FIRSTS THROUGH TO COCHRANE & CORRY FINAL

Cochrane & Corry Semi Final Result 

CRUMLIN STAR 3 - 0 NEWINGTON RANGERS

2 goals from Barry McKervey and a Ciaran Reid header gave Star a convincing 3-0 win against an in form Newington Rangers side.

Match Report to follow...

 The Star are through to the final of the Cochrane & Corry Cup after defeating fellow 2A side Newington Rangers 3-0 at the Junior Stadium last night.  The opening 10 mins of the match was a cagey affair with neither team really on top or willing to commit men forward too early. Star's first meaningful attack resulted in Mc Connell putting the ball into the net from a pinpoint McKervey cross however his strike was ruled out for offside. The next 15 mins saw Newington come into the match more and they forced O Dywer to make some good saves and came close to breaking the deadlock after star's failure to clear their lines saw a Newington midfielder hit a fierce shot onto the post. However the Star's defence of Neilis O reilly Keenan and Macauley held firm and defended very well to weather the Newington pressure. Star finally got a grip of the game with Braniff Doran and Mc Connell hustling and passing well in midfield  and the front trio of Mc Kervey, Brown and Devenny started to cause trouble for the Newington backline. Devenny's link up play, which was excellent the whole match, saw him release Brown who just shot wide and Mc Connell also saw his half volley sail wide of the goal. Star did break the deadlock just before half time when PBrown was fouled 25 yards from goal and Mc Kervey stepped up to slot the ball into the right bottom corner. Devenny should have made it 2 however he blazed his shot over from 5 yards after good work from Neilis on the right.

Half time 1-0

The second half saw Star come out in determined fashion and looking to increase their lead. Central midfield duo Braniff and Doran were dominating midfield and Mc Kervey  wasted 2 good chances when he failed to beat the keeper from 10 yards twice. Star made a change when the returning Reid came on for Mc Connell and just mins after, Star increased their lead when Braniff burst through the Newington defence and won a penalty after being taken down by the keeper. Mc Kervey slotted the penalty away to score his and Star's second of the game.  Star were playing well and made a few changes when Clarke and Hamilton came on for Doran and O Reilly. Star got a third soon after when good work from Macauley and McKervey on left saw the latter cross the ball for Reid at the backpost who headed the Star 3-0 infront. With the game effectively won, Star did not let complacency sink in and continued to press for more goals with Devenny's shot just clipping the post and Braniff narrowly missing the target with a 25 yard left foot volley. Star ended up running out comfortable winners  and sealed their place in the final. Manager Eamonn Hawkins was delighted with the performance of the team.

 Full time 3-0

Team : O Dywer  Neilis  Keenan  O reilly  Macauley   Mc Connell  Braniff   Doran   Mc Kervey   Devenny  P Brown  subs : Reid Clarke Hamilton