Final disappointment for Oldcastle Utd

LEINSTER JUNIOR SHIELD Meath side failed to capitalise on numerical advantage

Oldcastle Utd hearts were broken on Saturday afternoon as they fell to defeat against Lusk United in the Leinster Junior Shield final at the MDL Grounds, Navan, writes Conor Cantwell.

A first-half goal for Cormac Fagan was ruled out before half-time as Lusk, who played almost the entirity of the game with 10 men, battled back to stop a third Meath team in five years from winning the competition.

The fear of this game being a cagey affair was alleviated after a minute of play, as Lusk centre-back Mohamed Hervé Coulibaly blatantly fouled Fagan as he progressed into the box, causing confusion among the officiating team.

The foul occurred outside the penalty area, which meant Coulibaly was given his marching orders and Oldcastle gained a man advantage.

The men from north Meath made this additional player count just after the 20th minute as Ferghal Gibney poked a perfectly weighted ball through to Fagan. After having an identical effort spurned earlier, Fagan made no mistake with his finish this time around.

Oldcastle seemed to lose the positive momentum that the opener gave them, and just before half-time, Lusk drew level.

An excellent defensive header from Jason Scully resulted in a corner for the Dublin side, and James Birmingham’s delivery to the back post found the head of Dimi Dojoga, who looped his header back across goal and in off the far upright.

This goal turned out to be pivotal as the 10 men of Lusk took the lead minutes after the restart.

Tidy work from Davidson Okosun inside the Oldcastle penalty area set up Birmingham for a clear shot at goal. Excellent defending from the Meath side prevented the first effort, but Ryan Mullins Piggot was on hand to smash the ball past the desperate efforts of Scully on the line.

Things got worse for Oldcastle just four minutes later when a mix-up in midfield popped the ball up for Okosun on the edge of the box, and the Lusk attacker made no mistake with a precise driven shot into the bottom corner.

Alan McCann’s side pushed for a goal to gain momentum, and the fans in attendance were almost treated to an amazing goal from CJ Healy.

Taking the ball down with his left foot on the edge of the area, Healy volleyed the ball hard off the crossbar, with the follow-up effort flying wide of the post, much to the dismay of those in blue and white on the sideline.

Oldcastle were awarded a penalty in additional time, but Healy, who had exhibited quality throughout the game, fired wide from the spot in the final attempt of the game.

A disappointing afternoon for Oldcastle fans and players alike, but there are several positives McCann and his players can take into the remainder of the league season. The large number of traveling Oldcastle fans was a testament to their impressive cup run.

Oldcastle Utd - Gary O’Rourke; Dylan Garrigan, Daniel Scully, Ciaran Healy, Jason Scully, Lee Healy, Ferghal Gibney, Ben Grey, CJ Healy, Paul Wade, Cormac Fagan. Subs - Pearse Sheridan for L Healy 45m, Louis Colleran for Wade 71m, Jake Madden for Gibney 83m

Lusk Utd- Robert Byrne; Jamie Daly, Cian Nolan, Mohamed Hervé Coulibaly), Barry O’Mahoney, Ryan Hickey, Dima Dojoga, Oliver Radecki, Davidson Okosun, Ryan Mullins Piggot, James Birmingham. Subs - Josh Hayes for Radecki 31m, Josh Hogan for Okosun 60m, Matthew Hennigan for Hickey 72m, Dylan McMeel for Birmingham 87m.

Referee - Keith Butterly.