Fairytale return for Lawlor
May 15th 2000. The Evening Herald by Jimmy Geoghegan.
Glen Oaks 2 - Stedfast United 1 The Sidney Bedlow Cup final in Dalymount Park last Wednesday night turned into a fairy tale return to action for Glen Oaks player Aidan Lawlor. Sidelined with a serious leg injury since the start of the season Lawlor came on as a second-half sub and scored a late goal that gave the Oaks victory in their first major cup competition. The sides were level at 1-1 with less than 15 minutes to go when Lawlor stuck out a foot getting a vital touch to steer the ball into the United net. "Aidan injured himself playing in the fourth game of the season and hadn't played up to the final, but I know that he has the skill to provide that extra spark up front so I was anxious to play him against Stedfast, even after the long lay-off," said delighted Oaks manager Colm Clohisy, And another Lawlor - Aidan's brother Darren - also gave a sparkling display at the heart of the Oaks defence, helping to stem many of the United attacks. For Stedfast United, however, it was another evening to forget at Dalymount as their hopes of glory wilted in the warm summer's evening. Two years ago United lost to Delany's FC in the Sidney Bedlow decider and they were hoping that fortune would smile on them a little more kindly on this occasion. It was not to be. After a slow first half the game ignited into life soon after the interval when Glen Oaks took the lead with a Jimmy McCaul goal. Alan O'Connor also went close for Oaks when he directed a powerful shot goalwards but United keeper Alan Sullivan executed a brilliant save. Oaks keeper Terry Smith was also called upon to bring off a couple of good saves as Stedfast searched for an equaliser but he could to keep Brian Farrelly's sweetly struck free-kick from entering the net midway through the half to tie up the scores. United had to adsorb a big blow when their impressive young defender Brian O'Leary had to limp off and their evening took a sharp downturn when Aidan Lawlor popped up with the winner. The durable Martin Francis, Noel May - who had a goal disallowed - Dan Christea and Darren Lawlor were among those to shine for Oaks. Sullivan, O'Leary and hard working midfielder Tony Gillick were among the best for United. Stedfast worked hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but the night belonged to Glen Oaks who returned to the Penny Hill in Lucan to celebrate their victory.STEDFAST
: Alan Sullivan, Brian Keane, Brian O'Leary, Tony Gillick, Gerry Serry, Andrew Tunney, Brian Farrelly, Stephen White, Alan Milton, Brian Lamon, Donal Brady.MATCH OFFICIAL: Anto Foran. ASSISTANTS : Patrick Dalton, Gabriel Kelly