Salvation in May Sun
The famous quote of the great Bill Shankley, is often misused by many involved in football but for the 90 minutes on Thursday (15th of May) last this should have been echoed through pitch eight of the AUL as the players and coaching staff of both Ashbourne and Raheny could think of nothing else. There were no cups and medals on offer but simply the right to be called a Premier B team. Ten months long hard work could be eliminated in 90 minutes. Ashbourne United supporters out numbered Raheny as they filled both their own line and at least half the opposition line.
Like most games of this importance nerves were to play a big part in the opening of the game. Neither team was willing to give much away and midfield saw a lot of the play. Ashbourne were well anchored by both Peter Kane and Alan Carroll. With the strength of Paddy Brophy in the air and the pace of Keith Armstrong to get behind defenders, this looked the best formula of success for Ashbourne. It nearly paid off in the first half, as both Paddy and Keith were unlucky with excellent chances to settle both the nervous and probably the game in Ashbournes favour. Paddy had got free from his marker and with only the keeper to beat looked odds on to score, but unfortunately he may have seen his name in lights and the shot was saved by the keeper. As the first half came to a close Keith once again got beyond the last defenders and with only the keeper to beat rounded him but unfortunately a Raheny defender got back to clear off the line. It would have made for a more relaxed and less nail biting second half.
The second half much like the first started with both teams trying to maintain the ball and midfield was once again a cluster of traffic. Raheny, unlike the first half, came into the game and it looked like set pieces or long balls up to their strikers would be the best formula for their success. But Trevor Macken and James Handley, Ashbournes two centre-halves, were equal to the challenge. Raheny looked dangerous on set-plays as anyone at the away game will remember the 25 yard bullet of a free kick in the dying minutes witch cost Ashbourne all three points and would have secured safety and piece of mind for both players and the management.
As the second half progressed Ashbourne still tried to attack down the wings with both Mark Lonergan on the right and Joey Collins on the left who were ably supported by both Mark Warren and Charles McCorkrell adding their speed helped to create some excellent overlapping and wing play. As the second half neared its conclusion one always felt that a mistake, a piece of magic or a set-play would decide the game. As the management team patrolled the touchline and glanced at their watches I'm sure the thought of extra time and the dreaded conclusion of a penalty shoot out must have begun to cloud their minds. Ashbourne over the years have had a lot of bad luck with penalty shoot-outs in the AUL, loosing both cup finals, semi finals and a promotion play off to name but a few.
Then as the game entered its final stages Ashbourne won a corner. As the clock ticked towards the 87th minute, could a hero step forward and probably win the game in Ashbournes favour. That man was to be Paddy Brophy. Mark Warren crossed the ball and 'Broph' on losing his marker glanced the ball into the net. The players all ran to congratulate the hero of the hour (both Mark and Paddy claim this was a set piece they had practiced the previous Saturday). The game ended with Ashbourne retaining possession and running down the clock, the old trick of going into the corner. Still Ashbourne had to contemplate four minutes of injury time, but cheer reputed when the referee finally blew the whistle.
Everybody played his part in what was a nail-biting end to the season. The senior club and players would like to thank the committee members, schoolboy managers (especially Robbie Giles and David King who supplied extra water bottles), current second and third team players and their managers, former players, loyal supporters and those members of the third team squad who supplied water bottles to the players during the game.
We look forward to seeing all players back next season and hopefully the supporters as well.
Squad:
Darren Marcello
Mark Warren
Charles McCorkrell
James Handley
Trevor Macken
Mark Lonergan (Pictured in main image)
Joey Collins
Peter Kane
Alan Carroll
Keith Armstrong
Paddy Brophy
Donal Byrne
Graham Drumgoole
James Reddin
Gavin Hopkins
Robert Burke
Dave Lawlor
Patrick Warren