Late drama keeps fate in the balance

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RELEGATION-THREATENED Duleek made the short journey home from Navan with decidedly mixed feelings after a stoppage-time own goal denied them all three points on Wednesday last.

The result leaves them still requiring four points from their last three games to escape with a relegation/promotion play-off, while six will be needed if they are to avoid a play-off altogether, and with title contenders Newfoundwell to come this Wednesday their fate is still very much in the balance.

Navan Cosmos themselves still harboured title ambitions before a ball was kicked at the MDL Astro - those hopes have now been shattered - but it was the away team who started brighter and went in front when Daniel Martin headed home from an Adam Brady corner kick.

Cosmos started to get possession of the ball but were unable to breakdown a stubborn Duleek defence, and with Daniel Martin leading the line Duleek looked a threat on the counter-attack.

Indeed, they were unlucky not to double their lead when quick thinking from a free kick mid-way through the second half saw Colin Woods’ effort hit the crossbar and in Duleek’s view bounce over the line, but to the away team’s frustration the goal wasn’t given.

Duleek created further chances, with Cormac Reid, Cormac McGroggan and Barry Kavanagh going close, but just when they thought they had done enough for three much-needed points it was Cosmos that snatched an equaliser in the 93rd minute.

Again, the luck deserted Duleek as a shot hit the crossbar and deflected in off the back of one of their players to give Cosmos a share of the spoils.

Best for Duleek were Jamie Flaherty, Eoghan Mulroy and man of the match Daniel Martin. •Last week’s Duleek AFC/SBG FC lotto numbers were 4, 11, 19, 26 and the €20 winners were F Coleman, A Milne, F/F, Rangel, T Seery and C Duff.

The draw takes place every Thursday at 8.30pm in the Duleek AFC clubhouse, tickets are available from committee members and this week’s jackpot remains at €8,000.