Clyda Rovers move closer to knockout stages
AN evenly balanced Clyda Rovers side proved too crafty for Charleville second string in the Cavanagh's Fermoy Div (2) HL at Charleville on Wednesday evening last. Following a close opening half the lead changed hand on a number of occasions but on the changeover the winners aided by the breeze make better use of their chances to run out deserving victors.
Clyda Rovers were first to settle and had two quick points from Aidan Cronin and Niall O'Mullane before the home side opened their account when Brian Barrett had a point in the 5th minute. The Charleville side were to take the lead soon after when David Sheehan finished to the net following a goal mouth scramble and when P.J. O'Halloran followed with a well taken point they moved into a 12 to 0-3 lead by the 10th minute. Back came Clyda Rovers with two quick points from James Murphy to tie matters at 1-2 to 0-5.
Exchanges were close from here to the break with Maurice Roche and James Murphy trading two points each by the 23rd minute 1-4 to 0-7. The Mourneabbey side edged in front again when Christopher Buckley sent over but it was quickly cancelled out when a long sideline cut by Maurice Roche found Mark Kavanagh to level matters for the 4th time at 1-5 to 08.
In the closing moments Clyda Rovers were to hold a lead they would not relinquish when Kevin Roche had a late point to lead at the break by the narrowest of margins.
The second half saw Clyda Rovers seize the initiative from an early stage with James Murphy, Kenneth Fitzgerald, the O'Mullane and O'Hanlon brothers all very prominent. Points from James Murphy (3), Cormac Murphy, Padraigh O'Mullane, Roy Willis saw them moved into a 0-15 to 1-7 lead by the three quarters stage the Charleville points coming from Dwane Collins and James Casey.
In the last quarter Charleville tried hard to get the deficit but their was no denying Clyda Rovers their well merited victory with Niall O'Mullane and Maurice O'Brien adding late points to ensure them a place in the league semi finals.
