Norris goal decisive in battle of the Athletics
Paddy Cotter Cup round two: Mullingar Athletic 2, Abbeyleix Athletic 1
The hosts were narrow – but worthy – winners in last Friday night’s Paddy Cotter Cup clash between the ‘Athletic’ teams from Mullingar and Abbeyleix in cold conditions on the all-weather pitch at Gainstown, writes Gerry Buckley.
A strong wind favoured the visitors in the first half, blowing towards the main pitch in the resplendent grounds. However, the men in gold and green had most of the possession and Cathal O’Shaughnessy produced the first of a string of outstanding saves from the hard-working Liam Brennan as early as the fourth minute.
It came as no surprise when Trevor Thompson’s charges took the lead in the 13th minute when Ryan McCormack’s shot from inside the box just crept inside the post, despite O’Shaughnessy’s best efforts.
Abbeyleix drew level just past the half-hour mark when Joe Bergin cut in from the left wing and toed the ball low to the net past a stranded Eoin Gorman. It remained 1-1 at the interval.
Both sides came close to adding to their tallies in the early stages of the second half before a great through ball from McCullagh teed up overlapping defender Ryan Norris who calmly put the ball beyond O’Shaughnessy’s reach.
In the 81st minute, Siode set up Bobby Archibold who seemed sure to score from point-blank range, but his wind-assisted effort flew over the crossbar.
Although it looked for a while like this miss may have proven costly, Athletic stood their ground at the back and advance to the third round.
Mullingar Athletic: Eoin Gorman, Shane Boyce, Tristan Graham, Ryan Norris, Brian Kavanagh, Nathan McCullagh, Ryan McCormack, Jack O’Donnell, Efe Siode, Liam Brennan, Bobby Archibold. Subs used: Warric Kirby for McCullagh (73), Darren Aughey for McCormack (84).
Abbeyleix Athletic: Cathal O’Shaughnessy, Eoghan Fennelly, Dean Byrne, Lee Maher, Darren Bowe, Ben Freeman, Aaron O’Dea, Colin Rowan, Dylan Doyle, Killian Burke, Joe Bergin. Subs used: Conor Bergin for Burke (53), Ross Coffey for Bowe (59).
Ref: Damien McCormack.