Crumlin United 0 - 0 Waterford United

• Gordon Hunt
• Sat, Aug 15 2009


Ten man Crumlin United held League of Ireland First Division side Waterford United tonight at Richmond Park to force a replay in the FAI Ford Cup. Both sides struggled in the first half but chances at either end as the clock wound down will have annoyed both managers, with Stephen Henderson surely disappointed that his side couldn’t turn over the Leinster Senior League side who finished with ten men.

The first chance of note fell to David Grincell after ten minutes. Kevin Waters whipped in a great ball from the left hand side however Grincell’s powerful header went wide.

Ten minutes later and again Waterford’s heading let them down. This time the cross, again a cracker, came from the right. Alan Carey’s first time ball was met by Grincell, but he couldn’t get his strong effort on target.

Minutes later and Graham Cummins blazed over from six yards. Kevin Waters’ clever flick opened up some space for Cummins right in front of goal, however his difficult volley went over.

With both sides struggling to create much opportunities, it took until the twenty eighth minute until Crumlin looked like scoring. Derek Griffin’s fine ball from his own half was controlled by Martin Cramer before releasing Daniel Loughran. Loughran did well to twice win the ball under pressure, before finding some space for a shot. Unfortunately for Crumlin, his effort bent just wide of the far post.

Patrick Lee’s excellent control resulted in Crumlin’s next opportunity. Lee’s first touch, from a long high ball, allowed for just enough room to turn his defender before his left footed effort flew over.

The second half started brightly for Crumlin, almost taking the lead from the kick-off. Martin Cramer’s fine through ball released Daniel Loughran, one on one, but the striker slid the ball inches wide of the post.

Ten minutes later and again Crumlin almost scored. This time hard work by Stephen Larkin on the right found Patrick Lee on the edge of the area, but his shot went just over.

Crumlin began to drop deep after the hour mark and Waterford began to dominate possession. A rush of chances for Waterford presented themselves soon after, as Kevin Murray first headed straight at Gareth Sutton in the Crumlin goal, from a corner. Then Alan Carey’s cross found Willie John Kiely free in the six yard box, however, he somehow managed to head the ball into the ground and it bounced over the bar.

Waterford were all over them now, with Murray running from his own half to the edge of the Crumlin area, however his shot was palmed away for a corner.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Waterford’s Kevin Water’s rifled a free kick which was well saved by Sutton. Then two minutes later, cute control from Kiely on the edge of the area, followed by a volley, produced another solid save.

Waterford continued to press, with Crumlin rarely threatening on the counter attack. Yet, with five minutes to go, a lightening break from Crumlin almost caught out the First Division side. James Lee found a heavily marked Stephen Larkin in the area who managed to squeeze a fine shot away but it went just wide.

Straight away, down the other end, Paul McCabe went in heavy on David Grincell, resulting in his second yellow thus giving him his marching orders. However Crumlin held on in the final moments to earn the replay.