Premier SHC: David Cremin snatches late winner as Midleton edge Newcestown

Midleton: 1-18 

Newcestown: 1-17 

David Cremin proved to be the hero as Midleton survived an almighty battle from Newcestown to win by a point in a lively Co-Op SuperStores Premier SHC Group 3 Round 2 clash at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday afternoon.

These teams couldn’t be separated at this juncture of the championship last year, and it looked like it would be the same again on this occasion. 

The sides were level in the dying stages and a draw probably would have been a fair result, even though Newcestown led by three points in the closing stages. Cremin showed calmness to point the winner as they dug very deep.

Midleton just found that bit of quality and bench impact when needed in a game that had an edge, with neither side sparing the other. 

Ross O’Regan’s green flag in the last few minutes also proved crucial in wresting control back from their opposition.

Referee Canice Walsh certainly played his part in an exciting contest, letting the game flow as much as possible.

Midleton are now in a strong position to qualify after a second win, following on from their impressive victory over St Finbarr’s. 

In fairness, Newcestown battled gamely and deserved something, but they are in a tricky spot as they suffer a second consecutive defeat on the back of a nine-point loss to Bride Rovers.

Newcestown were quick out of the traps with a pair of points from Colm Dinneen, with Luke Meade playing a significant role in the first score. Conor Lehane landed a long-range free for Midleton, but Newcestown were tigerish and organised.

Cork footballer David Buckley pointed to make it 0-3 to 0-1 after four minutes. The Magpies then hit three of the next four points, with Cremin’s effort the highlight.

Midleton goalkeeper Bríon Saunderson then clipped over a boomer from play as they led for the first time after 12 minutes, 0-5 to 0-4. The sides traded white flags before a Richard O’Sullivan free drew parity. Luke Meade was dictating the tempo from centre-back — he was outstanding.

A pair of Conor Morley points from acute angles gave Midleton a 0-8 to 0-6 buffer after 22 minutes, but Newcestown were hanging in. The tall Seán O’Donovan, effective in his full-forward role, bisected the posts to leave the bare minimum in it. He then set up Buckley for the leveller after an excellent fetch.

Midleton finished the half with the last two points through a Lehane free and Tommy O’Connell, leading 0-10 to 0-8 at half-time.

Lehane extended the margin to three at the start of the second half, but Newcestown weren’t going away. The introduction of Ciarán O’Donovan in the opening 30 minutes added to their performance.

An O’Sullivan free cut the gap to two before the same player had the first real goal chance, but Saunderson did well to keep the shot out. Mikey Finn pointed as Midleton led 0-12 to 0-9 after 40 minutes.

Newcestown responded superbly, striking two quick points before goaling after 41 minutes when Seán O’Donovan got a flick on Cathal Wilson’s long free into the square, sending Newcestown in front, 1-11 to 0-12.

Lehane then sent over two points, one from a 65, to draw Midleton level. But they couldn’t shake off the Carbery men. A Seán O’Donovan effort and another O’Sullivan free gave Newcestown a 1-13 to 0-14 advantage with eight minutes to go.

Full-back Eoghan Collins came up the field unchallenged to push his side three points clear before two quick-fire Midleton points left one in it. Back came Newcestown, with Buckley and sub Ciarán Hurley restoring their three-point buffer after 57 minutes.

Midleton looked devoid of ideas, but sub Cormac Beausang made things interesting with a fine point. That was followed by O’Regan’s goal, finished to the net despite Wilson’s best efforts to keep it out, leaving it 1-17 to 1-16 after 58 minutes.

An O’Sullivan free drew parity going into added time before Finn had the chance to win it from a free with Lehane off the pitch, but his long-range effort went wide.

Both teams looked destined for a draw until Cremin popped up with the winner.

Scorers for Midleton: C Lehane 0-8 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), R O’Regan 1-0, D Cremin, C Morley 0-2 each, B Saunderson, T Dunlea, C Walsh, T O’Connell, M Finn, C Beausang 0-1 each.

Newcestown: R O’Sullivan 0-6 (0-4 f, 0-1 65), S O’Donovan 1-2, D Buckley, C Dinneen 0-3 each, E Collins, C Hurley, J Meade 0-1 each.

MIDLETON: B Saunderson; T Dunlea, T O‘Leary-Hayes, C Smyth; C Walsh, T O’Connell, E Moloney; M Finn, K McDermott; E McGrath, A Quirke, C Morley; D Cremin, C Lehane, R O’Regan.

Subs: C Beausang for E Moloney (41), P Connaughton for C Morley (48), E Moloney for C Lehane (61-FT, temp).

NEWCESTOWN: C Wilson; M McSweeney, E Collins, J Kelleher; J Kenneally, L Meade, Colm O’Donovan; D McAree, J Meade; D Buckley, N Kelly, R O’Sullivan; C Dinneen, S O’Donovan, G O’Donovan.

Subs: Ciarán O’Donovan for N Kelly (23), J Burrows for D McAree (47), C Hurley for J Meade (50).

Referee: Canice Walsh (Nemo Rangers).