McCarron magic ends Strangford cup dream

11 March 2020

THERE was to be no fairytale cup ending for Strangford when Ballynagross ruled the roost in Friday night’s NFU Mutual Harry Clarke Cup semi-final at Bignian Park.

Philip Campbell’s side displayed a ruthless streak when they brushed aside their giantkilling neighbours to book their place in the Easter Monday showdown for the third year in a row and they can now prepare for a massive derby clash with Celtic Bhoys.

First half goals from twin terrors Daniel Taggart and Declan Dowie sent Ballynagross on their way and Eoin Rooney smashed in an unstoppable third midway through the second half to finally kill off a game Strangford side.

In a competitive opening, Ballynagross used the width of the pitch to get at Strangford and with just two minutes gone Dowie had an effort cleared off the line after a cross from Rooney threatened to cause damage.

Five minutes later Rooney had an effort hacked away to safety by an alert Conan Hynds as Ballynagross threatened to run riot.

However, Donnie Ritchie started to get a few tackles in and his physicality in the engine room enabled Strangford to mount a few attacks of their own, using Conall Magee and Eoin King as willing outlets.

Darting runs from Hynds and Ritchie’s no-nonsense approach was just the ticket for Strangford and with 20 minutes gone Patrick Kerr had the ball in the back of the net only for it to be harshly ruled out for offside.

Two minutes later at the opposite end, Cultra again saved from Rooney and followed that up with another good stop to deny Dowie.

Strangford were becoming increasingly confident as teenage defenders Fionn McFaul and Thomas Fitzsimons settled into the job and with Ritchie and Hynds rattling a few cages, Niall Hynds’ side started to look the part.

However, they were left crestfallen in the 39th minute when Dowie broke free on the right and crossed for Taggart to flash a diving header into the net, somewhat against the run of play.

It was a cruel blow for Strangford, but things were about to get worse, much worse.

Referee Aide Sharvin who had a good game, had the whistle in his mouth to blow for half-time when the influential Connor McCarron sent Dowie clear and with the Strangford back four caught flat-footed, he lobbed the ball over Cultra with the last kick of the half to make it 2-0.

Strangford knew they had no choice but to throw caution to the wind after the break and that they did, but Aaron Beattie and Conor Marron gave absolutely nothing away at the back for Ballynagross and chances were hard to come by.

Ballynagross were now able to hit Strangford on the break and with 51 minutes gone Cultra pulled off a stunning save to deny the overlapping Tom McNeill and then John Shields on the follow-up.

With 57 minutes gone King blasted wildly over the top for Strangford before Ballynagross were denied what looked a stonewall penalty when Cultra emptied Rooney as he darted into the penalty box, but the referee waved play on.

Ballynagross were not to be denied their third goal and with 70 minutes gone Shields played a delightful ball into the path of Rooney and from the right hand side of the box he unleashed a vicious volley that had goal written all over it from the moment it left his boot.

Strangford still refused to throw in the towel and apart from a double save from close in by Cathail Arnold, they never really threatened, despite seeing their fair share of possession.

Ballynagross could have won by a bigger margin, but Cultra stood big and tall and kept the final tally down with several more good saves.

Ballynagross: Cathail Arnold, Tom McNeill, Deaglan Craig, Connor Marron, Aaron Beattie, Conor McCarron, Cormac Byrne, John Shields, Daniel Taggart, Eoin Rooney, Declan Dowie. Subs: Karl Johnston, Ryan McKinney, Ciaran Evans, Philip Doran, Gary Carberry.

Strangford: Sean Cultra, Callum Smyth, Fionn McFall, Thomas Fitzsimons, Louis McMullan, Luke Reilly, Donnan Ritchie, Conan Hynds, Patrick Kerr, Eoin King, Conall Magee. Subs: Dale Curran, Hugo Panizo, Shea Savage, Niall Hynds, Russell Swail.

Ballynagross 3

Strangford 0

HARRY CLARKE CUP SEMI-FINAL

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