Terrific Tollymore stun Lurgan side in cup final

Terrific Tollymore stun Lurgan side in cup final

7 June 2023

DESPITE an indifferent league campaign, Tollymore United produced an outstanding performance to shock Division 2 table toppers Lurgan Celtic and lift the coveted Foster Cup at Holm Park, Armagh.

Already promoted Lurgan certainly did not underestimate United, but it is fair to say that they were somewhat taken aback by the intensity of the Tollymore display, with the Bears threatening to overrun the Armagh men in the opening quarter of an hour.

United were quickly out of the blocks and almost took the lead when a whipped-in cross narrowly missed the head of the onrushing Marty Devlin.

Tollymore followed up with Lee Ward’s precision pass picking out Mark Owens running into the Celtic penalty area, only for the midfielder’s scuffed shot to be cleared by Michael Haughian.

Celtic were beginning to settle and their first real chance saw Reynolds head a free kick wide of the Tollymore goals.

The Celts began to press the Bears defence, but centre back Devlin and McCourt were on their toes to clear the danger.

Such was the discipline, in the Tollymore defence, the Lurgan men were having difficulty getting a clear sight of the United goals and on the first occasion they did Tollymore keeper Locky Leneghan tipped Toman’s effort over the bar.

United were looking comfortable with Tommy Kane dominating the midfield sector, allowing Marty McCourt the time and space to move the ball out to the wings for Devlin and Owens to attack the Celtic fullbacks.

Celtic did put the ball in the Tollymore net on the 23-minute mark, but the header was disallowed for offside.

Tollymore regained the initiative after the first water break and Joseph Hale had a chance to shoot them in front, but his shot lacked the necessary pace to beat McGuigan and the keeper pushed the ball around the post,

The Celts joy was short lived and in the next attack Marty Devlin powered into the Celtic penalty area.

Devlin’s effort was brilliantly saved by Devlin, but Joseph Hale was on hand to net the rebound and put the Bears in front.

The Celts were clearly rattled, but Tollymore still had plenty of defending to do.

The United defence were content to play narrow, and deep, and to hit their opponents on the break.

Tommy Kane fired a shot across the Celtic six-yard box and Marty Devlin had a half chance only for his shot to curl wide of the upright.

Celtic had the ball in the Tollymore net once more, but again it was ruled out for offside – oh if only there could be linesmen at every game.

The first half finished with Marty McCourt’s tame free kick nestling in the arms of the Celtic keeper.

The Celts were clearly fired up after the interval and surged forward for an equaliser.

In the 51st minute there was an almighty goal mouth scramble with Kane blocking Judge’s shot on the Tollymore goal-line and Devlin thumping the ball clear.

United continued to play on the break, and almost doubled their advantage when Joseph Hale was put through on goals.

Once again, the Celtic keeper was equal to the task, and made an excellent diving save, at the expense of a corner.

The match was really heating up, at this stage, and on the hour mark Celtic were awarded a free kick around 25 yards from the Tollymore goals.

Patrick Toman stepped up and curled a shot over the wall and into the top right-hand corner of the Tollymore net.

The Celtic players celebrated at the corner flag, while the Tollymore team were keen to get on with the game.

From the restart Tollymore played the ball out to Conor McLister on the left wing and his probing cross found Joseph Hale at the back post. He fired the ball into the Celtic net to restore the Tollymore advantage.

Once again the Celts were rattled and the game started to get a little feisty, but referee Maxwell ensured things did not get out of hand.

United were content to sit back and invite Celtic to break them down.

The Lurgan men were certainly up for the challenge with McAlinden and Judge trying to get past Tollymore fullbacks McLister and Walsh.

Celtic regrouped at the water break and surged forward for an equaliser.

A Toman shot whizzed across the Tollymore goals as the Celts pushed for an equaliser.

In the 85th minute Tollymore keeper Locky Leneghan made a game-winning save to deny Reynolds. 

United were now well and truly under the cosh but skipper Sean Devlin and his centre half colleague Jack McCourt repelled everything that the Celts could throw at them.

With a full seven minutes of injury time to play the Tollymore nerves were jangling and two minutes into added on time Leneghan made a point blank save to deny Judge.

Referee Maxwell’s final whistle was a relief to the Tollymore players and supporters alike.

Tollymore fully deserved their win for a discipled and committed display, creating the better chances and defending superbly when called upon.

The Celts on the other hand enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but unfortunately having the ball does not win games — it’s what you do with it that makes the difference.

Tollymore skipper Sean Devlin was undoubtedly the man of the match following a flawless display with midfielder Tommy Kane and Mark Owens also working tirelessly for the cause.

Such was the commitment from Tollymore that despite a niggling injury Marty McCourt refused to be substituted as his aerial prowess was essential in the closing minutes of the game with Celtic pushing for an equaliser.

It has not been a bad 18 months for Tollymore, lifting the Beckett Cup in December 2021 and now the Foster Cup.

Manager Philly McGrattan and the players deserve great credit for their performances in both finals.

The Bears have still one league game to play facing Glenavy on Saturday in a relegation decider at Dunleath Park, Downpatrick.

All support would be appreciated in what is another big game for the team.

Match sponsor: O’Hare’s Lounge Bars, Newcastle.