’Sullivan for Aaron Broderick (half-time), Michael Kent for Dean Murray (58), Anthony Peelo for David Curtin (67), Tommy White for Anthony Byrne (85).
Referee: Alan McDonagh.
Assistants: Paul O’Sullivan and Grahame Duffy.
Fourth Official: Mark O’Connell.
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