Win means ‘Well’s Cup ambitions still on track

NEWFOUNDWELL advanced, as expected, to the quarter-finals of the Tully Bookmakers Cup on Sunday but didn’t have things all their own way against Division 2 promotion contenders Rathkenny Rovers.

The first half in particular was a dour affair as both teams struggled to deal with a difficult pitch, and a game of head tennis ensued, with few goal-scoring opportunities.

Martin Kelly had one glimpse of the target after playing a neat one-two with Craig O’Connor, but the Rathkenny goalkeeper was equal to his effort, while at the other end centre-halves Kevin Bull and James Carter dealt comfortably with any balls into their half of the field.

Rathkenny are a big, physical team and they continued to make life tough for the Newfoundwell forwards in the second half - until the 60th minute, that is, when a patient Newfoundwell side finally made the breakthrough.

Dylan Kearney and Carter were involved at the start of the move, working the ball nicely down the centre of the field before it was swept wide to Karl Brannigan. The latter drifted in from the wing before unleashing a great shot to the roof of the net.

However, Rathkenny immediately responded as they forced a corner kick, from which poor marking led to a headed equaliser.

The Meath side knocked out a couple of big teams in last year’s cup competitions and began to sense it might be their day again, but in fairness to Newfoundwell they settled down and regained control of the game before restoring their lead in the 73rd minute.

Like Rathkenny’s goal, it came from a set piece and this time Kearney’s corner was perfectly placed for Bull to plant a header in the home side’s net.

Still, the tie was far from dusted at that stage, and the ‘Well would have been relieved when they doubled their advantage in the 78th minute.

Once again the goal came from a corner which a Rathkenny defender could only head into the air as he tried to clear, and Dave O’Brien - making his first appearance of the season - seized on the loose ball to blast home.

Dale Harding thought he had scored a fourth late on. Indeed, he turned away to celebrate after getting a touch just ahead of the advancing keeper to knock the ball towards goal. However, it struck a divot in the six-yard area and was deflected wide of the upright.