Greencastle took all Buncrana Hearts could throw at them to claim this Clubman Shirts League Cup Final with the only goal of the game.
In good conditions at Maginn Park Greencastle secured silverware this season with a hard earned backs to the wall display in the second half to repel the league champions.
Greencastle began well with James Henry firing over from twenty yards before Brennan Moore saw a free kick just clear the bar.
Buncrana responded and Kieran McDaid was narrowly over with a effort from a tight angle before Jamie McDaid played a neat one two with Kieran McDaid but fired well wide.
In the 17th minute a superb Aaron McDaid run took him into the area but his left footed effort was pushed behind by Conor Browne.
Minutes later Greencastle took the lead after Rory Kelly punched clear to the edge of the area where Michael Barr controlled and fired the ball low to the bottom right hand corner with the Buncrana side appealing in vain for a handball.
Greencastle got on top at this stage and an inswinging Michael Henry corner found Nigel McMonagle whose half volley flew well over.
On 42 minutes James Henry fed Brennan Moore on the edge of the area and his effort was turned round the post at full stretch by Kelly.
Buncrana went close on the stroke of half time after Kieran McDaids low free kick was met by Ryan Doherty who shot narrowly wide.
Buncrana dominated the second half and on 50 minutes created their best chance after a superb crossfield pass from Aaron McDaid found Jamie McDaid clear on the edge of the area and he lifted the ball over Browne in the Greencastle goal but over the bar. Then a Calvin Gallagher ball over the top found substitute Bart Wesolowski but his shot was easily gathered by Browne at the base of his post.
Greencastle ‘s only attempt on goal came after the hour mark after good possession ended with James Henry firing over from twenty yards.
Buncrana resumed their onslaught without creating clear chances and when a quick free released Adam Curran on the left his pull back found Jamie McDaid but he miscued and from the corner Gallagher headed over.
The final chance to force extra time saw James Adair ‘s cross from the left deflected behind at the back post as Greencastle held on to secure victory.
Man Of The Match
For Buncrana Ryan Doherty played a captain’s part and Aaron McDaid was tireless in his efforts while for the winners James Henry and DJ Canavan were excellent. But the award goes to Michael Barr who was a colossus at the heart of the Greencastle defence in repelling wave after wave of Buncrana attacks and also scored the only goal of the game.
