Strand Rovers extended their lead at the top of the Glencar Inn Division One by four points over Glencar Celtic with a 2-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.
By Charlie Collins
Goals from Conor Green and Shaun McGee in an excellent second-half display for Rovers was enough to seal an impressive three points.
It was a very even contest for the opening half an hour with both teams ruling each other out with their intense style of plays.
Rovers had the slight advantage in the first half, with a strong breeze in their favour but they failed to capitalise upon it – missing several good chances.
For all of Strand’s good work in the opening 45 minutes, it was Glencar who almost snatched the lead just before the break.
Conor Gibbons delivered an excellent ball from the corner kick, which set up nicely for an attacking surge, with Glencar’s Garvan Grieve having a powerful effort cleared off the line.
In the second half, Glencar almost started the second half perfectly when Marty Brogan’s shot when just over from 25-yards.
Strand saw another glorious opportunity squandered after 52 minutes when Shane O’Donnell’s goal-bound shot was deflected wide by his own player.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the clash after 55 minutes. Strand’s Conor Green driving one home from six-yards from a corner kick he subsequently won through some excellent individual play.
With a 1-0 lead, Strand Rovers took real control of the contest, almost doubling their lead when O’Donnell’s free-kick caused trouble for Rovers defenders.
However, Glencar had chances of their own with Grieve at the center of everything, placing another 20-yard effort just over the woodwork.
The game was sealed for Rovers in injury time when Shaun McGee placed one beyond Dom Friel in the Glencar goal.
Strand Rovers: Kevin McGovern, Chris Boyle, Daniel Ward, Stephen Glackin, Shane O’Donnell, Matthew O’Donnell, Dilllan Boyle, Conor Green, Ryan Green, Doalty Boyle.
Subs: Shaun McGee, David McCurran
Glencar Celtic: Dom Freil, Liam Doherty, Rory Gallagher, Mark Graham, Christan Bonner, Garvan Grieve, Conor Gibbons, Martin Brogan, Paddy Collins, Shane Hilley, Ray Quinn.
Subs: Joe Friel, Eddie McLaughlin, Joe Baker
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