OWL League Division 5A - Sunday 19th March 2006
All Square for Local Rivals
Tullamore Rovers 2, Clara Town D 2.
Local rivals Tullamore and Clara played out a lively encounter in Fentor Park, Killeigh on Sunday morning. Tullamore who are chasing promotion needed all three points to keep in the hunt but a much improved Clara side had other ideas. Both sides had chances throughout the first 45 but it was Clara who were who took the initiative just before half time. Rovers will be annoyed at there placid defending as Clara forward managed to slip past two tackles in the box to fire past Dave Minton in the Tullamore goal who had little chance as the Clara man found his way through all too easy. Tullamore came close moments later when Ian Harvey fired a free kick that narrowly missed the target. Tullamore were making good progress down the right with Mick Kilmartin and Emmet Kenny linking up well on a number of occasions but the home side but they couldn’t carve out the equaliser before the break. Lar Byrne decided to bring on Ronan Heffernan after the break as Tullamore chased for the leveller. Midway through the second half Tullamore was denied a goal after the Clara keeper had clearly crossed the goal line with the ball in his hands. Phil Evans and Brian Cosgrove came close on a number of occasions for Rovers but it was Paul McDonald who got Tullamore off the mark. McDonald managed to break through the Clara centre backs and slot the ball home from 10 yards for a deserved equaliser for the men in blue. The frustrating point for Tullamore was that they had to wait so long for the goal as Brian Cosgrove again was winning plenty of the aerial battles in the box yet they were failing to capitalise on this. Later in the half David Sweeny was introduced for Tullamore as manger Lar Byrne went all out for the winner. Things didn’t go to plan straight away as Clara were awarded a penalty and converted the first attempt only to have the referee have it retaken due to encroachment. The second spot kick wasn't as successful as Tullamore breathed sigh of relief the ball shot wide of the upright. The signs were ominous for Tullamore as the Clara were still managing to break through as Rovers were pushing up the field and the second Clara goad came after raid down the right saw a cross coveted form close range. Rovers had to up the pace to get something from the game. John Healy and Deano Tyrell pushed forwarded in an effort to support the midfielders and following a spell of Tullamore pressure the home side were awarded a corner. The ball was launched into the box a Brian Cosgrove was unhand to bundle the ball across the line for a goal for the Tullamore midfielder. The game was up moments later and Tullamore will feel they let more points slip up here. It will need more conviction in future games for the Tullamore men to keep up with the leaders in the hunt for promotion. With so little games left now, Tullamore Rovers must secure full points from those remaining fixtures to have any chance making it.
Tullamore: Dave Minton, Deano Tyrell, Ian Harvey, John Healy, Jimmy O’Brien, Brian Cosgrove, Phil Evans, Paul McDonald, Emmet Kenny, Pat Tyrell, Mick Kilmartin. Subs: Ronan Heffernan (Jimmy O’Brien), Dave Sweeny (Ronan Heffernan), Brendan Kenny, Derek Dolan.
Tullamore Rovers management and players would like to thank Joe Lees Bar on Church Street and for their support and Ted Garry for the facilities at Fentor Park in Killeigh.
