Details

Date Time League Season
15 October 2022 7:00 pm FAI Intermediate Cup 2022/23

Match Report

9 Man Cockhill Celtic overcome Bonagee Utd in Intermediate Cup

Cockhill Celtic beat Bonagee United 2-0 at Dry Arch Park in the FAI Intermediate Cup despite playing the majority of the second half with nine men.

In what was an intense cup tie, it was two goals in each half from Lee McColgan that made the difference in the cup tie.

Both clubs reached the quarter-final stage of the competition last season and were eager to match that feat this year.

Cockhill went into the game in good form, starting this season with three wins in their first three games.

A touching tribute was paid to the victims of last week's Creeslough tragedy, with a minute’s silence being held in remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives.

It was a tense opening to the game, with both sides knowing how much was at stake. Both clubs know each other inside and out and were prepared to give it their all-in order to secure a spot in the next round.

It was the visitors who had the first say when Lee McColgan opened the scoring on the 25th minute, a rare goal for the defender. Gavin Cullen’s side remained compact in defence and kept Bonagee at bay for the remainder of the first period.

Despite the positive first half, Cockhill were rocked just 10 minutes into the second period when they were reduced to nine men.

Midfielders James Bradley and Adam McCarron were both shown reds within a minute of each other, leaving their teammates with a massive last 30 minutes to hold onto their precious lead.

The away side's nerves were helped in the 70th minute when McColgan got his second goal of the night, putting Cockhill in a great position despite the numerical disadvantage.

Bonagee tried to make the most of their extra two players on the field and pushed for two goals, but the Cockhill backline remained strong and organised and saw out the remaining 20 minutes to seal a massive victory and a place in the next round of the competition.

The hosts will be disappointed to crash out of the competition so early, ruling them out of qualification for the FAI Senior Cup where they reached the quarter-finals last year losing to Damien Duff’s Shelbourne 4-0.

Cockhill will be satisfied with their strong defensive performance and will look forward to seeing who they face next round.

Cockhill Celtic

Lee McColgan Defender 25', 69'
Adam McCarron Defender 56'
James Bradley Midfielder 55'

Timeline

Ground

Dry Arch Park
Dry Arch Park, Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland

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