Mooney inspires Tullamore to victory over Dundalk

Tullamore made it two wins from four with this battling performance against a very good Dundalk side in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday. The early exchanges were even with neither side able to carve out any clear-cut chances but on twenty minutes good play by Kevin Duffy and Brian Francis released Mark Goodings on the right and his fine cross was headed inches over by Michael Hoey. As the home side continued to press Kevin Duffy got on the end of a great Hoey cross but the keeper saved well. With half an hour gone they could so easily have fallen behind when Michael McGinlay broke clear on the right but lost his footing as he was about to shoot and his effort flew past the far post. With five minutes remaining in the first half, Dundalk nearly made the breakthrough when the dangerous Mark Griffin fired low to the bottom left hand corner but Joe Mooney went full length to bring off a crucial save. John Smyth then fired in a great 30-yard effort but again Mooney was equal to it as he tipped the ball over to leave the half-time score at 0-0. On the restart Tullamore found themselves pinned back as Joe Mooney had to get down smartly to save a fine 20-yard effort from Michael McGinlay and then Stephen Francis had to be at his best to prevent Tiarnan Mulvenna breaking through on the left. The opening goal came on 55 minutes when Hoey was fouled out wide on the right and when Kevin Duffy floated the free kick into the area Eoghan O"Shea rose above the defence to send a powerful header into the right hand corner of the net. With Fergal Gorman coming on for Tullamore, they found themselves increasingly fighting a rearguard action as Dundalk went all out for an equaliser and it almost arrived on the hour when Mark Griffin won possession fifteen yards out but Mooney saved superbly. As they continued to swarm forward Ger Rowe raced clear on the left and picked out the in-rushing Griffin but just as he seemed certain to score the outstanding Mooney brought off a wonderful point blank save to keep his side in the game. The crucial score came on seventy minutes when Brian Francis picked the ball up on the edge of the area and played a great reverse pass into the path of Michael Hoey and, just as he was about to shoot, he was caught from behind, with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Kevin Duffy stepped up to fire the penalty into the bottom left hand corner to give the home side a two goal cushion. As the visitors fought back McGinlay found John Smyth but his effort flew past the far post and with minutes remaining they deservedly reduced the arrears when another fine Rowe cross was headed home from close range by Gary McGrane to leave the final score 2-1 in Tullamore"s favour. This was a hugely significant win for the home side which was founded on a tremendous display by the back four of Stephen Francis, Eoghan O"Shea, Willie Duffy and Michael Kenaney, but it was goalkeeper Joe Mooney who stole the show with a string of fine saves that ensured that Town went away with all three points. The match was sponsored by O"Connor"s Bar and the man of the match award, which went to Joe Mooney, was sponsored by ACME Blinds, Tullamore. Tullamore: Joe Mooney, Stephen Francis, Eoghan O"Shea, Willie Duffy, Michael Kenaney, Gary Buckley, Brian Francis, Kevin Duffy, Dean Goode, Mark Goodings and Michael Hoey. Subs: Fergal Gorman and Stuart Kavanagh. Tullamore Town are away to Drogheda United next Sunday, 31st May. A.G.M. The Tullamore Town AGM will take place on Friday, 12 June, at 8pm in the clubhouse. All are welcome, however only paid up members are entitled to vote. Anybody who wishes to nominate people for the committee or wish to submit a rule change can do so by contacting Secretary Barry Hennessy before 29 May.