Drumaness advance following goal deluge

Drumaness advance following goal deluge

22 February 2023

DRUMANESS Mills coasted through to the next round of the Clarence Cup following a 6-1 victory over lower league opposition Beann Mhádagháin at Meadowvale on Saturday.

Mills striker Callum Dougan stole the headlines after netting a hat-trick although there were standout performances all over the pitch from the men in yellow.

Jack Sharvin, Keegan Domican and Eoin Rooney all chipped in with goals of their own and despite not scoring, wing wizard Adam Kearney also impressed throughout.

Drumaness began on the front foot and were two goals ahead within the opening six minutes. Firstly, Drumaness midfielder Rooney was brought down unfairly inside the Beann box with Dougan confidently dispatching the resulting spot kick.

Dougan then doubled his scoring tally almost immediately when team-mate Kearney was persistent in his attack before sliding through a pass into the path of the Mills number nine, who dinked his effort over ‘keeper Niall Largey and into the net.

This impressive Drumaness start continued as Dougan turned provider on the next occasion and assisted strike partner Sharvin, whose lowly struck shot went in-between the legs of custodian Largey to stretch the lead to 3-0.

Dougan was unfortunate not to grab his hat-trick just moments later as his left footed strike cannoned off the top of the woodwork before the danger was cleared.

Beann responded with an attack, against the run of play, which almost resulted in a goal after striker Jamie Delaney found a way around Mills ‘keeper Conor McCann.

However, his shot went the wrong side of the post and hit the side netting.

The visitors weren’t to be denied and did manage to claim what would be their only goal of the contest.

Following a poor clearance from a Beann corner, midfielder Kevin Finnegan saw his effort from outside the box pushed away from goal to the feet of team-mate Delaney, who made no mistake with his tap-in.

This would be as good as it got for Beann as Drumaness quickly went on the offensive in a bid to restore their three-goal cushion.

The Mills didn’t have to wait long as corner back Keegan Domican made an intrusive burst into the opposing box, in what was a hearty display of grit, determination and bravery, before cleverly chipping his shot over the head of ‘keeper Largey for the goal of the afternoon.

The second half action was contrasting to the first as it quickly appeared evident the visitors had given up retrieving any hint of a result.

Mistimed and poorly executed tackles began to unfold with referee Adrian Reynolds being kept busy by dishing out numerous yellow cards.

Still, Drumaness continued to push for more goals with Sharvin, captain Kyle Cleery and Domican all coming close but failing to add a fifth.

Beann’s chances were seldom, but they did have a few noteworthy opportunities which if they had of taken, they would have given Drumaness a lot more to worry about as the clock ticked down.

Dougan was once again denied his hat-trick when his effort was redirected by the foot of ‘keeper Largey and clipped the crossbar.

At the other end, Beann striker Delaney also saw an effort from close range rattle the woodwork as his team’s frustrations continued.

However, Dougan was not to be denied in the 77th minute as his driving run at the Beann defence concluded with a confident finish into the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

There was still time for Rooney to round off the scoring with his tidy finish which reaffirmed an emphatic scoreline and saw his Drumaness team breeze through in the competition.

No doubt stiffer opposition awaits as the Mills enter the business end of the Clarence Cup.

Drumaness Mills: C McCann, K Domican,  E Lundy, B Campbell, J Kerr, J Healy, E Rooney, K McCleery, C Dougan, J Sharvin, A Kearney.

Subs: T McConville, D Bell, S McQuoid.

Beann Mhádagháin: N Largey, F Grew, O McQuillan, S Moore, E Connor, G Ferran, K Finnegan, E Quigley, J Delaney, A Gilvary, L Deegan.

Subs: D Officer, M Downey, D Magill.

Yellow cards: N Largey, G Ferran, A Gilvary, L Deegan, D Officer.

Referee: Adrian Reynolds.