Champagne left on ice as Glenview drop point
GLENVIEW RATHNEW 1 1
GLENVIEW were hoping to wrap up the Premier Division title with a victory over Rathnew , but the champagne stays on ice following this lively draw at the People’s Park, last week.
Nevertheless, with three homes games left against Gorey Rangers, Aughrim Rangers and Arklow Town, it would be very surprising if Glenview failed to get the one point required to clinch the championship.
This was also a dress rehearsal for the Wicklow Cup final and Rathnew showed that they will be no pushover in that game. They took the lead after only eight minutes when a Paul Douglas corner was headed sweetly to the net by Alan Newsome.
The Darglesiders replied within seven minutes, however, from another set piece. Dave Murphy’s free-kick was brilliantly flicked to the net off the near post by Andy McEvoy.
Both sides had chances in the closing stages of the half. Pat ‘Bomber’ Murphy headed just over from another Douglas corner while Brian McEvoy was just too high with a fierce shot from 30 yards for the homesters.
‘Bomber’ Murphy had another header well saved by Glenview keeper Sean Temple on the hour as the villagers went straight for the jugular aftyer the restart. Temple did well again in the 71st minute when he made a really brave stop at the feet of Newsome.
A minute later, Andy McEvoy was brought down by Eamonn Franey inside the area following a dreadful mistake from Rathnew’s Gary Doyle, and referee Pat McManus had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. But Chris ‘Kit O’Neill blazed over from the spot kick to waste a glorious opportunity.
Stung into action by this miss, Glenview began to take control in the closing minutes. Visiting goalkeeper, Roy Brauders, made an excellent double save from Chris O’Neill and Andy McEvoy in the 76th minute.
He also pulled off a good stop to deny Brian McEvoy two minutes from time and Rathnew held on for a deserved share of the spoils.
Paul Douglas, Alan Newsome, Eamonn Franey and Anthony ‘Snowy’ Douglas did best for Rathnew with Andy McEvoy, Declan Harris and Sean Stephens being the pick of the Glenview team.