CFC Banteer prove too good for Strand in AUL encounter
The CFC Banteer side that had a 3-1 victory over Strand United A in their Premier A clash at Ballyanley.
The win itself was all the more significant as fellow title-chasers Springfield were defeated by Shandon Celtic 2-3 at St Colman’s Park.
This victory certainly gives CFC Banteer the edge now in the title race over the coming weeks ahead.
What a start Banteer got as they found themselves 2-0 up in the first six minutes.
Banteer threatened from the off as David Og Coleman had to be alert to grab possession from the lurking Stephen Sheehan, but in the second minute, a lovely weighted pass from Tadgh Murphy played Stephen Sheehan into space and after taking a steadying touch, he slid the ball past Coleman for an early opener.
Almost immediately then, Tadgh Sexton tried to play in Sheehan once again, but this time, the striker was foiled by the swift reaction of Coleman.
Strand were rocked right back on their heels once again in the sixth minute when, following a corner, David Og Coleman fumbled the ball over the line from Brendan Stack’s header to help double Banteer’s advantage.
Banteer were bright in these opening exchanges now and when Stephen Sheehan swivelled before drilling narrowly past the post, Timmy Murphy made David Og Coleman work to save from his forceful free kick.
Banteer continued to have the edge and after Alan Coughlan collected before rifling narrowly wide, Tadgh Murphy knocked it square for Timmy Murphy, who skewed his effort wide of the post.
Then, from David Murphy tricky delivery, Jonathon Bush was forced to head out for a corner.
Banteer’s Timmy Murphy would have found a way through, but a sharp intervention by Strand’s Eoghan Buckley saved the day.
Strand suffered another blow and fell further behind when Stephen Sheehan dispossessed Eoghan Buckley before going on to produce a good finish to the far corner and make it 3-0 to Banteer on 38.
But, just minutes before the break, Strand gave themselves a lifeline when Gavin Kelleher directed an effort that looked like going in, but just to make sure, Zach O’Mahony followed through to force home from close range and make it 3-1 at the break.
With just minutes into the second period, a great chance fell for Banteer to make it four when Alan Coughlan played it square for Barry Murphy, who picked the unmarked Stephen Sheehan with a neat pass, but the striker failed to complete his hat-trick when he rifled over while unattended near the edge of the box.
Mikey Johnson did try to play in Adam O’Keeffe, but Brian O’Keeffe was alert enough to produce a vital tackle in the nick of time.
On the break, David Murphy played it on for Tadgh Sexton, who knocked it back to the supporting Barry Murphy, but he sliced his effort wide of the target.
Strand were trying hard to get something more from the game and after Jonathon Bush floated a long-range effort over, Adam O’Keeffe tried to play Zach O’Mahony into space, but Philpott got there in time enough to smother possession to safety.
From a long delivery, Gavin Kelleher tried to control the ball near the edge of the box, but failed to do so and a chance went before Kevin Walsh saw his decent effort whistle wide.
Banteer nearly got their fourth when Harry Buttimer’s in-swinging corner looked like it was heading all the way to the far corner, but Eoghan Buckley was in the right place to head clear to safety in the end.
A lofted delivery by Jonathon Bush looked like it was landing for Gavin Kelleher, but the striker just failed to get a vital touch at a crucial moment near goal.
Then, from a long throw into the box, the ball broke for Eoghan Buckley, but a number of Banteer defenders threw their bodies on the line to deny his goal-bound effort reaching the target.
The final action saw Timmy Murphy produce a vital tackle to deny Kelleher a pathway through on goal – 3-1 to CFC Banteer.
Strand A: David OG Coleman, Jonathon Bush, Salman Yurul, Eoghan Buckley, Adam Scott, Michael O’Mahony, Sean Gavin, Mikey Johnson, Adam O’Keeffe, Gavin Kelleher and Zack O’Mahony.
Subs: Michael Fitton and Kevin Walsh for Adam O’Keeffe and Mikey Johnson (68).
CFC Banteer: Luke Philpott, Harry Buttimer, Timmie Murphy, Brian O’Keeffe, Brendan Stack, Alan Coughlan, Barry Murphy, Tadgh Murphy, Stephen Sheehan, David Murphy and Tadgh Sexton.
Subs: Stewart O’Keeffe for Stephen Sheehan (70).
Referee: Alan McDonagh.
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