Cockhill clinch Ulster Junior Shield with victory over Keadue Rovers

Cockhill Celtic Youth claimed the Ulster Junior Shield after a 2-0 victory over Keadue Rovers Reserves at Diamond Park, Ballyare. 

The Inishowen side settled the better in the opening exchanges and Cockhill's Captain Ryan Downey had a header just over the bar on six minutes from a Mason McDaid delivery. 

Keadue grew more into the match as the first half progressed and bossed the majority of the possession but had little or no reward only a few long-range efforts from Daire Gallagher and Aiden McHugh. 

Keadue had their first real effort of note on 28 minutes when they were awarded a free 25 yards from goal but Cockhills keeper Darragh O'Donnell saved the effort from Daire Gallagher. Cockhill’s Darragh McDermott then missed a great opportunity to put the Inishowen side ahead but somehow he managed to put the ball over the bar from close range after a great delivery into the box from Liam Bradley as the sides went in scoreless at the break. 

The second period started with Keadue in control and things got better for the Donegal League side when Cockhill were reduced to 10 men on 50 minutes after Liam Bradley got a second yellow for a challenge on Dan Kerr. 

Cockhill responded to the setback fantastically by going ahead with their very next attack. Christy Duffy played a pass to Conor Allen on the left and he beat his man on the outside and got to the byline before delivering a great pass across goal for Paul Mullan to arrive and side-foot to the net past keeper Denis Kpstkykin from six yards much to the delight of the Cockhill following. 

The  Inishowen side increased their lead just past the hour-mark after  Darragh McDermott picked up on a loose clearance 25 yards from goal and shot right-footed to the net past keeper Kpstkykin outstretched left hand - a great strike from McDermott. 

Keadue made a few changes to get themselves back in the game but anything thrown at the Cockhill defence was dealt with comfortably. The one chance that did fall came to  Daire Gallagher on 72 minutes but the impressive Ryan Downey was there with a goal-saving tackle inside the six-yard box injuring himself in doing so but was able to continue after treatment.

Keadue kept probing but Cockhill almost caught them on the counter when the lively Paul Mullan picked up the ball on the right inside his own half and went on a run down the right wing before beating two opponents as he headed into the box and his final shot brought a great save from keeper Kpstkykin in what would have been a goal worthy of winning anyl match. 

As Keadue pushed to get back into the game Cockhill could have added a third on 83 minutes but Connor McDaid failed to put the finishing touches on a wonderful pass from his brother Ryan. 

The final action of note was when Cockhill’s Darragh O'Donnell produced an excellent save with his legs from Aaron McCafferty deep into stoppage time to deny Keadue what would have been a consolation at that stage.