FAI Junior win for the seniors
FAI Junior Cup
Killarney Athletic 5 Listowel Celtic 0
In truth, this FAI Junior Cup clash was all Killarney Athletic from the get-go. Joe Hurley and Martin Crowley showed well early on in the middle of the park and with Rory O’Sullivan linking up well with Lukas Polak on the right, along with some nice touches from David Gleeson, Adam Moynihan and Brian O’ Reilly on the left, the opener beckoned for the home side. The first real chance came for Listowel though, but Micheal Lynch was well covered by Ryan O’ Carroll. A well-worked free-kick sent Athletic in front. After a hand ball, Brian O’ Reilly drilled it into Crowley who made no mistake with a booming first-time strike. Also, Lukas was having a great battle with Richie Halpin down the right which yielded a free-kick and corner in quick succession for Athletic but with Lynch and Robbie Hanlon improving in midfield, Listowel came more into it. Adam Twomey had a half chance but Brian O’ Connor was equal to the task. Then Rory O’Sullivan was denied by Kevin Flavin, the Listowel keeper, after some nice skill from Moynihan.
The game deteriorated for a spell, with lots of stoppages, offside and poor passing but goal number two came via Lukas who won a free-kick which was sent all the way to the net by the precise Hurley. Kevin Murphy and Mikey Paul Kelliher almost got in for Listowel but O’Connor would not be beaten. The last chance of the half came to Lukas who just couldn’t get it past Flavin to O’Sullivan who had the goal at his mercy.
The game ended as a contest early in the second period when Lukas got the goal his hard-working performance deserved when he easily finished to the net after dispossessing a Listowel defender. Micheal Lynch, Richie Halpin and Kevin Murphy never gave up but James Coffey and Kenneth Clifford, ably assisted by Ryan O’Carroll and Brian O’Reilly (and sub Inigio) kept them at bay. Denis Galvin struck for number four with a sleek finish and David Gleeson would have claimed a spectacular fifth but for a great save from Flavin. Alex O’ Sullivan set up Crowley for number five.
Athletic got the goals when it mattered, leaving Listowel with too much to do get back into the game.
Best for Listowel were Kevin Flavin, Micheal Lynch, Richie Halpin and Kevin Murphy, while for Athletic in a solid team display, Martin Crowley was outstanding, with Lukas Polak a constant thorn in the side of Listowel.
Team: Brian O' Connor, Ryan O' Carroll, Brian O' Reilly (Inigio), James Coffey, Kenneth Clifford, Martin Crowley, Joe Hurley, Lukas Polak, Adam Moynihan (Alex O' Sullivan), David Gleeson, Rory O' Sullivan(Denis Galvin). Aaron Quill, Gary Moynihan, Conor Farrell.