Wilton march on in Munster Cup. Knockraha's poor supply to forwards proves costly. Blast from the Past.

Blast from the Past. 26th October 2003

Knockraha's poor supply to forwards proves costly as Wilton march on in Munster Cup

Wilton do the business at home.

Wilton United 2 Knockraha 0

Pat Bowdren's Wilton United advanced to the third round of the Lucozade Sport Munster Junior Cup with a deserved, if hard-earned, 2-0 win over underdog visitors Knockraha at Farranlea Road on Sunday morning. Wilton scored late in the first half and again in the third quarter.

Knockraha

Knockraha didn't have that many chances but they fought well throughout. Keeper Ray O’Connor impressed and the back-line limited the lively Wilton men but, for all their spirit, they were lacking in midfield, which meant the forward duo of Trevor O’Connor and Killian Collins lacked the ammunition to do any real damage.

Knockraha's Eoin O'Keeffe
clears his lines. 

Knockraha Start Strong, but Wilton Take Control

The opening exchanges were evenly matched, with both teams eager to make their mark. Knockraha, playing against the wind, showed plenty of ambition, but Wilton's defence, anchored by the impressive Anthony Donovan, stood firm.

The breakthrough came just before halftime. A well-worked move involving Hugh Shields and John O'Mahony ended with Michael Ryan firing home from close range. It followed a period of Wilton dominance and was a body blow for Knockraha.

Second-half pressure and Another Wilton Goal

Knockraha manager Colm Twohig re-organised his forces at the break and they came close to an equaliser in the first minute. A free kick broke loose in the box. O’Brien pounced but drove it over.

Wilton full back John O'Mahony heads clear.

After that, the second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Wilton dictating play but unable to extend their lead as quickly as they'd have liked. Knockraha battled bravely, but their attacking efforts lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the home side.

Wilton's Hugh Shields on the ball,

Wilton sealed the victory in the 62nd minute. A corner from Darragh O'Donovan found Brian Murphy unmarked at the far post, and his header clinched the win for the home side. Late substitute Darren Casey almost added a third in the closing minutes when he got his head to an incoming free and headed back across the goal but keeper O’Connor got there just before Alan O'Mahony.

Wilton striker Brian Murphy goes highest to head their second goal.

Super Performance from Wilton's Defence

Wilton's defensive solidity was crucial to their success. Anthony Donovan and his defensive partners were resolute in their efforts, thwarting the Knockraha attackers (whose supply lines weren't great in any case). 

Wilton's John O'Mahony makes a smart turn away from his marker.

While Knockraha can be proud of their battling performance,  they rarely stretched the Wilton defence.  United's clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved decisive on the day.

Wilton's Hugh Shields on the ball.

Knockraha's outstanding keeper Ray O'Connor catches the ball as Brian Murphy looks on.