Heartbreak for Drumaness Mills as last-gasp goal ends Clarence bid

24 May 2023

DRUMANESS Mills endured cup final heartbreak for the second time this season as they lost out in extra-time to Crumlin United in the Clarence Cup at Breda Park last week.

The Mills were seemingly on track to capture elusive silverware, following their Border Cup anguish in December, especially after an enthralling first half that saw Mark Kerr’s Drumaness men lead 4-2 at the break.

However, there would be no further goals for the large Mills support to cheer about and, instead, Crumlin netted twice before the end of the 90.

Things went from bad to worse when, with just five minutes left to play before what seemed to be the inevitable penalty shoot-out, a very unlucky own goal from Drumaness defender Eoin Lundy confirmed the result for Crumlin.

Crumlin began the match on the front foot with Drumaness custodian Marc Reid kept on his toes from the first whistle.

Despite this early pressure, it would be Crumlin who would concede first after 21 minutes when Drumaness striker Callum Dougan’s pass into the United box was miskicked by team-mate Eoin Rooney before the ball fell to the feet of Adam Kearney for the easiest of finishes.

Crumlin were prompt in their response and four minutes later midfielder Conall Cunningham bent his left-footed effort into the top left corner to level the tie.

Drumaness didn’t give their opponents any time to build from this and immediately went back in front when Lundy’s cross was headed into the net by the impressive Rooney.

The back-and-forth continued as Crumlin equalised once more, this time through striker Andrew Mooney, whose composed finish evaded the outstretched Reid before nestling into the bottom right corner.

The first half scoring wasn’t finished there as Drumaness managed to get their noses in front yet again.

Dougan’s testing shot was initially saved by Crumlin ‘keeper Marcin McDevitt but the number one could do nothing to stop Rooney’s sweetly struck rebound which brought the score to 3-2.

Amazingly, there was still time before the interval for a sixth goal and this time it was Drumaness midfielder Kyle McCleery, who headed in a corner kick delivery from close range.

As the half-time whistle was blown, both players and fans caught their breath with those in attendance knowing they were treated to a spectacle.

Drumaness continued to threaten in the second half and almost added their fifth when Dougan found himself in space and advanced towards the Crumlin goal before unleashing a powerful strike which crashed off the crossbar.

However, Drumaness were then dealt a crushing blow when attacking threat Rooney, who was on course for a hat-trick, was substituted in the 53rd minute due to issues with his hamstring.

Not long after, Crumlin pulled a goal back when Nathan Watters converted a sumptuous Christopher Campbell cross from an unmissable four yards out.

Crumlin continued their revival and brought the game to a stalemate when Paul Lenaghan headed in from a corner kick with less than 20 minutes of regulation time left.

Drumaness tightened their defence but there were no further attacking threats within this period from either side.

As extra-time commenced both teams attempted to rally, despite their tired legs which had been run into the ground.

Penalties looked to be the outcome until a dangerous and pacey cross into the Mills box from United striker Mooney was diverted into the back of the net by Drumaness defender Lundy as he attempted to clear his lines whilst coming under pressure from Crumlin’s Cunningham.

There was essentially no opportunity after this for Drumaness to find their all important leveller and the final whistle blew to break Mills hearts.

Drumaness Mills: M Reid, K Domican, E Lundy, T McConville, G Murdock (capt), J McGivern, E Rooney, K McCleery, C Dougan, J Sharvin, A Kearney.

Subs: D Bell, J Healy, R Mason.

Yellow card: J Sharvin.

Crumlin United: M McDevitt, A Flood, R Gorman, S Wallace, S Adams, P Lenaghan, N Watters, F O’Boyle, C Campbell, A Mooney, C Cunningham.

Subs: A Byrne, G Mallon, P McCafferty.

Yellow card: S Wallace.

Drumaness Mills 4

Crumlin United 5

(Crumlin win AET)

CLARENCE CUP FINAL

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