Rathmore Utd. 0, Tullamore Rovers 2.

Rathmore Utd. 0, Tullamore Rovers 2.

Rovers winning streak continues

Tullamore Rovers extended an unbeaten run which now strecthes back to November with a hard fought victory over Rathmore Utd in Divison 5A. It could have been a very different story had Rovers goalkeeper Dave Minton not kept out a penalty in the 14 minute. The penalty was a result of a clumsy challenge from Ian Harvey that left the referee with no choice but to points to the spot. The Rovers defence did well throughout the first half under a lot of pressure which was made worse playing into a stiff breeze. Brendan Kenny and John Healy were called into action a numerous occasions to stem attacks from a Rathmore team determined to get something for their efforts. The tackles were tough but Deano Tyrell was in no mood to get roughed up by the home team and responded with some decisive clearances aided by Ian Harvey who made for early mistake with another powerful display in the centre of defence. The midfield was up against it and Paul McDonald was the only Rovers player to register a shot in the first half but his two efforts were easily gathered by the Rathmore keeper. Pat Tyrell was in good form for Rovers and he had a shot cleared after cutting in from the right. Tyrell was at the centre of most of Rovers attacks in throughout the game. Lar Byrne resisted changing things at half time but was clearly unhappy with the way things were going so the words from the boss weren’t pretty. The second display from Rovers for the most part wasn’t much better but with the aid of the breeze they were starting to create more opportunities. Brian Cosgrave was becoming a bigger influence in the game and Mick Kilmartin was starting to find space around the box. Derek Dolan came on the right as Lar Byrne reshuffled the pack putting Pat Tyrell up front. The move paid dividends shortly after when Phil Evans curled a great cross which was met bravely by Pat Tyrell who headed home in style. The goal lifted rovers who continued to press looking or the all important second. Ronan Heffernan came in to add more attacking option or the blues. Shortly after Mick Kilmartin broke free on the left only for the defender to get ahead of him and put the ball out for a corner. Quick thinking Kilmartin launched an early cross into the box where Brian Cosgrave rose to head home for the blues. The points were in the bag and celebrations from the rover’s players were more of relief than anything else. This marked another important victory for the blues but with Westend and Portlaoise also picking up victories it now seems the promotion places will be decided on the final day of the season.

Tullamore Rovers: Dave Minton, Brendan Kenny, John Healy, Deano Tyrell, Ian Harvey, Paul McDonald, Phil Evans, Pat Tyrell, Brain Cosgrave, Jimmy O’Brien, Mick Kilmartin. Subs: Derek Dolan for Jimmy O’Brien, Ronan Hefferna for Phil Evans.

Tullamore Rovers would like to thank Joe Lee’s Bar on Church Street Tullamore for the continued support and to Ted & Keith Garry or the pitch and training facilities at Fentor in Killeigh.

Tullamore Rovers Easter draw takes place in Joes Lee’s Bar this Saturday 15t April. This season player’s award will also be made on the night.