Dunboyne show lots of class in thriller

Dunboyne produced a battling performance against one of the top teams in the Ulster Senior League as they earned a FAI Intermediate Cup third round draw in an exciting tussle on Sunday. The big game of the day in Meath presented Dunboyne with an opportunity of earning a place in the first qualifying round of the FAI Senior Cup next February. However, they were unable to make the breakthrough and now face the prospects of a long pre-Christmas trip to Donegal for a replay on Sunday 18th December. Top of the Christmas shopping list for Dunboyne manager Vernon McAllorum ahead of the journey to the village of St Johnston, which is about 20 miles north of Lifford, will be a new goalkeeper. The manager was forced to select striker Ger Robinson between the posts for Sunday's cup tie due to an injury which regular custodian Paul O'Reilly picked up in last week's Leinster Senior League Div 1A victory over St James' Gate. "Paul picked up a finger injury that will keep him out until January and I hope we can sign a new goalkeeper this week," McAllorum told the Meath Chronicle after Sunday's tense encounter against Kildrum. Robinson performed impressively between the posts and handled with great confidence throughout, but his absence from the attack was noticeable. A number of good openings were created, but the finishing touch was missing with players dwelling too long on the ball when a shot might have reaped some reward. Kildrum opened at a fast pace, despite having to wait for a replacement bus on Sunday morning before they departed for their long journey to the Royal County. Apparently the first bus broke down and that delayed the departure by about 45 minutes. Robinson was in action with a couple of early saves and then was fortunate that his defence cleared the danger after his throw-out was short and gave Kildrum a brief chance. Lee Ferrand had Dunboyne's first real chance in the 22nd minute, but he was denied by Matthew McGinty's smart save. The Kildrum 'keeper then denied Andy Farrell while at the other end Robinson saved from the pacy Cormac Carolan who was a constant threat. Dunboyne almost stole the lead 20 seconds after the resumption when Stephen McCrossan surged through from the kick-off and was narrowly wide. The pace slackened for a short period and this seemed to suit Kildrum who were very comfortable on the ball, when they were afforded time and space. Darren McCreadie saw his rising shot clear the crossbar before Carolan had an excellent chance, but his finishing was wayward. Dunboyne upped the tempo and were back in contention with Ciaran Carr going close. Terry McAuley's long throws were also causing problems and substitute David Clarke had a penalty claim waved away with 10 minutes remaining. Following a sustained bout of pressure from Dunboyne, Farrell's corner hit the crossbar and from the scrambled clearance centre-back Brendan Lee saw his dipping shot skim the top of the bar. That was the last chance and with no extra-time in the first game, Dunboyne must now prepare to win away from home in the FAI Cup for the third time in-a-row following morale-boosting victories over Glebe North and Postal Utd in the first two rounds. Kildrum will have a week to prepare for the visit of the Meath men as the season in Donegal is now finished. Ross O'Toole and Lee were very comfortable in the centre of defence for Dunboyne while McCrossan and Farrell worked exceptionally hard around midfield for the 90 minutes. If a new goalkeeper can be sourced, Robinson will bring an extra dimension to the attack for the replay and could yet prove to be a vital part of the gameplan. Dunboyne - G Robinson; T McAuley,C Sylvester, R O'Toole, B Lee, S McCrossan, L Ferrand, N Connellan, C Carr, A Farrell, C Richardson. Subs - D Clarke for Connellan 57 mins, C Cassidy for Richardson 70m, K Healy for Ferrand 74m. Kildrum Tigers - M McGinty; D Kelly, N Lloyd, P McLoughlin, M Crossan, S McGowan, D Doran, D Crossan, C Carolan, D McCreadie, D Cassidy. Subs - G Doherty for McCreadie 70 mins, R Coyle for D Crossan 75m. Referee - Declan Troy (Dublin Branch ISRS).