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Quilligans were aiming for their fourth Gledhill final appearance in as many seasons today at Wren Rovers, however standing in their way were Division One outfit McDonald Property.
In bright sunshine and on a good surface the game got underway, with McDonald Property trying to knock Quilligans out of their stride. However, with less than 10 minutes it was Quilligans who gained the early advantage when a Rowe corner found Brooks ghosting in at the far post to head home.
Quilligans began to get into gear and the pitch suited their usual slick passing game. They threatened to increase their lead when an Ioannou volley flew just over, and Pearson went close with a fine header from another Rowe corner.
McDonald property had a chance to draw level, but the effort was easily gathered by Clowes.
Just after the half hour some good football in the centre of the park found Rowe on the flank. His cross found Ioannou who pounced on the ball, and let fly with a fierce drive into the bottom corner.
3 minutes later it was 3-0. Some good footwork from Catlow found Swallow, he outpaced the McDonald Property defence and squared to Rowe who rifled an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
Just before half-time it was 4-0. More excellent work from Catlow resulted in Rowe picking the ball up, beating his man and showed great composure as he drew the keeper and slotted home into the far corner.
Half-time 4-0.
McDonald Property came out for the second half in determined mood, and were first out the blocks trying to get an early goal to reduce the arrears.
However, it wasn't long before Quilligans once again took control of the game, and got into their stride once more.
Within in 10 minutes of the restart Quilligans got a fifth goal. Rowe beat the offside trap, he tried to take it round the keeper but went too wide, however he saw Catlow advancing into the area and laid it back for him, and he made no mistake in sidefooting home.
McDonald Property nearly reduced the arrears, but when through on the goal their player was unable to lift the ball over Clowes.
Brooks was replaced by Wilson on 56 minutes.
Shortly after the substitution McDonald Property had another chance to open their account but Clowes parried away. However, from the second resultant corner the McDonald Property number 6 beat Clowes to the ball, and headed home with aplomb to make it 5-1 just after the hour.
Spedding replaced Cook after 70 minutes and Moore replaced Swallow after 78 minutes.
As Quilligans looked to add to their tally, Gilby then had to be on his toes in the McDonald Property goal. He made two outstanding saves - one from Catlow tipping his piledriver onto the bar, and then blocking a powerful Rowe shot moments later.
With a few minutes remaining Palmer made it 6-1, when he sidefooted home from the edge of the McDonald Property area from a Rowe pass.
At the death it could have been 7-1 but during a goalmouth scramble, McDonald Property managed to clear the danger.
Full-time 6-1.
Scorers
Brooks 7, Ioannou 33, Rowe 35, 40, Catlow 54, Palmer 87
Team
Clowes, Brooks (Wilson 56), Ioannou, Bracewell, Cook (Spedding 70), Pearson, Swallow (Moore 78), Boal, Rowe, Palmer, Catlow.
Substitutes
Wilson, Moore, Spedding (J). |
