Manor Rangers 3
Ballisodare Utd 2
Prior to the game both teams were lead onto the field of play by each other’s underage players and both teams were introduced to Mr Pat Dolan board member of North – West Hospice.
Leitrim Kingpins Manor Rangers took to the carpet of the Showgrounds Sligo in a bid to be the first club to lift the North-West Hospice Cup. But Ballisodare United were also on their quest to lift silver and both sides opened at a high pace.
Ten Minutes gone and first blood to Ballisodare United. Captain Darragh Healy had time to pick his spot and he drilled a fabulous effort into the tip right hand side on the Manor net giving Paul Scanlon no chance. Five minutes later and Ballisodare went close but Simon Gilmartin effort was smothered by the agile Paul Scanlon in the Manor goals. Manor were now on high alert with the back four Anthony Mc Donald Aaron Hickey Paul Clancy and Alan Hickey working overtime. Nineteen minutes gone and Seamus Ryder broke clear from midfield and made straight for the Ballisodare gals but Jack Mannion anticipated the move and raced from his goal line to make a fantastic tackle and avert the danger. Manor were coming more into the game but time and again Jack Mannion was on hand in the Ballisodare goals to thwart their efforts. Twenty-eight minutes gone and a strong run down the right wing by Anthony Mc Donald seen a great challenge Michael Casey that once again stifled the Leitrim attack. But on thirty three minutes it was game on Niall Walsh despite the close attention of Jack Mannion stood strong to slot home the equaliser while keeper Mannion earned himself a yellow card. Two minutes later and Patrick Woulfe raced through the Ballisodare defence to fire Manor Rangers into the lead. Rickey Mc Munn was leading the fight back for Ballisodare with Kevin O Hara and Nathan Hargadon pushing their midfield forward. Roland Anderson and Skipper Darragh Healy were linking well in the middle but still Manor were contesting every ball. Adrian Croal and Brian Mc Donald were winning a lot of ball for Manor who near the end of the first half looked the stronger side. But both sides would no doubt come back recharged for the second half. The half time entertainment was provide by the under tens from both clubs displaying their soccer skills.
The second half was two minutes old when Patrick Woulfe broke from the left side of midfield tracked by Nathan Hargadon who pulled down Woulfe in the penalty area. Referee Tomas Oates pointed to the spot up stepped Niall Walsh to tuck the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the Ballisodare net. Manor were now in the driving seat two goals clear could Ballisodare do anything to stem the tide. Nine minutes into the second half and Nathan Hargadon made way for Adam Mc Goldrick who would certainly add pace to the Ballisodare attack. Six minutes later and Roland Anderson received a yellow card as did Manor’s Paul Clancy as a little bit of niggle started to creep into the game. A long range effort from Seamus Ryder was then deflected for a corner to Manor Rangers but Jack Mannion fisted the danger away. Keith Gilmartin was working his socks of in midfield prompting the Ballisodare attacker’s forward at every opportunity. Andrew Patton broke for Ballisodare who he met with a massive challenge from keeper Paul Scanlon and once again Manor were on the prowl. A Long range effort from Michael Casey seen Paul Scanlon having to scramble back on his line but once again great hands insure the danger was averted. Simon Gilmartin made way for Daren Somers on seventy minutes. Shortly after Adam Mc Goldrick his excellent free kick just go over the bar of the Manor Rangers goal. Seamus Ryder was then replaced by Gary Hickey with fourteen minutes remaining. Nine minutes from time and Paul Clancy received his second Yellow Card and got his marching orders and from the free kick super sub Darren Somers headed home a great gaol to give Ballisodare a life line against ten-man Manor. Ballisodare now drove forward at every opportunity in search of that precious goal and more woe for Manor Rangers when a few minutes from the end referee Tomas Oates seen fit to issue a Red Card to Captain Alan Hickey. But Manor Rangers stood solid and defended in depth till eventually the final whistle blew. In the after-match presentation Ballisodare Captain was magnanimous in defeat and congratulated Manor Rangers of their well-deserved victory as they were on the night the better team.
The Cup and presentations was made afterwards by Pat Dolan Board member of North West Hospice to Captain Alan Hickey. Next Week Manor Rangers will receive the Cup at the half time Interval at the showgrounds where Sligo Rovers will be playing Galway United. Manor Rangers: Paul Scanlon Anthony Mc Donald Paul Clancy Aaron Hickey Alan Hickey Captain Adrian Croal Brian Mc Donald Niall Walsh Patrick Woulfe Seamus Ryder Colm Callinan. Subs: Gary Hickey Mark Kavanagh Adam Connolly Paul Boylan Helder Oliveira Fionn Tessyou Niall Brady. Managers Alan Gilligan Paul Lonican Sean Gallagher David Cummins
Ballisodare United: Jack Mannion Nathan Hargadon Michael Casey Kevin O Hara Rickey Mc Munn Keith Gilmartin Dermot Mc Loughlin Roland Anderson Andrew Patton Darragh Healy Captain Simon Gilmartin Subs: Adam Mc Goldrick Darren Somers John Feicks Gary Cavanagh Gavin Phelan. Managers John Healy Brendan Mc Cann.
Referee: Tomas Oates Assistants Emma Cleary and Stephen Mc Gary.
