Homers emerge victorious in thrilling O’Kane Cup final

Harryville Homers won the County Antrim Post-sponsored O’Kane Cup for a fourth successive year after a thrilling Boxing Day final.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Dec 2013, 12:00 GMT
Harryville Homers celebrate their 5-4 win over Randalstown Sky Blues in the final of the County Antrim Post O'Kane Cup final at Ballymena Showgrounds. INBT 53-177CSHarryville Homers celebrate their 5-4 win over Randalstown Sky Blues in the final of the County Antrim Post O'Kane Cup final at Ballymena Showgrounds. INBT 53-177CS
Harryville Homers celebrate their 5-4 win over Randalstown Sky Blues in the final of the County Antrim Post O'Kane Cup final at Ballymena Showgrounds. INBT 53-177CS

Alan Rainey fired an extra-time winner to eventually settle a nine-goal thriller in favour of Rab Duddy’s side.

Homers got off to a flying start when they took the lead after three minutes, when Paul McNeill scored with a diving header from an Alan Rainey cross.

Sky Blues didn’t crumble after this and drew level two minutes later when Henry Nutter scored from close range after good work from Darren Quigley.

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This spurred Sky Blues on and they went in front on 12 minutes when Nutter drilled a shot past Ryan Martin in the Homers goal.

Eight minutes later Sky Blues went 3-1 up as Nutter completed his hat trick when he coolly rounded Ryan Martin to fire home.

Two minutes before the break Homers pulled a goal back when a great free kick from Ryan Stewart was headed home by Alan Rainey to set up a grandstand second half.

Homers applied the pressure early in the second half and it paid off three minutes in. Ricky Nicholl swung over a corner which was met by David Nicholl, his header was blocked on the line but Richard Forsythe was on hand to poke home the rebound.

Homers got themselves in front 20 minutes from time when Forsythe hit a smashing cross field ball to Nicholl who controlled and then from 18 yards out fired into the bottom corner.

Homers substitutes Jason Logan and Jason Magill both missed good chances before Sky Blues drew level three minutes from time. Jordan Craig weaved his way down the right and crossed for Johnny McKeown who volleyed home from 12 yards out.

On the stroke of full time Homers were reduced to 10 men when they had a man sent off for two bookings.

Four minutes into extra time Homers went back in front when a cross from Ryan Stewart was headed home at the back post by Alan Rainey.

After the final whistle Maggie McWilliams on behalf of Sponsors County Antrim Post handed over the O’Kane Cup to Harryville Homers winning Captain Gary Bonnes.

Harryville Homers: Ryan Martin, Ricky Forsythe, Ryan Stewart, Keith Wylie, Ian Russell, Ricky Nicholl, Darren Campbell, Gary Bonnes, Alan Rainey, Paul McNeill, David Nicholl. Subs: Gary Baird, David Gibson, Jasin Magill, Jason Logan, Mark McKay

Randalstown Sky Blues: Leon Bonnes, Robin Neill, Paul McIntyre, Stuart Reid, David Cameron, Randal Reid, Darren Quigley, Stephen Wilson, Jordan Craig, Johnny McKeown, Henry Nutter. Subs: Chay Hogarty. Darren Semple, Gary Dixon, Andrew Rainey and Andy Russell

Referee: Mr. Robert Swann. Assistant Referees: Mr. Stephen Gaston and Mr. Finlay Sloan.

FIXTURES

The Ballymena Mortgages-sponsored league resumes this Saturday, January 4, with the following fixtures (10.15am kick-off):

Division One: Ahoghill Rovers v Ahoghill Thistle; All Saints OB v Clough Rangers (Showgrounds 5); Ballykeel v Carnlough Swifts; Carniny Rangers v Harryville Homers (Wakehurst 1); Michelin v FC Penarol; Randalstown Sky Blues v Abbeyview; Shore Wanderers v FC Moylena (Forum).

Division Two: Connor FC v St Comgalls; Cushendall v Holywell; FC Antrim v Randalstown (Forum); Raceview v Seven Towers (Broughshane); Riverdale v North End Shamrocks (Wakehurst 2); Waveney Swifts v Cloughmills (Waveney 2).