Penalty shootout heartache for Killavilla

CCFL Review

By Gary Culbert

An exceptional performance from Killavilla United pushed CCFL royalty St. Peter’s all the way in the Leinster Junior Cup in Villa Park on Sunday, with penalties required to separate these evenly matched teams.

The teams finished level 2-2, after extra time, with St Peter’s edging the shootout 5-4

In the past, Villa had been guilty of not adapting their style for big cup clashes but there was no ‘pride before a fall’ from Brian Brooks on Sunday; making a big call to hand a rare start to Jamie Ryan, and go more direct.

The status of the visiting senior division league leaders clearly caused some trepidation in Villa, who took time to feel their way into the game but after a hesitant start, it slowly became clear that despite the divisional difference, there was nothing between the sides.

Darren Coleman stood up to be counted with a player-of-the-match display from midfield. Acting almost like a quarterback, the 37-year-old used his experience to remain calm and composed on the ball. His confidence spread throughout the team, and all of a sudden, Villa were creating chances.

Tom Aherne’s overlapping runs from right back were exposing holes in the visitors' rearguard, and he would have had an assist were it not for a brilliant goal-line clearance from a Dylan Carey header. Operating in the 10 role, Carey was creative on the ball but also tenacious in the tackle, as was Robbie Farrell, both often turning over possession when they had no right to win the ball.

However, for every good chance that Villa created, the team that recently turned over Dundalk had one of their own. Alas, the sides went in deadlocked at the break, and as the punters filed into the clubhouse for refreshments, there was no avoiding the St. Peter's hairdryer treatment that was escaping through away dressing room door.

The message for the St Peter’s players was evident; you’re showing Killavilla too much respect. Soon though, Villa’s top scorer would provide the Athlone side with plenty of reason to respect the new kids on the block in the CCFL. The opener came from a Darren Coleman corner, with young Lynch making a front post run before beautifully glancing the ball past the keeper with the deftest of touches.

Villa’s tails were up, and Ruairi Murphy almost got in on the scoring action with a thundering volley, but goalkeeper Darcy Lawless was equal to the audacious effort.

Aaron Mulready gave a masterclass in the role of a sweeper-keeper, darting off his line time and time again to clear the danger. However, there was nothing he could do to stop St Peter’s from drawing level. The goal came when the Villa backs were caught in possession on the edge of their own box.

Jamie Ryan struggled to get into the game in the first half, but the big man received plaudits midway through the second, when he displayed good maturity to keep his cool following an off-the-ball incident. Tempers flared from here on, and the ensuing increase in tempo suited Villa; it looked more likely than ever that they might be the team to nick a winner. However, as the game ticked towards full-time, and as the substitutions took the edge off things, it became evident were going another twenty minutes of battle.

It was one of the subs that edged Villa in front just two minutes into extra time; Miko Pasalic converting inside the area following a set-piece, just like he did almost one year ago in Portroe to keep the title race alive.

Villa held that lead for almost the entirety of extra time, but their hopes of a giant-killing were dashed when the referee awarded St Peter’s a penalty right at the death.

In the end, the sides were so inseparable that penalties were a fitting end. St. Peters were perfect with all five, whereas Villa missed one. Micky Ryan will be broken hearted to have missed his penalty, but if someone had to miss, it was better him than one of the younger players; the skipper will be well able to bounce back from it, and likely already has.

Once the heartache subsides, the main takeaway is that Killavilla will be extremely competitive in the senior division next year. Another positive is the evolution of the team's culture under Brian Brooks. In just a few months, the new manager has instilled calmness and stability, but crucially, has done so without losing any of the trademark Villa intensity once they cross the white line. The extreme performance demands that the players hold each other to, had, in the past, often spilt over into unproductive bickering on the field. But the egos have been stripped away; Killavilla have a stronger team bond now than ever before.

Killavilla United: Aaron Mulready; Tom Aherne, Micky Ryan (c), Ian Treacy, Eddie Simmons; Darren Coleman, Robbie Farrell, Dylan Carey; Ruairi Murphy, Ben Lynch, Jamie Ryan. Subs: Miko Pasalic for J Ryan (80); Maurice Walsh for Farrell (80).

A special mention must go to Seamus Feehan for once again having the pitch at a professional level, especially at a time when many clubs across Tipperary were postponing games due to unplayable pitches.

Next up for the unbeaten league leaders is an away trip to Abbeyleix Athletic for the second round of the Paddy Cotter Cup (a cup competition for the CCFL senior and first division). Johnny Corboy netted the only goal of the game in the same fixture at the end of November, in the Combined Counties Cup. Kick-off on Sunday is at 11.00am in Fr. Breen Park, Abbeyleix.

Also on Sunday, Killavilla United ‘B’ host Portlaoise Ramblers at 2.00pm in the second round of the Combined Counties Shield.

On Saturday, Ruairi Murphy and Tom Ahern’s under-17s entertain Clara Town in the league. Kick-off is at 2.30pm in Villa Park.