Connaught CUP (Semi-Final)

Connaught Telegraph March 13 1996


Composed Ballyglass cause major cup upset

VINTAGE NOONAN STRIKE MAKE CLUB HISTORY. . .

Abbey United ............................ 0
Ballyglass ................................. 1

TOM KELLY. . .IN SLIGO

Surely, now, Ballyglass hopes of lifting the prized Connaught Cup for the first time will be taken seriously? Quietly and calmly, away from the glare of publicity and hyperbole, they progressed steadily in the biggest competition of them all in the province.

But few, if any, gave them a realistic chance. And they were virtually written off as no-hopers when they were drawn away to face Abbey United in the penultimate round. After all, this was the Sligo side which had hammered Manulla, Mayo's pretenders to the Connaught throne, out of sight in their previous outing. Ballyglass, however, never lost faith in their own capability.

In a performance which reflected the essence of the club's spirit and resilient qualities, they caused a major upset by bringing the challenge of Abbey United to its knees at Sean Fallon Park on Sunday.

A stunning goal eleven minutes from the end by John Noonan, his third of the series, proved the match-winning strike in the side's most famous Connaught Cup triumph.

Noonan, a product of the club's youth policy, displayed both composure and killing instinct wide on the right when he received an intelligent Kevin Connolly pass from the centre circle.

He utilised his impressive turn of pace to slip past defender Steve McGarry and dribble into the penalty area before powering the ball under the legs of goalkeeper, David Scanlon, and into the net. The big contingent of Ballyglass supporters could hardly contain themselves on the sidelines as Noonan turned gloriously to accept their applause.

It was a goal worthy of winning any match. And, in overall terms, it was no more than Ballyglass deserved after creating the more clear-cut opportunities.

Before Noonan struck in such memorable style, the feeling abounded that Ballyglass had missed their chance. The assumption was based principally on Joe Glynn's failure to reap advantage of the game's best scoring opportunity seven minutes into the second half. In a situation in which he had the Abbey goalkeeper at his mercy, he blasted his attempt from eight yards over the crossbar.

In fairness to Glynn, however, he was having an exceptionally good game for Ballyglass in attack. The Abbey defence struggled to cope with his strength in the air and skill on the ground.

THREE FACTORS

Glynn was always prepared to be adventurous when the opportunity presented itself, an approach which almost brought him a goal before half-time. He went within an ace of chipping the ball over the head of the goalkeeper from 20-yards, but his effort was denied by the crossbar. Nevertheless, he would have been very disappointed by his miss in the 52nd minute, even through it did not prove costly in the end.

Mark Diskin also experienced a reasonable scoring chance before Noonan's winner, but the goalkeeper David Scanlon did excellently in the instance.

When Ballyglass sit down to analysis this victory, they will surely pinpoint three factors in particular, apart from the winning goal.

Firstly, goalkeeper Declan Prendergast was in inspirational form. In fact, I have rarely seen him as sharp and as fit before. His outstanding save, on the full stretch, from David McManus's snap-shot in the 14th minute, was absolutely critical to the result. He also made two further very good saves from Derek Farran in the second half.

Secondly, the contribution of the Ballyglass central midfield unit of Paul Connolly and Joe Reapy cannot be understated. They stopped Abbey playing the way they wanted to, the way in which they had cut Manulla to shreds seven days earlier.

Thirdly, Ballyglass central defenders Martin Vahey and Colm Burke did not put a foot wrong. Abbey's Terry Butler, who had been at the top of his game with a hat-trick in the previous round, was virtually anonymous. I don't think he had a shot on target.

These, in my estimation, were the three key factors in winning the match for Ballyglass and could, ultimately, win them the Connaught Cup for the first time.

There were also exceptionally good individual performances by Kenny Staunton, Michael Kelly and Mark Diskin.

Ballyglass manager Jarlath Moran was delighted by the manner in which his side kept their shape and composure during spells of pressure.

"Abbey dominated the game in periods, particularly in the first half. At one point, I think they had six corners in quick succession. But we stood our ground, dug deep into our reserves of commitment and got our just rewards."

There is no reason why Ballyglass cannot repeat that kind of display against Calry Bohs in the final at the Showgrounds, Sligo, on Saturday, March 23rd (under lights) or Sunday, March 24th.

Abbey United: D. Scanlon, M. Kelly, S. McGarry, N. Conlon, J. Sheridan, D. McManus, D. Farran, D. Lynch, T. Butler, G. Finan, J. Morrisroe. Res: M. Hanley (for Lynch).

Ballyglass: D. Prendergast, M. Kelly, K. Staunton, C. Burke, M. Vahey, J. Noonan, P. Connolly, J. Reapy, M. Diskin, J. Glynn, K. Connolly. Res: J. Keady (for K. Connolly).

Ref: E. Lynch (Galway).

* Star Rating: John Noonan. . .famous goal in a famous victory.


Connaught Telegraph - News - Mar 1996

Connaught Telegraph - Sports - Mar 1996