KILLOUGH were crowned Harry Clarke Cup champions after they defeated Ballynagross in an Easter Monday spectacle at Drumaness’ Meadowvale venue.
The contest went all the way to the sudden death stages of the deciding penalty shoot-out until Killough ‘keeper, and man of the match, James Crangle produced a crucial save before team-mate Riain Burns converted the determining spot kick.
A large crowd turned out for the showpiece final where the weather was cold but did contain various spells of sunshine throughout.
It was Ballynagross who had the first opportunity of the match with attacker Luke Shields seeing his effort go wide of the post.
Killough responded with a headed chance from a corner by Lee Murphy, although his effort was gathered comfortably by Ballynagross ‘keeper Cathail Arnold.
Joseph Burns looked lively in attack for Ballynagross and was stringing passes together which were causing bother for the Killough defence.
However, Killough enjoyed the bulk of possession for the opening 45 minutes and pushed the Ballynagross side back into their own half for large sections of the match.
Killough midfielder Kevin Groves played some lovely one touch football with team-mates Declan Looney and Connor Kelly in the Ballynagross box before the ball rolled into the path of striker Daniel Taggart.
The Killough number nine’s close range strike was smartly stopped by custodian Arnold and from here his Ballynagross side began to launch more efficient counter-attacks.
‘Gross striker Philip Doran saw his headed effort fizz wide before another opportunity for the number ten went begging just two minutes later.
Ballynagross defender Corey Davis picked up a yellow card after clattering Killough’s Cillian Burns and striker Taggart had another effort saved by Arnold.
With half-time approaching, Killough were seemingly on top as they created chances but were lacking the finishing touch to go ahead.
Ballynagross would not lie down and held firm in their defence and with one of their route one counter-attacks, they would be given the opportunity to take the lead.
The warning signs were there as Ballynagross’ Burns struck a left footed cross into the Killough box which hit the post before being scrambled behind for a corner.
From this resultant corner, Ballynagross would take the lead as Cormac Byrne rose high above the rest to head the ball into the back of the net in the 42nd minute.
Just two minutes into the restart and Killough thought they had drawn level when Looney fired the ball into the net. However, this was quickly chalked off for offside.
As the game progressed the intensity began to as Killough pushed high and Ballynagross sat back to protect their lead.
The ‘Gross outfit almost got their killer second goal when striker Doran found himself one on one with Killough ‘keeper Crangle but the number one produced a fantastic save with his foot to deny his counterpart.
Killough were edging closer to a equaliser, as captain Gareth George played numerous defence splitting balls but, as was the story of their afternoon, the finishing touch just couldn’t be supplied.
With ten minutes remaining Ballynagross caught Killough short at the back which caused yet another one on one situation.
This time it was Shields who attempted to better Killough’s Crangle but the custodian refused to let another goal past him and cleared the ball to safety at the last moment.
Killough finally got their reward in the 87th minute after a looping ball over the top fell to the feet of wing wizard Kelly, who got the right side of his marker and made no mistake with his left footed finish. With extra-time confirmed, both sides
suffered with cramp but still gave their all as penalties looked more and more the deciding outcome.
Both Cillian and Declan Burns were shown yellow cards for Killough but no players were given their marching orders.
As referee Anthony Russell blew for full-time of extra-time both sets of management selected their players for the dreaded spot kicks.
A total of nine penalties apiece were taken with Killough ‘keeper Crangle fantastically saving four before team-mate Riain Burns finally struck home the deciding penalty past resilient ‘Gross custodian Arnold to seal the victory.
After the match Killough manager Conor Doyle reflected on his side’s cup success.
“We never say die, we are there for the 90 minutes and beyond,” he said.
“We were pushing for that clearcut chance in the second half and thankfully we finally got that reward when Connor found the net.
“After the season we have had we deserve this, I am so proud of these players.”
Killough: J Crangle, R Burns, L Murphy, E Gargan, S Og Burns, K Groves, C Kelly, G George (capt), D Taggart, C Burns, D Looney.
Subs: J Hanna, C Stranney, T McIlhone, R Sharvin, D Burns.
Ballynagross: C Arnold, T McNeill, C McKermitt, C Marron (capt), C Davis, J Polley, S McComiskey, C Byrne, J Burns, P Doran, L Shields.
Subs: J Mahoney, P Traynor, R Tumelty, D Craig.