Guinan proves the extra time hero in Ryan Cup showdown

Bohemians 1

Knocknacarra 0

(After extra time)

Mike Rafferty at Eamonn Deacy Park

THE Joe Ryan Cup has stayed at home as the trophy named after the late Bohemians official was won in dramatic fashion by his former side at Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night.

Though Bohemians were overall the better side on the night, it was a contest that could have gone either way and it took a cracking header by Sean Guinan in the opening half of extra time to separate the teams at the finish.

When the teams met recently in Second Division league action, the table toppers were comfortable winners, but Knocknacarra have obviously improved hugely since then and indeed were denied a breakthrough by the woodwork on three occasions.

It was an occasion when plenty of chances were created at both ends of the park, but the low scoring contest was really down to the excellence of both goalkeepers. Andreeas Binder and Cian Costello produced some outstanding saves as their shot stopping and reflex actions were top drawer.

The game was a bit of a slow burner to start with as Bohemians enjoyed most of the early possession, but apart from right full Noel McDonagh going close to making a breakthrough, chances were at a premium in the opening half. Gary Traynor really led the line well for Knocknacarra, but he should at least have hit the target on 19 minutes when he shot wide from the edge of the box.

They were unlucky not to find the target on 42 minutes when firstly Ronan Dunne cracked a shot against the near post, before the following up Alan McCann proceeded to hit the other upright with the rebound. The reality is that it should have hit the net.

If the opening half was somewhat of a sleepy affair, the second half really opened up as both sides attacked almost at will. During this period, Bohemians Keith Fitzgerald was the best player on the park and alongside him John Sangi was equally efficient, while Dave Cubbard and Sean Guinan were proving to be a huge threat as the Knocknacarra rearguard was really challenged.

They really pushed on in the early stages as Cubbard brought a smashing save from Costello, before Sangi and Guinan were wide of the target from close range. Left full Evan Browne strolled forward from the back, but his shot was turned around a post by Costello on 59 minutes.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.