Newtowne 5 v 2 Park

Newtowne laboured their way to a 5-2 victory over Park at The Vale Centre. A six minute spell before the interval helped put the game beyond the grasp of Park.

Park started well and threatened twice in the first 15 minutes, on both occasions they pounced on Newtowne defensive uncertainty. Loughery missed a chance early on to put Newtowne ahead.

In the 18 th minute Newtowne took the lead. Loughery's turn and shot was well saved but the ball spilled to Harkin who tucked the ball home. At this point Newtowne had just about got their nose in front.

The lead was short lived as Park soon equalised. A lovely pass from O'Neill freed McDermott and he beat the oncoming Deighan to level the game. The goal gave Newtowne a bit of a wake up call and Walsh responded soon after with a fine volley from distance.

Between the 31 st minute and 37 minute the game was secured by Newtowne. Morrison was upended by Lockhart inside the box and Burns duly dispatched the penalty soon after. Minutes later the bronze haired, tan skinned Morrison made it 3-1 with a fine shot from the edge of the box. Morrison was the instigator of goal number 4 in the 37 th minute. His cross was laid off by Burns for Loughery to score.

It was a great passage of play by Newtowne and Mark Magee and Walsh were instrumental in setting up most of the attacks. However the 4-1 half time score greatly flattered Newtowne.

Park dominated the first 20 minutes of the second half, only a fine tackle from Mark Magee stopped the deficit from being reduced. Park did get the goal their efforts deserved in the 64 th minute. McDermott laid the ball off for JC to score. When Park struck the post from their next corner their was a realisation that Park were back in the game.

Newtowne upped the ante after the goal and looked more assured. Blain Morrison missed an absolute sitter to put the game beyond doubt but we won't mention that. The victory was guaranteed when Burns tapped in from close range in the 84 th minute. Burns' goal was put on a plate from a superb O'Reilly pass.

Overall Newtowne deserved their three points but the score line does not reflect Park's endeavours. Park bustled and harried all 90 minutes and had they taken their chances early in the second half it would have been a different game. Park's spirit after going 4-1 down augers well for their season.

Newtowne were in and out of the game but there were positives. Mark Dixon made a fine debut and Mims has competition for the Most Romantic Player Sammy . The finishing was very good and Newtowne looked very fit as the game drew to a close.

I thought ref Victor South had an excellent game and this view was shared by the Park squad. He played the advantage well and dealt with situations with a great deal of common sense.

 

 

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