Munster Senior Cup Report: Wilton United 0 - 0 Cobh Ramblers (Wilton win 4-1 on penalties)

Wilton United are through to the final of the Munster Senior Cup for the first time in their history courtesy of a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Cobh Ramblers.

Wilton were a united and spirited team in every sense of the word on the day at Pat Bowdren Park, putting in what was a monumental effort against League of Ireland opposition.

The home side covered every blade of grass and gave absolutely everything for the cause and will now face 16-times winners Cork City in the final.

Wilton will be hoping that their goalkeeper Brian Cronin produces a similar performance against City to the one he had in on Monday afternoon.

To put it simply, Cronin was absolutely outstanding for his side on the day. He made a number of brilliant stops, as the First Division outfit piled on the pressure for much of the contest.

Among the highlights from shot stopper Cronin was in the penalty shootout, where he produced a fantastic one-handed saved to deny Cobh’s Darren Murphy.

While during the game itself, he was called on a number of occasions to deny decent efforts on goal, including ones from Murphy, Stephen Christopher, Ian Mylod and Matthew Whelan.

Ramblers came into the game off the back of a morale-boosting victory away to Shelbourne at Tolka Park last Friday.

They welcomed back Ben O’Riordan into the side as he made his comeback from injury, while there also was a start for James McSweeney, fresh from playing for the Ireland ujder-18 side just days earlier.

Cobh controlled possession for a large majority of the game but, although they got the ball down and their passing game was pleasing on the eye, they found it difficult to break down a very solid and committed Wilton defence.

Ramblers had to use the ball quickly and effectively to break the Munster Senior League Division One side’s defence down. They began to do that more in the second half and Whelan headed just wide from a header, after a good move involving Chris McCarthy and Shane Lowth.

On another day, they could have had two or three goals by the end of normal time, but a lot credit must be given to Wilton for keeping them out.

Wilton did have a threat up front in the attacking pair of Robbie Walsh and Shane O’Connell. They did their best to cause Ramblers problems on the break, as the hosts' game plan was being implemented well.

Despite the best efforts of Ramblers late on as they pushed for a winner, the game went to a penalty shootout. Wilton looked like a side who had practiced penalties and all four of their penalty takers found the target.

Then of course Cronin stepped up to become the hero for Wilton with his save in the shootout, capping off a memorable man of the match performance.

The sheer effort and organization which Wilton put into this contest was ultimately rewarded. There are some excellently experienced heads in the Wilton dressing room, none more so than Neal Horgan, who will now get the chance to play against his former club in the final, a club where he is still is held in very high regard.

The final with City is sure to be a special occasion for the man who won honours including League Of Ireland Premier Division and FAI Cup winners medals during his excellent spell with the club.

Stephen Henderson’s Ramblers side have been having a great season to date in the League Of Ireland First Division. They currently sit top of the table , one point ahead of a Waterford United side very much fancied for promotion to the Premier Division.

Cobh will be hoping to get over this defeat to Wilton and get their campaign back on track on Friday night, when the make the trip to face Athlone Town.

But the day belonged to Wilton United, who can be very proud of their efforts and they now have a big occasion to look forward to in the final with Cork City.
 

Wilton United: Brian Cronin; John McLeverty, Philip Ryan, Kieran O'Mahony (James O'Brien 76), Alan Healy; Steve Daly (Jason Meehan 46), Evan Murphy, Neal Horgan (Danny Gibson 103), Colm O'Regan (Denis Young, 76); Robbie Walsh, Shane O'Connell.

Subs Not Used: Jamie Kent, Dylan Foley, Colin Lemass.

Cobh Ramblers: Michael Sadys; Cian Kingston (Cian Coleman 73), Shane Lowth (Anthony O'Donnell 83), Kyle McNamara (Charlie Fleming 83), James McSweeney, Stephen Christopher, Chris McCarthy, Scott McCarthy(Jason Abbott 70), Darren Murphy, Ben O’Riordan; Matthew Whelan (Ian Mylod 100).

Sub Not Used: Craig Donnellan

Referee: Dave Keeler.

Attendance: 250 (estimate).

Extratime.ie Player Of The Match: Brian Cronin (Wilton United).