Dunboyne edged out in tight cup replay

Dunboyne's bid for a place in the first round of the FAI Senior Cup ended in the rain and the mud at Station Road Park, Saint Johnston on Sunday when they were edged out in a replay by Kildrum Tigers. The conditions, on and off the pitch, were poor. The pitch was probably deemed playable due to the fact that it was an FAI Intermediate Cup replay coupled with the long journey that Dunboyne had made. The tiny Donegal village of Saint Johnston is about 12 miles from Lifford and is bordered by the river Foyle. Once again Dunboyne manager Vernon McAllorum was forced to select Ger Robinson between the posts as the goalkeeping crisis continued. The new 'keeper, Derek Finley, who was signed last week as cover for the injured Paul O'Reilly was unavailable for this game while O'Reilly remains on the injured list. Robinson was quite comfortable between the posts for most of the 90 minutes and produced at least three top class saves. The Kildrum Tigers goals arrived in a frantic seven-minute spell midway though the opening half. Cormac Carolan claimed both, the first took a deflection following a scramble in the Dunboyne penalty area while the second arrived following a corner that had the Dunboyne players looking for a free-out. So incensed was Robinson that his remonstrations with the referee earned a yellow card. Shortly before the goals Dunboyne were dealt a major blow when pacy full-back Chris Sylvester limped out of the action. Sylvester's absence robbed Dunboyne of an attacking threat down the right wing and they were also fortunate to avoid conceding a third goal when Carolan broke through, but Robinson saved well. The Meath side only began to settle into the game in the closing stages of the half and it was all of 44 minutes before Stephen McCrossan managed a shot that whizzed wide. Dunboyne were more potent after the break and Andy Farrell (pictured), who was a constant threat, was narrowly off target. Approaching the hour a poor Kildrum backpass gave Ciaran Carr a chance, but he was beaten in the race for possession by goalkeeper Marty McGinty who complained to the referee about the challlenge. There was nothing untoward as Carr's challenge was fair and the goalie was outside his penalty area. The ball broke from McGinty and Michael Cunniffe had to react quickly, but his first-time effort from about 30 yards missed the target. It was a good chance. Soon after Dunboyne were awarded a penalty in somewhat unusual circumstances. McGinty advanced quickly to save with Cunniffe and Carr chasing the ball. McGinty claimed possession and then engaged in a tussle with the Dunboyne players, who hadn't even been near enough to make contact. McGinty used the ball to push one of the Dunboyne players away, the referee saw the exchange and awarded a penalty. He also issued a yellow card to the custodian. Farrell converted from the spot and Dunboyne were back in the game. Midway through the second-half Farrell made an opening, but Lee Ferrand was unable to make contact and the ball flashed across the Kildrum six-yard box. Then Brendan Lee flicked the ball on and substitute Terry McAuley's header was saved by McGinty. Dunboyne maintained the momentum as Farrell created another opening, but Carr was unable to finish. With 10 minutes remaining Farrell's free was saved and in the 87th minute Carr brought another good save out of McGinty. As the 90 minutes elapsed the heavens opened and a torrential shower of rain left both teams relieved when the final whistle arrived. Kildrum's reward for victory is a trip to Cork to play Munster Senior League side College Corinthians in the first round of the FAI senior Cup next month. Kildrum Tigers - M McGinty; J McGinty, N Lloyd, M Crossan, P McLoughlin, S McGowan, D McCreadie, D Crossan, G Doherty, C Carolan, D Cassidy. Subs - R Coyle for Carolan 65 mins, G Bouviard for Doherty 80m Dunboyne - G Robinson; C Sylvester, S Roarty, R O'Toole, B Lee, C Cassidy, L Ferrand, S McCrossan, A Farrell, C Carr, M Cunniffe. Subs - T McAuley for Sylvester 25 mins, C Richardson for Ferrand 67m, N Connellan for Cassidy 73m. Referee - Tommy McAree (Donegal Branch).