Goals key for Newmarket's win as Clyda set for relegation battle

With both sides coming into the game on zero points it was a case of seeing who would escape a potential relegation battle rather than advancing in the championship.

Sun, 15 Sep, 2024 - 16:06

Rory Noonan

McCarthy Insurance SAFC: Newmarket 3-6 Clyda Rovers 1-6

Delight for Newmarket as they got the better of Clyda Rovers in their McCarthy Insurance SAFC clash at Ballyclough.

With both sides coming into the game on zero points it was a case of seeing who would escape a potential relegation battle rather than advancing in the championship.

So on that basis it was a good day for Newmarket, but Clyda are most likely going to feature in the relegation final on points difference.

Two early goals put Newmarket on the road to victory and they never looked back from there, despite the best efforts of Clyda.

When Clyda look back they will rue a number of missed chances, particularly in the second half which would have made a difference.

It took eight minutes for the first score to come as Newmarket raised the first green flag, when Barry O’Connor scored.

He took his chance well but luck was also on his side as the defender slipped at the last minute and that gave him a clear opportunity to score.

From the restart they regained possession and this time he turned provider to set up Hugh O’Connor for their second goal.

Clyda came storming back and with 12 minutes gone they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Kevin Graham.

Colin Kelly’s first effort was saved but the referee deemed the keeper was off his line and at the second attempt he found the back of the net, to make it 2-0 to 1-0.

Darren O’Keeffe pointed for Newmarket before Clyda enjoyed their best spell, with two from Cian O’Sullivan, along with points from David Cooney and Eoin Walsh seeing them back level, 1-4 to 2-1.

Just before half time David Cottrell put Newmarket back in front. They dominated the scoring board at the start of the second half with Barry O’Connor extending their lead.

Two from Ryan O’Keeffe helped Newmarket into a 2-6 to 1-4 lead after 49 minutes, with Clyda missing a few opportunities to add to their tally.

With 50 minutes gone Newmarket were down to 14 when Paudie Allen was black carded, with Cooney scoring the resulting free.

But Newmarket made sure of their win when O’Keeffe set up Cathal Browne for their third goal to secure their status at this grade for next season.

Scorers for Newmarket: B O’Connor (1-10, H O’Connor, C Browne (1-0 each), R O’Keeffe (0-1f), D Cottrell (0-2 each), D O’Keeffe (0-1).

Scorers for Clyda Rovers: C Kelly (1-0, pen), C O’Sullivan (0-3, 1f), D Cooney (0-2, 2f), E Walsh (0-1, f).

NEWMARKET: J O’Keeffe; M Browne, A Ryan, G Forde; A Browne, P Allen, P Browne; M Cottrell, C Browne; D O’Keeffe, D Hannon, D Cottrell; B O’Connor, H O’Connor, R O’Keeffe.

Subs: B Daly for P Browne (ht), D Norton for A Ryan (35 inj).

CLYDA ROVERS: S Dennehy; M Forde, C Kenny, A Walsh; C O’Reilly, G Deane, C Kelly; D Walsh, C Flanagan; K Graham, D Cooney, C O’Sullivan; C Walsh, E Walsh, N Burke.

Subs: D Buckley for A Walsh (14), A Kelly for C O’Reilly (44), S Kelly for D Cooney (54).

Referee: John Ryan, Macroom.