Ballybrittas 2, Tullamore Rovers 3

CCFL Division 3A

Rovers Shock Title Chasers

Ballybrittas 2, Tullamore Rovers 3.

The Tullamore Rovers players could be forgiven for losing interest in this campaign, Killurins resignation from the league meant that their two victors against them were void and scheduling of fixtures have ensured that this was only the Tullamore side’s third match in ten weeks. With Rovers season petering out they travelled to Ballybrittas to face a side with title winning aspirations but against all logic it was the Tullamore Rovers who put in a gutsy and determined performance that gave them a hard earned three points. To say it was a game of two very different halves would be something of an understatement as the stiff winds played big part in this game. Rovers won the toss and elected to play into the wind for the first half hoping to hold out until the break and press home any advantage later in the game. Things were going to plan in the first half and the Rovers defence were excelling under the direct approach from the home side. Michael Galvin who was making his first start at centre back for the Tullamore side was particularly impressive alongside the consistent performer Edwin Finnerty. They were supported by fullbacks Brendan Kenny and Pat Meehan who put in sterling performance through the first half considering the atrocious conditions. Up until the half hour mark things were going to plan for Rovers but an awkward long ball caused panic as it bounced in the box. The Ballybrittas forward backed into keeper Jimmy Keenan but play continued and the ball ended up in the back of the net to put the home side one up. Mick Kilmartin was unlucky not to get one back for Rovers has he used his pace to get behind the defence, he fired a low shot that the keeper did well to hold onto. Rovers would have been happy to go in at the break just a goal down knowing that with the wind behind them in the second half they had a decent chance of getting something but that chance was dealt a blow before the break. Another long punt from the middle found the Ballybrittas front man in acres space, he managed to slot the ball home and the goal stood despite some well entitled protests of offside from the Rovers players. Jimmy O’Brien who was managing Tullamore Rovers for the day rallied his troops at the interval and they responded with an excellent comeback. As the weather closed in with hailstones lashing the players Rovers began to exert pressure on the home side. Derek Dolan and Phil Evans were getting forward more from the middle and the introduction of Ronan Kelly added a bit more pace to the away side. JP O’Leary went closed soon after the restart, he spun of the last defender and was through on goal but the angle was too great on this occasion as he fired wide to the right. With fifty minutes gone Rovers got the goal they deserved. Ronan Kelly popped up on the right and seen his shot blocked only for John Cusack to lash the ball home from the rebound. Rover’s tails were up but only some fine goal keeping from Jimmy Keenahan at the other end during a quick break from the to the home side ensured the Rovers stayed in the game. Jimmy O’ Brien and Pat Tyrell came on for Rovers with twenty minutes to go and the fresh legs aided Rovers as they searched for goals. The equaliser came with ten minutes to go as Ronan Kelly again turned provider, this time it was Ed Finnerty who stroked the ball home confidently. The game seemed to be heading for a draw but with minutes remaining there was a grand finale, substitute Pat Tyrell provided a spectacular goal worthy of winning any game, he spotted the keeper off his line from twenty five yards and judged the wind to perfection to lob the ball in to the net. The goal sealed a huge morale boosting victory for Rovers who can look for forward to their remaining three games with a lot more confidence. The Tullamore side have a turbulent season but the obvious potential of their squad was shown today. If they manage to keep this bunch of players together there will certainly be more to look forward too next season. Tullamore Rovers will have a Race Night on Friday 4th April in De Bruns Bar, advertising on the Race Cards is still available for more details contact Jimmy O’Brien 087 6652141.

Tullamore Rovers: Jimmy Keenan, Brendan Kenny, Ed Finnerty, Michael Galvin, Kevin Hennessy, John Cusack, Phil Evans, Derek Dolan, Pat Meehan, JP O’Leary, Mick Kilmartin, Ronan Kelly, Jimmy O’Brien, Pat Tyrell, Emmet O’Malley