Ballynagross unlucky in final at Seaview

11 May 2016

BALLYNAGROSS’ Cochrane Corry Cup odyssey came to a disappointing and abrupt end at Seaview last Wednesday night.

Woodvale, who are two divisions above Ballynagross and who are chasing promotion into Intermediate football, were just too clinical for Nigel Smyth’s battlers.

The locals badly missed skipper Ritchie Fryer — the heartbeat of the team — play maker Ryan Burns and his brothers Michael and Gavin, long term absentees.

Ballynagross opened with intent and showed no signs of being overawed by their opponents or the occasion. With three minutes gone brothers Eoin and Donal McCavera combined out on the left, but the latter’s cross came to nothing with no support in the box.

With Deaglain Arnold ruling the roost in the middle of the park, Ballynagross continued in the same attacking mode and a minute later Eoin McCavera wasn’t far away with a snapshot from just outside the box.

Arnold blasted over from well outside the box and with 17 minutes gone Jordan Finnegan carved out a chance for Declan Dowie, but his effort was deflected wide. Woodvale now realised Ballynagross’ threat and upped the intensity of the game with Jack Wasson dominating affairs.

With 23 minutes gone Cathail Arnold saved well from Mark Clegg, but he was left powerless four minutes later when Woodvale made the breakthrough

Ballynagross only half cleared a corner and when Jonathan Kelly swung the ball into the box, Bryan McMaster volleyed in a cracker to make it 1-0.

Kyle Dillon went close to making it 2-0 a few minutes later before Donal McCavera had a shot saved by Johnny McKay.

Woodvale did make it 2-0 in the 41st minute when Wasson and Brian Cassidy swept away on the counterattack and put the ball on a plate for Dillon.

Ballynagross refused to lie down and just before the break Deaglain Arnold and Dowie had half chances to reduce the arrears, but neither were taken.

Woodvale started the second half in a hurry and Cathail Arnold saved bravely from Dillon before Gareth Hall made it 3-0 in the 54th minute after another sweeping move.

Cathail Arnold denied Dillon again and top scorer Robert Black to keep Ballynagross interested and with 73 minutes gone Dowie poked the ball home after a defensive howler to throw Nigel Smyth’s side a lifeline.

Unfortunately, Woodvale had still plenty in the tank and five minutes later the predatory Dillon was on hand to steer in goal number four after a deep cross from Black had caused all sorts of problems.

There was no way back for Ballynagross, but that didn’t stop them from trying with Deaglain Arnold running himself silly in a bid to get something from the game.

Woodvale were having none of it and eased to an impressive victory.

Woodvale: J McKay, M Clegg, R Bingham, B McMaster, J Kelly, R Croft, G Hall, J Wasson, B Cassidy, K Dillon, S Parkinson. Subs: T. Barrow, R Black, J McCreery.

Ballynagross: C Arnold, C Marron, C Fryer, D McGrady, P O;Reilly, D Arnold, J Finnegan, K Taggart, D Dowie, D McCavera, E McCavera. Subs: D Craig, M Magill, A Beattie.

Woodvale 4

Ballynagross 1

COCHRANE CORRY CUP FINAL

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