Newport Town earn promotion with playoff needed for title
Needing just one point, Newport Town ensured promotion to Division 1A of the Limerick District League with a comprehensive 7-0 victory at home to Regional United 'B' last Thursday.
Newport started in a very positive manner, exerting pressure on the Regional rearguard right and took the lead in the 18th minute after a well-worked move. Christy Doyle, flicked a header on to Brian O'Sullivan out on the left and was then in position to head the cross to the back of the net. Goal number 41 for Doyle for the season and another assist for O'Sullivan. This strike-partnership has now scored an incredible 72 goals between them in all competitions.
In the 30th minute, Newport made it 2-0 after a brilliant sweeping move started by left-back Mark McGuire, which ended with Paul Ryan heading home after a deft flick cross by Christy Doyle. On 40 minutes, Paul Ryan scored his second and Newport’s third when his angled cross into the box deceived the Regional keeper & defence and ended up in the back of the net.
The second half continued in the same vein and Kevin Connolly made it 4-0 in the 60th minute when he picked up a loose ball and drilled home a low shot. Eight minutes later, Paul Ryan completed his hat-trick when firing home a lovely curled shot.
The bench was emptied in the second half with all subs getting a run. Youth player, Jack O’Carroll, won a penalty in the 78th minute and calmly stepped up to fire home to make it 6-0. Sean Ryan wrapped up the scoring with the last kick of the game to leave the final score 7-0 to Newport.
With both sides already promoted to Division 1A, Newport & Hill Celtic must meet again in the Division 1B League Playoff to determine who will be crowned as league champions. A toss of the coin will take place on Wednesday evening to decide whether the game will be played in Hogan Park next Saturday, 25th May at 6.30pm.
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