Clodiagh Rangers down rivals Thurles Town in Tipperary Cup

Tipperary Cup

Thurles Town 0

Clodiagh Rangers B 1

Clodiagh Rangers B team recorded a famous victory over old rivals Thurles Town in the Tipperary Cup on Sunday last.
Challenging weather conditions for both sides didn’t take away from the entertaining spectacle that was served up to the partisan home supporters in the Greyhound Stadium.

Thurles began brightly with some early chances falling to JJ Dillon and things were looking ominous for Clodiagh against a side from a division higher.

Two fine saves in quick succession from Ryan Davern in the Clodiagh goal kept them in the game, and Jack Butler’s commanding performance in the centre of defence ensured they weathered the onslaught.

On 26 minutes a clever pass from John Ryan to Niall Shanahan set up a Clodiagh break, Paul Ryan latched onto Shanahan’s deft pass and coolly rounded the Thurles keeper to score and give the away side an unlikely lead.

The second half began with Thurles pushing for an equalizer, this created gaps in their defence and on 54 minutes substitute Pa Dwyer mazy dribble was unceremoniously cut short inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot, unfortunately the resultant penalty was missed by Clodiagh.

The lack of a two goal cushion ensured a rip roaring finale to this well contested game, with Eoin Dorney pulling the strings in midfield for Thurles as they pressed for an opening. Some superb game management from manager Vincent Ryan and his young team saw Clodiagh make it over the line despite incessant pressure from the Thurles Town forward line.

Clodiagh co-manager Michael Brown in his post match comments said he was delighted with the noticeable improvement in his sides performances over the last few weeks and as we get to the business end of the season, prospects for a high league finish are looking positive, and he’s looking forward to testing his team further when they meet division one leaders Borroway Rovers in the next round of the Tipperary Cup.

Clodiagh Rangers B team: Ryan Davern, Paul Ryan, John Ryan, Pa Clancy, Seamus Cullagh, Niall Shanahan, Stephen Gleeson, Mickey Griffin, Jack Butler, Ena Ryan, Jack Ryan

Subs used: Pa Dwyer, Michael Brown.