Keenan strikes to send ’Gers into first Mulhern decider in 23 years

Enniskillen Rangers are back in the Mulhern Cup final for the first time since 1999 when they last won the famous old trophy.

A Jason Keenan goal in the 36th minute was the decisive score of the game as the newlywed striker pounced at the back post to slide home a cross from the excellent Ciaran Smith to set up a final decider against NFC Kesh.

Rangers were the dominant side throughout, with Rangers keeper Joel Peden only having to make one save of real note in the game, but the ’Gers’ inability to hit the target from a number of opportunities kept the game in the melting pot until the final whistle.

Rangers player-Manager Neil Coulter – who was dismissed last week – had to watch the game from behind the fence, but was delighted to make the decider.

“It has been a long time coming; it’s 23 years since the club were last in a Mulhern Cup final, so we are delighted to be there and it gives you an opportunity to go on and win a cup and that’s all you want at this stage of the season,” said Coulter.

And the ’Gers boss was in no doubt that his side deserved their win on the night.

“I thought we controlled the play for the majority of the game, and we restricted them to only one shot on target, which was pleasing.

“We maybe lacked a bit of cutting edge in terms of our own finishing, but in regards to attitude and application I couldn’t fault the players – they were excellent,” he added.

The front foot

Rangers started on the front foot and in fairness they were to remain there for much of the game.

Keenan had their first chance as good interplay between Nathan Khan and the hard-working Jake Browne brought Rangers deep into Magheraveely territory, and a fine cross from Connor Rippey was controlled by Keenan, but he shot over the bar.

The excellent Rippey then played in Mark Cutler, but he hesitated and the ball was ushered out for a corner.

Smith then played an excellent ball through for Stuart Rainey but he lashed a good chance into the side netting.

Andy Little was the Magheraveely dangerman throughout and he had their first effort at goal on the half-hour mark, but Michael Kerr blocked his goal-bound effort.

Rangers were to take the lead soon after and former Manager Kerr played a key role, playing a super through ball to Smith, who timed his run from midfield perfectly and then unselfishly squared the ball to Keenan to slide in and slot the ball home.

Rangers almost doubled their advantage before half-time as Nathan Khan headed just wide as the game remained 1-0 at the break.

On the restart, it was more of the same as Rangers controlled matters.

Browne, who was Rangers’ best player on the night, and Rainey, linked up well but Browne’s effort was blocked. Then McManus had a good chance at the back post, but failed to direct his header on target.

Little remained the Magheraveely outlet as the dangerous Eimhin Curran was well marshalled by McManus.

On the hour mark, Little broke down the right and crossed the ball into the box but there was no-one on the end of a dangerous cross.

Not long after, Little had Magheraveely’s first real effort on target as Peden saved down low.

At the other end, Rangers were still creating chances, as Cutler produced a good save from the excellent Connor Smith in the Magheraveely goal as he shot from the edge of the box, and then McManus rattled the post from a Khan corner.

Struggled

Rangers could never get the second goal they needed to put the game to bed, and as such, Magheraveely remained in the game but they struggled to connect from midfield to the forwards and hence create chances.

The game ended with Rangers on the attack and Cutler produced a superb save from Smith, who acrobatically tipped the ball over the bar as the final whistle sounded soon after with Rangers deservedly back in the Mulhern decider for the first time since 1999.

Coulter knows though that it is going to take a big performance from his side if they are to get their hands on the famous cup next Friday night.

“Finals are one-off games and it will be about whoever performs and takes their chances on the night.

“It is two teams with quality players, so it should be a good game, and I believe that if we can play to our potential, play like we have done since Christmas, then we will give ourselves every chance of winning it,” he said.