Glentoran Seconds defeated Ballinamallard Utd Reserves 5-3 after extra time at Seaview in the final of the George Wilson Cup.
For those who opted for the settee and the Europa League final....Bad call! The final of the George Wilson Cup was a great game with the Seconds and Ballinamallard Utd Reserves serving up an 8-goal thriller. Nathan Cashel had the first effort on goal on 5 minutes but his shot was partially blocked by Kym Nelson and easily saved by Elliott Morris. Nigel Beacom should have opened the scoring 2 minutes later but his header from a corner failed to hit the target. The hard working Danny McKee forced a corner just before the quarter hour mark. The ball broke to Nelson but his 16-yard effort was saved by the keeper at the second attempt. Glentoran Seconds were beginning to dominate possession at this stage with Danny McKee and John McGuigan both having efforts on goal. Somewhat against the run of play the Fermanagh side went in front on 21 minutes. The Mallards reserves made the most of the Seconds defence failing to clear the ball and Gareth Carrothers smashed the ball past Morris from close range. The Seconds almost levelled a minute later, McKee's overhead kick from McGuigan's cross going wide of the target. For the next 10 minutes the Seconds tried to force an equaliser but the final pass just let them down. On 30 minutes they almost fell further behind but Johnny Courtney's shot hit the side netting. 10 minutes from the interval a superb ball from John McGuigan put Mark Hillen in. The Seconds number 11 steadied himself before firing at goal but Stefan McCusker made a great stop. The ball fell to Jordan Stewart but his pile driver was also blocked by the Mallards defence. In the final minute of the half, Lee Chapman, who had an excellent game on the right, put in another dangerous cross but again nobody was able to get the crucial touch.
A free kick to Ballinamallard Utd Reserves early in the second half almost led to a second goal. William Garrett's attempted clearance hit another Glentoran defender and fell kindly for Christopher Crilly but his shot was deflected just past the upright. Nathan Cashel was then allowed too much space on the edge of the area but his shot was straight at Elliott Morris. Glentoran Seconds then scored two goals in two minutes to turn the game on its head. On 55 minutes the Seconds broke down the right and as Mallards keeper, McCusker raced out the ball was floated into the 6-yard box. Garreth Carrothers and Danny McKee challenged for it, both getting their heads to the ball as it found its way into the bottom corner of the net. If there was any doubt about the first goal there was certainly none with the second. Mark Hillen went down the left and played a superb ball into the area. McKee out-muscled the defender before slotting the ball in at the near post. On 68 minutes McGuigan created a chance for Hillen but he was unable to convert it. With 15 minutes remaining a dangerous break by Nathan Cashel was snuffed out by Colin Smith. Cashel should have seen red 9 minutes from time. As Jordan Stewart broke down the left touchline Cashel repeatedly tried to pull him back. When that didn't work he simply chopped him down from behind. It was reckless and he had no chance of getting to the ball but referee Damien Maguire opted to show just a yellow. If the Glentoran Seconds support thought that decision was bizarre there was worese to follow. In the 3rd minute of the 5 added on by the official, Ballinamallard Utd Resreves pumped a hopeful ball into the area. Elliott Morris came and punched it clear but the referee awarded a penalty kick to the Fermanagh side! John Edgar scored the spot kick and we were into extra time.
10 minutes into the first period of extra time Glentoran Seconds regained the lead. Danny McKee won a corner. John McGuigan swung it in from the right and Kym Nelson rose above everyone to power a header beyond the helpless McCusker. Two minutes later it was 4-2. McKee and Hillen linked well down the right before McKee fired a low ball across the 6-yard area. Substitute Stephen Boyd almost got to it but the Seconds other substitute, Sandy McDermott was just behind him and forced the ball over the goal line.
4-2. Surely it was all over. Not quite. Ballinamallard Utd Reserves fought back again and with 109 minutes played won a corner. Colin Smith was on hand to clear the ball off the line but it fell for John Edgar who somehow blasted it over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Edgar did reduce the deficit 3 minutes later but with just 2 minutes of extra-time remaining John McGuigan, who had an excellent game, broke away on the right, rounded the goalkeeper and slid the ball home from a tight angle. The celebrations could begin.
Glentoran Seconds: Elliott Morris, Lee Chapman, Matthew Kerr, Ross Stewart (capt), Colin Smith, William Garrett, Kym Nelson, John McGuigan, Daniel McKee, Jordan Stewart & Mark Hillen.
Subs: Sandy McDermott for Matthew Kerr (81), Stephen Boyd for Jordan Stewart (87) and Kyle Mackie for Daniel McKee (119).
Unused: Dickson Chisanga and Gary Watson.
Congratulations from everyone at Glentoran to Spike Hill, Jim Morgan, the coaching staff and the Seconds players for giving us such a great end to the season.
