A John Deighan goal one minute from the end handed Newtowne victory in a fiercely contested local derby at Drumsurn Rd. It was an exciting game, games between these two invariably are, with Newtowne coming out with 3 valuable points.

Defensively only Mark Magee remained from last week's game. Neil Mullan can no longer play, Derek Wilson was injured and Rory O'Reilly was suspended. Despite that Magee (x2), Dixon and O'Hara put in a fine shift.

Drummond dominated the opening fifteen minutes. The long ball forward was catching Newtowne out repeatedly. Two timely interceptions from Ryan Magee stopped Dougherty going forward.

Newtowne came into the game as the half progressed. Most of the danger came down the flank of Blain Morrison. The midfield tussle was interesting to watch, tackles were flying in from all directions but fortunately the vast majority were fair.

In the 22 nd minute the dangerous Andy Ferris broke through and was fouled in the box by Norris. The spot kick wasn't given and Newtowne escaped .The visitors escaped twice in the next ten minutes. Scott hit the post and Dougherty missed while 1 on 1 with Norris.

Before the interval Newtowne took the lead. Conor O'Hara beat three players before freeing Loughery and he tucked the ball under Crown.

Overall possession was fairly even in the half but Drummond had the better chances and were denied a certain penalty.

HT Drummond 0 - 1 Newtowne

Once again the home side dominated the opening 15 minutes of a half . Morrison denied Scott an equaliser and Dixon got his body to deny a cert goal. However Drummond equalised through an Andy Ferris penalty. It was a goal they deserved. The Newtowne agony was compounded soon after when Scott scored from outside the box. It was a sweet strike from the ex Rover who makes a habit of scoring against the Newts.

 

At this point leading 2-1 Drummond were clearly in the ascendancy but somehow Drummond surrendered the initiative and allowed Newtowne to boss the last 30 minutes of the game. John Deighan entered the game and he added a threat to the right wing whilst Morrison was terrorising Drummond down the left. Morrison had a great game for Newtowne. He skipped past defenders all day long and sent in a succession of crosses.

The game did threaten at times to get tasty but common sense prevailed. Firstly from ref Mohammed when he stood back and let thing calm, preferring to keep cards in his pocket and secondly from experienced players on both sides who stepped in with the odd expression of wise up. Overall it was a hard hitting but sporting game

As time wore on the home side began to hang on and repeatedly kicked the ball long out of defence and this all too often landed at a Newtowne foot or head.

The equaliser came from Walsh. His fine strike was not to dissimilar to Scott's. With 8 minutes remaining it looked like Newtowne had salvaged a point.

However with referee Mohammed signaling two minutes Walsh sent Deighan through with a lovely pass. The big man held off two defenders before slotting home past Crown. After displaying his arctic blond suntan the Milky Bar kid was booked. for taking his shirt off.

Late on Nicholl stopped a goal bound strike when he thrust his body in the way. It was enough to ensure Newtowne 3 points in a game they probably deserved a point. Ironically with 8 minutes remaining Drummond were on course for all 3 points.

For Drummond the defence were as solid as ever. Big Richard Crown won the bulk of headers coming his way. In midfield Kennedy had a very good first half. His partner Gibbons had another fine derby, he won some tackles on Saturday.

For Newtowne Norris erased the memories of last week with a commanding performance between the posts. Defensively all four played well. In the middle Nicholl did everything well and was well supported by Walsh. For me Morrison was Newtowne's best player. He was a constant threat running with the ball.

 

 

Ref Mohammed did well refereeing this keenly contested game. The slippy pitch meant players were sliding into tackles but he kept the game flowing.

These two sides are scheduled to meet again on Jan 20th, Craig Stansfield has booked the week before off work!!

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