Waterloo book spot in St Michael’s Cup final after a 4-2 victory over Boher Celtic in the semi-final
The Waterloo side that had a 4-2 victory over Boher Celtic in the semi-final of the St. Michael's cup at the Mayfield United Astro pitch.
Boher will be a little disappointed after squandering some chances, but goals win football matches and in the end, the Loo proved more clinical when it came to finishing.
It was a bustling start from both teams as Boher threatened early when Calvin McAuliffe played one on for Michael O’Riordan, who forced Anthony Kiely to touch away to safety.
A nice Boher move ensued then when Michael O’Malley worked it on for Calvin McAuliffe, who combined with Jamie McAuliffe before the ball broke for Darren Griffin to force a fine save from Anthony Kiely.
Minutes later; Ronan O’Brien brought a fine save from Tom Hickey at the expense of a corner.
Calvin McAuliffe won good possession before finding Michael O’Riordan, who saw his low effort, well held by Anthony Kiely.
But, Jack O’Keeffe would have stole through were it not for a timely tackle by Boher’s Conor Cronin.
A cross by Scott Shine did reach the available Jack O’Keeffe, but he was denied by a solid near-post save from Tom Hickey.
But, what an opener we saw next.
Boher’s Calvin McAuliffe started a neat move when he played it inside for Michael O’Riordan who exchanged passes with Conor O’Riordan before sending a rasping effort high into the corner for a terrific opener on 24.
Boher came close to doubling their advantage when Darren Griffin found Jamie McAuliffe, who struck a firm effort narrowly past the upright before Ronan O’Brien made Tom Hickey work with a low effort.
Calvin McAuliffe then held good possession in the final third before attempting to curl his effort which skewed past the far post.
Boher were enjoying a good level of the play now and a strong run from Michael O’Malley saw him set Jamie McAuliffe up, but he failed to beat Anthony Kiely with his effort.
And from Conor O’Riordan’s corner, the ball came for the unmarked Mark Dineen, but he failed to force home from close range.
A chance then fell for Liam O’Leary at the other end, but he delayed enough to allow Mark Dineen intervene and clear up the danger.
But, on the stroke of half-time, parity was restored when Ronan O’Brien’s effort deflected off Mark Dineen before wrong-footing Tom Hickey to nestle in the net and bring both sides into the break at 1-1.
Boher threatened in the early stages of the second period and had a chance, but when Michael O’Riodan crossed low into the box, Jamie McAuliffe failed to get a touch near goal.
What a chance then fell for Boher next – Jamie McAuliffe found himself in a one-on-one with the Loo’s keeper, but after beating him with his strike, the ball struck off the butt of the upright before being cleared to safety.
Then, at the other end, a strong run from Dylan Murphy took him through on goal, but he was denied by a reflex save from Tom Hickey in the end.
But, when Fionn Hall headed over from Ronan O’Brien’s corner, Waterloo nosed in front when a turn and strike by Scott Shine found the bottom corner to make it 2-1 on 64.
The Loo were now having a good period and when Liam O’Leary exchanged passes with Ronan O’Brien, he could not get enough of conviction on his effort to trouble Tom Hickey.
But, the Loo nosed further in front when Alan Shine collected from Ronan O’Brien before crossing into the box and when Liam O’Leary failed to touch home from close range, Jack O’Keeffe was available next to rattle the net with a strong finish and make it 3-1 on 75.
Boher did get one back when Jamie McAuliffe fired home to the corner on 82 minutes, but despite Boher’s efforts to force the tie into extra time, Waterloo grabbed a fourth through Alan Shine near the end.
Waterloo: Anthony Kiely, Shane O’Shea, John Hegarty, Sean Hannafin, Fionn Hall, Jack Homan, Scott Shine, Dylan Murphy, Liam O’Leary, Sonan O’Brien and Jack O’Keeffe.
Subs: Aaron Buckley for Jack O’Keeffe (81), Alan Shine for John Hegarty (86).
Boher Celtic: Tom Hickey, Conor Cronin, Eoin McAuliffe, Dave Barrett, Mark Dineen, Michael O’Malley, Darren Griffin, Conor O’Riordan, Jamie McAuliffe, Calvin McAuliffe and Michael O’Riordan.
Subs: Mark Nolan for Michael O’Riordan (60), Sean Woulfe for Darren Griffin (78).
Referee: Paul Bowdren.
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