Kilgannon leads the way as Waterford reach Oscar Traynor semi-final
Waterford Oscar Traynor manager Conor Coad has led his side to a semi-final in their bid to retain their crown. Photo: Noel Browne
The Waterford and District Junior League advanced to the semi-finals of the Oscar Traynor Trophy with a tight win over Galway, in Drom on Sunday Afternoon.
In a physical encounter played in terrible conditions, it was the defending champions who started the brighter and they almost opened the scoring after two minutes, when Aaron O’Connor’s long-range effort just went wide, to relief of TJ Forde in the Tribesmen’s goal.
Former Galway United striker Padraig Cunningham had a huge opportunity to open the scoring two minutes later, but his effort was smartly saved by Gavin Buckley.
The men from the Deise dominated much of the possession in the opening half, and they opened the scoring in the 20th minute, following a fine finish by Conor Kilgannon. Galway failed to clear a Waterford attack, with the ball breaking to Kilgannon, who finished calmly.
The victors doubled their lead in the 34th minute, following a delightful header by Kilgannon, the winger finished his header following a brilliant cross by Michael Brennan.
The visitors dominated the remainder of the half and were unfortunate only to be two up at the break.
Neither team created a clear goal scoring opportunity in the third quarter, but Galway’s Aaron Neary missed a huge chance for the home side in the 66th minute. His effort from close range went wide after a fine cross from Kody McCann.
Brendan O’Connor’s side started to dominate the play after this and they pulled a goal back, following a left footed finish by Maree Oranmore’s, Colm Whelan.
Lewis Waweru had a huge chance to level the sides moments later, but his effort was blocked.
Conor Coad's men then restored their two-goal advantage, after Kilgannon got his third. His effort from 25 yards found it's way past Forde, as Waterford went 3-1 up.
Teenager, Ben McDonnell made it 3-2 in the 90th minute for the men in Maroon, but it was too little too late as Waterford held on for a deserved victory.
Waterford will now face Wexford in their Oscar Traynor Trophy semi-final. In the other semi-final, Mayo will face the Limerick and District League.
Galway FA: TJ Forde, Luke O’Gorman, Nathan Ward, Ben Molloy, Adam Duffy, Ger O’Riordan (Lewis Waweru 76), Timmy Molloy, Kody McCann, Colm Whelan, Aaron Neary (McDonnell 87), Padraic Cunningham (Callum Browne 50).
Waterford and District Junior League: Gavin Buckley, Ciaran Hodanu (Tom Carney 69), Cian Browne, Darryl Walsh, Dylan Stickel (Ben Daly 75 mins), Luke Walsh, Conor Kilgannon, Aaron O’Connor (Browne 90 mins), Charlie Binions, Adham Masood (Ahern 85 mins), Michael Brennan (John Tamen 45).
