Monksland pounce for winner as Willow lack cutting edge

CCFL Senior Division: Monksland United 2 Willow Park 1

By John Dingle

Monksland United moved three points clear in the CCFL Senior Division after edging out Willow Park in a top of the table clash at Cushla Park last Sunday.

The home team went in front in first-half stoppage time but Willow deservedly levelled matters from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. With this local derby set to end all square, Tony O’Sullivan's men struck for the winner as Callum O’Brien proved the home side's hero.

Going into last weekend, three teams were tied at the top and a win for either of the Athlone teams would move them clear as joint leaders Birr Town were not in action on this occasion.

Willow dominated much of the play in the opening half but were struck by a sucker punch deep in stoppage time. Monksland did have the first chance through Dylan Jinks but did not have many more attempts on goal thereafter.

The visitors were quickly into their stride and Tommy Hurley drew a fine save from Cathal Hannon, who was returning to action between the posts for United. A first corner soon followed with Drew Hiag also denied by Hannon. Another corner was earned but still Willow could not make an early breakthrough.

Their best chance came after 14 minutes when Neil Kenny on the right set up Hurley, but Hannon was in top form once more as he tipped the shot behind. Monksland survived and John Stapleton had a rare opportunity for the hosts but fired wide. Luck was not on the home team’s side as they lost two players to injury with Kevin Gaylard and Oisin McAuley both forced off prematurely.

Kenny delivered a number of dangerous crosses which were not capitalised upon as two more corners kept up the away pressure when the half headed into added time.

Having been on top for long periods, Colin Fortune's men were undone from a set piece in the fourth additional minute. David O’Brien floated in a free kick from half way to the back post where Jinks was lurking. Having missed from a similar position against St Peter's, there was no repeat a week later as the Monksland marksman fired the hosts into a half-time lead. Willow left wondering how they were in arrears considering how much possession they had enjoyed.

The second half again saw Willow have lots of the ball but they were unable to make their dominance tell, with the cutting edge needed in front of the target missing for long spells. Monksland restarted brightly as an early corner was followed by Ryan O’Connor having a shot blocked by Shane McEnery. Inspired by their keeper, Willow pushed forward as Israel Kimazo fired just wide and a corner kick was also earned.

The equaliser finally came on 64 minutes after Hurley was fouled in the penalty area. Substitute Rafa Shakhnazaryan stepped forward and fired the resulting spot kick low to the net past the keeper. It was just reward for the visitors who many expected would now push on for a winner.

It did not work out that way though as the next action saw Monksland pounce for what proved to be the winning score. A home attack had Willow under pressure at the back. McEnery’s clearance did not relieve the danger and Callum O’Brien punished the slackness provided by poor marking to drill the ball home in a crowded goalmouth. It swung the game United’s way and the visitors had no response in spite of again piling on the pressure for the remainder.

Monksland were content to soak it all up and try to score again on the counter attack. A corner was followed by Hurley having a shot blocked by Hannon as Monksland stood firm as the game headed into stoppage time.

There was no late drama in this period but Fortune's men had one more opportunity to share the spoils. Kimazo had the chance in the fourth additional minute but the finish from a good position was poor as the shot was comfortably gathered by Hannon. It proved to be the last action as the final whistle was then sounded to bring the contest to a conclusion.

Monksland had felt they let two points slip a week earlier when drawing with St Peter's but would have been very grateful this time to avoid defeat. In contrast, Willow were left wondering how they had lost their unbeaten start to the league campaign but still have the consolation of a game in hand on the new table toppers.

Man of the match: Callum O’Brien (Monksland). Last season’s player of the year continues to impress and, along with undertaking his defensive duties, popped up to strike home the winner late in the second half.

Talking point: With Willow losing, there now remains only one unbeaten team in the top flight with St Peter's yet to taste defeat as the Christmas break approaches.

Monksland United: Cathal Hannon, Michael Harrington, Fergal Murray, Kevin Gaylard, David O’Brien, Oisin McAuley, Callum O’Brien, John Stapleton, Matt Scally, Ryan O’Connor, Dylan Jinks. Subs: Sammy Oliveira for Gaylard (30 mins); John Shine for McAuley (38); Kevin Brennan for Scally (82); Mark Greene for Jinks (90).

Willow Park: Shane McEnery, JJ Offorjama, James Fortune, Cian Hayden, Declan Fallon, Kevin Dunne, Neil Kenny, Israel Kimazo, Drew Hiag, Conor Maher, Tommy Hurley. Subs: Bryan Hughes for Hayden (42 mins); Rafa Shakhnazaryan for Fortune (half-time); Jimmy Flanagan for Kenny (83).

Referee: Ray Conlon.