This was an awesome performance from Newtowne, the best I've witnessed for years. They overcame a tenacious and in form Maghera team relatively comfortably in their own patch. The game was illuminated by the best goal I have ever seen in North West soccer.
The opening exchanges were fast and no quarter was given in the tackles. The first chance of note came in the 12th minute when Maghera's Sargeant was denied at close range by Norris. Minutes later Loughery had a header come off the post.
From the 20th minute to the break Newtowne dominated proceedings. They took the lead from Mooney, he seized on indecision to score Newtowne's 100th competitive goal this year.
Newtowne players celebrate after Mooney scores the 100th goal
A brilliant save from McCallan denied Morrison and Walsh minutes later. Morrison squandered another chance before the break to extend the lead.
Maghera were reduced to punting the ball long which played into the hands and heads of the Newtowne back four. Maghera's best chance fell to their best player, Mark O'Connor's deft chip just evaded the post. The Newtowne back four were really on their game in the first half.
The second half wasn't long gone when Martin Harkin's wonder strike sealed the game. He was on the half way line when he lobbed McCallan, it was a superb goal and his Beckhamesque effort was a moment of sublime skill. As I said before , the best goal I have ever seen at this level.
Maghera's woes were compounded soon after when Gary O'Connor was red carded for a punch. His departure spelt the end for Strollers.
Things did get tetchy after the sending off but tempers soon calmed. Walsh ended any lingering doubts when he scored. His shot did take a fortuitous deflection off a Maghera defender. Newtowne wasted more chances to extend their lead but McCallan made a number of fine saves.
With 7 minutes to go Maghera scored but it was to little too late as the visitors happily ran the clock down. Deighan was also denied an effort when he was blown offside near the end.
This was a huge 3 points from Newtowne. It would be unfair to highlight the performance of any one player as all 14 played their part in a tremendous collective display. Maghera's title chances are still alive but their margin for error is greatly diminished as a consequence of this result.
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