2012 WEST CORK MASTERS LEAGUE ROUND-UP
CUP & SHIELD SEMI-FINALS REPORT - Wed August 22nd 2012
LEAGUE SPONSORED BY: O'BRIEN'S BAR, ROSSCARBERY
CUP SPONSORED BY: BERNARD HAYES TRAVEL, CORK
SHIELD SPONSORED BY: A CUT ABOVE SALON
There was drama aplenty in both the semi-finals of the West Cork Master Cup sponsored by Bernard Hayes Travel Cork and the West Cork Master Shield sponsored by A Cut Above Salon writes Ger McCarthy.
WEST CORK MASTERS CUP SEMI-FINALS
SPONSORED BY: BERNARD HAYES TRAVEL, CORK
CLOUGHDUV REACH CUP DECIDER
Skibbereen 2 Cloughduv Celtic 4
Cloughduv Celtic qualified for the West Cork Masters Cup final following a high-scoring last-four tie in the Baltimore Road. Morgan Hurley's opener handed Skibb a 1-0 lead which they looked set to hold until the interval before Cloughduv drew level courtesy of a fine Clement Doyle finish. John Lynch restored Skibbereen's lead midway through the second period but Celtic took control of proceedings in a devastating 15 minute spell to qualify for the final.
Michael Hurley's free-kick brought parity to the scoreline once again before a Mervyn Beasley long range screamer pushed the visitors in front. John O'Shea was upended in the penalty area with 5 minutes to go allowing Beasley net his second of the evening and cement a terrific 4-2 victory for Cloughduv. Pat Connolly, Fachtna Connolly and Ger Murray stood out for a disappointed Skibbereen while John O'Shea, Mervyn Beasely and Michael Hurley starred for the West Cork Master Cup final-bound Cloughduv.
STALEMATE IN DARRARA
Clonakilty Town 0 Rosscarbery 0 - aet
Clonakilty Town and Rosscarbery will have to do it all again following a 0-0 draw in the Masters Cup semi-final in Darrara. There was nothing between the sides in the opening half with Ross shading the possession stakes but unable to convert their efforts into chances or goals. Clonakilty Town dominated the second period striking the post and crossbar while Ross goalkeeper Mike Hubbard brilliantly repelled a series of attacks with some marvellous saves. Kevin Kingston had an opportunity to win it for the home side 5 minutes from time but saw his spot-kick saved by the excellent Hubbard.
Extra-time also failed to seperate the sides and it looked like penalties when Hubbard went down with an injury in the dying embers. The referee deemed it unfair to go to penalties as the game finished in almost complete darkness so both sides had to settle for a scoreless draw. Best for Rosscarbery included Pascal O'Brien who was superb in defence while goalkeeper Mike Hubbard enjoyed an inspired night between the sticks for the visitors. Kevin Kingston, Mike Hurley and Malcolm Harte were the pick of Clon Town's best players.
A decision as to where and when areplay will take place has yet to be made.
WEST CORK MASTERS SHIELD SEMI-FINALS
SPONSORED BY: A CUT ABOVE SALON
TOWN PROVE TOO STRONG FOR COURTMAC
Dunmanway Town 3 Courtmacsherry 0
Dunmanway Town qualified for the West Cork Masters Shield final following a comprehensive 3-0 win at home to Courtmacsherry in Mohona. Cathal Crowley broke the deadlock for Dunmanway who comfortably maintained their lead until the half time break before John Kelly doubled their advantage with a well taken effort.
Courtmacsherry fought valiantly to get back in the tie but were denied by some excellent Rob Oldham saves before being caught on the break by Cathal Crowley who burst through to net his second of the evening and complete an impressive 3-0 victory. Kevin Hurley, Cathal Crowley and John Collins were the pick of Dunmanway Town's best performers James Black, Neil Sexton and Simon Locke producing the goods for a battling Courtmacsherry.
ARDFIELD HOLD THEIR NERVE TO SEE OFF BUNRATTY
Ardfield 2 Bunratty United 2 * Ardfield won 4-1 on penalties
A cracking West Cork Masters Shield semi-final unfolded at Carrigroe on Wednesday evening with the home side hitting the front after only 3 minutes had elapsed thanks to a converted Diarmuid Keohane penalty. Bunratty United hit back within 5 minutes of falling behind when Denis Murphy took advantage of some slack Ardfield defending to finish from close range and tie the score at 1-1.
The Schull club grew in confidence and took the lead shortly before the interval when a looping Bryan Regan header nestled in the back of the net and Bunratty were looking good for a place in the Shield final. Ardfield are made of stern stuff however and drew level 10 minutes into the second half. John Lawless embarked on a mazy solo dribble before cutting in from the wing and firing low into the net. There was no further scoring and the semi-final finished level at 2-2.
Both sides agreed to go straight to penalties (in the event of a draw) prior to kick-off and Pearse O'Sullivan proved the hero for the Carrigroe club saving two spot-kicks to send a delighted Ardfield into the Shield decider against Dunmanway Town following a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory. Best for Ardfield included Diarmuid Keohane, Pearse O'Sullivan and John Lawless with Ray Kingston, Bryan Regan and TJ O'Donovan outstanding for Bunratty.
CLICK here to view all results in the results section.
CLICK here to view the latest League Table standings in the league table section.
CLICK here to view the latest GOLDEN BOOT standings in the golden boot section.
CLICK here to view next week's fixtures in the fixtures section.
CLICK here to view red and yellow cards handed out during the season in the discipline section.
LEAGUE SPONSORED BY: O'BRIEN'S BAR, ROSSCARBERY
CUP SPONSORED BY: BERNARD HAYES TRAVEL, CORK
SHIELD SPONSORED BY: A CUT ABOVE SALON
