Rangers blow two-goal lead but get the job done
Keelan Jordan of Conn Rangers watches his header go over, in last Sunday's Benson Cup game away to Manulla. Picture: John Corless
A penalty shoot-out was needed to separate these sides on Sunday morning in Manulla, with Conn Rangers ultimately advancing to the next round of the Benson Cup. The overall standard fluctuated, but the contest remained competitive throughout and Rangers just about deserved their victory.
Manulla made the sharper start, with Gary McHale repeatedly testing the Conn defence with runs in behind. He threatened early with a header and later broke through, only to be denied by Owen McNamara. McHale’s involvement was cut short after 18 minutes due to a hamstring injury and his exit shifted the momentum, allowing Rangers back into a game in which they had been second best up to that point.
The first-half offered little for the neutral spectator. A Peter Naughton free-kick that clipped the crossbar was as close as Rangers got until they were gifted a needless free-kick near the touchline. Ronan Holmes’ shot went direct to the net in stoppage time, giving Conn Rangers a 1-0 lead at the interval.
They extended their advantage shortly after the restart. Naughton released Jason Farrell who could only force a corner, but the set-piece proved decisive as Keelan Jordan’s delivery went directly in, making it 2-0 on 51 minutes.
At that stage, Conn appeared in control and had opportunities to put the tie beyond reach. Eoin Prendergast (twice), Farrell, Naughton and Ronan Weir (twice) all came close as they continued to push forward. A more conservative approach might have seen them manage the game differently, but their intent to extend the lead left space behind.
Manulla began to respond, with half-time substitute Shea Benson and Darragh Byrne becoming increasingly influential up top. Byrne reduced the deficit on 78 minutes, arriving at the back post to head home and bring the game back to life.
Conn continued to commit bodies forward and the closing stages saw the pressure swing. In the final minute of normal time, Byrne was involved again, setting up debutant substitute Dylan Dunne, who forced the ball home from close range in a crowded penalty area, to level the match.
Extra-time produced few clear chances. Manulla introduced goalkeeper Matthew Flanagan specifically for the shoot-out, though he was required immediately to deal with a firm Peter Naughton effort in the closing moments.
In the penalties, Ronan Weir, Owen McNamara, Ronan Holmes and Keelan Jordan converted for Rangers. Seán Corcoran, James Dunne and Gavin Jennings were on target for Manulla, but when Andrew Shally struck the upright, Conn Rangers were through to the next round of the Benson Cup and Manulla were out.
“I'd be really disappointed that it went to extra time,” Rangers manager, Joe Faughnan told the Western People afterwards. “They came strong in the last 10 minutes. We were 2-0 up, and should never have allowed it to happen but in fairness they went three at the back and they threw Darragh Byrne up top and it just made a difference. They got on the end of one or two moves, and I suppose got back into the game but we were very comfortable up until that.
“I couldn't believe that it went to extra-time but hats off to the lads, great credit to them. When you're 2-0 up and you think the game is won, and the next thing it’s gone to extra-time, they showed a lot of character. In extra-time, both teams kind of cancelled each other out. We got out of here with the win, so that's what it's all about.” Manulla manager Roger Clarke said it was heartbreaking to lose on penalties.
“We turned things around in the second-half, from 2-0 down to draw level, so we put in a performance which is the main thing. We showed a bit of character and bite to come back to 2-2 and then we were lucky not to get the result in extra-time. We probably should have won it to be honest.
“Gary McHale was a big loss up front. He was making the runs in behind. I think we stopped playing to a certain extent after he went off. We weren't getting the ball in behind the lads. Once he came off, I suppose we needed to regroup at half-time and just put a plan in place and start pressing and start trying to play football again.” Manulla: Óisin Kelly (Matthew Flanagan 109); Harry Freney (Dylan Dunne 72), James Dunne, Andrew Shally; Podge McLoughlin; Jude Clarke (Shea Benson 46), Diarmuid Byrne, Conor Nolan, Gavin Jennings; Gary McHale (Seán Corocran 19), James Bolster ( Diarmuid Costello 72).
Conn Rangers: Brian McMahon; Mark McMahin, Cormac Reape, Owen McNamara, Ronan Holmes; Ronan Weir, Peter Naughton, Jason Farrell, Keelan Jordan; Eoin Prendergast, Ciaran Brogan (Kyle Neary 5) REF: Tom Jennings
