Coachford prove too good for Castleview and capture the AOH Cup in style and at their ease
Coachford players celebrate after winning the AOH Cup, following their victory over Castleview at the Cross on Friday night.
And what a season it continues to be for the winners as they have already won the Munster Junior Cup, Premiership title and have still the Mossie Linnane cup-final to look forward to when they face Grattan United in the final at the Cross on June 1.
Coachford were in control from the off and soon found themselves in front when from Jamie Griffen’s cross, Luke Casey saw his effort come back off the woodwork and following a session of ping-pong inside the box, the ball went in off Wayne O’Leary to hand Coachford the lead on five minutes.
Coachford continued with the early pressure as David Golden blocked a goal-bound effort from Adam Murphy before Ryan McCarthy had to be sharp off his line to block at the feet of Luke Casey.
Then, Evan O’Sullivan gained a yard on his marker before seeing his low effort easily dealt with by McCarthy.
Coachford continued to have the lion’s share and when Luke Casey got past Ryan McCarthy in a one on one, he was denied when his narrow-angled effort was blocked by Corey Crowley.
The View’s Jamie O’Donovan latched on to a ball over the top, but from a narrow angle, he rifled wide.
A lovely measured through ball next from Adam Murphy picked out the run of Cialan O’Sullivan, who saw his curling effort brilliantly tipped over by Ryan McCarthy.
But, on 15 minutes, Coachford doubled their advantage when from a corner, Mark Murphy found the net with a thumping header.
Soon after, Cialan O’Sullivan found a way through, but was denied by Ryan McCarthy when he made a one-handed save to push away to safety.
This was followed by a stinging effort from the View’s Stuart Murphy that went narrowly over.
The View did manage to pull one back and what a goal it was.
Wayne O’Leary latched on to a ball over the top before unleashing an unstoppable effort that flew past Stephen Murray on 38,
But, the View were rocked back on their heels again when Adam Murphy touched home from Luke Casey’s corner three minutes later.
And on the hour, following some neat improvised play, a through ball by Mark O’Connell set Cialan O’Sullivan up to slam home and make it 4-1.
At this stage now, Coachford were in complete control and on the 64th minute, the inevitable happened again, when from Luke Casey’s corner, Mark Murphy grabbed his second with another clinical finish.
After Lorcan Cahoon fired over from 25, nice build-up play followed from Coachford and it was 6-1 when from Luke Casey’s free kick, Mark Murphy rose highest to head home and complete his hat-trick on 75 minutes.
Coachford continued on the front-foot now and when Aaron O’Sullivan played it through for Luke Casey, he fired low past McCarthy to make it 7-1 on 77.
Then, applying the icing to the cake was Adam Murphy when he rose to head home number eight with just minutes remaining.
Castleview’s Corey Crowley had to leave the pitch because of a serious injury before the break – I’m sure everyone in the ground, along with players from both sides wish Corey a speedy recovery
Coachford A: Stephen Murray, Dhani Merrick, Matthew Bradley, Keith Linzell, Mark Murphy, Adam Murphy, Evan O’Sullivan, Mark O’Connell, Luke Casey, Cialan O’Sullivan and Jamie Griffen.
Subs: Cathal O’Neill for Mark O’Connell (68), Dara Lynch for Dhani Merrick (68), Aaron O’Sullivan for Cialan O’Sullivan (73), Christopher O’Connell Murphy for Keith Linzell (73), Ryan Leahy for Jamie Griffen (76).
Castleview: Ryan McCarthy, Ciaran Dennehy, David Golden, Corey Crowley, David Burke, Stuart Murphy, Wayne O’Leary, Daniel O’Donoghue, Jamie O’Donovan, Jason Magee and Lorcan Cahoon.
Subs: Derek Kiely for Corey Crowley (44), Jamie Mason and James Green for Ciaran Dennehy and Jamie O’Donovan (66).
Referee: Jim Hennessy.
Assistants: Paul O’Sullivan, Ryan McCann and Paul Bowdren.
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