Late winner sees Shinrone go top
North Tipperary & District League Review
By Gary Culbert
The weather once again played havoc with last weekend’s fixtures, with only three games going ahead, on three different days, and in three different counties. However, the lack of action did not mean it was a slow news week by any means, as the NT&DL unfortunately lost two clubs over the weekend.
Sallypark Odhrans conceded their second walkover of the season against Moneygall on Sunday, meaning they automatically forfeit the remainder of their games this season. Similarly, Templetuohy have forfeited their remaining games in the second division following their walkover defeat to Birdhill in the cup, also their second of the season.
NT&DL rule 41 states that: “a team failing to fulfil a fixture for a second time in any one season shall be suspended from the league”. The future of both clubs remains unclear at this time.
Premier Division
Shinrone United 2-1 Arra Rovers
Shinrone United kept their title ambitions alive by the skin of their teeth on Saturday night in Birr, edging past bottom of the table Arra Rovers.
When Arra equalised in the 85th minute, they would have been full value for a draw, but a last gasp Scott Kelly goal ensured all three points stayed in Offaly.
It was man of the match, Rian Dempsey, who opened the scoring early on from a corner, smashing into the roof of the net after Michael Cordial kept the ball alive at the back post. Wearing number 5, the Birr native started at centre half before quickly moving to midfield, with Scott Kelly dropping in to centre half in return.
Some people would argue that Michael Cordial could be moved up too, swapping with Peter Cleary, but it seems manager Mullally prefers to have his best defender defending.
Shinrone were expected to put Arra to the sword, but this was a very even contest. The title hopefuls were clearly feeling the loss of Derek McLoughlin and Paul Lake through injury and suspension respectively.
Arra did not have many chances in the game, but they were always in it, and it was no major shock when they drew level with five minutes remaining with the pick of the goals on the night; Billy Moran capping off a dominant midfield display with a precise cushioned finish into the bottom corner from just outside the box.
Shinrone were so poor that Arra looked the side most likely to go on and win the game. Well, that was the case for just a few fleeting moments, because Jack Moloney saw red for his actions during the goal celebrations.
Down to ten-men, Arra naturally retreated which invited Shinrone to load the penalty area. Dan Doughan, Michael Cordial, and Scott Kelly all vacated their defensive duties and were now playing up front. Shinrone’s season was on the line. Kian Fallon was one of the few Shinrone players to have a good game, it was his cross that Doughan flicked on for Kelly, who was left with the simple task of smashing the ball in from close range.
Having suffered a 12-0 defeat on their last game on astro, Arra will have been cautious of another trimming but they can be extremely proud of their efforts. Arra Rovers and particularly their manager, Dermot O'Halloran, deserve huge credit for their professionalism throughout a very testing season. Despite their debilitating run of results, the Portroe side have never given anything less than 100%.
First Division
In their final league game of the season, Grange United put themselves in the promotion conversation with a resounding 9-2 win over Cloughjordan in Durrow on Friday night.
The first half was an even affair when it came to possession of the ball. That said, Grange created plenty of clear-cut chances to be well ahead at half time, only for some great saves by veteran keeper Michael Hough. Liam Hannon had Clough in front early on, before goals from Jer Quinlan and Cillian O'Riordan left Grange 2-1 up at half time.
The second half is where Grange came into their own and Cloughjordan couldn't handle the attacking pressure of the front four, along with the running power of midfield duo Phil Tynan and Vinnie Cleere. Goals from Tommy Brophy, Darren Drennan, Timmy Guidera, Scott Coyle, Jer Quinlan, and a brace from Stevie Finan ensured a miserable drive home for Cloughjordan.
Second Division
Moneygall 'B' came from 2-0 down at half-time to edge out BT Harps 3-2 on Sunday thanks to a wonder strike from 17-year-old Oisin Maxwell.
It was one-way traffic in this promotion six-pointer in the first half, as Harps looked far superior physically. Marco Quinlan and Paddy Hickey had the Templemore side 2-0 up at the break.
Dara Lee scored direct from a free kick early in the second half to begin the comeback. Next to find the net was the player of the match, Johnny Powell, who tapped in at the back post to level the tie. Substitute Oisin Maxwell was the unlikely hero, stealing the headlines late on with a strike of the highest quality to snatch victory.