Tullamore Rovers 2, Noreside Celtic 1.

Combined Counties League
Canon Division 5A

McDonald Belter Steals Victory.

Tullamore Rovers 2, Noreside Celtic 1.

A stunning second half strike from blues midfielder Paul McDonald was enough to give a hard earned victory to Tullamore Rovers over Noreside at Fentor Park in Killeigh. Both teams came into this game on the back of impressive form which as seen both teams keep pace at the top end of the table. The first half was a rather scrappy affair and the abysmal weather conditions made it extremely hard to for both sides. Both sides had chances throughout the first half and Rovers’ keeper Dave Minton did well on a number of occasions to deal with free kicks that were swirling around on the box under a stiff breeze. The Rovers midfield had to be competitive throughout the game and Brian Cosgrove had a fine game, again his aerial ability was crucial for Rovers. Pat Tyrell was playing wide left for Rovers and he used his pace on two occasions to get in behind the Noreside defence, the game could have been opened up more had Rovers utilised Tyrell’s pace on more occasions. Likewise on the other side of the middle Phil Evans managed to trouble the Noreside backs with some deep crosses and on occasions he used his pace to cut inside trying to carve open an opportunity. The first half seemed to going nowhere until on 43 minutes, Mick Kilmartin was taken down on the edge of the box as he was chasing down the ball; the referee was in doubt when pointing to the spot and leading scorer Kilmartin duly dusted himself down before converting the penalty with clinical precision. The Noreside keeper managed to go the right way but Kilmartin power and accuracy proved too much. The penalty was the last real action of the half and Rovers counted themselves lucky to be in front. The Rovers players were given a dressing down by Manager Lar Byrne at half time due to the basic errors being committed all over the field. It wasn’t long into the second half before Noreside were level, a dangerous free kick whipped from the right caught the Rovers defence out and Minton was left to watch the ball fly into the top right corner. The goal served as a wake up call to rovers who began to scrap that bit harder for the ball. Ian Harvey tightened up the back line and his distribution in the second half enabled Rovers to build once again. Deano Tyrell was once again excellent for Rovers’, getting forward and chasing back with some important challenges in the back line. His counterpart at right back Brendan Kenny was solid again and dealt well with the Noreside wingers, Kenny managed to get the ball forward on a couple of occasions which helped out the midfield greatly. Rover’s second half was more committed and with the aid of the wind behind them Rovers and Dave Sweeney in particular were able to put more pressure on the visitors. The winning goal game on the hour mark for Rovers and it was a goal worth of winning any game. Paul McDonald picked the ball up about thirty five yards out on the right and moved inside with it. McDonald couldn’t find support around home so he unleashed a powerful shot the from outside the box that curled neatly into the top right hand corner of the Noreside net. It was exactly what the Rovers need and the gaol enabled them to dig deeper to seal the victory. Dave Sweeney who had led the line for Rovers, was a constant throne in the side of the Noreside defence before he was forward to retire due to a knee injury after 70 minutes, Ronan Heffernan replaced him upfront. Jimmy O’Brien and Derek Dolan came on for Rovers also as the manger reshuffled the pack with a view to sealing another valuable three points for the Tullamore men. Westend Utd. and Ballybrittass also picked up victories this weekend which means that the promotion hunt is still on for the four teams at the top. Rovers have three games left and you would have to feel all the points from those games are necessary now. The big game for Rovers comes next weekend as the face local rivals and title challengers Westned Utd. The reverse fixture earlier in the year ended in a 2-2 draw.

Tullamore Rovers: Dave Mentin, Deano Tyrell, Ian Harvey, Brendan Kenny, John Healy, Paul McDonald, Brian Cosgrove, Pat Tyrell , Phil Evans, Dave Sweeny, Mick Kilmartin. Subs: Ronan Heffernan for Dave Sweeney, Derek Dolan for Pat Tyrell, Ji8mmy O’Brien for Brendan Kenny.

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