Newmarket joy as they retain Senior A status but Clyda Rovers face relegation decider
Newmarket’s Hugh O’ Connor makes a catch during the SAFC match against Clyda in Ballyclough. Picture: Chani Anderson
Salvation for Newmarket in this McCarthy Insurance SAFC clash at Ballyclough.
Clyda heading into a playoff to stay up against Fermoy, Beál Áthan Ghaoirthaidh or Kiskeam, the latter two meeting in a refixture next Sunday.
Two early goals put Newmarket on the road. When Clyda look back they will rue a number of missed chances, particularly in the second half.
It took eight minutes for the first score to come as Newmarket raised the first green flag, when Barry O’Connor scored.
He took his chance well but luck was also on his side as the defender slipped at the last minute and that gave him a clear opportunity to score.
From the restart they regained possession and this time, he turned provider to set up Hugh O’Connor for their second goal.
Clyda came storming back and with 12 minutes gone they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Kevin Graham.
Colin Kelly’s first effort was saved but the referee deemed the keeper was off his line and at the second attempt he found the back of the net, to make it 2-0 to 1-0.
Darren O’Keeffe pointed for Newmarket before Clyda enjoyed their best spell, with two from Cian O’Sullivan, along with points from David Cooney and Eoin Walsh seeing them back level, 1-4 to 2-1.
Just before half-time, David Cottrell put Newmarket back in front. They dominated the scoring board at the start of the second half with Barry O’Connor extending their lead.
Two from Ryan O’Keeffe helped Newmarket into a 2-6 to 1-4 lead after 49 minutes, with Clyda missing a few opportunities to add to their tally. With 50 minutes gone, Newmarket were down to 14 when Paudie Allen was black-carded, with Cooney scoring the resulting free.
Newmarket made sure of their win when O’Keeffe set up Cathal Browne for their third goal to secure their status at this grade for next season.
B O’Connor 1-1, H O’Connor, C Browne 1-0 each, R O’Keeffe (1f), D Cottrell 0-2 each, D O’Keeffe 0-1.
C Kelly 1-0 pen, C O’Sullivan 0-3 (0-1 f), D Cooney 0-2 f, E Walsh 0-1 f.
J O’Keeffe; M Browne, A Ryan, G Forde; A Browne, P Allen, P Browne; M Cottrell, C Browne; D O’Keeffe, D Hannon, D Cottrell; B O’Connor, H O’Connor, R O’Keeffe.
B Daly for P Browne (ht), D Norton for A Ryan (35 inj).
S Dennehy; M Forde, C Kenny, A Walsh; C O’Reilly, G Deane, C Kelly; D Walsh, C Flanagan; K Graham, D Cooney, C O’Sullivan; C Walsh, E Walsh, N Burke.
D Buckley for A Walsh (14), A Kelly for C O’Reilly (44), S Kelly for D Cooney (54).
John Ryan (Macroom).
App?
