Newtowne emerged victorious over rivals Roe Rovers in a scrappy local derby at windswept Scroggy Rd. There was plenty of pride and determination on show in a match were the swirling wind negated the possibility of good football.
It was tempestuous at times and both lines were extremely vociferous. On the final whistle there were pats on the back and hand shakes all round. At times the Junior teams can show those in higher leagues how to be competitive and sporting at the same time.
Rovers dominated the first 20 minutes of play. They played with great energy and passion. Newtowne couldn't settle on the ball. In this spell Douglas and Young had chances from distance but only Paul Mullan had a clear cut effort but he volleyed wide.
As the half progressed Newtowne came into the match and created the best chance. Loughery was one on one but he shot wide. Rovers' keeper Anderson made a super save soon after when he somehow stopped Burns from close range. Rovers' tendency to pump the ball long suited the aerial height of Ryan Magee and Conor O'Hara who had splendid games.
Marty Woods illuminated proceedings when he ran past 7 people along the line, unfortunately for Legend John Mullan said “Get your tracksuit bottoms back on Marty, he's not injured!”
As the half drew to a close Newtowne had good opportunities when Harkin sent in two delightful crosses but on both occasions the ball was cleared.
Rovers were on top in terms of possession and territory in the first half but Newtowne created the better chances.
HT Newtowne 0-0 Roe Rovers |
Newtowne took the lead early in the second half. Ryan Magee headed home from a Harkin corner. When Nicholl had a great shot on target soon after Newtowne looked like they were in the driving seat.
What transpired was a comeback by Rovers. Just like the early exchanges Rovers began to get in first for tackles and began to put Newtowne on the back foot. Unfortunately for Rovers they came across stubborn resistance from the home defence. Mark Magee was solid as ever despite injury whilst young mark Dixon gets better each game. For me O'Hara was the pick of the four, which was good going on Saturday. Norris was in commanding form too, bossing his penalty box.
The best chance of this period of Rovers pressure fell to Mullan but his header hit the post and the rebound fell to Norris. Barney Butcher looked good on the break but he found it hard to pass Dixon .
When Marty Woods was unceremoniously tackled by Magee, the big centre half got sidelined for a second yellow. Woods showed great skill to dribble past 3 defenders. The sending off kicked started a lack lustre Newtowne team. Morrison was fouled at the knees in the box but a penalty wasn't given. Soon after Nicholl put the game to bed when he slotted home after good approach play from Morrison.
This was a huge 3 points for Newtowne. It means a 100% record in local derbies and puts Newtowne 7 points clear in the league. This will sound strange but it will probably guarantee survival which generates confidence in a bid to push for the title. Newtowne were well served by Norris, Dixon , Morrison and Harkin. For me O'Hara was Newtowne's best player.
Rovers played with great industry and intensity. They could have drawn this game and no one would have argued about it. Despite being on top of possession they didn't create too many moments to trouble Norris. Managers Mullan and Woods were excellent along the line when the game got a bit heated. Their behaviour, along with Newtowne's, made it easy for ref Crossan to calm things down.
FT Newtowne 2-0 Roe Rovers |
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