Usually i try and do a match report as soon as i can after the fulltime whistle. Last night was a hugely emotional night on so many levels for so many of our players supporters and their families. I decided to wait until this morning because sometimes you just need to appreciate and be in the moment and take it all in. The Glasshouse cup wasn't won last night. It was won over a series of matches. We started out against Calry Bohs Reserves with a home win in the Bee Park with Sean Gilmartin, Diarmuid Giblin and Jack Attard hitting the net. Rory Mc Dermott was the netminder on that occasion. We then went to Real Tubber and found ourselves 2/0 in front with goals from Cathal O'Connell and Jack Attard only to be pegged back by Tubber who overturned a 2/0 deficit to lead 3/2. Our captain Micky Mullholland was our net minder that day and saved a penalty which probably if scored would have been our exit from the competition. Two minutes later Tommy Gilmartin equalised for us sending the game into extratime. Jack Attard and Tommy Gilmartin both scored in that period giving us a hard earned 4/2 win. We took on Coolaney Utd in the semi-final in a game where we raced into a 2/0 lead with goals from Cathal O'Connell and Tommy Gilmartin. Coolaney turned the game on its head equalising 2/2. We dug deep and Seamus Ryder sent us to the final with a header late on.
Benbulben Utd were our opponents last night in the final. We had for the first time this season 20 players available for selection which presented a huge selection but welcome problem for our management team. We didn't start particularly well but had two good chances before Benbulben took the lead from a Danny Waters penalty in the 11th minute. Ten minutes later we again were punished by Benbulben with Evan McDonald putting them 2/0 ahead. We had a number of half chances before halftime but didnt take any of them. We headed into the break 2/0 down. Most teams would have folded at that stage. We went into the dressing room. Team talk was given by Daithi. There was no negativity. A clear and concise explanation given as how to get back into this game. Everyone listened. There was visible annoyance from all how we had not performed to the levels we knew we had in the first half. There was a sense of determination throughout the group. Just before heading back on the field a lone voice spoke up and said "that team have crumbled before with a lead." Manor went back out for the second half and were unrecognisable from the team that played the first half . Seamus Ryder put us back in the game with a well taken goal in the 55th minute. Manor piled on the pressure and five minutes later the lone voice who was Patrick Montgomery rattled the Benbulben net for 2/2. Manor were all over Benbulben and had good chances to win in normal time. We headed into extra time with every man giving his all on the field and from the bench. Seamus Ryder put us into the lead in the 94th minute. Manor didn't hold back and continued to attack. Cian Rock put Manor 4/2 ahead in the 100th minute. Manor were now flying, dominating in all areas of the field. Patrick Montgomery increased our lead to 5/2 in the 117th minute. Patrick was substituted immediately afterwards having put in a massive shift. He was replaced by Fergal Magill who got Manors final goal within 60 seconds of entering the field of play. Manor were deserving winners at the final whistle. The celebration after the final whistle was immense with all 20 players on the panel and other players who had contributed throughout the season thoroughly enjoying the moment. The Glasshouse Cup was presented to club captain Micky Mullholland who thanked the players, management and sponsors in his victory speech. Fittingly Micky dedicated the cup win to Stephen Montgomery. We are a community club and a family club. The sporting family looked after each other last night as we do every night. A huge thanks to all who came to support us last night. when we went 2/0 down ye didn't waver and that support got us over the line. Thanks to Gurns Bar the clubs main sponsor and Stefan at Supervalu who sponsored man of the match which was deservedly awarded to Darren Gilmartin.
A night to remember and be proud of. Well done all
