Cookstown 1
Annadale 2It was clear from the start that Cookstown were both highly motivated and determined to mount a strong defence of their trophy, bombarding the Annadale goal and drawing a series of breathtaking saves from t
he 'Dale goalkeeper, Jonny Moore.
The Reds quickly frustrated the normal Annadale passing game and achieved midfield dominance, looking much sharper in the tackle, forcing 'Dale to use long balls out of defence which were inevitably picked up by the dominant Cookstown sweeper and skipper Ian Hutchinson. His penetrating passes gave his lively forwards numerous attacking opportunities.
Twice in succession Moore defied Ivan Steen and Gareth Cuddy with point-blank reflex saves when goals seemed certain.
It came as no surprise when Cookstown took the lead in the twenty-second minute. A left wing attack resulted in another fine Moore save but this time the rebound fell kindly for Keith Black who, to the delight of the throngs of Red Army supporters, was able to find the net.
Things soon looked even worse for Annadale when Neil Hamilton was forced to leave the pitch with a nasty facial injury.
The former Ireland U18 star was replaced for the rest of the game by the versatile Aaron Mills who immediately had to be on his toes to frustrate the lively Black whose next effort looped over the bar with Moore beaten.
Against the run of play Annadale equalised in the twenty-seventh minute and a fine goal it was. Following a free on the twenty-five David Smyth and Chris Jackson exchanged short passes before finding Steven Redpath whose powerful reverse stick effort from the top of the circle rattled the backboards past a despairing Hughes.
The goal lifted Annadale spirits and two minutes later David Robb`s powerful flick beat Hughes but rebounded to safety off the keeper`s right-hand post.
Cookstown were stunned into action and the first half ended with a another stunning save from Moore who somehow managed to get an outstretched stick to Steen`s goal-bound effort and turn it round the post.
The second half was more even than the first as play ebbed and flowed in front of an enthralled crowd. Stephen Cuddy and Steen went close for Cookstown before Annadale won the game`s first penalty corner in the forty-ninth minute.
In recent seasons Ian Hamilton has been prolific from set-pieces but this year has been less productive and on this occasion the "runner-out", Thomas Hutchinson, bravely blocked the drag-flick.
On the hour mark Moore was called into action yet again with a fine double save and was relieved to see Best`s close-in effort shave the far post.
At the other end David Smyth was at last managing a few trademark incursions into the Cookstown twenty-five and from one of these a second penalty corner resulted. This time it was Hughes` turn to earn the plaudits with a fine diving save from Hamilton.
Just as "silver goal" extra-time loomed large, Annadale completed their "smash and grab" act with a superb winning goal.
Striker Hamilton turned provider with a pinpoint pass to Jonathan Quigley who cleverly deflected the ball past the gallant Hughes.
So it is Annadale who will meet Lisnagarvey in this year`s Boxing Day showpiece. Spare a thought for Cookstown though, who gave a spirited and skilful display which, most neutral observers would agree, deserved better.
They underlined their credentials as one of the top teams in Ireland and will surely challenge strongly for League and Cup success this season.
Cookstown must bounce back quickly with Premier League and Irish Senior Cup action over the next two weeks. The Reds face a difficult home fixture against Banbridge next Saturday followed by the fourth round match away to YMCA.
Squad: I Hughes, I Hutchinson (c), C Donaldson, E Butler, G Irwin, D Ames, I Steen, T Hutchinson, K Black, G Cuddy, J McMeekin, D Best, S Cuddy, P Barbour, A Thom.
Many thanks to all the Red Army who made the trip to Havelock Park.
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