MONKSLAND UNITED 2
WILLOW PARK 2
Monksland United kept their unbeaten league record intact when they came from two goals down to secure a vital point against Willow Park in Cushla Park last Sunday morning.
The hosts looked to be heading for defeat when Brian Fogarty doubled Willow's lead midway through the second half, but a late comeback was staged by the hosts, the equaliser coming on the stroke of full time. Kevin Dunne might have then won the contest for Monksland but headed over deep into stoppage time.
The early stages saw Willow on top but United’s first chance could easily have led to the opening goal. The first corner kick was earned by Willow with a second soon following. Bryan McCormack then had a shot saved for Willow but his keeper Conor Devaney was called into action after 15 minutes to deny the hosts. Matt Scally sent in a cross from the right which was met by Dylan Jinks but Devaney pushed the ball behind for United’s first corner.
Tony O’Sullivan's team then had further chances. Two more corners followed with the woodwork then denying the hosts the lead. Ryan O’Connor set up Denzil DaCosta and his shot crashed back off the post.
Jinks then had a header saved with Darren Carberry also denied by the keeper at the other end. The home team were punished for losing possession on 21 minutes and Neil Kenny took advantage to shoot to the net from close range. McCormack and Carberry had further chances for Willow but United finished the half strongly, the woodwork again denying United on 38 minutes when Jinks fired a shot off the bar. A further corner followed with Johnny Kiernan having the final chances of the half for the hosts but both were off target.
The opening stages of the second half saw neither keeper seriously tested. DaCosta fired a free over with a corner being earned by Willow at the other end. Kenny was also off target but the bright opening faded. The home team looked to be in serious trouble when the lead was doubled on 69 minutes. Kenny delivered a cross from the right and Fogarty volleyed to the net off the woodwork. The last remaining unbeaten record in the division now looked to be in danger.
A home corner was followed by Willow earning two of their own. The hosts were then handed a lifeline on 79 minutes. Kiernan was again involved as he delivered a cross from the left which Devaney failed to collect, but Stephen Francis was on hand to fire a low shot to the net.
There was still more drama to follow. Kiernan had a shot saved but Willow were dangerous on the counter attack as they forced two more corners during the closing stages. Substitute Brian Francis completed a remarkable home comeback when he tapped in from close range in the last minute.
Willow had let a two-goal lead slip but might have ended up without even a point when, in the fourth additional minute, Dunne could have won it for Monksland but headed over from close range.
Another local derby awaits for Monksland United this weekend with a trip to McCarty Park to play St Peters, while Willow Park journey to Mountmellick in their next league encounter.
