Rovers Revived

Rovers Revived

CCFL Division 3A

Killurin 1, Tullamore Rovers 4

Tullamore Rovers picked up their first win of the season away to Killurin at the weekend with a comprehensive 4 – 1 victory. After a poor start to the season the performances have been getting better for Rovers and this win was long overdue for the Tullamore side. James Carty was the star man for Rovers after he fired home his second hat trick of the campaign. His first goal arrived within the first 10 minutes after a rip roaring start by Rovers who went on the attack from the whistle. Carty took his first goal well after receiving cross from Andy Galvin, Carty controlled nicely just inside the box before finishing with a shot across the keeper into the far right corner. Rovers continued to attack from the restart with Phil Evans and Derek Dolan in the middle controlling things and using the space on the wings to good affect. Carty’s second goal came after Dolan latched onto the ball outside the box and pulled back for Carty who made no mistake with another neat finish to send Rovers two up after 20 minutes. Ten minutes later JP O’Leary was unlucky not to make it three after been sent through, his first touch was excellent as he bore down on goal but the Killurin defence did well on this occasion to avert the danger. Rovers were sensing a win at this stage but the players were well aware of how they threw away points from similar situations previously. That wasn’t to happen this time mainly due to a much improved defensive performance with Ed Finnerty and Billy Harvey doing very well as the centre back pairing. They were helped by Pat Meehan who had another solid game at left full and Andy Galvin who was once again impressive going forward, setting up a goal, and offering Rovers another attacking outlet. Rovers continued where they left off in the second half with some fine attacking football, Mark Kelly on the left of midfield was finding lots of room and he did well to put pressure on the Killurin defence whenever he had possession. Pat Tyrell was using his speed to great effect again with some great running on the right where he had the beating of the full back and looked dangerous whenever he went forward. Killurin did have a spell where they looked to be getting back in the game midway through the second half but two fantastic saves by Jimmy Keenehan kept Rovers in it during this important phase of the game. Keenehan was solid throughout the game for Rovers and he cleaned up everything around the box with confidence. Just as Killurin were starting to look like the might get a goal Rovers scored their third and it was James Carty again who fired home to complete his hat trick. Pat Tyrell sending him through this time before he beat the nearest defender and knocked the ball into the corner if the net. Mick Kilmartin and Michael Galvin were introduced for Rovers as manager Alan James looked to close out the victory; Kilmartin's running giving more problems for the Killurin defence to deal with. The home side did manage to get on the score sheet late on after a own goal but Michael Galvin put the game beyond doubt five minutes before the end when he picked up the ball on the edge of the box before firing low past the on coming keeper to seal a fine win for the Tullamore side. Rover’s manager Alan James was delighted with the result and will see this result as the kick start to the season that they needed. The player’s confidence will be lifted by the result and no doubt they will kick on from here to put in a good season.
All rovers match reports are available at - www.tullamorerovers.blogspot.com

Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy Keenehan, Pat Meehan, Billy Harvey, Ed Finnerty, Andy Galvin, Pat Tyrell, Mark Kelly, Phil Evans, Derek Dolan, James Carty, JP O’Leary, Michael Galvin, Mick Kilmartin, Emmet O’Malley, Brendan Kenny, Ronan Kelly, Jimmy O’Brien.