Cockhill boss Cullen’s pride in players as they bow out of FAI Senior Cup

Cockhill Celtic yet again proved they can mix it with anyone in Irish football as they suffered a narrow 2-0 defeat in this evening’s FAI Senior Cup last 16 clash at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds.

The Inishowen side had done well to contain the visitors up until an own goal from midfielder Jimmy Bradley on 63 minutes but, forced to chase the game, they were caught on the break late on as Lorcan Shannon made sure of the win for Tony Cousins’ men.

Played in front of around 400 spectators, Longford were back in Donegal after their penalty shootout win over Finn Harps in the last round, and they enjoyed a purple patch midway through the first half where striker Gary Shaw was on the end of a couple of clearcut chances.

The home side rode the storm though and matched Town for long periods until the opening goal when Pat Sullivan’s corner was headed goalward by David O’Sullivan and, although Cockhill ‘keeper Gavin Cullen parried his effort, Bradley turned into his own net in his attempt to clear.

Cockhill came a whisker away from drawing level when midfielder Brendan McLaughlin’s shot hit the left post on 75 minutes but the game was ended as a contest with three minutes left when Kaleem Simon’s low cross was poked home by Lorcan Shannon.

Speaking to Donegalnow.com after the game, Cockhill player boss Gavin Cullen admitted it had been a game of small margins and spoke of his pride in his players in his first competitive game in charge.

“It was a game of very fine lines,” he said. “We set ourselves up to try and contain Longford and I felt we did that brilliantly up until the first goal.

“Obviously they were the better side but I thought we were excellent and I’m very proud of the players. The game plan was followed to a tee and we just lacked that little bit of luck.

“I couldn’t ask for more of the players, we have a new team there with new faces coming in and I thought their workrate was phenomenal.

“That’s our first competitive game of a new season so I’m pleased that we’ve set that level for ourselves and if we keep that going we’ll be ok.

“The five signings we’ve made are all aged between 18 and 20. They’re all good young players and they will be good players for this club. They’ve brought a freshness to the group which we needed and I’m excited about working with them.”

The club’s committee had to put in a significant effort to ensure their home ground met the FAI’s strict criteria to host a last 16 game in the competition and Cullen had a special word of praise for their efforts.

“The amount of phone calls and work the committee put in for this game was unreal and it’s a pleasure to deal with them.

“We have a long season to look forward to now in the league and cup and we’ll be back at it on Tuesday night ahead of that,” he concluded.