Ballybrittas B 0, Tullamore Rovers 2; 12/03/2006

Rovers Still in the Hunt.

Division 5A
Ballybrittas B 0, Tullamore Rovers 2.

Tullamore Rovers ensured their promotion hopes are kept very much alive with an impressive victory of Division 5 table topers Ballybrittas B. The Tullamore men put in a spirited performance to claim a victory in a lively and entertaining encounter in Ballybrittas on Sunday morning. Rovers dogged defending was the key to this win with Ian Harvey putting in a sterling performance in the heart of the blues defence. The entire Tullamore backline were the best they’ve been all season with excellent performances from Deano Tyrell, Brendan Kenny an John Healy to ensure the home team couldn’t event get on the score sheet. The clean sheet will be of particularly enjoyed by the Rovers keeper Dave Minton who had a solid game in front of the posts. For a period of the second half Tullamore had to dig deep when a serious of corners from Ballybrittas tested Minton but he stood up to the aerial treat well and was in control of his box on all occasions.
The Rovers players new that this was a pivotal game in the run in this season and those three points were a must if promotion was to be a reality, but they also new that Ballybrittas weren’t top of the league by chance. The Laois side are tough team to beat as Tullamore found out in the reverse fixture earlier in the season in which Ballybrittas picked up all the points thanks to a three one victory. Everyone knew this match would be tighter, there was much more a stake now and games like these are one by the team that sees an opportunity and grads it - that’s exactly what rovers did. After a game that ebbed and flowed throughout the first 45 without any clear cut chances form both sides it was clear that the first goal would be crucial. Five minutes after the restart Tullamore were in front, a free kick inside the rovers half after was thumped forward by Ian Harvey who picked out Paul McDonald just inside the Ballybrittas box and McDonald showed a deft piece of skill to turn and volley home into the top right corner. The midfield battles were important in this game and a lot of the play was coming through the centre, Brian Cosgrove and Paul McDonald were controlling the play and looking to set Dave Sweeny or Mick Kilmartin away on goal and every opportunity. Phil Evans did well on the right wing and Pat Tyrell whose determination to win every ball and get forward which helped the Tullamore forwards. Tullamore second was another opportunist finish, this time a ball played through the centre again seemed to be heading for the safety of the keepers arms but for some reason the Ballybrittas stopper hesitated and let the ball run under his body. Mick Kilmartin took flight, and sensing a goal he out sprinted the keeper to the ball and slid home the all important second goal for rovers. The remaining quarter of the game seen the Tullamore defence become even more resolute under pressure from the home team. The introduction of Derek Dolan, Ronan Heffernan and Jimmy O’Brien late on for Rovers ensured they had the steam to see to see another victory for the blues. The final whistle was greeted by cheers from the Rovers players who know they’ve taken big three points but with four game left its all still to play for. Maximum point’s form the remaining games must still be the blues target to if they are o grad that promotion spot.

Tullamore Rovers: Dave Minton, John Healy, Ian Harvey, Deano Tyrell, Brendan Kenny, Pat Tyrell, Phil Evans, Paul McDonald, Brian Cosgrove, David Sweeny, Mick Kilmartin. Subs: Derek Dolan for Phil Evans, Jimmy O’Brien for Pat Tyrell, Ronan Heffernan for John Healy.

All match reports available at www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com

Tullamore Rovers would like to thank Joe Lees Bar in Church Street Tullamore for their sponsorship.
The team would also like to thank Ted and Keith Garry for the playing facilities at Fentor Park in Killeigh.