Loran strike gives Mullingar Town dramatic Cup victory

Mullingar Town 4 Ballyboro 3

Football is a funny old game and that was never truer than in D'Alton Park, the home of Mullingar Town on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

The hosts welcomed Lanesboro side, Ballyboro as the two sides locked horns for the second time in a week. Showing outrageous character and resolve, Mullingar Town came from three-nil down to win a thrilling Combined Counties Cup tie and the dramatic nature of the victory made for a memorable day for the home side, who secured a home draw in the last 16, where they will face Temple Villa.

Mullingar Town started well and were on top for the first 20 minutes, but never really threatened. For the next 25 minutes it was the visitors who grew into the game against a depleted Mullingar team, who were missing a number of regulars through injury and sickness.

On 43 minutes the visitors scored the first goal of the game for 0-1 advantage and they only had to wait one further minute to double their lead as a mistake saw them go 0-2 up, and deservedly so.

It could have been much worse had the Longford side taken their chances, but at half-time Mullingar Town trailed by two goals to nil.

The second half saw Mullingar Town almost pull one back early on but for a great save from Cian McGrath’s effort. The home side were building up a head of steam but suffered a huge dagger through the heart when 'Boro capitalised on a couple of errors to make it 3-0 and it looked like the tie was all over at that stage.

This Mullingar Town team is made of stern stuff though and the whole team stood up and were counted as for the last 30 minutes. They really got the bit between their teeth, starting with a delightful ball from skipper Jamie Loran and a lovely headed finish from Cian McGrath for 1-3.

Mullingar Town would huff and puff for the next 20 minutes but to no avail; it wasn’t until the last 10 minutes that the flood gates would open. Another Loran ball found Michael Fadian and the in-form striker made it 2-3, and now it was certainly a case of 'game on' with eight minutes remaining.

Only five minutes were left when the ball came to David Masterson 25 yards out and he struck a wonderful effort to the top right hand corner of the net for 3-3.

The magic of the cup was there for everyone to see when Michael Loran, who had played the first 80 minutes in goals, was switched up front and he found himself through on goal from a Darragh Kiernan pass. Loran held his composure and sent a rocket to the net for 4-3 to the elation of the home supporters and the Town team.

This was one of the most dramatic cup ties in D'Alton Park in years and a testament to the character of the team as despite looking down and out they pulled together and rolled their sleeves up and never stopped believing.

Stevie McNamee was man of the match as his marauding runs and defensive play was brilliant throughout. Jamie Loran and Michael Fadian were also good throughout, but it was a real team effort and a day that will live long in the memory of the players as it’s a rare occasion to fight your way back from three goals down to win a tie.

It’s Ballymahon next at home as Mullingar Town look to hold on to top spot in the league.

Scorers - Mullingar Town: (Cian McGrath, Michael Fadian, David Masterson, Michael Loran)

Mullingar Town: Michael Loran, Stevie McNamee, David Masterson, Michael Grimes, Mick O'Rourke, Darragh Kiernan, Oisin Tyrrell, Dean Kavanagh, Jamie Loran, Michael Fadian, Cian McGrath.

Subs used: Jack Hall for Grimes (75 mins), Mark Brady for Oisin Tyrrell (80 mins).