Title showdown ends in scoreless draw
St Fiacc's couldn't find a way to break down the Slaney Rovers defence
With Highview threatening to disrupt what has been an established top two all season, lying only three points behind these two, both sides knew that this was a must not lose game in their bid to claim the league title in a few weeks’ time. It showed in the game, too, both sides set up to defend and keep the other side out, neither side willing to take any risks. There wasn't much between the sides with neither able to gain an advantage or make the breakthrough.
Both sides created early problems, Bobby Doyle and Barry O'Connor both seeing efforts saved. Dominic Byrne went close on a couple of occasions just before the break, first jumping onto a loose ball, dispossessing a defender before seeing his effort deflected wide and then missing a bicycle kick seconds before the half-time whistle.
Dan O'Brien struck an effort from distance at the Fiacc's goalkeeper just after half-time before Jamie Parrr hit an effort at the goalie. Michael Foley put an effort wide. Rory Hurley saw an effort from the right saved. A couple of long-range efforts from Pajo O'Rourke threatened to cause problems but were well dealt with by the Slaney goalkeeper, who pulled off a couple of good saves to deny Fiacc's.
Alan McDermott will feel like he should have gotten on the scoresheet when he guided an effort wide after a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to him.
Next up for Slaney is a huge game at home to Graiguenamanagh side Highview, who have beaten them twice in the league already this season in a match that will be crucial to determining the destination of the league title.
Moone Celtic produced a remarkable comeback to draw with Nurney Villa in a thrilling contest that had everything, including a dramatic late equaliser.
Nurney made the stronger start and took the lead after four minutes when Alan Beaton converted a free kick. Trevor Watchorn doubled the advantage eight minutes later before John Ryan added a third after 20 minutes, leaving Moone with a mountain to climb. The hosts refused to panic, however, and began to find their rhythm. After sustained pressure, including a series of corners, Paddy Sinnott delivered into the box and Anthony Lawlor headed home to reduce the deficit to 3-1 at half-time.
Nurney restored their three-goal advantage early in the second half when Alan Beaton converted from the penalty spot after Alan Salter was brought down in the area. At 4-1, Moone looked to be facing a difficult task, but once again they responded with remarkable determination.
Anthony Lawlor converted a penalty to make it 4-2 before the forward produced the moment of the match with less than ten minutes remaining, lifting a superb effort over the goalkeeper from just inside the box to complete his hat-trick and bring Moone to within one.
The momentum was firmly with the home side as they pushed relentlessly for an equaliser. After having a goal disallowed, Moone finally found the breakthrough. With just over a minute remaining, Andy O’Connor floated a ball into the box and Niall Phelan rose to meet it, sending the home supporters into celebrations as he levelled the game.
It was a remarkable finish to an entertaining game, with Nurney deserving credit for the way they took their chances and defended their lead, while Moone showed tremendous character to fight back from three goals down and rescue a point.
Best for Nurney Villa were John Ryan, Fran Kelly and Alan Beaton, while Kevin Osbourne, Johnny Molloy and Paddy Sinnott stood out for Moone Celtic. Special mention goes to Anthony Lawlor for his outstanding hat-trick.
St Patrick’s claimed their third league win in a row against a determined Burrin Celtic on Friday at ‘The Meadows,’ Graiguecullen.
The home side dominated much of the opening exchanges but failed to break the deadlock. In fact, it was Burrin, playing with ten men, took the lead against the run of play on 17 minutes. Pats drew level on 28 minutes when Mark Doogue headed home from a Liam Byrne corner. Pats had another great chance to take the lead just before the break but Josip Belcic shot narrowly wide.
St. Pats were pushed hard by Burrin, who applied a lot of pressure on the home side and had half-chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Eventually, Pats began to control the tempo and played some nice phases of play.
Doogue was set through by Ross Townsend and he slid the ball under the oncoming goalkeeper. Townsend himself had a great chance to extend the lead, but the Burrin goalkeeper spread himself and made a fantastic save. Pats hung on in the end and claimed the points Best for St Pats were Brian Maguire, Darragh Harland and Trevor Marfleet .
