Newtowne emerged victorious in the latest installment of this local rivalry. It was an exciting game, niggly at times with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle.It was hard hitting but as always both teams showed exemplary sportsmanship after the match.
Newtowne started like an express train. They almost scored in the first minute when defensive uncertainty left Nicholl free. Newtowne largely bossed the first half. The back four of O'Reilly, O'Brien, O'Hara and Magee were imperious. They won almost everything that came their way.
Newtowne's two best chances of the half were stopped brilliantly by Chris Harbinison. The first a deflection and the second a rasping shot from Walsh. Loughery had to leave the pitch for Newtowne with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
As the half went on Newtowne dominated possession but all too often they hit long passes which Rovers found easy to defend.
For Rovers Quinn was the first to settle but he found it had to find support in a breathless first half. Rovers created a great chance in the 41st minute. Barney Butcher left the back line trailing to free McGonigle but the Fox was denied by a lunge from Mickey O'Brien.
| HT Roe Rovers 1- 2 Newtowne |
Roe Rovers started the second half better. They were unlucky not to score when McGonigle hit the post, again after good work from Butcher. They also had a penalty shout turned down.
Rovers anguish at Fox's shot was compounded when Gary Moore scored soon after. He outpaced Jack Harbinson and shot home under Jack's brother Chris.
As Newtowne do they took their foot off the gas and handed the ascendancy to Rovers. They took control for 15 minutes and equalised. The writing was on the wall when Douglas headed over twice in quick succession.
The goal came from a free kick. McGregor's excellent delivery was seen late by Norris and Quinn scored the rebound. The cross was seen late by the young keeper and he really had a poor view.
Rovers' tails were up and they were boosted when Newtowne were reduced to 10 men. Rory O'Reilly was sent off for ..............absolutely nothing. He didn't foul anyone or say anything yet got a second yellow. To their credit Roe Rovers players defended the young Newt but he was sent off for allegedly kicking out.
Anyway.... the sending off lifted Newtowne. Rovers didn't seize the initiative and the supply to Barney Butcher seemed to dry up.
Another wonderful save from Harbinson denied Walsh. When Morrison missed soon after it looked like a draw. This beleif was underlined when Burns had a goal disallowed for offside.
However with time dying out Newtowne scored the winner. Morrison's shot hit Burns and landed in the net. With six minutes to go Rovers had no time to regroup.
In terms of the title chase this was a massive 3 points, 9 out of 9 in local derbies so far. It puts Newtowne 7 points clear. The victory came at a price. Loughery and Moore both injured. O'Reilly faces a lengthy ban for...... nothing.
Rovers never give up. Harbinson was excellent while Quinn and McGregor were influential in midfield. Douglas was lively on his arrival. They felt they desrved at least a point.
For me, I'm biased, Newtowne created more and had more players on their game. In saying that Rovers were on top at 1-1.
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