Clara Town D 2, Tullamore Rovers 1 20/11/05

OWL League Division 5A 20/11/05

ReportClara Town D 2, Tullamore Rovers 1.

Tullamore Rovers had their five match unbeaten league run brought to an end in Clara on Sunday morning. Tullamore who were once again under strength were caught napping in the first 10 minutes when Clara pounced to score two early goals. Tullamore Rovers were too slow out of the blocks and paid dearly for their lack of concentration. The complexion of the game was changed, Clara took the initiative and their goals were giving them some well needed confidence after slow start to their league campaign. As the half went on Tullamore began to liven up and defensively Dean Tyrell and Ian Harvey began to come to terms with the Clara forwards. Brendan Kenny and John Healy were also doing well as Tullamore were starting to put the tackles in and winning possession in some key areas. As the game opened up Tullamore starting pushing forward in search of goals. Phil Evans had a few shots on goal but couldn’t trouble the Clara keeper and Paul McDonald put in a few fine crosses towards the end of the half but there was no one to take advantage for Tullamore. In the final minutes of the first half Pat Tyrell broke through for Tullamore only to be upended in the box and the referee to pointed straight to the spot. Ian Harvey stepped up to convert for Tullamore and bring them right back into contention. Rovers had the better of the second half but just couldn’t convert the chances as they searched desperately for an equaliser to keep the pressure on at the top end of the league. Clara Town dug in well to protect their lead and despite bringing in John Stone and Brian Cosgrove for Maurice Cunningham and Sean Morris, Tullamore still found that second goal elusive. Clara did have a spell in which they managed a few shots at goal but wayward shooting for the Clara forwards didn’t trouble rovers keep Dave Manton. Tullamore up the tempo toward the end and a succession of late corners maintained pressure on Clara. When a last minute free kick from Ian Harvey shaved the post Rovers knew it wasn’t to be their day. A harsh lesson for Tullamore Rovers who probably would have expected to win on Sunday. A frustrating morning for Rovers manager Lar Byrne but there’s still a long way to go in this league and Tullamore are still in a good position toward the top of the league and promotion is still well within their capabilities.

Tullamore Rovers: Dave Menton, Brendan Kenny, Ian Harvey, Deano Tyrell, John Healy, Derek Dolan, Phil Evans, Paul McDonald, Pat Tyrell, Sean Morris, Maurice Cunningham. Subs: John Stone for Sean Morris and Brian Cosgrove Maurice Cunningham.