Corkbeg 1 Greenwood 2
The Premier A League title race was blown wide open, as Corkbeg were beaten 2-1 by Greenwood in Whitegate on Saturday afternoon. It was a disjointed performance by the home side, as a well organised Greenwood team deservedly took the three points.
It was a scrappy first half, with both sides cancelling each other out. Chances were limited enough. Jordan Ryan forced a really good save from a free kick from Greenwood goalkeeper James McDonnell after 30 minutes and McDonnell also easily held a well struck volley from Shane Bennett.
But, it was the away side who struck first on 35 minutes, as Greenwood striker Ian Manning got in front of everybody at the front post to glance an excellent delivery past John Manning.
In the second period, Corkbeg huffed and puffed, but struggled to break down a very well organised and disciplined Greenwood defence. In fact, it was Greenwood who came closest during the half, as Ian Mannings excellently struck shot on the turn, was brilliantly turned onto the post by his namesake John, in the Corkbeg goal. At the other end, Jordan Ryan volleyed agonisingly wide when well placed 15 yards from goal.
But with ten minutes remaining, a great passing move between Jordan Ryan and Shane Bennett, saw Bennetts floated delivery glanced to the net by Cein O Driscoll. Corkbeg finally had a foothold. Parity last barely five minutes, as loose marking in the Corkbeg area, saw Ian Manning quickest to react and to smash the ball home from 8 yards.
Once again, Corkbeg huffed and puffed, but created nothing clearcut and a frustrating day for the home side was confounded in injury time, when skipper Jack Farmer received a second yellow card to end a disappointing day for the Beg.
