Cockhill Celtic put USL title on the line

Cockhill Celtic have little time to lick the wounds from Sunday’s FAI Intermediate Cup final defeat as they put the Ulster Senior League title on the line this weekend.

Gavin Cullen’s men are gunning for a tenth USL success in a row and host title rivals Bonagee United on Sunday at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Ground (2pm).

The maths are simple: Anything less than a win for Cockhill will see Bonagee crowned champions.

Cullen believes that Cockhill will have taken great energy from the run to the Intermediate Cup final.

“It was brilliant to be involved in it,” Cullen said after an agonising penalty shoot-out loss to Rockmount at The Showgrounds.

Cockhill Celtic endure shoot-out heartbreak in Intermediate Cup final

After a 1-1 draw in Sligo, Rockmount AFC from Cork retained the Intermediate Cup after defeating Cockhill Celtic on penalties

“The club has grown in stature and we have proved that we’re a match for anyone in this country.

“The crowd really backed the players and it was a brilliant occasion. It was a great day for the club. The fans will be going home proud of the lads.”

Lee McColgan brought Cockhill level through a 22nd minute penalty after Adam Crowley clipped Rockmount in front.

The sides couldn’t be separated and Rockmount 4-3 won on penalties. 

“It just wasn’t to be,” Cullen said. “I can’t ask for any more from that group of players. They left it all out on the pitch. They put every effort into it. We played fairly well and shaded it over the 120 minutes.

“Rockmount started better, but we grew into it. The two teams were well matched, I felt. We probably shaded it and we had a couple of chances. There were big moments for both teams.”

Both teams had their chances to win the tie, but a gripping afternoon went down to a nervy shoot-out.

Corey McBride might have won it for Cockhill, but he fired over the crossbar and, after Cian Murphy netted the first sudden death spot-kick, Jimmy Bradley shot over to ensure Rockmount kept hold of the silverware.

Cullen said: “We just asked who was up for it. We had seven or eight players willing to stand up and take one. That’s a testament to the character of those players. Penalties either go with you or against you."