All not ‘Well’ for Rock

ROCK CELTIC 2 NEWFOUNDWELL 3

IT was the predicted result and it’s deeply worryingly for the Seasiders and recent champions as Newfoundwell held on to top spot in the premier division table with this win at Sandy Lane on Friday night.

This was Rock’s fifth straight defeat and unless they can find some way to stop the haemorrhaging of goals they won’t avoid being relegated for the first time.

They have now conceded 17, the most in the division, which explains why they are propping up the table, while the manner in which they have yielded goals will further concern manager Robert Cosgrove.

This game was a case in point after working their way back level after falling behind with over 20 minutes elapsed striker Dessie McKeown who was their best player, and perhaps on the field, earned a penalty when taken down after nice link up play between Paddy O’Connor and Ferghal McDonald.

David Ward coolly stroked the spot kick low to the net with the goalkeeper diving to the opposite side minutes from the break. Newfoundwell had the better of the play but McKeown finished feebly when a glorious angled pass from half way by Shane O’Callaghan freed the striker inside the penalty box with only the goalkeeper in his way.

It was one of the rare mistakes he made, giving an object lesson in hold up and link play with clever footwork and neat passing, and using his body strength to protect possession.

His biggest assets perhaps – his aerial power - eventually paid off after he allowed one chance to get away from a corner kick , but it was too late to save his side from another defeat.

For his side inflicted mortal damage on themselves with awful defending. Minutes into the second half from a long clearance by the Newfoundwell goalkeeper their right winger somehow received the ball in oodles of space and was allowed run unchallenged to shoot past the completely exposed goalkeeper Damien McCrink

Minutes later Newfoundwell made it 3-1 with the Rock defence a shambles. To make matters worse goalkeeper McCrink was injured in the incident and had to come off with Garry Lennon taking over from him.

To their great credit Rock battled hard and reduced the deficit with McKeown nodding home, getting free in the packed visitors goalmouth to meet Jamie McCaul’s pinpoint cross with his forehead. ROCK: Damien McCrink, Paddy Reilly, Garry Lennon, Conor Rafferty, Fearghal McDonald, Paddy O’Connor, Ed Maguire, Shane O’Callaghan, David Ward, Jamie McCaul, Dessie McKeown. Subs: Liam Keenan, Phelim Joyce.