Carroll goal ‘Well received

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CIARAN Carroll was the hero for Newfoundwell as the Drogheda moved to within four games of an Aviva Stadium decider with this win over Waterford opposition on Sunday.

The NEFL Premier title hopefuls travelled south with 20 players, plus committee members and other supporters, and they received a warm welcome from their hosts before a tightly contested FAI Junior Cup fifth round tie got under way.

There was little between the sides in the first half as they sounded each other out, and Bryan Smith had to make one final stop to deny the team from Ballybeg the opening goal.

At the other end, Ian Devine was foiled by the St Saviours netminder who then made an even better save from John Kermode. The chance stemmed from a cross by the impressive Craig O’Connor which was met by a bullet header from the Newtown Blues footballer which had to be tipped behind for a corner.

After the break the ‘Well moved up a gear and Carroll had an effort saved by the home goalkeeper before the breakthrough arrived on 65 minutes.

A corner kick was cleared by the St Saviours centre-half straight back to the taker, Kermode, and he tricked his way past the covering defender and floated in a teasing cross.

The big St Saviours goalkeeper called for the ball but was just beaten to it in the air by Carroll whose glancing header nestled in the net.

Substitute Martin Kelly almost doubled Newfoundwell’s advantage but was denied by the post, and man of the match Tom Reilly then fired a 35-yard effort straight at the keeper who had to tip it over the bar.

Gaz Smith was forced off with an injury early in the final quarter, paving the way for Stephen Murphy to make his comeback after a long absence, and together with 18-year-old Dean Carolan and James Carter they held firm in the latter stages as St Saviours pressed for an equaliser.

Newfoundwell’s clean sheet was all the more impressive considering that Kevin Bull was another experienced absentee, while former Duleek player Dylan Kearney made a very encouraging debut after moving from Division 2 club Harmon Rangers during the week.

Newfoundwell will be bidding for more success in knockout competition this Friday when they face a tricky away tie in the Leinster Junior Cup against East Wall Bessborough on the Clontarf Road Astro pitch.