Ardee clip the leaders’ wings

ARDEE have been Rock’s bogey side this season and, true to form, they dashed their chance of joining Quay as joint leaders of the under-13 premier division.

The visitors to Sandy Lane on Saturday inflicted the only defeat of the campaign on the Seasiders in the opening game of the season which was the only points they dropped heretofore.

A win would have put Rock level with Quay, and while the point preserves their three point lead over their opponents Ardee with a game in hand can move into a share of second place if they secure the three points from it.

Rock took the lead after ten minutes when Evan Durnin showed great technique with his weaker left foot to hit fist time Barra Duffy’s cross and direct it past the Ardee goalkeeper from inside the penalty box.

However, Ardee cancelled out the goal before the break when they broke with telling effect as they cleared a Rock corner kick, and switched play quickly to the other end of the field to equalise.

Home goalkeeper Niall Brennan who had an excellent game pulled off a vital save in the second half , managing to keep out a shot that was heading for the top corner of the net and enable his side ultimately to hold onto a draw.

In the final few minutes Rock strung together a great passing movement only for the final pass to go awry when it might have produced a winning goal. ROCK: Niall Brennan, Cian Sheridan, Sean Gartland, Jai Akhal, Sean Reynolds, Nathan Todd, Sebastian McGeough, Evan Durnin, Barra Duffy, Evan McEnteggart, Daragh O’Gradaigh, Killian Wall, Ben Wogan.