Midlands Celtic 2, Tullamore Rovers 2.

CCFL Division 4A

Last Minute Goal Denies Rovers Victory

Midlands Celtic 2, Tullamore Rovers 2.

Tullamore Rovers were unlucky not to pick up all three points on Sunday against Portlaoise side Midlands Celtic. Rovers conceded a last minute goal to deny them an important three points in the hunt for promotion. Rovers fell behind early to a dubious penalty decision after two minutes, Rovers keeper Jimmy Keenan was unlucky not to keep out the resulting spot kick. The Tullamore side did well to get back into the game and got a lucky break after Ian Harvey’s long rage effort deceived the Celtic keeper and made its way into the net. Ian Harvey was filling in at left full and will be delighted to get off the mark with his first goal of the season. The right back position was filled by Billy Harvey who had a good solid game in defence yet again. Jimmy O’Brien and Captain Deano Tyrell teamed up in the centre of defence and looked solid and composed under pressure. Deano Tyrell had a busy game organising his defence and Jimmy O’Brien did well making one great last ditch tackle to save Rovers in the first half. Ten minutes before the break Rovers deservedly went in front after Phil Evans from right midfield found Brendan Kenny free in the box with a great cross, Kenny made no mistake slotting the ball past the Celtic keeper for his forth goal of the season. Paul McDonald went close with a long range effort soon after and Derek Dolan broke free done the left on a few occasions to trouble the Celtic defence and was unlucky with one effort toward the end of the half. In the last attach of the half Dolan was broth down on the edge of the box; Ian Harvey stood up to take the kick and was denied his second by and excellent save by the keeper. The second half was tougher for the Rovers players as they began to sit back. Brian Cosgroves aerial ability helped Rovers greatly in the second half as he defended corners with authority and was commanding in the middle of the park. Rovers had opportunities to increase their lead in the throughout the half with great running from Declan Conroy who tried to catch the home team on the counter attack. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet and Kenny could have had his second midway through the half also. Rovers plugged away until the end and three minutes into stoppage time disaster struck as the Celtic broke free done the right and the centre forward broke into the box to fire home the equaliser in the dying seconds of the game. It was tough luck on Rovers who have now drawn three of their last four games. Their next match is at home to Clonminan Rovers who are flying high in the league and Tullamore will have to be on top form if there are to get a much needed victory over the Portlaoise side. Lar Byrne will no doubt be looking forward to the game and getting his players back to wining ways as soon as possible.

Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy Keenan, Billy Harvey, Ian Harvey, Jimmy O’Brien, Deano Tyrell, Phil Evans, Paul McDonald, Brian Cosgrove, Derek Dolan, Declan Conroy, Brendan Kenny.

Tullamore Rovers would again like to thank Joe Lees Bar on Church Street for sponsorship and Ted and Keith Garry for the pitch at Fentor in Killeigh. All match reports are available on www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com and you can contact the club at tullamorerovers@eircom.net

Finally the players and management would like to congratulate the McDonalds on the birth of a baby girl last week.


Jerome Santry Division 4A
Division 4B Pld Won Drew Lost PTS
Clonminam Rvs 6 4 0 2 12
Abbeyleix Athletic B 5 3 2 0 11
Tullamore Rvs 6 2 4 0 10
Heyward Celtic 5 2 3 0 9
Clonaslee Utd C 6 3 0 3 9
Round Tower Rvs 6 2 1 3 7
Midlands Celtic 5 1 2 2 5
Raheen FC 6 1 1 4 4
Portlaoise C 2 0 1 1 1