Super St. Anthony won the Harry Griffiths Cup after a battle with Leicester Celtic

Leicester Celtic 0

The Harry Griffiths Cup Final took place between Kilcoole’s St. Anthony’s and Leicester Celtic at a warm and sunny Temple Sports ground on Friday night and what a way to start the bank holiday weekend with an exhibition of football between two excellent teams.

It was Leicester Celtic who started strongly, St. Anthony looking nervous in the first few minutes. Micheal O’Brien latched on to a poor back pass and unleashed a shot, keeper Cyfert saved and touched the ball.

Another Cyfert save from a corner kick came from a scramble in the box.

St. Anthony’s held on and got back into the game with some neat passing and hard tackling by midfielders Diarmuid Fitzpatrick and Jason Gaffney.

The first half had chances at each end but the deadlock was broken when defender St. Anthony, Michael Manka threw to Coleman Kelly who controlled the ball, crossed it to Oliver Allsion and from a scratched shot across goal Darragh McGinley was unmarked and unleashed a powerful left footed shot that flew into the net to make it 1-0 for the Co team. Wicklow just before the break.

In the second half, Leicester Celtic came out fighting with 20 minutes of sustained pressure, Peter Holland trying to lob Cyfert from distance only for the keeper to get his fingers to the ball and tip it over.

The back of St. Anthony’s line-up of McGinn, Walshe, O’Brien and Manka worked well to deny numerous chances from Leicester Celtic.

On 75 minutes, Barry Delaney made it 2-0 with a superb goal.

From a kick, Coleman Kelly flicked the ball to Delaney, whose first touch beat the Leicester Celtic keeper on the edge of the box.

Wild scenes ensued as Delaney, who ran to the sideline in celebration, was mobbed in delight by his teammates and his son, Kayden.

Both teams made changes near the end with Ian Shortt going close with a fine strike.

St. Anthony’s held firm until the referee blew the final whistle.

“We are absolutely delighted to win the cup again after some recent disappointments,” said the manager of St. Anthony’s Eoin Lynch. “This win was even sweeter since Leicester Celtic beat us 6-0 recently and last year we lost the final to Garden County.

“A lot of hard work and training went into this win so well done to all the boys. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going for the rest of the season,” he added.

Man of the Match: Radu Cyfert with an unbeatable performance for 90 minutes.

St Anthony’s: Radu Cyfert, Sean Walshe, Domo O’Brien, Micheal Manka, Colm McGinn Diarmuid Fitzpatrick, Jason Gaffney, Oliver Allision, Claudio Marmo, Darragh McGinley, Barry Delaney. Subs: Coleman Kelly for C Marmo (30), Niall Dwyer for McGinn (68), Carl Doyle for M Manka (70), Ronan McInerney for D McGinley (70), Ian Shortt for B Delaney (76), Tomo O’Brien , Gavin Kerr.

Leicester Celtic: Mark Lew, Danny Dickin, Stephen Scully, Dave Cullen Ronan O Connor, Michael O Brien, Ian Harford, Peter Holland Simon Monks, Ronan Lynagh, Kenny Carr. Subs: Jeff Sargent for P Rafferty (60), Anthony Cassidy for D Redmond (60), Enda Forde for R Ellison (80).

Referees: Carl Doyle and Michael Kavanagh.

Referee: Declan Ellison