Portlaw reach a first ever Premier Cup Final
Portlaw striker Sam Deevy celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Tramore in the Jimmy Searson Premier Cup at Ozier Park on Saturday last.
Portlaw United booked their place in the Jimmy Searson Premier Cup Final for the first time in the club’s history after a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Tramore AFC in an entertaining semi-final at Ozier Park on Sunday morning.
Goals either side of half-time from Sam Deevy and John Power proved enough to send the Waterford club into next weekend’s decider, where they will face Villa at Ozier Park. Despite a spirited second-half comeback from Tramore, Portlaw showed great character and defensive discipline to hold firm and secure a memorable victory.
Both sides fielded youthful line-ups and the pace and intensity of the contest reflected that from the opening whistle. There was little between the teams throughout, but Portlaw were clinical when their opportunities arrived and ultimately reaped the rewards.
Tramore almost made the perfect start inside the opening minute. Dara O’Brien spotted Portlaw goalkeeper Joshua Kay off his line and attempted an audacious effort from more than 40 yards, but the ball drifted narrowly wide of the far post as Kay scrambled back towards his goal.
The Seasiders continued to look dangerous in the early stages and O’Brien was again involved shortly afterwards when he turned sharply inside the penalty area, only for Portlaw captain Darryl Walsh to make an excellent block and deny a clear shooting opportunity.
Portlaw gradually settled into the game and began to threaten themselves. On 15 minutes, striker John Power capitalised on a defensive error and raced through on goal. He rounded Tramore goalkeeper Gavin Buckley and looked certain to score, but Connor Cleary produced a vital recovery tackle and blocked the effort on the goal line.
The breakthrough finally arrived on 38 minutes and it was a goal of real quality. Josh Moore won possession in midfield before delivering a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Sam Deevy. The winger timed his run superbly and kept his composure to drill a low shot beyond the advancing Buckley and into the bottom corner.
That goal lifted Portlaw and they struck again just before the interval to take a firm grip on the contest. Peter Woods surged forward down the left wing and delivered a measured pass into John Power. The striker showed excellent strength and awareness to roll his marker before guiding a well-placed right-footed finish beyond Buckley to make it 2-0.
Tramore knew they needed a response after the break and the introduction of Regix Madika at half-time gave them renewed energy in the attacking third. Operating as a focal point in attack, Madika provided a stronger physical presence and helped bring others into the game as Tramore pushed forward in search of a route back into the contest.
However, Portlaw remained a threat on the counter-attack and almost added a third on the hour mark. Kealan Kiersey delivered an inviting cross from the left, but Adam Butler read the danger brilliantly and headed clear before any Portlaw attacker could apply the finishing touch.
The momentum was beginning to swing Tramore’s way and they deservedly reduced the deficit on 71 minutes. O’Brien, who had been influential throughout, produced a clever pass over the top of the Portlaw defence. Darby Sheridan latched onto it and showed excellent composure before firing an emphatic finish past Kay and into the net.
That goal set up a tense finale as Tramore committed players forward in search of an equaliser. Portlaw, however, refused to panic. Captain Darryl Walsh marshalled his defence superbly while Joshua Kay dealt confidently with the pressure behind them.
Although Tramore enjoyed plenty of possession during the closing stages, clear-cut opportunities proved difficult to create against a determined Portlaw rearguard. The winners continued to battle for every ball and showed impressive maturity to see out the game.
The contest ended in disappointing fashion for Tramore when goalscorer Sheridan received a second yellow card deep into stoppage time and was subsequently dismissed.
The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration among the Portlaw players, management and supporters as they secured one of the most significant victories in the club’s history. Their reward is a first appearance in the Jimmy Searson Premier Cup Final, where they will look to complete an unforgettable campaign when they face Villa next Sunday at Ozier Park.
Joshua Kay; Alfie Keane, Peter Woods, Darryl Walsh, Tigheaman King, Josh Moore, Kealan Kiersey (Liam Kiersey 65), Darren Rockett, Sam Croke (Kevin Lyons 59), John Power, Sam Deevy (Cian Power 90+4).
Gavin Buckley; Connor Cleary, Adam Butler, Cian Flanagan, Dara O’Brien, Ashley Kelliher (Adam Chapman 65), David Cooley, John St Ledger, Alex Sheehan (Regix Madika HT), Darby Sheridan, Ryan Walsh (Jack Dillon 83).
Eamonn Russell, assisted by Gavin Keyes and Luke Brennan.
