Tullamore Rovers 4 Clonminam Rovers 2

Tullamore Rovers Topple Table Toppers

Tullamore Rovers 4 Clonminam Rovers 2 TULLAMORE Rovers toppled table toppers Clonminam Rovers with a super second half performance in Killeigh on Sunday. Two places behind Clonminam before the morning's action, Tullamore leapfrogged their Laois opponents thanks to two- goal hero Jarek Gozdecki. The visiting Rovers took the lead when Niall Wheeler set up a goal for Richie Reid but following a hand-ball by Alan Loughlin, Tullamore Rovers won the free which eventually led to Paul McDonald hitting the equaliser before half-time. In the second half, Clonminam Rovers made two changes up front in a bid to stamp their authority on the game and though one of the substitutes, Mark Kirwan, looked threatening, Tullamore Rovers began to create some chances.
First Brendan Kenny forced opposing 'keeper Shane Nolan to make a save just under the crossbar with a header, and then Phil Evans set up McDonald, but he was thwarted by Nolan who came out smartly.
In the 59th minute, McDonald worked his way into the box on the right, considered taking a shot himself but wisely cut the ball back for Gozdecki who hit the net from eight yards. That lead goal was cancelled out within five minutes. Mark Kirwan, a useful second half substitute for the visitors, was released by Paul Gaynor and though home 'keeper Jimmy Keenahan - in for regular netminder David Minton who was sidelined with a surfing injury - advanced, the sub kept control of the ball and followed up to push the leveller into an empty net. Gozdecki was only denied another goal by a great save from Nolan in the 65th minute and the game then began to swing in Clonminam's favour as they forced corner after corner. The home defence stood firm however, and there was always a chance that Tullamore Rovers would conjure a third goal, especially with Evans and Gozdecki playing so well. With 15 minutes left that pair combined for the crucial goal. Evans darted down the left and crossed for Gozdecki to finish unmarked at the far post. Nolan then had to be at his best to deny Ian Harvey whose excellent free-kick forced a fingertip save seven minutes from time.
With three minutes left the Tullamore side made sure of all three points when Gozdecki was awarded a free and when it was booted skyward in the six-yard box, Brian Cosgrove rose highest to head the ball home under the bar. The result puts Tullamore Rovers in second place in the table, just a point behind new leaders Abbeyleix Athletic.
Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy Keenahan; Billy Harvey, John Healy, Jimmy O'Brien, Derek Dolan, Paul McDonald, Brian Cosgrove, Phil Evans, Jarek Gozdecki, Brendan Kenny. Subs: Dean Tyrrell, Mick Delaney, Mick Kilmartin. Clonminam Rovers: Shane Nolan; Alan Loughlin, Brendan McCormack, Philip Kehoe, Anthony Maher, Richie Reid, Conor O'Leary, Paul Gaynor, David Fitzpatrick, Thomas Lawless, Niall Wheeler. Subs: Willie Fitzpatrick, Mark Kirwan, Gerry Maher. Referee: Pat Murtagh (Offaly Branch