Cosmos grind out semi-final victory

Navan Cosmos had to grind out a North East Football League Challenge Cup victory against Duleek at the MDL this afternoon in a tight contest that was moved from Marian Park, Drogheda yesterday due to the inclement weather conditions.

Ciaran Rogers was the match-winner for Cosmos with a precise piece of finishing in the 77th minute from a cross by James Boland and they were comfortable for the remainder.

The change of venue may have suited Cosmos more than Duleek, but for long periods of this game it certainly didn’t look as if the Div 1 title contenders were in any way inconvenienced.

Duleek manager Gary Brady was disappointed at the end, but it was more to do with the fact that his side didn’t take any of the numerous chances they created, especially in a first-half they dominated.

However, the closest Duleek came to a goal was when striker-in-chief Barry Kavanagh was denied by the crossbar midway through the second-half.

Kavanagh tested Cosmos custodian Conor Gilsenan on a number of occasions, but the netminder was answered all the calls while Kavanagh limped out of the action soon after.

Navan Cosmos - Conor Gilsenan; Paul Delaney, Gary O’Dowd, Andrew Rogers, Robbie Dillon, Alan Murphy, Cillien Corcoran, Colin Lynch, Ciaran Rogers, Conor Walsh, Rob Coombes. Subs - Rian Wogan for O’Dowd 13 mins, James Boland for Coombes 63, Mark McCabe for C Rogers 90m.

Duleek - Mark Kelly; Darren Mills, Colm Woods, Jamie Flaherty, Paul Martin, Brian Murphy, Eoghan Mulroy, Sean Kennedy, Robbie Daly, Karl Dyas, Barry Kavanagh. Subs - Daniel Martin for Kavanagh 65 mins, Craig Brodigan for Daly and Rory Everett for Mulroy both 75m.

Next up for Navvan Cosmos is a crucial Premier game against Trim Celtic this Wednesday night at the MDL.