The defining moment in this game came midway through the second half. A poor kick out freed an Ardmore player and with an open goal at his mercy Quigg's chip hit the post and was cleared by Magee. Ten miutes later Newtowne went ahead and knocked in 4 goals in the last 15 minutes.

Calvin Mooney almost scored with his first touch for Newtowne in the 3 rd minute but he over carried the ball. The next half hour faded into insignifance in the wet and slippy McCourts' pitch.

Ardmore had the best of the first 20 minutes but both goalies could have watched the United match in the pub during this time. Newtowne began to come into the game more as the half progressed.

Newtowne's next chance of note came in the 33rd minute after a great run from Blain Morrison. He was fouled outside the box and Martin Harkin's free kick was well stopped by Conleth Meehan.

Fortunately the second half was better than the dour first half. Mooney had a volley over the bar and of course Ardmore hit the post with the net begging. Newtowne took the lead in the 75th minute when Calvin Mooney scored a peach. Good work from Nicholl freed the young striker and he curled his shot into the net.

Immediately after Ardmore wasted a glorious chance to equalize when they missed a header from six yards out. This agony was compounded when Loughery scored soon after. O'Hara's flick was met by the head of Loughery, the goal ended home resistance.

Loughery's large head did the damage again in the 82nd minute, a deft flick from a corner, a fine goal.

Ardmore scored a consolation in the 86th through John Quigg. The home teams misery was complete when Loughery's was one on one for a hat trick, his effort was saved but Walsh scored the rebound.

For 75 minutes this game was still in the mix. Ardmore had the best chance without creating a lot while Newtowne hadn't worked Meehan enough. In the last 15 minutes the away team's fitness told as they capitalized on tired legs. Ultimately finishing power was the key as Newtowne's forwards made better use of their chances.

Quigg, Meehan and O'Donnell tried valiantly for the home team. All the Newtowne team contributed to a hard earned win.

Referee Victor South had a very good game considering the girning from both teams and his obvious diappointment at events at Anfield. He let the game flow and was never too fussy.

Home Reports