Five-star ’Booters get their hands on the McCalmont Cup

Freebooters added another silver lining to their season as they got their hands on the McCalmont Cup on Sunday.

The Blues lifted their second trophy of the campaign, adding to their Maher Shield spoils, when they proved too hot for city rivals Evergreen 46 to handle in Derdimus.

Evergreen 46’s journey to the final grabbed all the headlines in the build-up to Sunday’s decider with the Division Three side’s remarkable run leading them to an unprecedented penalty shootout victory over Premier Division club Callan United.

However, this David versus Goliath clash didn’t provide the shock that the Kells Road faithful were dreaming of. An impressive ’Booters played a brand of football that has brought much success in recent seasons.

The opening 25 minutes brought two very differing game plans. Marc Jordan’s Evergreen 46 were keen to guard their own goal while the men in blue’s motto was to attack and they were eager to get an early goal on the scoreboard.

Evergreen showed great heart and willpower as they stood firm in their own half and repelled some substantial Freebooters pressure, limiting the number of clear-cut chances on Stephen Guidera’s goal.

However, on a hot summer’s day, Freebooters were in scorching form. Their domination resulted in a goal in the 25th minute. After some patient build-up play, one clever cross just outside the 18 yard box found the head of Sean Bolger who glanced the ball to the net.

A goal to the good, Peter Higgins’ side doubled their lead just seven minutes later. Sharp team build-up with assured play from the likes of Ger Hayes and Ben Ryan led to space opening for Jim Ryan inside the ’46 box. Ryan’s shot was unsaveable, a golden finish tucked into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Freebooters were sky high. With 12 minutes of the half remaining, a feeling of inevitability began to sweep over Derdimus.

Things nearly got even better in the 34th minute as ’Booters were awarded a penalty. A foul on Joe Banville just inside the box, gave Banville an opportunity to put the game beyond doubt, but Evergreen 46 were given a lifeline as the penalty missed the target.

The Evergreen sighs of relief proved to be premature as the game-clinching third goal came in the 38th minute. Ben Ryan’s corner found its way to David Rice at the back post who fired the ball to the net with a crisp strike.

The second half, like the first, was controlled by Freebooters once again with the Derdimus heat not hindering them whatsoever.

Evergreen 46 never dropped their heads and continued to battle on. At various intervals they managed to disturb the ’Booters momentum, breaking into their half.

Ultimately, Freebooters’ name was on the trophy and two goals inside five minutes sealed the deal by the 65th minute. A second Sean Bolger header made it 4-0 before impressive link-up play from Ben Ryan and Ben Maher saw the latter bag a goal that will put him in the McCalmont Cup Final records.

Evergreen 46 battled on with Cian Kelly, Sean Boyd and Hamza El Harra standing out but Freebooters were deserving 5-0 winners with their five star performance marking the club’s first cup double in 12 years.

Freebooters: Jack Doyle, Ger Hayes, Leon Hayes, David Rice, Joe Banville, Ben Ryan, Jamie Holden, Jack Cornally, Jim Ryan, Ben Maher, Seanie Bolger.

Subs: Craig Cummins, Chris Phelan, Owen Hanney, Billy Wall.

Evergreen 46: Stephen Guidera, Sean Boyd, Brian Jordan, Mark Cashin, Cormac Hogan, Cormac Connolly, Gary Owens, Joe Hughes, Cian Kelly, Seamie Cummins, Hamza El Harra.

Subs: Vinny O’Grady, Marc Jordan, Ben Roche, Ryan Butler, Cillian Lawrence, Tayo Bukane, Sean Henebry.

Referee: James Nolan. Assistants: Vinny Kiely, Kevin O’Neill. Fourth official: Ollie Falsey.