This article is from page 81 of the 2009-09-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 81 JPG
BRIDGE Celtic were the victors af- ter this one sided Premier Division clash against Lifford on Wednes- day last. The final tally of five goals tells it’s own story and portrays how dominant the Bridge team were over their Ennis counterparts. They took the early initiative and attacked from the kick off. After a few chances they finally found their goal scoring touch through Ger O’Connell on 20 minutes. They did not have to wait as long for their second however as O’Connell scored again a few sec- onds later when Bridge won posses- sion back from Lifford’s kick off. He slotted the ball home confidently and now really set up Bridge to push on and ensure this win as early as pos- sible. Lifford were stunned but they did get a chance to get themselves back into the game. They were awarded a penalty and Roberto Pinto stepped up to take the kick. His ef- fort however was unsuccessful and
this became a huge turning point in the game. Instead of pulling back a goal they really missed their oppor- tunity. The significance of this miss increased when ten minutes later
Bridge found their third goal. The dangerous Shane Byrnes was the pro- vider and the insurance goal had now been found. Then three became four when Trevor Howard scored a crack-
ing volley just before half time. This was becoming a landslide victory and the prospect of more goals must have sent Lifford in at half team really fearing the worst. In fairness to this Lifford team, they did manage to re- store some pride. They scraped back two goals, with Ryan Boyle’s finish in particular providing the Lifford fans with something finally to cheer about. Suddenly had hope of a mirac- ulous come back been moulded. Un- fortunately for Lifford, Bridge now felt they had conceded enough goals and decided they wanted to score a few more. They only got the one though. Dave Hickey wrapped up his team’s goal scoring in the middle of the second half after a great period of well controlled passing. Burke in the Lifford goal had no chance and sadly for him had to pick the ball out of his net for the fifth time. The threat of any possible fight back had now been neutralised for good. Bridge contin- ued to attack but some credit must be given to young centre half Darren
O’Neill who gave his all throughout the game but his efforts alone were not enough to prevent Bridge Celtic maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign. Lifford now really have to go back to the drawing board as with three losses from three, their prospects for the season are already looking very bleak.