Young Spaniards Triumphant

Match report of the Kirby Estates Cowell Cup Final courtesy of Upfront Footy:

The future is bright at the “Croit” following the Under 21 team’s well deserved victory in the 2023 Cowell Cup competition. 

The Bowl was set alight as the highly anticipated Isle of Man Football Association Kirby Estates Cowell Cup final unfolded, pitting Onchan A.F.C against Rushen United FC in a clash that promised to showcase the pinnacle of U21’s football on the island. And boy, did it deliver! With moments of sheer brilliance, heart-stopping saves, and contentious decisions, this match had it all.

From the very outset, Rushen United displayed relentless pressure, their persistence paying off in the 8th minute. Adam Cooil, seizing an opportunity, unleashed a rasping strike from 15 yards out, sending the ball rocketing into the far left corner, leaving the Onchan defence stunned.

However, Onchan swiftly responded with an equaliser just nine minutes later. Showing tremendous determination, Coulter burst down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint pass to the unmarked Leivers, who coolly slotted the ball through a defender’s legs and into the back of the net. The game was level once again.

Leivers, buoyed by his goal, continued to dazzle, providing a moment of pure audacity in the 21st minute. From 23 yards out, he flicked the ball up on the half-turn and unleashed a mesmerising volley that crashed against the post, leaving the Rushen goalkeeper to breathe a sigh of relief.

As the first half progressed, Onchan asserted their dominance. The midfield battle raged on, with half-chances for both sides, but no clear-cut opportunities emerged. 

Wilkinson pulled off a tremendous double save in the 33rd minute, denying Onchan the chance to take the lead.

However, against the run of play, Rushen United found themselves in the lead in the 38th minute. After stepping out from the back with the ball and seizing on a mix-up in the Onchan defence, Scott Mason then burst through the lines and rifled a shot into the roof of the net, defying all expectations.

Dawson, Onchan’s goalkeeper, pulled off a remarkable one-on-one save to deny Cooil just moments later. Unfortunately for Onchan, Dawson suffered an ankle injury during the save and required extensive treatment. As the first half came to a close, Rushen held a slender lead, defying the dominance exerted by their opponents.

The second half kicked off with a cagey start from both sides, Onchan displaying more intent, but Rushen standing resolute in defence. The O’s dominated the early exchanges, but Rushen’s backline, featuring the likes of Mason, Bridson, and Tregurtha, held firm.

With time ticking away, Onchan continued to press forward, seeking a breakthrough. Leivers and Gatt posed as outlets on the wings, tormenting Rushen’s defence. Yet, the Spaniards’ resilience remained unyielding, as they clung to their slim lead, the tantalising prospect of cup glory was now within their grasp.

In the 69th minute, controversy erupted. A foul, stemming from a dubious handball decision that wasn’t given, led to some heated exchanges among the players, resulting in nothing more than some fiery “handbags” being thrown.

As the clock ticked down, Onchan threw everything they had at Rushen’s impenetrable defence. The tension reached a boiling point in the final minute of normal time, when Moretta received a second yellow card. However, amidst the chaos, the referee forgot he had already booked Moretta and allowed play to continue for 30 seconds before rectifying his error and sending him off. In the ensuing commotion, Aaron Christian from Onchan was also shown a red card, leaving his team down to 10 men.

As we entered added time, Onchan launched a desperate assault in the dying moments, hoping for a miracle. But Rushen United’s defence continually absorbed their pressure with steely resolve. Dawson, in a last-ditch effort, met the ball and volleyed it long but straight into Wilkinson’s hands, unchallenged. 

The final whistle blew, and Rushen United were crowned the Cowell Cup Champions, their triumph sealed by a remarkable 2-1 victory.

Scott Mason, the standout performer of the night, rightfully earned the Man of the Match award for his captain’s performance, commanding the defence and netting the winning goal. Rushen United celebrated their hard-fought victory, etching their names onto the Tom Cowell Cup.