Janesboro come from behind to defeat Ballynanty Rovers in Lawson Cup final

Janesboro FC completed a local league and cup double following a 2-1 victory over Ballynanty Rovers at Jackman Park. A brace from Shane Clarke including a penalty cancelled out Jason Hughes opener.

Ballynanty created the first half chance of the game as a weak Dave Donnan effort sailed wide.

Shortly afterwards, Boro’s top goalscorer Keith Mawdsley forced a great save from Stephen McNamara with a low strike. Strike partner Shane Clarke headed a lofted Lee O’Mara cross goalwards but it failed to trouble McNamara. Clarke tried his luck with a 30 yard free-kick which also travelled wide.

As half-time approached, Janesboro should have broken the deadlock. Ballynanty surrendered possession in midfield and Clarke picked out Mawdsley but a combination of McNamara and Hughes denied the prolific Mawdsley.

Ballynanty improved in the second half and both Dermot Fitzgerald and Derek Daly came close with free-kick attempts. A long ball from Daragh Hughes found Daly who’s thunderous follow was pushed away to safety.

The northside club took the lead as Jason Hughes finished off a superb team goal. Hughes picked up possession inside his own half before playing a 1-2 with Daragh Hughes before feeding Derek Daly. The midfielder received a cut back from Daly before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Unfortunately for the northsiders, they were unable to hold the lead as they conceded a penalty which was converted by Shane Clarke. Clarke grabbed what proved to be the winner when he met a seemingly harmless long ball before guiding it to the net past the helpless Stephen McNamara.

Janesboro: Barry Sheehan, Danny O’Neill, Lee O’Mara, Thomas Clarke, Ryan Doherty, Adrian Power (Ben Quirke), Aidan Hurley, Kevin Murphy, Stephen Bradley, Shane Clarke, Keith Mawdsley.

Ballynanty Rovers: Stephen McNamara, Daragh Hughes, Kenneth Meehan, Dermot Fitzgerald, Dan Lucey, Jason Hughes, Dave Donnan, Derek Daly, Michael Guerin, Eddie Byrnes (Jamie Daly), Kevin Nolan.