Fivemiletown Football: Mulhern Cup 1951
Mulhern Cup 1951
Semi-Final
Impartial Reporter reported:
A goal scored fifteen minutes after the start of the second half earned for Fivemiletown United the right to contest the final of the Mulhern Cup, when they defeated Ballinamallard by one goal to nil in the semi-final, on the Broadmeadow, Enniskillen on Tuesday evening 15th may 1951.
The Question now is – can Fivemiletown pull off the double? They have already won the Mercer Cup having gone through the league competition without a single defeat – a record of which they may feel proud, and will start firm favourites in the final of the Mulhern Cup, which takes place on this coming Friday evening.
Tuesday evening’s semi-final proved, as expected, a dour struggle. A strong wind made it difficult for proper ball control, and consequently, at times, there was much aimless kicking. Features of the game were the brilliant displays given by both goalkeepers, and Morris Gamble, the Fivemiletown custodian, managed to keep his charge intact. Fivemiletown was presented with an easy chance to score about ten minutes after the start of the game, but the Ballinamallard keeper saved Williamson’s shot. For periods it seemed that Fivemiletown must score but ill-luck and brilliant goalkeeping frustrated their efforts. At the other end, Wesley Campbell had a good chance to score for Ballinamallard, but his shot went over the bar. The interval arrived with no score.
The second half was fast and exciting, Fivemiletown at once taking up the offensive, and after fifteen minutes play, Moynagh headed into the net following a corner kick. This proved to be the only score of the match, although Fivemiletown was very unlucky on numerous occasions.
The report finished by saying;
'Congratulations to the Valley men on another great display. Their forwards were a lively lot who never gave up trying, while their defence of Williamson & Co was as sound as a rock.'
Their opponents for the final will be R.A.F Castle Archdale after they defeated Taylor-Woods by two goals to nil.
Final
Great win for Fivemiletown
Fivemiletown United won the Mulhern Cup when they defeated R.A.F Castle Archdale, by three goals to nil in the final on the Broadmeadow Enniskillen on Friday evening, before a large crowd.
They have thus brought off the double, having already won the Mercer Cup, a fine achievement.
Friday evenings final was a thrilling affair and produced fast clever football. It was one of the best games seen on the Broadmeadow for a long time.
The first half produced no goals, but this was not for want of trying on the part of both teams. Gamble, the Fivemiletown custodian, was the first goalkeeper in action when he dealt with a high shot in his usual capable manner. The RAF had another two shots cleverly dealt with by Gamble.
At the other end McCaffrey, the Fivemiletown centre-forward, was dispossessed when going through. Bloomfield had hard luck with a left-foot shot which went past the upright, and Moynagh was an unlucky good effort. Fivemiletown was awarded a penalty for handball but the Archdale keeper saved Jack Williamson’s spot kick. Half time arrived with no score.
The pace of the second half was a real cracker, but Fivemiletown gradually began to gain the upper hand, they were lucky once, however, when Paddy Hackett cleared with Gamble out of position.
the thrills were yet to come, and come they did, for about twenty minutes from time McCaffrey crashed home a terrific shot to put Fivemiletown in the lead. The Valley men now played like men possessed and McCaffrey again found the target, to put Fivemiletown up.
Moynagh had very hard luck with a great shot which struck the crossbar. However, close on time he was rewarded when he notched a third goal for Fivemiletown.
Fivemiletown team: M. Gamble, G. Morrow, Hackett, B. Morrow, Williamson,
McNulty, Bloomfield, Moynagh, McCaffrey, O’Malley and H. Morrow.
1950/51 | Mulhern Cup Final 1951 | 1951/52
