Rosemount defeat Foyle Harps to win this year's Bronco Bradley Cup

Bronco Bradley Cup Final

Foyle Harps 1

Rosemount 2

There were scenes of joy for Rosemount on Friday night as they finally got their hands on some silverware after being crowned winners of the Bronco Bradley.

After suffering league and cup disappointment in their SML campaign, there was light at the end of the tunnel as they overcame the challenge of a spirited Foyle Harps in what was a thrilling end to end final.

Both sides played their part in a clash worthy of the occasion, but thanks to goals from David O’Brien and Ryan Cleere, it was Rosemount who came out on top as their search for a trophy finally came to an end.

The Rosemount pressure was building as the half drew to a close, and despite O’Brien producing another fine save to deny Darren Crossan, he could do nothing about O’Brien pouncing on the rebound, as his strike flew into the top corner to break the deadlock.

It was a massive blow for Harps to concede right on half time, but they were presented with a glorious opportunity to draw level five minutes after the restart.

Calvin McCallion found space out on the left hand side, and his perfect cross into penalty area reached the unmarked Aaron McLaughlin, who to Rosemount’s relief directed his header over the top.

If that was a warning for Rosemount, they failed to learn their lesson when another lapse in concentration at the back saw the ball fall kindly to feet of Dean Brown, who showed a predators instinct by finishing superbly to draw his team level.

But as that old saying goes, you’re never as vulnerable as when you score, and Harps would pay the price for poor defending of their own from a corner, as the unmarked Cleere was given all the time in the world to steer his team back into the lead within a minute of losing it.

Harps were in dire need of a spark in the final third, and substitute Sean McCarron almost provided it when he powered past two Rosemount challenges before his low drive was well saved by the alert Mulgahey.

That was the closest that Harps came to an equaliser, and it was Rosemount who almost capped their victory in style when a long range volley from substitute Mark Healy produced a terrific save from Brown, denying what would have been a magnificent goal.

Teams

Foyle Harps: Connor Brown, Aaron McLaughlin, Shane Boyce, Gareth Brown, Benny McFaddden, Ryan Doherty, Dean Brown, Colm Paul Robb, Calvin McCallion

Subs: Sean McCarron, Dee Dee Campbell, Jamie Dunne, Patrick Doherty, Niall Fielding.

Rosemount: Caolan Mulgahey, Brian McClean, Patrick McClean, Kevin Deehan, David O’Brien, Ryan Cleere, Ryan Devine, Ciaran Deeney, Darren Crossan

Subs: Aaron Rogan, Ray Rogan, Mark Healy, Mehawl Jack.