Sallypark retain Tipperary Cup

SOCCER: North Tipperary & District League Cup Final

Sallypark Odhrans 3

Rearcross 2

Report: Gary Culbert in Drombane

Sallypark retained the Tipperary Cup as they overcame Rearcross in the final on Sunday.

There was not a cloud to be found in Drombane as Rearcross and Sallypark supporters alike descended on Clodiagh Rangers FC for an enticing battle.

Rearcross lined out with their familiar three at the back formation, whilst the ever-reliable Eoin Ryan was in the middle of a flat back four for Sallypark, alongside captain Brian Duffy.

Rearcross rely on teams pushing on against them and leaving space in the channels for James Deegan and Paddy Dawson to exploit on the counter, but they were never going to get that against this extremely compact Sallypark defense.

Sallypark knew they were strong in the air defensively, they somehow managed to drag Rearcross into a game of long balls and aerial duels that they had no chance of winning, due to the experience and physical dominance of Eoin Ryan, Padraig Ryan, and David Young.

In the second minute, the holders gave a warning of what was to come when Jimmy Shanahan lashed just wide at the back post following a deep ball in from a free kick on the halfway line, which was awarded after a high boot left Kieran Ryan needing a bandage around his head.

On several occasions, captain Greg Kennedy was alert to cut out Sallypark attacks at critical moments, and at the other end Deegan was threatening but could never get enough space to show his blistering pace.

Sallypark had a clear height and strength advantage over their nippy opposition, and in the 17th minute they made it count. The opener came after Paul Ryan drew a foul from Conor Nolan on the right side on the halfway line. Robert Harrington won the first header at the back post only to see the ball travel across goal towards fox in the box Jimmy Shanahan, who jumped with his man, and got a slice of luck because when he landed the ball was dropping to him invitingly and he made no mistake from six yards.

Rearcross were level seven minutes later. The goal came after a Michael O’Gorman strike was blocked out for a corner by Padraig Ryan. James Deegan took an out-swinging corner which Patrick Deegan challenged for on the penalty spot. The ball broke towards Paddy Dawson, who struck the cleanest half volley you will ever see; the ball would have stayed rising for another fifteen yards had the net not gotten in the way.

The Rearcross faithful had a numerical advantage in terms of support, and they were making themselves heard off the back of Dawson’s strike. Darragh Kennedy and Greg Kennedy responded and rose to the physical challenge, but Sallypark kept ticking away creating chance after chance from long throws, crosses, and fantastic hold up play by Sean Ryan.

The holders regained their lead in the 35th minute through Paul Ryan. It was a quick move which started with a sweeping 40-yard ball by Brian Duffy to Sean Ryan on the left flank. Ryan got his head up before swinging in a ball which was perfect height as it evaded Harrington and company before landing at the feet of an unmarked Paul Ryan; the ball got away from the striker but that didn’t matter as his second touch sent the ball flying into the roof the net.

Sallypark got an all-important third goal in first half injury time when Sean Ryan found a yard of space on the right end line before crossing to the feet of his strike partner Paul Ryan who could have shot first time from ten yards but instead, he turned, chopping back once more and as he did his legs were taken from under him and a penalty was awarded. Eoin Ryan dispatched from the spot for a 3-1 lead at the break.

Rearcross pulled one back through James Deegan seconds after the restart. The goal came after Deegan made a run from left to right in space, Sallypark didn’t think there was much danger, but the accuracy and pace of the striker’s right footed shot from the edge of the box left Damien Kilgallon with no chance as the ball flew high to the net.

Paddy Dawson and Stephen Rochford were not found wanting as Rearcross pushed hard for an equalizer. James Deegan did have a big chance in the 90th minute, and Patrick Deegan forced Damien Kilgallon into a match winning save in injury time, but ultimately the experience and guile of Shane Hogan’s men ensured that the Kevin Fogarty Cup would stay put in Latteragh for another year.

It was a disappointing end to a breakthrough season for Rearcross. Eamonn Devitt’s men have undoubtably played more games than any other team this season, so mental and physical fatigue might just have caught up with them towards the end of the campaign.

Rearcross probably played their best football before Christmas, whereas Sallypark have timed their rise to perfection and are really only peaking now.

Once the celebrations die down, the challenge for Shane Hogan will be replicating this form in Division 1 so he can restore Sallypark to the Premier Division.

Sallypark Odhráns: Damien Kilgallon; Kieran Ryan, Eoin Ryan, Brian Duffy, James Kirk; David Young, Liam Ryan, Padraig Ryan, Jimmy Shanahan; Sean Ryan, Paul Ryan.

Subs: Aaron Reid for Shanahan (72), Ruaidhri O’Brien for Kirk (75), Ronnie Kinnane for Paul Ryan (84), Tommy McLoughlin for L Ryan (89).

Rearcross: Cathal Kennedy; Stephen Rochford, Greg Kennedy, Robert Harrington, Patrick Deegan, Darragh Kennedy; Kieran Devitt, Conor Nolan, Patrick Dawson; James Deegan, Michael O’Gorman.

Subs: Paul Nolan for Rochford (76), Brian Nolan for D Kennedy (80).

Referee: Alec McCormack