This article is from page 108 of the 2009-02-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 108 JPG
NEWMARKET Celtic edged past Bridge Celtic in this all Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.
One of the stand out ties when the draw for the Clare Cup was made last month, there was always going to be little to choose between reigning league champions Newmarket and their predecessors, Bridge Celtic.
As such, it took a goal of immense quality to settle a tight affair in New- market. Damien O’ Malley produced a superb lob to give Newmarket the lead inside the first ten minutes.
After such an explosive opening and given the calibre of the sides in- volved, you might have been forgiven for anticipating a goal fest. That nev- er materialised.
Despite a better showing in the second half, Bridge struggled to find the spark that has been the hallmark of some of their better displays this season.
Instead they found Newmarket in stubborn mood. When you talk about calibre, it isn’t just confined to those who ply the trade further up the field.
It also refers to the men at the back. For Newmarketet, Mark O’Malley and Colm Treacy were utterly de- pendable in defence. Likewise for Bridge, Pat Murtagh can pleased with his display at centre back.
The omens weren’t too promis- ing for Bridge even before kick off. Without a natural goalkeeper, K1- eran Aherne, normally a defender,
stepped in to fill a problem position on Johnny Flynn’s team.
Within minutes of the start, Aherne was picking the ball out of then net. Though in fairness, there he was little he could have done to prevent Newmarket from taking the lead.
The ball broke on the right hand
side of the Bridge penalty area and found its way to the grateful Darren OVEN
Spotting Aherne ever so slightly off his line, the midfielder’s perfectly judged chip arced over and into the net. It was the perfect start for New- market. The home side went looking
for a second goal and with the pacy Eoin Hayes and Damien O’Malley looking dangerous, it looked a real possibility.
But Bridge stood firm, giving lit- tle away at the back and making it to half time just one goal behind.
Celtic passed the ball a lot better af- ter the break but will be disappointed not to have made more of the posses- sion they enjoyed.
Newmarket were not for moving though Bridge came close to equal- ising when Ger O’Connell’s fiercely struck free kick was well tipped over by Newmarket goalie Trevor O’Donnell.