Walsh winner for Cosmos in 93rd minute
Navan Cosmos advanced to the last four of the North East Football League Challenge Cup at the MDL tonight with a hard-earned 2-1 victory with the winner arriving in the 93rd minute from Conor Walsh against Rathkenny Rovers.
Premier leaders Navan Cosmos looked good in the early stages of the opening half and hit the front after about 15 minutes when Walsh finished a rebound to the net and at that stage it was a deserved advantage for the Navan side.
However, Div 2 side Rathkenny battled to stay in the game and were rewarded for some spirited play in the 37th minute when James Macken dispossessed a Cosmos defender who dwelt on the ball and then set up in the in-rushing Kevin Ross after drawing the goalkeeper.
Ross finished although it wasn't as easy as it looked and that left it 1-1 at the interval.
Cosmos dictated most of the second-half. but were unable to score and it looked like extra-time would be required when Alan Murphy missed a 'sitter' from about six yards close to 90 minutes.
Just when Rathkenny may have felt thay were heading for the extra-time Walsh turbo-charged into the penalty area and by a few tired tackles before placing the ball in the net.
Heartbreak for Rathkenny and joy for the Cosmos who remain on the scent of three trophies again this season.
Navan Cosmos - Conor Gilsenan; Paul Delaney, Gary O'Dowd, Shaun Doyle, Robbie Dillon, Alan Murphy, Donal Callan, Colin Lynch, Rob Coombes, 10 Conor Walsh, Cillien Corcoran. Sub - Conor McManus for Lynch 60 mins.
Ratheknny Rovers - Stephen McCabe; Niall Branigan, Joe Gore, Shane Wall, Brian Lenehan, Owen Elliott, Owen O'Connor, Ivan Lenehan, 9 Kevin Ross, James Macken, Padraig McGowan. Subs - Craig Smith for Lenehan 70 mins, Louis Timmons for Elliott 80m