Tullamore boys fail to take chances

Tullamore Town 0 Portumna 1 The Tullamore boys" season came to an abrupt and unexpected end as they failed to capitalise on the lion"s share of possession against a battling Portumna side in Leah Victoria Park last Thursday. The home side dominated from the start and with only five minutes on the clock they nearly opened their account when both Macdarragh O"Neill and John McEvoy were both denied by a tremendous double save from goalkeeper Neil Royston. Minutes later, Kacper Skura got on the end of an Eoghan Coffey corner but again Royston saved superbly, while at the other end Conor Barry headed over from a corner. As Town hit back Skura found McEvoy but his effort flew wide and then Shelly and O"Neill combined to set up McEvoy but this time his shot was taken off the line as the visitors came under increased pressure. With twenty minutes gone, Shane Martino took off on a blistering run on the right that carried him into the area but Royston brilliantly parried his goalbound drive. Coffey then played a great ball through to McEvoy only for Barry to deny him with a great last ditch tackle as the first half ended with honours even. The second half saw Tullamore again on the offensive and when Adam Shelly swung over a corner, Alan Heffernan saw his fine header fly narrowly over. Shane Martino was again in the thick of the action as he fired in a dangerous cross but Macdarragh O"Neill volleyed over. The crucial score came on 40 minutes when the home side conceded a corner and, when the ball was floated in, Conor Barry rose at the back post to send a great header into the roof of the net. As Tullamore battled to get back in the game John McEvoy sent a long range free inches over and then the visitors went close when Simon Curran fired a fine effort over. Martino was again the provider when he crossed for McEvoy but his powerful header was superbly saved by the outstanding Neil Royston as Portumna held firm under the increasing onslaught. As the pressure continued to mount, James Guilfoyle fired in a fine cross that eluded everyone and then O"Neill and McEvoy had shots charged down. With minutes remaining Martino again broke clear on the right but his shot drifted agonisingly past the far post as Portumna held out for a great victory. This was a marvellous full blooded cup tie with all the players from both sides playing their part, but the man of the match award went to Portumna"s outstanding goalkeeper Neil Royston. Tullamore: Jamie Coyne, Gary Hutchinson, James Guilfoyle, Alan Heffernan, Gareth Byrne, Shane Martino, Kacper Skura, Adam Shelly, Eoghan Coffey, Macdarragh O"Neill and John McEvoy. Subs: Gary McDonald, Daragh Fogarty and David Doyle.