A second-half double from Pedro Jailes saw CP Ajax defeat Cloonfad United 2-1 to win the Roscommon and District League Challenge Cup title at Lecarrow.
It’s a first ever Challenge Cup title for CP Ajax while Cloonfad’s long wait for any form of silverware continues.
The game’s first meaningful chance fell to CP Ajax 17 minutes in. Jailes’ 20-yard effort forced a fingertip save from PJ Donnellan. 60 seconds later, Paul Mee connected with Jailes’ corner, his glancing header trickled wide.
Cloonfad United’s first notable opportunity arrived on 32 minutes. Darragh Flynn saw his free-kick tipped onto the crossbar by CP Ajax goalkeeper Killian Higgins.
Consternation followed in the CP goalmouth, but the Castleplunkett side averted the danger quickly. CP came close again four minutes later. Ryan Larkin connected with David Coyne’s free-kick, his header was saved by Donnellan.
The Cloonfad United shotstopper was called into action again on 38 minutes. This time repelling a 40-yard shot from Daniel Connolly.
Cloonfad United led 1-0 on the stroke of half-time. Conor Flynn collected a pass from Luke McDermott and curled a delightful shot into the net.
Jailes wins it for CP Ajax
CP showed tremendous urgency after the restart and restored parity nine minutes into the second-half. Firstly, Coyne saw his free-kick parried away by Donnellan who vacated the goals in doing so.
The scrambling defence couldn’t repel the oncoming danger. Jailes headed into the net after connecting with Paul Mee’s pullback. Jailes gave CP the lead in spectacular fashion on 58 minutes. After cutting inside from the left, the midfielder found the net from 20 yards out.
CP could’ve added another goal 12 minutes later. Daniel Connolly’s free-kick sailed narrowly over the crossbar. A late onslaught followed from Cloonfad United. David Mullarkey’s side missed a couple of late chances for the equaliser.
One minute injury time, Conor Ruane headed wide after connecting with Conor Flynn’s cross. 60 second later, Darragh Flynn curled a shot wide from inside the box as CP held on for a narrow victory.
Cloonfad United: PJ Donnellan, Dylan Connolly, Conor Donnellan, Conor Ruane, David Frayne, Luke McDermott (James Brennan 74), Frank Ronayne (Luke Ruane 74), Matthew Frayne, Neil Morris (Robert Heneghan 58), Conor Flynn, Darragh Flynn (Daithi Gannon 90+3)
CP Ajax: Killian Higgins, James Egan, Ryan Larkin, David Coyne, Gavin Callaghan, Rowan Wagner (Ciaran Kilkenny 74), Pedro Jailes (Darren Boyle 66), Darren Flynn, Daniel Connolly, Paul Mee, Thomas Callaghan (Sam Fishwick 83)
