Slaney make long journey worthwhile
Ballymurphy Celtic 1 Slaney Rovers 2: ROVERS MADE the long journey to Ballymurphy worthwhile as they returned to Rathvilly with all three points. Rovers opened well and following six minutes of play they were rewarded a penalty, but Dominic Byrnes spot kick was saved by the Celtic goalkeeper, Willie Hickey.
This let-off seemed to waken up Ballymurphy and they proceeded to dominate play for the next half hour or so of the game. However, against the run of play, Rovers went ahead with a Dominic Byrne goal on 39 minutes. Slaney maintained their lead until the half time break.
In the third quarter play was confined mostly to the mid field sector with little goalmouth action at either end.
The game then sprung into life again on 70 minutes when Eoin Doyle was brought down in the box as he progressed towards the Rovers goal. Doyle got to his feet to convert the resulting spot kick. Slaney however were not to be denied the full points, pushing forward. On 81 minutes, they were awarded a penalty and this time Dominic Byrne beat Hickey with his spot kick for what turned out to be the winner.
For Slaney Rovers, Declan Brennan, Edward Finnegan and Dominic Byrne stood out. Ballymurphy Celtic were well served by Thomas Doyle, Eoin Murphy and Kevin Foley.
