Trim Celtic advance

After the inclement weather conditions frustrated three previous attempts to stage this MDL Challenge Cup encounter the tie finally got underway at the MDL on Sunday before a sizeable crowd. Trim Celtic displayed all the experience of a top Premier side and were worthy winners, but not before they were given a stern test by last year's beaten finalists and local rivals Knightsbrook. The Div 2 side started brighter of the two and could have been a goal up after only three minutes when a shot from TJ Garry was well-saved by Trim custodian Barry O'Callaghan. Five minutes later James Moynihan also tested O'Callaghan with a well-struck effort. Partly because of skilful, controlled play by Paul Campbell and Mick Corrigan, Trim Celtic exerted sustained pressure and chances were created with Paul Gilsenan and Derek Donohoe threatening. On the 25th minute mark Donohoe scored with a well-taken effort when he got to the end of a Mark Gilsenan cross. For the rest of the match Trim looked to be in control despite a few long range efforts from Anthony Craig and Eddie Murray that Callaghan comfortably dealt with. His opposite number Eugene Goulding also coped adequately with whatever was asked of him. However, a Donohoe shot did beat Goulding before rebounding off the woodwork The second goal for Trim came three minutes into injury-time after Michael Corrigan was taken down in the penalty area. Mark McCormack(pictured) stepped up to convert the resultant penalty and put his side into round three where they face a difficult trip to Div 1 leaders Dromin Utd. Best for the victors were Paul and Mark Gilsenan, Paul Campbell, Corrigan, Donohoe, and McCormack while Knightsbrook had impressive displays from Goulding, Alan Gilbane, Garry and Anthony Craig. Knightsbrook – E Goulding, D Gibney, O Englishby, A Gilbane, TJ Garry, A.Craig, P Rispin, C Ryan, C O'Hanlon, E. Murray, J. Moynihan, Subs - D Blaney for Gibney, J Curran for O'Hanlon. Trim Celtic – B O'Callaghan, M Gilsenan, T Boyle, C Halton, D Conway, S McGowan, P Campbell, M Corrigan, M McCormack, D Donohoe, P Gilsenan, Sub - C Harte for McGowan.