Father and son combination win the cup for Seaview
The Seaview Celtic team, supporters, friends and family celebrate a great win against Piltown in the Philip O'Keeffe Division 3 Cup Final played on Wednesday last in Ozier Park. Photos: Noel Browne
A father-and-son partnership proved decisive as Seaview Celtic claimed the Philip O'Keeffe Division 3 Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Piltown AFC at Ozier Park on Wednesday night.
Alan Drohan fired Celtic into the lead midway through the second half before his son, Adam, struck a dramatic injury-time winner to seal the trophy. Celtic captain Martin Harney was later presented with the Philip O'Keeffe Cup, while Adam Drohan's outstanding display earned him the Man of the Match award.
While Seaview Celtic were deserving winners overall, Piltown AFC pushed them all the way in an entertaining and tense cup final that remained in the balance until the closing moments.
Seaview Celtic made a bright start and were on the front foot from the opening whistle. After just two minutes, Paul Murphy broke free down the right and delivered a well-weighted pass to Adam Drohan, but the striker dragged his effort wide of the far post.
Father and son combined again on six minutes when Alan Drohan linked up with Adam, but the latter shot narrowly wide of the near post.
Celtic continued to create chances and should have gone ahead on 15 minutes. A clever free-kick from James Fitzgerald released Paddy Flavin down the right flank. His low cross found Aaron Dillon six yards from goal, but he was unable to apply the finishing touch.
Piltown weathered the early pressure and almost took the lead on 20 minutes. Ben Kerwick launched a long throw into the penalty area, David Walsh flicked it on and Matthew Bergin met the ball with a first-time volley, only for Celtic goalkeeper Donal Carey to produce an excellent save.
Both sides had opportunities before the break. On 32 minutes, Matthew Bergin delivered a dangerous near-post corner for Piltown, but Michael Walsh's flicked effort found only the side-netting. At the other end, Adam Drohan raced through on goal, but Blake Wheeler made an excellent diving save to keep the sides level.
Celtic finally made the breakthrough on 54 minutes. Adam Power's long throw-in was flicked on by Adam Drohan and Alan Drohan arrived at speed to volley home off the underside of the crossbar.
The seaside club almost doubled their advantage on the hour mark. James Fitzgerald's volley was blocked, but the rebound fell to Thomas Griffin, whose goalbound effort was brilliantly saved by Wheeler diving low to his left.
Piltown drew level on 74 minutes after a goalmouth scramble resulted in Anthony McGrath being fouled in the box. Matthew Bergin stepped forward and calmly converted the resulting penalty.
Seaview squandered a golden opportunity to restore their lead in the closing stages when Adam Drohan cleverly set up Edward Moore, but the striker failed to make the most of the chance and Wheeler gathered comfortably.
Piltown nearly snatched victory on 90 minutes when Taylor Hanlon unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the area, but Carey reacted superbly to tip the ball over the crossbar.
However, there was one final twist. Deep into stoppage time, Edward Moore collected a loose ball and fired a shot goalwards. Although the effort was blocked, Adam Drohan reacted quickest and drilled the rebound into the net in the 95th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Seaview players and supporters.
Following the final whistle, Noel O'Keeffe presented the Philip O'Keeffe Cup to Celtic captain Martin Harney, while Adam Drohan was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Blake Wheeler; Anthony McGrath (Michael Gough 68), Aaron Humphrey, Taylor Hanlon (Matthew O'Brien 90), Paul Quinlan, Ben Kerwick (Orestas Budginas 84), Michael Walsh, Matthew Bergin, David Walsh, Sean Moroney (Tom Tracy 62), Leon Grace.
Donal Carey; Martin Harney (David Whelan 51), James Fitzgerald, Dylan Colfer, Jason Whelan, Adam Power, Paddy Flavin, Paul Murphy, Aaron Dillon (Thomas Griffin 51), Adam Drohan (Ethan Holt 97), Alan Drohan (Edward Moore 78).
Derek Butler, assisted by Richie Brazil and Luke Brennan.
