Rip-roaring Reds rule at Coolnafranky and storm into Kirk final

For the sixth time in the last seven seasons Cookstown will be playing in the traditional Boxing Day final of the Kirk Cup. They achieved this mighty feat with a well deserved win over Banbridge at Coolnafranky.

The Reds started well and won their first penalty corner after only two minutes but Lennox saved well. Bann then worked themselves into the game and were enjoying the majority of possession as Cookstown backed off. Then a bit of individual genius lit up the game. Andy Barbour, who is showing great early season form, robbed Drew Carlisle on the 25 yard line and entered the circle before placing his shot past the advancing Lennox to put Cookstown ahead.

From then until half-time it was all Banbridge as the Down lads bossed possession. Magowan had a couple of chances and Ian Hughes saved well from Ward. Then a total lapse of concentration from Cookstown’s defence left Magowan with a one-on-one with Hughes and the striker finished well to level matters.

At this stage of the game Cookstown were second best and had to knuckle down and get through this difficult spell. Hughes saved a Bann penalty corner drag and Paul Thompson took the follow up off the line. The defence were working overtime and David Best and Matthew Rollins were excellent as the first half ended with the teams still tied.

The second half started just as the first when Greg Allen tackled a Bann defender deep in the corner and worked his way into the circle to win a penalty corner. Cookstown were now exerting real pressure on Bann’s goal as Lennox saved two Allen efforts. Best then made a great run and got a slap shot away which Lennox also saved. The Reds took the lead again when Paul Thompson deflected past Lennox from a penalty corner switch.

Suddenly Cookstown were the dominant force. Keith Black was chucking aerials over the Banbridge defence to willing runners in Stuart Smyth and Ryan Millar. Stephen Sloan, Andy Barbour, Jon Ames and Simon Todd were now bossing midfield as Cookstown settled to the task of making the game safe. Godfrey Irwin and Ewan Butler now had plenty of time to pick their passes. Bann now had to go for it and Hughes made a great double save to keep his side in the lead.

Another Black aerial caused panic in the Bann rearguard as Lennox came off his line to block. However, Allen pounced like a whippet onto the loose ball to score with a diving slap shot. Cookstown had a couple of great chances to put further daylight between the teams but were unlucky. On the full time whistle The Reds were awarded a penalty corner but again were unlucky to see their effort come off the post.

Cookstown will face Lisnagarvey in the final after Garvey recorded a 1 -0 win over Annadale.

Cookstown: Ian Hughes, Ewan Butler, Godfrey Irwin, David Best, Keith Black, Matty Rollins, Paul Thompson, Andy McWhirter, Jon Ames, Andy Barbour, Simon Todd, Stephen Sloan, Stuart Smyth, Greg Allen (c), Ryan Millar