MONKSLAND UNITED 2 WILLOW PARK 1
John Dingle
Monksland United claimed the sporting spoils in this eagerly contested CCFL senior division contest played in Cushla Park on Sunday last, a result which saw Tony O'Sullivan's charges achieve prime position on the league table as the season approaches the midway point.
Monksland United took the lead in first half stoppage time, but Willow Park deservedly drew level from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. With the local derby set to end in a draw, Callum O’Brien then netted the winner for the home team.
Willow dominated much of the opening half but were struck a blow deep into stoppage time. Monksland did have the first chance through the returning Dylan Jinks but did not have many more attempts on goal thereafter. The visitors were quickly into their stride and Tommy Hurley drew a fine save from Cathal Hannon. A first corner kick soon followed with Drew Hiag also denied by Hannon. Another corner was earned but still Willow could not make the early breakthrough, their best chance coming on 14 minutes when Neil Kenny on the right set up Hurley but once more Hannon was in top form, tipping the shot behind.
Monksland survived and John Stapleton had a rare opportunity for the hosts but fired wide. Having been on top for long periods, Colin Fortune's men were undone from a set piece in the fourth additional minute. David O’Brien floated in a free kick from just inside the Willow half, the ball went across the goalmouth without being cleared by the visitors and fell to the back post where Jinks was unmarked and the Monksland ace duly fired the hosts into a half time lead. Willow were left wondering how they were in arrears considering how much possession they had enjoyed in the half.
The second half again saw Willow have lots of the ball but they were unable to make their dominance tell on the score sheet. Monksland restarted brightly as an early corner was followed by Ryan O’Connor having a shot blocked by Shane McEnery. Inspired by their keeper, Willow pushed forward as Israel Kimazo fired just wide and a corner kick was also earned. The equaliser finally came with 64 minutes played after Hurley was taken down in the penalty area. Half time substitute Rafa Shakhnazaryan stepped up to fire the resulting spot kick low past the keeper’s right to the net. It was well deserved for the visitors who many expected would now push on and get the winner.
It did not work out that way though as the next action saw Monksland pounce for what proved to be the winning goal. Again, the away defending was poor and Callum O’Brien punished the slackness to drill the ball home in a crowded goalmouth. It swung the game back in United’s way and the visitors had no response in spite of piling on more pressure for the remainder of the half.
Monksland were content to soak it all up and try to score again on the counter attack. There was no late drama but Fortune's men had one more chance to share the spoils when Kimazo had an opportunity in the fourth additional minute but his shot was comfortably gathered by Hannon.
