Storming rally from 11 points down earns Clyda Rovers draw away to Rockchapel

Rockchapel 2-12 (2-1-10) Clyda Rovers 3-9 (3-3-3)
Division 3 league leaders Clyda Rovers engineered a stunning comeback to force a draw with Rockchapel in an exciting clash at sunny Rockchapel.

Inside the last quarter, Clyda trailed by 11 points and having failed to add to their interval tally, the Mourneabbey side battled superbly to register 2-5 without reply. David Cooney’s late free earned parity for the Mourneabbey side. 

Overall, it was a productive return for Clyda, a point gained on the table after main challengers Iveleary and Bishopstown faltered to Mallow and Kilshannig respectively.

A good start for Clyda, Cooney posted a two-pointer in the initial attack. Flattering to deceive, the opening half was largely about Clyda struggling to match the desire and intentions of a Rockchapel side, benefiting from the splendid work-rate of Seamus Hickey, Ewan Murphy and Jack Curtin.

Driving forward in waves allowed Ciarán Curtin bag two goals and a flurry of points swept Rockchapel 2-10 to 0-2 ahead with 20 minutes elapsed on the clock. Clyda required a response, Eoin Walsh delivered a two-pointer before a goal from Cian Walsh reduced the arrears 2-11 to 1-4 at the interval.

Rockchapel resumed with an excellent point from Jimmy McAulliffe for what proved to be the lone score to the third quarter and the hosts' final contribution. In general play, Clyda improved only to be let down by poor shooting.

However, Clyda took encouragement from a massive two-pointer from Conor Flanagan and a great move saw Aidan Kelly set up Flanagan to net. Now Clyda found reserves of new energy, Darragh Buckley, David Walsh and Kevin Graham prominent with Ben Nyhan blasting narrowly wide.

Rockchapel failed to read the danger, the visitors were right back in the mix, Eoin Walsh netted an opportunist goal to leave two points between the teams. And Clyda wasted no time on further pounding the Rockchapel rearguard, Cian Walsh pointed before Cooney availed of an easy tap over free to secure a share of the spoils.

Contrasting fortunes between the pair on the league table, Clyda Rovers with an extra game played are two points clear of Iveleary followed by Mallow. That differs from Rockchapel, currently lying in the relegation zone along with Aghada.

Scorers for Rockchapel: Ciarán Curtin 2-3, J Curtin 0-3 f, S Hickey 0-2, E Collins 0-2 (1 tp), Cormac Curtin, J McAulliffe 0-1 each.

Clyda Rovers: E Walsh 1-2 (1 tp), C Flanagan 1-2 (1 tp), C Walsh 1-1, D Cooney 0-4 (1 tp).

ROCKCHAPEL: C Murphy; B Carroll, E O’Callaghan, D Carroll; M O’Keeffe, P Curtin, Cormac Curtin; S Hickey, E Murphy; K Collins, Ciarán Curtin, J McAulliffe; E Collins, J Curtin, S Geaney. 

Subs:

L Collins, J O’Callaghan, N Linehan.

CLYDA ROVERS: S Dennehy; A Walsh, S Kelly, P Ryan; D Walsh, P O’Grady, A Kelly; B Nyhan, D Walsh; E Walsh, D Cooney, K Graham; C Walsh, C Flanagan, S O’Sullivan. 

Sub: C Kelly.

Referee: C Murphy (Glanworth).