Drinagh Rangers 4

Togher Celtic 1

GER McCARTHY REPORTS

THREE first-half goals helped Drinagh Rangers power past Togher Celtic in this Beamish Cup semi-final at Ollie McCarthy Park.

This all-Premier Division showdown was still in the melting pot with Drinagh leading 1-0 heading towards half time on Sunday.

But, inexplicably, Togher conceded two goals in two minutes and undid all their earlier hard work. Denzil Fernandes opened the scoring before additional Robbie McQueen and Michael Hennigan efforts put Drinagh out of reach, 3-0 in front at the break.

Barry (H) O’Driscoll added a fourth goal as Drinagh booked their place in this season’s showpiece event. Paudie Crowley’s injury-time penalty for Togher proved a mere consolation effort.

Without a Beamish Cup title since 2018, Drinagh are eager to get their hands on the famous trophy.

‘We definitely want to win it again, 100 per cent,’ Drinagh manager Robert O’Regan commented to The Southern Star.

‘This was a very good performance from us. Our work-rate and communication was good. They are things we look to build on week after week.

‘Look, Togher are a team we hate playing. We got three goals in the first half today and I can’t ever remember that happening in all our matches against Togher.

‘The Beamish Cup is a trophy we want and we are pleased to get another crack at it.’

Togher Celtic's Robbie Lucey in control against Barry O'Driscoll (H) of Drinagh Rangers. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

As for Celtic, they will be bitterly disappointed to have failed to spark in one of their most important games of the season. For a club that challenged Drinagh and Clonakilty Soccer Club for this season’s Premier Division title, this was an uncharacteristically off-colour display.

All that’s left is an opportunity to atone for Sunday’s loss in the Premier Division Cup final, once again against Drinagh.

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Togher showed no ill effects of their recent title-ending loss to Rangers during the opening exchanges. Paudie Crowley and Robbie Lucey caused issues in the final third. One perceptive pass released Lucey only for Paddy McCarthy to rush from his line and hack clear.

Drinagh remained calm and underlined their class with the semi-final’s opening goal after eight minutes.

Michael Hennigan’s run deep into Togher territory saw the ball spill loose on the edge of the penalty area. Denzil Fernandes reacted quickest and drove a low shot under Ciarán Murray.

Undeterred, Togher upped the tempo and went close to equalising shortly after. Eoin Murray’s effort was parried by Ciaran Murray before Gavin Farr blazed the rebound wide.

Drinagh Rangers' Donal O'Donovan challenges Togher Celtic's Paudie Crowley. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

The pattern of a frantic semi-final remained constant as the 25-minute mark passed. Happy to sit deep, Rangers looked to release lone-striker Fernandes whenever possible.

Robbie McQueen’s accurate set piece deliveries troubled Togher’s back four but the score remained unchanged after 30 minutes. An effective offside trap also thwarted Celtic’s attempts to equalise prior to McQueen curling a free-kick inches wide.

Still very much in the game, Togher Celtic switched off and conceded twice just before the break.

Robbie McQueen curled a marvellous 20-yard free-kick into the net on the stroke of half time. Still reeling, Celtic allowed Michael Hennigan to race into the penalty area unchecked and score from an acute angle 60 seconds later.

Rangers refused to take their foot off the pedal as the second period commenced. Denzil Fernandes was denied by a diving Ciarán Murray a minute after the restart. That opportunity elicited a positive Togher response as Donnacha Collins’ close range effort was saved by Paddy McCarthy.

Celtic sensed their opportunity and a last-ditch JJ Collins sliding tackle prevented another Collins shot from hitting the target.

Rangers saw out that period before a scrappy closing spell meant neither goalkeeper was unduly troubled. That was until the 73rd minute when substitute Padraic Hegarty curled a defence-splitting pass into Barry O’Driscoll’s path. The veteran striker evaded Ciarán Murray and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

The same player was denied a second goal by an offside flag as Togher struggled to contain Rangers’ constant attacks. Celtic finished off an otherwise disappointing display with a 95th minute penalty from Paudie Crowley.

‘We will have to wait and see what happens, but we expect nothing less than a tough challenge from Ardfield,’ Robert O’Regan concluded.

‘Ardfield are a very good side, they can play ball, are fit, strong and aggressive. It should make for a good cup final.’

OUR STAR: Not content with curling home a majestic 20-yard free-kick, Robbie McQueen instigated numerous attacks and kept Drinagh Rangers on the front foot during a comfortable win.

Drinagh Rangers: Paddy McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy, JJ Collins, Donal O’Donovan, Steven Crowley, Robbie McQueen (captain), Tom McQueen, Cillian Fitzpatrick, Michael Hennigan, Barry O’Driscoll, Denzil Fernandes.

Subs: Padraig Cronin, Eoin Hurley, Padraic Hegarty, Morgan Sloggett, Harry Carey, Sean Calnan, Caolan O’Driscoll.

Togher Celtic: Ciaran Murray (captain), Jamie Lucey, Kevin Cotter, Seamus Crowley, Peter Collins, Luke Hurley, Eoin Murray, Padraigh Crowley, Gavin Farr, Donnacha Collins, Robbie Lucey.

Subs: Ian Crowley, Cathal Daly, Patrick Collins (Ballinacarriga), Niall Hurley, Patrick Collins (Kilmichael), Conor Horgan, Euan Lehane.

Referee: Conor McCarthy.