The irresistible force met the immovable object on Saturday. Newtowne going for an unprecedented treble against BBOB who were going for an unprecedented league season unbeaten. In the end BBOB won and are now North West Premier champions. After losing out last year, coming runners up in The Sentinel Cup and losing The Irish Junior Semi Final, this was a particularly satisfying result for BBOB
A huge crowd gathered at Roemill to see the title decider. The first 15 minutes were a blur in this match. Both teams started at bullet pace. No one had time to settle on the ball. Both sets of supporters were vociferous.
The first chance saw the first goal. Alan Duddy, who had a brilliant game, broke free and slotted the ball past Sam Norris. The goal shook Newtowne who then endured a torrid 10 minutes.
Johnny Moore, the smallest player on the pitch and probably the planet, rose above everyone to score BB's second. Minutes later Lynch hit the side netting as Newtowne struggled to cope with BBOB's initial surge.
Newtowne got into the game just after the half hour. Mickey Walsh scoring a superb goal. The ball was headed out from a corner and Walsh hit the top corner from 30 yards. The goal ignited the previously lack lustre Newts. Moore fired in a great cross which just eluded Mooney soon after. Before the break Newtowne started to threaten the BB goal.
Newtowne bossed the first 30 minutes of the second half. With Dougherty out of the BB midfield Newtowne began to take control. A key 15 minute spell dictated not only the game but the title.
As Newtowne poured forward and BBOB sat back Newtowne began to create chances. Iain Killen made three outstanding saves to keep his team in the game. One at full stretch from Mooney's header was outstanding.
Newtowne's pressure peaked when Gary Moore was brought down inside the box but no penalty was awarded. Not only was Killen on top form for BBOB but Stuart Moore defended well too, he was dominant aerially around the box.
BBOB had a penalty turned down too when Lynch was fouled in the box. Nutt scored a key goal for BB 17 minutes from the end. He slotted home when left unmarked.
Newtowne's reply was instantaneous . Calvin Mooney curled in a lovely free kick to make the score 3-2.
In the last 10 minutes BBOB clinched the game with another Nutt goal and a goal from Hamilton . The 5-2 scoreline was flattering but the important thing for them was the 3 points.
Victor Dougherty proudly lifted the New Knox Morrison cup to be the first BB player to do so since 1988/89. Congratulations to BBOB.
Well done too Newtowne. Two cups is a great return. Let's hope we can emulate BBOB who lost the title in the league's last game last year.
As for the boy who roared to me "stick that in yer oul website McCloskey" on the way out, I just did!! I hope this is a fair reflection of the game. I've said many times I hate writing match reports and this one was very tough to write.
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