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