Trim Celtic claim NEFL Challenge Cup

Trim Celtic claimed the NEFL Challenge Cup for the second time as they got the better of treble-chasing Navan Cosmos 3-1 in a thrilling final at United Park this evening.

In a tough, tantilising no-nonsense affair Trim Celtic racved into a 2-0 interval lead, but Cosmos pulled one back early in the second-half to set up a tense conclusion before Colm o'Reilly bagged the insurance goal five minutes from time.

Chances were few and far between in the opening half hour. Trim had strong claims for a penalty waved away after Colm Carney’s shot appeared to strike an arm, while Cosmos were a danger from setpieces with Alan Murphy’s deliveries causing a few nervous moments.

Trim Celtic finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when James Goggins' decent cross was cut out by Robbie Dillon, but from Colm O’Reilly’s corner Paul Campbell rose highest at the back post to head home his 151st senior goal for the club.

Five minutes later Campbell had Cosmos’ goalkeeper Conor Gilsenan scrambling when his attempted lob from midfield drifted narrowly wide, while at the other end Walsh went close with a free header that was off target.

On the stroke of half-time Trim doubled their lead when Faulkner brilliantly dispossessed Andrew Rogers and played a perfect through ball to Carney who went round the advancing goalkeeper before rifling high to the roof of the net from a narrow angle. That goal earned Trim Celtic a 2-0 interval lead.

Cosmos started the second period on the front foot. Andrew Rogers saw a powerful header drop just wide before Cillien Corcoran registered Cosmos’ first effort on target - a tame shot from the edge of the box which was comfortabley collected by Iain Telford.

Five minutes later Cosmos were back in the game when Conor McManus header from Walsh’s brilliant corner somehow wormed its way through a forest of legs and into the net to make it 2-1 in the 62nd minute.

Cosmos piled on the pressure. McManus had a decent effort blocked by Halton, Murphy had a shot deflected out for a corner and Walsh also went close, but Trim survived. They did need Telford’s magnificent intervention to keep out another Walsh free header in the 81st minute, but with their resolve tested, Trim survived.

They settled again in midfield and their hassling paid off five minutes from time when impressive subsitiute Aaron Ryan dispossessed Cosmos in midfield before picking out O’Reilly with the perfect pass and the striker made no mistake with a brilliant finish to ensure Trim Celtic were crowned cup winners.