Cosmos bow out after a fine run

Navan Cosmos0

Manorhamilton1

NAVAN Cosmos made their exit from the FAI Junior Cup at the MDL on Sunday when they were edged out by Leitrim visitors Manorhamilton

The men from the north west recorded a lone goal victory, they also sealed a place in the last 16 of the competition and a home tie against top Cork side Douglas Hall at the next hurdle.

This was a disappointing result for Cosmos who only two weeks ago made the arduous trip to Cork to tackle top Munster side Richmond FC and duly recorded a highly impressive 2-0 success.

The Meath men were unable to produce the same type of form again although they never gave up and battled until the end with outstanding performances from Derek Coogan and BarryReilly at the centre of defence and Joe Martin and Stephen Ivers who both worked tirelessly in attack.

The crucial goal arrived in first-half injury-time when Colin Ryan was left unmarked in the Cosmos penalty area and rifled an unstoppable shot past Navan custodian Alan Ball.

There wasn't even time for the kick-off before referee Conor Byrne sounded the half-time whistle, but it gave Cosmos manager John Conaty time to rally his troops for a second-half assault on the Manorhamilton goal.

Cosmos had enjoyed the better of the first-half exchanges after they survived a second minute scare from Brian McDonald's header which Ball saved well.

Joe Martin, Pisenik Bienut and Tomasz Adamczyk all created chances for the hosts on a bumpy surface while at the other end Ronan McGourty had Manorhamilton's best chance when he failed to connect with a low cross.

Manorhamilton defended stoutly after the resumption with Adamczyk heading over and Barry Reilly's blistering drive from 25 metres was spectacularly turned over by Martin Cleary.

Cosmos threatened sporadically for the remainder and near the end Adamczyk had another great chance, but a wall of defenders charged his effort down and the danger was cleared.

Overall, Manorhamilton were worthy winners and had good displays from brothers, Thomas, Anthony and Brian McDonald, Dermot O'Rourke and Ryan.

Navan Cosmos - A Ball; D Sheridan, T Ratty, D Coogan, B Reilly, P Bienut, I Reilly, S Conaty, S Ivers, T Adamczyk, J Martin. Subs - M McCabe for Bienut, J McDonagh for Martin.

Manorhamilton - M Cleary; A Hickey, A McDonald, T McDonald, D O'Rourke, C Ryan, P Lonican, B McDonald, P Sweeney, P Boylan, R McGourty. Sub - G Hickey for Boylan.

Referee - Conor Byrne; assistants - John Barry, John Regan (all Meath Branch).