Knights day for another shock

Knightsbrook made it to their first Meath & District League Challenge Cup final with yet another fine victory, this time over Div 1 side Dromin Utd at Marian Park, Drogheda on Sunday. This was a tough, at times tempestuous game, with three players sent-off, two from the Louth side. In front of a sizeable crowd, the Trim side continued their run of giant killing to knock out pre-match favourites and set up a Challenge Cup final clash with Clones Town. Last year Dromin were defeated by Trim Celtic in the last four of this competition. Knightsbrook also lost out to Glenmuir in last year's semi-final and they were determined not to let history repeat itself and took control of the game from the start. They went in front when TJ Garry flicked a cross into the top corner of the net with a header. They played the better football during the first-half, with central defenders Garry and Alan Gilbane winning everything in the air and on the ground. On the few occasions that Dromin managed to get past the defence, goalkeeper Eugene Goulding was in dominant form. The second-half was far more eventful. Dromin pressed from the start, but again found the Knightsbrook defence difficult to breakdown. However, as the half wore on, Knightsbrook started to enjoy more possession and they looked dangerous on the break. Mid-way through the half, Dromin were reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card. Knightsbrook continued to enjoy more possession, but towards the end of the game, they were also reduced to 10 men when Anthony Craig received a second yellow card following a tackle. Dromin were soon reduced to nine men, again for a second yellow card. From the resultant free kick, Craig O'Hanlon forced a fine save from the Dromin goalkeeper, the ball fell kindly to James Moynihan who slotted home, confirming Knightsbrook's place in the Challenge Cup final. A fine victory for the Trim side, which was built on their strong defensive platform. Goulding, Gilbane and Garry were particularly impressive for the victors. Knighsbrook - E Goulding; D Blaney, D Gibney, TJ Garry, A Gilbane, C Ryan, J Moynihan, J Curran, A Craig; C O'Hanlon, E Murray.