Late Hoban winner shoots Westport into dream land
Westport United ........... 1
Usher Celtic ................. 0
WESTPORT United have pulled off the biggest shock in the FAI Junior Cup so far this season – and perhaps of any recent season – as they sensationally dumped out joint-favourites Usher Celtic of Dublin by 1-0 in a full-blooded sixth round clash in United Park this afternoon to advance to the last 16.
Westport, currently under the guidance of interim manager Padraig Burns after John Russell joined LOI side Sligo Rovers, had heroes all over the pitch.
Darren Browne, Peter Corcoran and substitute Phillip Keegan to name but a few and also David Hoban, whose 91st minute winner etched his name into Westport Utd folklore.
Westport started the brighter of the two sides, always looking a threat on the counter. This was first evident after eight minutes. A break on the wing saw Jesper Fusch in space, but his cross went just behind David Hoban.
Westport continued to look the more threatening of the two sides for the remainder of the half. Eight minutes before half-time, Peter Corcoran, this time, found himself breaking down the wing, but he failed to find a teammate with his cross.
Their biggest chance came on the stroke of half-time. A failed clearance from Usher's Leroy Staunton fell into the path of Hoban. But one-on-one with the 'keeper, he shot straight at him, and the follow-up strike from Corcoran went harmlessly wide, as the sides remained goalless at the break.
Westport continued to look the more likely of the two teams to win in the second-half, with a near 25 yard strike from Corcoran going just wide.
Peter Corcoran then tried his luck from further out, his 30-yard effort once again going agonisingly wide. Going into the last 15 minutes, the pressure on the Usher backline was beginning to tell. Westport's biggest chance came after 77 minutes. A flick-on from Hoban found Darren Browne. His brilliant lob, with the 'keeper off his line in no man's land, looked to be goal-bound, but his effort went just over.
But going into injury time, just when it looked like another half-hour of football was upon us, substitute Phil Keegan broke free, and his effort deflected into the path of Hoban, who headed home from close range to spark wild celebrations among the home contingent.
Westport will be eager to learn their opponents for the last 16, but one thing's for certain.
Nobody will relish playing them.
Westport Utd: G. Cunningham, C. McGlade, M. McDonagh, J. Lawless, J. O'Donnell, D. Cameron, P. Corcoran, D. Browne, D. Hoban, M. O'Brien, J. Fusch
Subs: P. Keegan, J. Murphy, E. Conway
Usher Celtic: K. Lynam, C. Douglas, P. Keane, R. Martin, L. Staunton, B. Fox, G. Curran, G. Reddy, B. Browne, S. Martin, W. Walker
Subs: J. Hamilton
Ref: D. McGrath (Barnatra).