Treble tilt is still on the horizon as Freebooters A book their place in Cup decider

Freebooters A kept their quest for a domestic treble on course, but had their work cut out to see off a cross-city rival in the last four of the McCalmont Cup.

The Blues had to dig deep in the second half to hold off the attentions of Evergreen B when the sides met in Derdimus on a sweltering Saturday evening.

On paper it looked like being a hurdle Premier Division ’Booters would clear with no major issues, but their opponents- the newly-crowned Division One champions - caused them to stumble with a strong second half display.

While Peter Higgins’ side were two goals up at the break, any thoughts of a comfortable procession into the final were ended when Cian Morton broke through to halve the deficit 10 minutes after the restart.

The goal was one Evergreen deserved, and helped them raise their game. They snapped into challenges, chased and harried at every turn and began to put the Freebooters midfield under pressure.

It was in total contrast to how the game had started, when Freebooter began in whirlwind fashion. With Chris Phelan and Jack Cornally pulling the strings, working the ball well to Ben Ryan who could tee up Joe Banville and Ben Maher out wide the Blues went on the attack from the off.

It was no surprise when that pressure led to a goal inside the opening five minutes. Leon Hayes made a telling interception on half-way, then whipped a low ball across the box. The ball was intended for Joe Banville, but a deflection saw it fall at the feet of Eddie Nugent, who couldn’t miss from close range.

Peter Higgins’ side looked good for their lead but weren’t happy to sit back on it. Ben Ryan almost created a second goal on 12 minutes when he clipped a pass for Banville to chase, but it was beaten out for a throw. Evergreen didn’t heed the danger and, from the throw, Nugent’s shot came off a defender and went to Banville, who hammered it home. Despite the protests from those in green and white - Evergreen looked to be in real trouble.

It was turning into a tough evening for the men from the Kells Road. Before they could mount a comeback they lost full-back Daragh Casey to injury, then needed goalkeeper Vinny O’Grady to make a smart save to deny Ben Ryan following a clever turn on 22 minutes. He made another telling stop a few minutes later, showing great reflexes to keep out another Ryan effort.

Evergreen had been under the cosh for much of the first half, but almost ended it by halving the deficit. Liam Walsh went close to scoring when he whipped in an injury-time corner, but Banville was there to head the ball to safety from under the crossbar.

Given Freebooters’ dominance in the central third it seemed they would retain that control through the second half, but didn’t pan out that way.

Morton’s goal was a huge catalyst as Evergreen took on a new life after the restart. Led by a towering performance from centre-half Roy Cullen they took the game to Freebooters, but for all their efforts they couldn’t find the equaliser they craved.

Freebooters were under pressure, but they didn’t crack. Sub Jason Hennessy teed up Eddie Nugent for a shot at the target, but Vinny O’Grady did well to tip that 67th minute curler around the post.

Evergreen ramped up their efforts as the game moved into the final quarter, bringing on David Roche to lend strength to their attack, but they couldn’t breach the ’Booters backline.

With time running out Evergreen pressed for an equaliser - that left room for Freebooters to get a grip on midfield and turn it to their advantage. Ben Maher almost turned that into a third goal when he hammered a vicious shot at the target in the 83rd minute, but O’Grady did well to punch it to safety. They went close again a few minutes later, when David Rice’s flick-on fell invitingly for Andy Walsh, but Roy Cullen made a precise tackle to nick the ball to safety.

The late pressure was building though, and Freebooters had enough energy to make one last telling break. Walsh was the provider, robbing possession in midfield before delivering a pinpoint diagonal cross. Maher ran on to it, pausing only to slam a low shot to the far side of the net.

Freebooters will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they meet Bridge United in the cup final, which has been pencilled in for May 26.

In what could prove to be a big week for the club, they will also have a potential Premier Division title decider against Evergreen A, which is down for decision on June 1.

Freebooters A: Craig Cummins; Ger Hayes, David Rice, Leon Hayes, Jamie Holden; Jack Cornally (Andy Walsh, 74 mins), Chris Phelan (Dion Fitzpatrick, 89 mins); Joe Banville, Ben Ryan (Jason Hennessy, 56 mins), Ben Maher; Eddie Nugent (Eoin Hanney, 89 mins).

Evergreen B: Vinny O’Grady; John Nolan, Gerry Walsh, Roy Cullen, Daragh Casey (Sean Boyd, 20 mins); Steven Thompson (Robbie McCarthy, 65 mins), Liam Walsh (Ben Kinsella, 80 mins); Cian Morton (Sean Casey, 73 mins), Jeff Kealy, Dylan Dunphy; Eoghan Connolly (David Roche, 73 mins).

Referee: Eoin Walsh. Assistants: Kevin O’Neill, Alan Dawson.