Letterkenny Rovers striker Steve Okakpu-Emeka doesn’t do tap in when it comes to scoring vital goals in big games – his goal today forces the Ulster Senior League to a play-off.
Letterkenny Rovers 1 Cockhill Celtic 0
With five minutes of this potential title decider left and Cockhill Celtic hanging on for the point they needed to clinch the title the big striker, who had come off the bench 15 minutes earlier, was just inside the Cockhill penalty area as a headed clearance from Garbhan Grant’s free-kick presented itself for hitting.
Okakpu-Emeka’s drive was past Lee McColgan before he could react – it was a goal worthy of winning any game with so much at stake.
The first-half was as you would expect somewhat tension filled and clear-cut chances were hard to create. Rovers had the better of it in terms of possession but as always Gerry Gill’s dead ball delivereries proved a problem for the home defence.
It was a Chris Flanagan free for Rovers which produced the first moment of concern for Cockhill as it flashed across the six-yard line to safety.
The best chance of the half came in the 36th minute when Ryan Lonergan made a great run at the Cockhill defence, laid the ball off to Kevin McGrath, who had charged up the right side. His cross found Darren McElwaine but after a good first touch the big striker shot over from around the penalty spot.
Four minutes later a super Gill free-kick was brilliantly headed out of danger by the diving Ryan McConnell.
At half-time it remained scoreless with Letterkenny Rovers needing a goal and Cockhill with the title within their grasp.
Cockhill Celtic
Rovers had the ball in the net in the 53rd minute when following a free-kick Conor Tourish laid the ball off for Ryan Mc Connell who shot was on target but it touched teammate Paul McVeigh on its way to the net and the offside flag ruled it out.
In the 63rd minute Chris Flanagan burst forward and when his well struck shot took a big deflection keeper Lee McColgan was happy to see it land on the top of the net as he back-tracked towards his goal.
Ryan Kelly’ss throw-in was flicked on by Malachy McDermott in the 66th minute and Ronan Doherty’s touch just went wide of Rory Kelly’s post.
This game remained as it had started, both teams fully committed but defences very much on top and creating any clear-cut chances was a very difficult challenge.
David Shovelin did well in possession and Ryan Lonergan even better under pressure on the edge of the box but his drive was too high when perhaps a ball across the six yard line may have been a better option.
Soon, though, Rovers were in front and the title was on the line again.
Ronan Doherty blasted over in the 92nd minute as Cockhill threw everything at it but Rovers held on to win and the title will be decided on Wednesday 6th June at Dry Arch Park.
Cockhill Celtic: Lee McCarron, Ryan Kelly (Jimmy Bradley 86), Jason Breslin , Peter Doherty, Oisin McColgan, Gerard McLaughlin, Mark Moran ( Liam O Donnell 70), Malachy McDermott, Gerard Mc Laughlin (Paul McKinney 75), Gerry Gill, Ronan Doherty.
Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly, Kevin McGrath, Chris Flanagan, Conor Tourish, Ryan McConnell, Ryan Lonergan, Paul McVeigh (Luke Nelis 60), David Shovelin, Darren McElwaine (Steve Okakpu-Emeka 70), Christy Conaghan, Declan Sharkey (Garbhan Grant 75).
Referee: Michael Connolly.
