PREMIER Division leaders Cappry Rovers unbeaten League run was brought to an end by reigning champions and fellow title contenders Castlefin Celtic in very difficult conditions at Park View on Sunday.
Castlefin Celtic 3 Cappry Rovers 1
By Charlie Collins at Park View
The League leaders played against a gale force wind in the opening half and with Frank McGlynn playing an impressive holding role in midfield in front of a solid back four they were managing the game very well up until the 28th minute when the game began to unravel for them in a four minute period.
Castlefin Celtic had created a few chances in the early stages , Marty Owens hot the side-netting in the 4th minute , Ronan Tourish shot just over in the 6th and Ian Ward had a header from Emmet White’s corner blocked on the goal line .
They finally took thr lead in the 28th minute when Raymond Foy’s in swinging corner deceived everyone and went straight into the net , Ian Ward got close to it with his head but it was Foy’s goal.
A minute later another big set-back for Cappry as Paddy McNulty received a straight red card from Referee Andrew Mullin for a late and somewhat unnecessary tackle on Ward in the centre circle .
Two minutes after that it was 2-0 to the home team , Cappry goalkeeper Joe Boyle initially made a good save but the alert Kieran Friel pounced to steer the rebound to the net and in a four minute period the game had taken a huge turn.
That’s how it remained until half-time and with the conditions improving ever so slightly and the one man advantage Castlefin were comfortable as Cappry tried hard but were depending on set pieces to create any chances that came their way.
Their hopes of a comeback were well and truely ended in the 62nd minute when Ronan Tourish confidently converted from the spot after Referee Mullin awarded the penalty for what he decided was a foul by Aaron Kelly on Raymond Foy , a decision that looked harsh to say the least , as the defender looked to have played the ball first.
Cappry did pull one back in the 73rd minute when debutant Ronan Coyle volleyed into the roof of net after Benny McLaughlin’s cross had caused problems . An important victory for Castlefin Celtic who are now eight points behind the leaders but have played two games less.
Castlefin Celtic: Chris O’Donnell, Brian Doohan , Emmet White ( Barry Tourish 92), Michael Dunnion , Aaron O Hagan , Raymond Foy , Ronan Tourish (Reece Gallagher 85), Corey Lee Bogan ( Gary McNulty 75) , Ian Ward (Chris Bryson 90), Kieran Friel . Marty Owens (Shane Gallagher 65).
Cappry Rovers: Joe Boyle, Darren McGowan , Benny McLaughlin , Darren O’Leary (Paddy O’Conner 12) , Aaron Kelly , Frank McGlynn , Gerard Melaugh (Jamie Doherty 63), Paddy McNulty , Eunan Kelly ( Ronan Coyle 57), Alan Gethins, Dean O’Donnell (Conor Doherty 57).
Referee: Andrew Mullin.
