Hillington Bows Out of FAI Junior Cup to Clinical Ballincollig. Blast from the Past. October 2003

FAI JUNIOR CUP 

Blast from the Past. 12th October 2003

Ballincollig

Hillington Bows Out of FAI Junior Cup to Clinical Ballincollig 

Hillington 0 Ballincollig 3

Hillington's FAI Junior Cup dream came to an end  as a well-organised Ballincollig secured a convincing 3-0 victory at Hillington's home ground.

Hillington

Hillington came out firing in the opening minutes. Jason Forde's corner found Graham Horgan, whose volley sailed just wide. Midfielder Conor Murray also threatened with a shot that went narrowly off-target. However, Ballincollig, playing against the wind, capitalised on a set-piece opportunity in the 22nd minute. Trevor O'Mahony's corner caused havoc in the Hillington box, and after a scramble with Ballincollig's Terry Coomey involved, Jason "Benny" O'Leary slotted home to put the visitors ahead.

Hillington keeper Paul O'Rourke, under pressure from Terry Coomey,
seconds before the opening goal.

Hillington Frustrated, Ballincollig Doubles Down

The remainder of the first half saw Hillington pushing for an equaliser. Thomas Galvin was a constant threat, forcing a save from the Ballincollig keeper and nearly creating a chance with a clever steal. However, Ballincollig remained dangerous on the counter, with influential midfielder Pat Flanagan close to extending their lead with a shot that clipped the bar.

Hillington's Anthony Wall (left) and Conor Prendeville clash.

Second Half Seals Hillington's Fate

Hillington defender Jason Twohig heads clear. 

The second half continued in a similar vein. Hillington struggled to break down a resolute Ballincollig defence, while the visitors controlled possession and threatened on the break. Ballincollig doubled their lead in the 69th minute thanks to a brilliant run by O'Callaghan, who coolly slotted the ball past the advancing Hillington keeper after Benny's pass split the defence.

Hillington Responds, But Ballincollig Punishes

Despite going down by two goals, Hillington refused to give up. Substitute Eamonn Brown provided some spark in midfield, creating chances for Ryan and Murray. However, their efforts were in vain. A long free-kick from Ballincollig's Matthew O'Regan found its way to Lennie Cummins, who set up Pat Flanagan for a powerful finish that sealed the win for the visitors, sub Prenderville and O’Callaghan were also involved in the build-up. 

A Creditable Performance Despite the Defeat

While disappointed with the result, Hillington can take heart from their battling spirit. Players like Jason Forde, Graham Horgan, and Thomas Galvin showed up well and the team never gave up fighting until the final whistle.

Adrian Brady. Key player for the winners 

Hillington: Paul O’Rourke, Miles Gaffney, Tony O’Connell, Damien Kelleher, Jason Twohig, Conor Murray, Anthony Wall, Graham Horgan, Graham Healy, Eric Ryan and Jason Forde. Subs used: Martin O’Rourke for O’Connell (26^th minute) and Eamonn Browne for Gaffney (50^th).

Ballincollig; Owen Walsh, Jason O'Leary, Trevor O'Mahony, Matthew O'Regan, Adrian Brady, Pat Flanagan, Thomas Glavin, Lennie Cummins, Anthony Hogan, Cathal O'Callaghan and Terry Coomey. Subs used: Conor Prenderville for Galvin (70^th) and Terry O’Donovan for O'Leary (81^st).

Referee: Christy Byrne.