BUNCRANA Hearts clinched the Denis McBride Cappry Cup with a hard earned 2-1 victory over a much changed Rathmullan Celtic at Cappry Park on Thursday night.
Buncrana Hearts 2 Rathmullan Celtic 1
Rathmullan had the first chance of the game after two minutes when Oisin McMenamin fired over from just inside the box.
Kieran McDaid had the Hearts first opportunity but his shot was well saved by Shane Bradley in the Rathmullan goal.
Hearts took the lead on eight minutes when John Timlin and Aaron McDaid combined to set up Kieran McDaid, who made no mistake this time firing past Bradley for one nil. The rest of the half was fairly even with both defences on top.
Straight from the kick-off Kieran McDaid picked up the ball ghosted past a couple of defenders played a one two with Mikey Friel and coolly slotted past Bradley for a superb individual goal.
The response from Rathmullan was instant from the centre Mickey Funston combined with Darren McIlwaine to set up JP Mailley who bundled the ball past Rory Kelly.
Five minutes later Kevin O’Loughlin had a great chance but his header just went past the far post.
The Hearts were now on top and next to threaten was Aaron McDaid but his low shot was well saved by Bradley.
Great work from Timlin saw his cross volleyed over by Kieran McDaid, it was that man McDaid again who was causing all sorts of problems for the Rathmullan defence this time a last ditch tackle from Shields preventing a certain goal.
The final chance fell to Aaron McDaid following good work from Timlin but once again Bradley saved. The final whistle blew and Buncrana deservedly lifted the cup.
Buncrana Hearts: Rory Kelly, John Timlin, Keith McColgan, Shane Dillon, Kevin O’Loughlin, Paddy McMyler, Aaron McDaid, Calvin Gallagher, Mikey Friel, Kieran McDaid, Eoin Murphy. Subs: Lee Sean Doherty, Eoghan O’Doherty, Stephen McHugh, Hugh Aaron McGonagle, Gerry Gill.
Rathmullan Celtic: Shane Bradley, JP Doran, Kevin Sharkey, Ryan Shiels, Alan Boal, Michael Funston, Kieran Gorman, David Edwards, Darren McIlwaine, Oisin Mcmenamin, Matt McNulty. Subs: Gavin O’Donnell, JP Mailey, Eamonn Sheridan, Brad Patterson, Dean Vaughan, Kevin Doran
