IN overcoming Three Rock Rovers, 2-1, at Ballinteer on Saturday to achieve the most unexpected win of the season in Leinster, YMCA have gained a place in the Mills Cup final without eight members of the squad which edged out Avoca to capture the trophy last year.
"We never wilted," said team manager Robin Powderly. Undaunted, the rebuilt AMEV backed side showed remarkable, resolve in wiping out Rovers first half lead obtained with typical verve by Liam Canning and in stealing victory with the last stroke of a punishing encounter.
Peter Creighton drove home the winner after Angus Dunlop had conceded a short corner. Shortly after the interval, an open play move had hi ought an admirable equaliser by Justin Elliott (recently back from Australia).
Skipper Greg Finn, sweeper Creighton the embattled Quintin Heaney and emerging mid fielder Nigel Buttimer were foremost in the success, though the outcome might have been different but for the absence through injury of the Rovers captain Robin Madeley for most of the second period.
Youthful YMCA, now coached by Richard Mason, tackle equally non elite but spirited opponents in Glenanne in the St Patricks's Day final of the Cable & Wireless sponsored showpiece. Glenanne completed their run in the other half of the draw with a 2-0 conquest of Carlow, where the goals were scored in extra time by Jimmy Shaw and Frankie Byrne.
One wonders if Three Rock are in danger of going to pot after two particular cup defeats, Holywood having snatched an all Ireland passage the previous Saturday. Rovers though remain undefeated in the Leinster Senior League (in which they meet YM next weekend) and have dropped three points fewer than Avoca who, with two more matches played, lead the table after putting paid to Railway Union's hopes 3-0.
Railway, faced by the elements at Loughlinstown and the illustrious Avoca midfield trio of Nigel Kingston, Robert Ryan and Colin Hade, did well to confine their opponents to two first half goals. The maurading Ryan won a penalty stroke for Trevor Dagg to execute and then the Limerick man aided by Rory Kirwan, put the finishing touch to a cross by Galahad Goulet. After Philip Sarratt had added a short corner goal easily in the second half, Connor O'Brien and Stuart O'Higgins where prominent in denying Avoca further reward.
While Avoca would enjoy recapturing the league title. the Irish Senior Cu is what we really want said Simon Filgas, who coaches the aide with David Judge. Filgas was unmoved by his team being drawn away to Holywood in the semi finals of the Nissan driven competition on March 9th. "I like it," he said. "We're inclined to be more focused when we travel."
While the final on April 13th has been arranged for Belfield, it is possible that two Ulster clubs will be involved. Yet, Cork C of 1, like Avoca, will visit Lisnagarvey with considerable credentials in a month's time.
Meanwhile, Pembroke Wanderers 11 have put is a strong claim for the Irish Junior Cup by beating Avoca 11 4-1 in extra time in Saturday's quarter final at Loughlinstown. The rugged game was scoreless after 70 minutes.
Avoca had the more clear cut openings Brian Downes, notably, was unlucky to miss the target. It was Richard Clarke of Pembroke who eventually broke the dead lock and though Brian Edge equalised, Trevor Dunne Dave Sullivan and Simon Kershaw subsequently took their chances.
