Coman's have a little extra as Hanevy strike secures Stacey Cup

ST Coman's were crowned the new winners of the ADSL Futsal Stacey Cup when they defeated reigning champions Temple Villa in the decider at a packed Athlone IT last Thursday evening. Niall Hanevy was the hero for St Coman's, grabbing an extra-time winning goal to eventually settle a tight and very closely fought contest, in a match which showcased all that is good about futsal. Both teams came through their groups in impressive fashion, with Temple Villa emerging from a group including Ballinasloe Town, Ballinahown, Hodson Bay Reds, St Francis Lions and St Joseph's Hammers. For their part, St Coman's looked excellent in a group involving Temple Villa Dragons, Hodson Bay Greens, Willow Park Rebels, Temple Villa Stars, St Joseph's Tigers and AC Celtic Doves. The final of the competition was played over 16 minutes (eight per half) and there was rarely a moment when the action stalled, although at first it probably took both sides a couple of minutes to settle into their stride. After just over a minute, Daniel Heavin of St Coman's had the first real effort at goal and Jack Connaughton was forced to make a fine save for Temple Villa, pushing Heavin's effort around the post. Up the other end, St Coman's goalkeeper Leon Harney did well to turn a dangerous shot from Irwyn Griffin past his post. Moments later, Griffin again tried his luck but his shot was deflected wide of Harney's upright. The first genuine clear-cut opening arrived after three minutes when Eoin Heavin found himself in a great position but Connaughton was equal to the test with a fine save. A spot of pinball then broke out in the St Coman's penalty area and Harney had to react well to clear Kevin O'Flaherty's goalbound effort. The lively Griffin then fashioned a chance all on his own but shot wide from a most acute angle. After five minutes, the crowd were treated to the best piece of skill of the game when Daniel Heavin tricked his way past a couple of Temple Villa defenders but unfortunately saw his drive at goal blocked down. Futsal prides itself on allowing players to express themselves and to use pieces of individual skill to get out of potentially sticky situations on the pitch - and Heavin's fancy footwork was a prime example of how the game sometimes pushes young players into using their imagination in problematic positions. The half ended with a superbly brave defensive block by Temple Villa's Griffin, with the all-action Villa star preventing Daniel Heavin's powerfully struck shot from finding the net. The second half was pure entertainment, with Temple Villa's Robert Forde trying to break the deadlock in the opening seconds, but his snap-shot was easily held by Leon Harney. St Coman's then took over for a considerable period. Firstly, Lorcan Daly's very good effort smashed into the side-netting, before Niall Hanevy's brilliant shot was touched onto the post by the outstretched Connaughton, who should be very proud of what was an outstanding save. St Coman's must have been wondering if it was to be their night when Eoin Heavin was unlucky with a curled effort from just inside Temple Villa's half. Frank Hanevy's then went close with a well directed header but Connaughton again saved well. However, St Coman's were knocking on the door big-time and their reward finally came when Eoin Heavin sent a delightful shot flying into the net via the upright. Temple Villa were losing their shape somewhat and St Coman's had a couple of half chances to possibly kill off the contest, but Villa eventually regrouped and equalised with three minutes remaining. Griffin was again at the heart of the move, setting up O'Flaherty to coolly slot past the advancing Harney. The remainder of the game was played at helter-skelter speed and only a terrific save from Connaughton in a one-on-one situation with Gerard Longworth kept Villa's hopes of extra-time alive. But Connaughton could do absolutely nothing in extra-time when Niall Hanevy pounced to strike the winning goal and make St Coman's the only other team to have won this competition, apart from Temple Villa, in its three years of existence. All in all, it was a thrilling way to end a week of exciting football at Athlone IT's sports hall and some people will already be looking forward to next year's event after a hugely successful and professionally run competition. St Coman's: Leon Harney; Lorcan Daly, Eoin Heavin, Niall Hanevy, Kieran Hanevy, Frank Hanevy, Daniel Heavin, Gerard Longworth. Temple Villa Beavers: Jack Connaughton; Harry Cornally, Lee Guinan-Malone, Sean Farrell, Ian McCormack, Irwyn Griffin, Robert Forde, Kevin O'Flaherty.