Magical Molloy strikes for Olympic

4 December 2019

BALLYNAHINCH Olympic are back in the Border Cup final for the second year in succession thanks to two collector’s item goals from Ryan Molloy.

Victory gives Olympic a quick opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of last Christmas — they lost in a penalty shoot-out to Crumlin Star — when they play Rathfriland Rangers over the holiday period.

Molloy, an industrious left-sided midfielder, not noted for his goalscoring prowess, had only scored a couple times this season and while he accepted that congratulations of his club mates at the end of a well contested game, he said he was “ just happy that the team has made it to another final.”

A lively opening saw both sides attack strongly. A dangerous Nathan Jones cross was cleared and from Olympic’s second corner, taken by Anton McGrattan, Jason Noade headed straight at the ‘keeper.

At the other end Jake Kerr fired over the bar and after a good passing move, Thomas Morrison fired into the side netting.

However, the early breakthrough, in the 11th minute, came from Olympic. A deep corner was headed back to Paul Dickson whose shot was blocked and the ball came out to Molloy who fired a low shot to the net from inside the box.

Shankill hit back and were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when Shane Murray tackled dangerman Curtis Black in the box, but referee Nathan McLean let play continue.

Shankill manager Davy McAlinden received a caution and Tre Sterling was also in trouble with the match official for a tackle on Ryan Noade.

A dangerous Jones corner had to be tipped away as it glided towards the angle of bar and post, but although Olympic were playing well, the Shankill threat was ever-present and when Jake Kerr played in Kyle Dillon, ‘keeper Ryan Walsh made a great stop from a close range shot.

Olympic had a great chance to increase their lead two minutes into the second half when Jones slipped a neat pass to Mason, who had found space in front of goal, but he couldn’t beat Andrew Dillon.

Shankill breathed a sigh of relief, went on the attack and as Olympic switched off, they equalised.

Sterling crossed to the back post and Luke Briers beat Walsh to loop a header to the net.

Two more Shankill names went into the referee’s notebook as Olympic exerted pressure from midfield. And the Ballynahinch men had another great chance after a great run by Mason down the right wing.

His cross found Jones free with only the ‘keeper to beat, but Dillon dived to his right to save one-handed and gather the ball with 17 minutes remaining.

But just two minutes later Olympic were celebrating a second goal as Molloy met a Jones corner to head home what proved to be the winner.

Olympic had to survive a late scare when they conceded a free kick on the edge of the D in injury time, but Sterling’s shot was blocked, as was the follow-up from Briers, epitomising the determined defensive work of Olympic that was a feature of the game.

Rathfriland needed penalties to see off East Belfast in the other semi-final, after it finished 2-2, with their ‘keeper Jonny Parr the hero as he saved all three East spot kicks.

Ballynahinch Olympic: Ryan Walsh, Dalton Tate, Ryan Noade, Paul Dickson, Jason Noade, Anton McGrattan, Nathan Jones, Chris McNamara, Stefan Mason, Shane Murray, Ryan Molloy. Subs: Stephen Noade for Murray, James McClean for Jones, Connor Reid.

Shankill: Andrew Dillon, Marc Young, Sandy McDermott, Phillip Gordon, Aaron Robinson, Thomas Morrison, Jake Kerr, Tre Sterling, Luke Briers, Curtis Black, Kyle Dillon. Subs: Lucas Galashan for Kerr, William Waite for Sterling, Mark Clegg.

Ballynahinch Olympic 2

Shankill United 1

BORDER CUP SEMI-FINAL

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