Portlaoise C 0, Tullamore Rovers 1.

CCFL Division 4A

Portlaoise C 0, Tullamore Rovers 1.
28th Jan 2007

Tullamore Rovers kept the pressure on at the top of the table with a hard fourth victory in Portlaoise. The win proved to be even more vital as news came through that table topper Heyward Celtic had lost to Clonaslee C. This now means that Rovers are 4 points away from top spot with a game in hand. Rover’s resilience was tested to the limit in this game as they were forced to play the final 15 minutes without team captain Deano Tyrell who was sent off harshly for two supposed late tackles, there was debate at whether the first should have even been deemed a free kick. It was unfortunate for Tyrell who was a having a great game at the centre of defence with man of the match Ian Harvey who barely but a foot wrong. The first half was very tight with very little room and a lack of any clear cut chances at both ends. The closest Rovers came to breaking the deadlock was a free kick from Ian Harvey that clipped the top of the cross bar while at the other end Portlaoise had one good chance but the centre forward skewed his shot wide form 10 yards. Brendan Kenny and Mick Kilmartin lead Rovers and were full of running and did well with the few quality balls they did receive. Phil Evans and Paul McDonald were strong in the midfield and both were particularly dominant in the air through the game. Clive Evans took the chance at half time to shake up the Rovers formation and went all out for the win pushing Brendan Kenny up front and switching Derek Dolan to the left wing. Rovers certainly were more attack minded in the second half and were beginning to look dangerous on the break with Pat Tyrell causing plenty of problems on the right with his surging runs. Rovers could have took the lead on 60 minutes when Billy Harvey was desperately unlucky to see his shot from just inside the box miss to the right, a goal for Billy would have toped and impressive performance. On the right John Healy and Derek Dolan were linking up well and did well defensively once Rovers went down to 10 men. The game changed with the sending off as Rovers ironically began to play their best football. Jimmy O’Brien was introduced to sure up the defence and he did brilliantly under allot of pressure during the last 15 minutes. Rovers used the loss of the man to their advantage as they sat back and began to work the ball out on quick counters attacks. The runs of Pat Tyrell on the right lead to a number of corners that kept the ball in the Portlaoise half. The goal came 10 minutes from time when Paul McDonald fired in the cross that deceived the goalkeeper and went straight into the Portlaoise goal. From that moment on Tullamore worked tirelessly getting tackles in and moving the ball out quick to ensure another vital three points in their title challenge. Rovers can also thank their keeper Jimmy Keenehan who was fantastic throughout the second have making two great saves, one from a one on one with the Portlaoise centre forward. That’s two clean sheets on the trot for Keenehan and Tullamore Rovers. Rovers are away in the cup next Sunday to Division 1 opposition Melville Utd. in Athlone.

Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy Keenehan, Billy Harvey, Deano Tyrell, Ian Harvey, John Healy, Derek Dolan, Phil Evans, Paul McDonald, Pat Tyrell, Mick Kilmartin, Brendan Kenny, Jimmy O’Brien.

Team Picture

Team Photo
15th October 2006

Tullamore Rovers Vs Clonminan Rovers
Back Row (L to R) Manager Lar Byrne, John Healy, Brian Cosgrove, Jimmy Keenehan, Jimmy O'Brien, Jarek Gazdecki, Paul McDonald, Pawet Polak, Phil Evans, Mick Kilmartin.
Front Row (L to R) Mark Lennon, Brendan Kenny, Billy Harvey, Ian Harvey, Derek Dolan, Marcin Kaczmarczyk, Mick Delaney


Ian Harvey


Derek Dolan


Billy Harvey


Jimmy O'Brien


Paul McDonald

Raheen 0, Tullamore Rovers 4.

CCFL Division 4A

Rovers Hit Four

Raheen 0, Tullamore Rovers 4.

The restart of the league campaign after the Christmas break is always tough but add wind, rain and a heavy pitch and things are even tougher. Tullamore Rovers managed to overcome the elements away to Raheen on Sunday to record an impressive victory that keeps them in the hunt at the top of the table. Rovers started very brightly with some good football considering the conditions and took the lead on five minutes after winning a free on the edge of the box. Paul McDonald struck the resulting free which wasn’t dealt with by the keeper who managed to fumble the ball behind the line to give Rovers the lead. Rovers probed continually through the first half looking for a second but their best efforts came from long range with the Raheen keeper not being tested apart from one good save to deny McDonald from another free kick. The Rovers defence looked very comfortable throughout the game with Jimmy O’Brien and Deano Tyrell in great form the centre. Both central defenders kept their concentration throughout and denied the home team any clear cut opportunities. Billy Harvey was in the thick of the action as usual and he stopped anything coming down the right as well as offering support to Brendan Kenny going forward. John Healy was equally impressive on the left and made some good runs from the defence during the first half. The second half was much better for Rovers in attack as the midfield ventured forward with more purpose and following a good move down the right Mick Kilmartin fired in a cross that Jarek Gazdecki struck home with a diving header from the centre of the box. Rovers continued to press forward but were tested at the back also, twice the home side won free kicks in dangerous positions but some excellent goalkeeping on both occasions by Jimmy Keenahan kept the clean sheet. John Healy went close for Rovers with an excellent lopping shot the just dipped over the bar and Phil Evans had a long range effort the just missed to the left. Evans was at the centre of things again moments later as he started a move in the middle that ended up with Gazdecki firing home his second from the right hand side with a low drive in to the back of the net. Straight from the restart the game was finished off and Derek Dolan hit a long ball into the corner for Gazdecki to chase after. He won a free kick just on the edge of the box on the right hand side. Mick Kilmartin stepped up to take it and he rifled a powerful shot that deflected off the Raheen defender and straight into the net to seal and comprehensive victory for the Tullamore side. Lar Byrne’s side are still in with a good chance of promotion if they keep up this form but they will have to work hard as rivals Heyward Celtic picked up another victory to keep them top of the table. Next up for Tullamore Rovers is a home game against Abbeyliex Athletic next Sunday.
Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy Keenehan, Billy Harvey, Jimmy O’Brien, Deano Tyrell, John Healy, Derek Dolan, Phil Evans, Paul McDonald, Jarek Gazdecki, Brendan Kenny, Mick Kilmartin.
Tullamore Rovers would like to thanks Joe Lees Bar on Church Street for Sponsorship. The management would also like to thank the Garry’s in Fentor and DeBruns. All reports available at www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com

Next Match: Raheen V Tullamore Rovers

Hopefully the the Raheen pitch won't cause too many problems

Next Match
CCFL Division 4A

Raheen V Tullamore Rovers

Sunday 7th January 11am
Venue - Abbeyleix
Players meet at 9.30am in O'Conner Sq.

Training resumes Thursday 4th January at 7pm in Killeigh.