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Newmarket extend lead at top

This article is from page 62 of the 2011-03-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 62 JPG

Tulla United 0 – Newmarket Celtic 1 at The Cragg, Tulla

THOUGH they will hardly be shouting it from the rooftops, privately at least, Newmarket Celtic must feel they are coming mighty close to landing the Premier League title.

Their 1-0 victory over Tulla United on Sunday propelled Newmarket 11 points clear of second placed Hermitage.

And while reigning champions Avenue United have a significant number of games in hand over the league leaders, Newmarket’s recent brilliant level of consistency offers little hope to the chasing pack.

Newmarket now have five games left to play. Plenty of work remains to be done but the odds are tilting in Newmarket’s favour.

Four of their remaining fixtures are at home with just one, Avenue United, to be played away from McDonagh Park.

Certainly Sunday’s trip to Tulla was one of the more daunting assignments on Newmarket’s run-in. Tulla have been hugely impressive on their return to the premier league and played with enough energy and guile to keep Newmarket on their toes.

Just when it looked like the visitors would have to settle for a point, up popped Gary Collins in the final few minutes to score what could prove to be a priceless match winner.

The substitute striker was in the right place at the right home to tap home after Mark Donlon headed Michael Crosby’s free kick back across the goal

Collins had earlier gone close while Crosby saw a firmly hit effort well saved by Tulla goalie Paul Whelan.

With Daragh Corry turning in another eye-catching display and Alan Brigdale causing Newmarket plenty of problems, Tulla had chances of their own. Newmarket were thankful to goalkeeper Marty Whelan who got down smartly to keep out a Brigdale effort just after half time.

Donlon and Eoin O’Brien gave steady performances in defence as Newmarket pressed for a goal. Their efforts were rewarded late on.

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