Castle Bar League Cup quarter-final replay
CASTLEISLAND 1 CURRANS 2
CURRANS might well be the team of the season in Kerry this season as they continue their assault on all fronts and on Saturday afternoon last they got over a very difficult hurdle when they beat local rivals Castleisland in this Castle Bar League Cup quarter-final replay in Castleisland.
This a torrid clash played with typical local derby fervour with Currans just about deserving their win as they imposed their physical presence on the home team.
Castleisland are just behind Currans in the league but it would appear that Currans who beat Dynamos recently, are in a stronger position and appear to short priced favourites to make it to the league play-offs. Interestingly this game featured the McCarthy brother Mike and Pa but they were on opposite sides. Mike was solid at centre back for Castleisland while Pa was up front for Currans but they were not marking each other. However Mike had to put in a few tackles on the brother a couple times when he threatened to score but overall they sat down to dinner on Sunday evening still talking but it Pa that had that winning grin on his face. Castleisland started the better with their midfield on top and in a game where chances in front of goal were always going to be at a premium, Pa O’Rourke tested Kevin Moran with a snap shot after just five minutes.
Castleisland then made the breakthrough as early as the 11th minute when they took the lead.
It came from a Pa O’Rourke corner that was headed down by Pa Hickey to the an unmarked Stan Devane at the back post who finished the net. Castleisland were now on top despite the good work of Des Benson for Currans but they were unable to hang onto to their lead for very long. Currans were awarded a free kick out on the left wing in the 13th minute and when John McGaley drilled in a low free kick, Barry Lynch decided to try and head it behind but diving low he only managed to head the ball into his own net. It was still Castleisland that had the better of the first half, but they just could not beat Currans keeper Kevin Moran who gave a man of the match display.
He saved brilliantly from Pa O’Rourke, Pa Hickey and Martin Moriarty as Currans were fortunate to go in at half time on level terms.
The second half was more even with Des Benson, Pa McCarthy and John McGaley all playing well for Currans. It was Currans who struck for the winner soon after half time when Des Benson scored and hard though the home side tried, they could not get an equaliser as John Daly defended stoutly and Moran mopped up everything that came his way.
It was tight and hard fought but Currans are now in the semi final with the big boys, including Tralee Dynamos and the winners of the Killarney Celtic and Lisselton Rovers clash.
