Ballybrittas Utd 2 Banagher Utd 1
CCFL Division 3 Shield Final
Ballybrittas United have completed an extraordinary League and Cup double, having won the CCFL Division 3 Shield final in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore, on Saturday evening.
Goals from Alan Kinsella and Ryan Little helped the Laois club cone from behind as Ballybrittas overcame a gallant Banagher United side.
The victory follows on from Ballybrittas lifting the Division 3A title in February when they beat Cappakeel FC to cap off a dominant performance throughout the campaign.
Banagher’s season has had a much different complexion, struggling to a mid-table finish in Division 3.
But it was the Offaly side who took the lead midway through the first half, scoring totally against the run of play after Ballybrittas had started the game much the brighter of the two.
It finished 1-0 to Banagher at half time, but Ballybrittas turned the game on its head almost immediately after the break.
Kinsella got the equaliser with a contender for goal of the season, pulling out a flying volley to send the ball rippling into the Banagher net.
Ballybrittas were on top after that and took the lead midway through the second half when Little got on the end of a great ball into the box after some nice work the wing by Cian Doyle.
Manager Tom O’Connell saw his side close out the game well as the final whistle was met with wild celebrations from the players, coaching staff and their following supporters.
The victory in Tullamore brings a glorious end to the season for Ballybrittas – their first year back after a two-decade-long hiatus.
SCORERS – Ballybrittas Utd: Alan Kinsella and Ryan Little (one goal each).
BALLYBRITTAS UTD: Mattew Byron; Rory Doyle, Mick Doyle, Sean O’Flynn, Darragh McEvoy; Nathan Little, Niall Donoher, Paul O’Flynn; Dylan Keane, Alan Kinsella, Ryan Little. Subs: Will Boland, Jake Doyle, Cian Doyle, Rob Tyrrell, Evan Kelly.
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