Adam Lee fires Grattan United past Killarney into Munster final
The Grattan United side that had a 2-1 win over Killareny Celtic in the semi-final of the Munster Keane Jeweller Champions Cup at O'Neill Park. Picture: Barry Peelo.
Adam Lee grabbed the winner as Grattan United’s endeavour was rewarded with a place in the Munster Keane Jeweller’s Cup final after a 2-1 victory over Killarney Celtic at O’Sullivan Park.
They will now meet Villa FC in the final on a date, yet to be decided.
The contest itself was a bit of a rough and tumble affair as the strong winds did not make it easy for any of the two sides to settle on the ball. As a result, we saw a lot of battle royals going on around the park.
But, what an opportunity fell for Killarney Celtic with just minutes in. Wayne Sparling controlled well before dinking inside to cross for Kelvin O’Sullivan who headed over a gaping goal.
Play shifted to the other end as Bullman fed it on for Spitere who crossed for Jamie O’Connell, but the striker was snuffed out when he tried a turn and strike inside the box.
A swerving free kick from Shane Spitere almost caught the Killarney keeper unaware, but he somehow managed to push it away to safety in the end.
A terrific low effort then from Jamie O’Connell followed which forced Roy Kelleher go full length and tip ‘round the post.
Both sides were managing to get inside each other’s final thirds in these early exchanges and when Sparling knocked it on for Lovett, Anthony O’Callaghan got himself sharply in the way to deny the Killarney striker a shot on goal.
Sparling looked industrious down the left flank for Killarney and when he did manage to cut inside his marker, he struck the side-netting.
Grattan made progress into the Killarney third and when Christy Bullman’s effort came back off a defender, it arrived for Shane Spitere who rifled narrowly over with a forceful effort.
A nice Grattan move ensued after that with Keith Harris helping on to Spitere who found O’Connell on the inside, but when the striker turned, he found Killarney’s O’Reilly in his way.
A lovely ball over the top picked out the run of O’Connell, but he could not get control of the ball quick enough as Kelleher advanced sharply to collect.
But, Grattan took the advantage soon after and it arrived following a neat move, Cian O’Sullivan moved the ball out to the available Gary Coughlan who took a steadying touch before delivering a pin-point low cross for Christy Bullman to stroke home competently and hand the hosts the lead on 35.
The second period sprung into action with Killarney’s Matthew Keane firing over at one end, while Christy Bullman made Roy Kelleher work to save from his angled effort at the other end.
Killarney then suffered a set back when Mohamed Messadoud was sent from the field of play following his second yellow in the 53rd minute.
Despite Killarney having to face a numerical disadvantage, they got themselves back on level terms once again when Wayne Sparling played a cushioned ball inside to Lee Downing who struck the woodwork with his effort, but when if fell kindly for Sean Lovett, he pounced to scoop home and restore parity once again on the hour.
Both sides battled hard to seek out a winner and on 83 minutes, a lovely measured pass from Jamie O’Connell found Cian Hawkins on the right and when he fired a low cross over, Adam Lee pounced to steer home and fire Grattan in front on 83 minutes.
It became a hard ask now for Killarney and Grattan could have had another, but from Spitere’s low cross, Lee could not manage to squeeze it home near the far post.
It mattered little in the end as Grattan soon rejoiced in their victory.
J. Byrne, M. Kent, D. Curtin, A. O’Callaghan, A. Byrne, K. O’Sullivan, G. Coughlan, K. Harris, C. Bullman, S. Spitere and J. O’Connell.
A. Lee for G. Coughlan (63), C. Hawkins for C. Bullman (80).
R. Kelleher, H. Messaoud, K. O’Sullivan, P. Looney, L. Spillane, H. Keane, W. Sparling, G. O’Reilly, S. Lovett, L. Downing and K. O’Sullivan.
C. O’Leary for K. O’Sullivan (66), N. Ryan for L. Downing (68), E. Crowley for K. O’Sullivan (85).
Jim Hennessy.
Keith Haines and Ken O’Driscoll.
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