Athboy clinch league title after spot kick drama

Athboy Celtic, one of the longest serving clubs in the MDL, won their first league title in 24 years when they dramatically took the honours in this Div 3 title play-off after a mammoth tussle with Knightsbrook that went to a penalty shoot-out. Both sides were left waiting in the sweltering heat as the Longford referee negotiated his way along the recently opened M3. The late start seemed to boost Athboy as they were very sharp early on creating a number of chances before speedy winger Gary Connell was on hand to finish to the net after 15 minutes. Ten minutes later Gary Ennis made it two and the same player could have made it 3-0 early in the second-half, just before Knightsbrook got to grips with the game and began to dominate proceedings especially in the middle of the field where Athboy were tiring. The vital breakthrough came for Knightsbrook after 75 minutes when Craig O'Hanlon scored from close range, and following sustained pressure and despite some heroics from the Athboy rearguard TJ Garry was on hand to flick home a deserved equalizer following a long throw by O'Hanlon with just four minutes remaining. In extra-time the best chances fell to Knightsbrook but they failed to capitalize and the match went to a penalty-shoot out to decide the outcome. During the 20 penalties that were taken, after Knightsbrook went first, Athboy had two chances to win and also required two spot kicks to keep them in the tie before Kevin Murray held his nerve to score the decisive goal and spark off wild celebrations among the large Athboy supporters in attendance. After the match MDL secretary Gerry Gorman presented the Div 3 trophy to the Athboy captain Mick Duignan. This game was the last of a long series of encounters throughout a memorable season for Knightsbrook that had many twists and turns. They lost to Banagher in the Leinster Junior Shield semi-final after a protracted penalty shoot-out. There was further disappointment for them when they were defeated by Clones Town in the MDL Challenge Cup final at United Park. They had done extremely well to get to the final defeating a number of higher ranked teams along the way. Athboy Celtic - P Sheridan; K Kelly, K Dalton, M Duignan, D Williams, M Ward, D Burson, C Ward, G Ennis, G Connell, K Maguire, Subs - G Kelly for Burson, M Morhares for Maguire. Knightsbrook - E Goulding, D Gibney, D Blaney, A Gilbane, TJ Garry, A Craig, C Ryan, C Keegan, C O'Hanlon, E Murray, J Monyihan. Sub - T Dempsey for Murray.