Glaslough claim League Cup

Glaslough Villa produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat Cavan Town 2–1 and lift the League Cup, striking at key moments and defending resolutely to see off a late rally. Cavan Town were aiming to win the trophy for a sixth time, but were stopped by the current cup-holders from Monaghan.

Clear-cut chances were scarce in the early stages, with the only notable opening inside the first five minutes seeing Conor Smith curl narrowly wide for Cavan Town. Glaslough gradually imposed themselves on the contest, controlling possession through the opening 20 minutes, and their pressure was rewarded on 25 minutes with a goal of real quality.

Cavan Town could only half-clear a dangerous cross to the edge of the area, where Jake McGeough was waiting. Allowing the ball to bounce, McGeough unleashed a powerful volley that arrowed into the bottom corner, giving Mark Sheridan no chance in the Cavan goal.

Glaslough almost doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when a long free kick was spilled by Sheridan, but despite the moment of danger the Villa attackers were unable to force the loose ball over the line. Cavan Town responded with a spell of pressure late in the first half, pushing men forward, but Glaslough’s defensive shape held firm and limited them to speculative efforts from distance.

The second half developed into an even, fast-paced contest, with both sides moving the ball sharply and the respective back lines largely on top. That balance was broken on the hour mark following a decisive counter-attack. Christopher Treanor intercepted a pass just inside his own half and, spotting the Cavan defence out of position, threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Jamie Krisiulevicius. His attempted finish was well saved by Sheridan, but in trying to clear his lines the goalkeeper was dispossessed by Terence McDonald on the edge of the box.

With defenders scrambling back, McDonald made no mistake to fire home and double Glaslough’s lead.

Led by captain Cian Byrne, Cavan Town battled gamely in search of a way back, but with a two-goal cushion Glaslough were able to manage the game intelligently, keeping their opponents at arm’s length. Cavan did grab a consolation in the 93rd minute when Jack Coombes-Morris delivered an inviting cross that was met by the head of Paul O’Connor, but it proved too little, too late.

Glaslough Villa saw out the remaining moments to secure a deserved victory, built on organisation, composure and decisive finishing.

Cavan Town: M. Sheridan, C. Byrne, J. Mooney, P. O’Connor, D. Walsh, K. Crowe-Brady, A. Graham, B. Mooney, S. Martin, P. Dumitru, C. Smith.

Subs: J. Heffernan, M. Sheridan, F. McCarthy, N. Martin, M. Sexton.

Glaslough Villa: J. Smith, J. Kehoe, C. Treanor, J. McHugh, K. Fanning, J. McGeough, E. Ward, M. Mooney, T. McDonald, E. Doody, J. Krisiulevicius.

Subs: C. Smith, C. McKenna, F. Hughes, C. Woods, P. Redden, S. McEvoy, S. Clerkin.