Clonaslee C 1, Tullamore Rovers 3.

CCFL Division 4A

Kenny Double Sinks Clonaslee

Clonaslee C 1, Tullamore Rovers 3.

Tullamore Rovers maintained their unbeaten start to the season with 3-1 victory over Clonaslee on Sunday. Brendan Kenny was on top form as he hit two goals to ensure the blues stay at the top end of the table. Rovers played some great football in the first half carving open the opposition defence on numerous occasions, John Healy going close twice from deep crosses. Rovers took to the lead midway through the first half when the impressive Mark Lennon, who was linking up well with Derek Dolan on the left; slid a through ball to Dolan on the edge of the box before he squared to Brendan Kenny who fired Rovers in front, a slick move form Rovers that got it’s just rewards. Rovers went two up soon after when a brilliant through ball from Deano Tyrell found John Healy powering through and he made no mistake with an exquisite lob over the keeper. An injury to Billy Harvey who had been doing well at right full forced Manager Lar Byrne to make some positional changes with Pawet Polak coming in on the right side of midfield and Ian Harvey dropping back to right full. Rovers should have been out of sight at this stage but hesitation in defence as they readjusted to the changes five minutes before the break allowed the Clonaslee men to peg back a goal. Fortunately for Rovers they were two up again within 2 minutes when Pawet Polak broke free on the right before crossing into the danger area where Brendan Kenny was on hand again to volley into the net. Rovers seen out the half with some good football, Paul McDonald surging runs through middle causing problems for Clonaslee on occasions and Mick Kilmartins pace and smart running up front was always a threat for the Tullamore men.
The second was a much tighter affair with both sides upping the work rate, Clonaslee piled on the pressure but Rovers back four of Lennon, O’Brien, Tyrell and Harvey were uncompromising in their tackling. Rovers will also be thankful of Dave Minton in goals as he pulled off two good saves to keep Rovers on top. Lar Byrne made a number of changes throughout the second half with Declan Conroy, Robbie Lawlor and Mick Delaney all entering the fray to ensure that Rovers seen out the victory. Robbie Lawlor was busy up front a gave the Clonaslee back a few headaches and the Clonaslee keeper pulled off two good saves to deny both Conroy and Delaney late on. Their were plenty of good performances for Rovers including Brendan Kenny’s two goal salvo but the Man of the Match award goes to Mark Lennon who had busy game at left full.
Tullamore Rovers: Dave Minton, Ian Harvey, Jimmy O’Brien, Deano Tyrell, Billy Harvey, Pawet Polak, Mark Lennon, Derek Dolan, Robbie Lawlor, Paul McDonald, John Healy, Mick Kilmartin, Brendan Kenny, Declan Conroy & Mick Delaney.

Tullamore Rovers would like to thank Joe Lees Bar in Church Street for their support and Ted & Keith Garry for the playing facilities in Fentor Park in Killeigh.
Match reports and information can be got from www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com; you can email the club with any questions – tullamorerovers@eircom.net.

Tullamore Rovers Remain Undefeated in CCFL

Unlike the start of last season Tullamore Rovers have got off to a reasonably good start picking two draws and a victory to leave them on five points after three games. Compared to last season this is a vast improvement and the Tullamore lads will be looking to build on this following their promotion to Division 4A. This is Rovers second season in existence and to follow it up with promotion again would be an outstanding achievement but something that manager Lar Byrne with the help of Clive Evans this year will be looking to achieve. Deano Tyrell was appointed team captain for the new season and he led the team out in their first game of this season ended in a two all draw away to Heyward Celtic in Mountmellick, Rovers showing character coming from two goals down with strikes from Mick Kilmartim and Paul McDonald ensuring a deserved point. A sterner test was expected against Portlaoise at home the following Sunday but Rovers cruised to a two nil win, the goals were provided this time by Phil Evans and new signing Pablo. On Sunday last Rovers were at home again to Raheen and despite having the lion’s share of possession they failed to put away the visitors and had to settle for a nil all draw. Raheen were content to sit back and absorb the Rovers pressure and despite numerous efforts on goal the Tullamore boys couldn’t find the back of the net. The management team won’t be happy at what will be seen as two dropped points but the overall picture for Rovers season looks good. Next up for Rovers is an away trip to Clonaslee C who are a point ahead of Rovers in the table but with one game more played. In the bigger picture Rovers will have their eye on a good cup run as well as promotion and with a much bigger squad than last season expectations have risen. New signings have been added and the majority of last season successful promotion team remain in place.
The Tullamore Rovers squad for this season read as follows:
Management: Lar Byrne, Clive Evans. Team: Deano Tyrell (Captain), James O'Brien
Derek Dolan, Brendan Kenny, John Healy, Michael Kilmartin, Emmet Kenny, Philip Evans, Seanie Morris, Paul McDonald, Ronan Heffernan, Micheal Delaney, Jarek Gazdecki, Jimmy Kinahan, Kevin O'Faotain, Billy Harvey, Brian Cosgrove, Niall Gorman, David Minton, Keith Garry, David Sweeney, Ian Harvey, Pawet Polak, Mark Lennon, Czestaw Madalinski, Patrick Martin, Ned McCarthy, Mark Kearney, Robert Lawlor, Declan Conroy.

All the Rovers match reports can be found online at www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com and if you want to contact the club please email: tullamorerovers@eircom.net.
The club would like to thank Joe Lees Bar on Church Street for their continued sponsorship for 2006/7. Also a special thanks to Ted & Keith Garry for the excellent pitch and training facilities at Fentor Park in Killeigh.