Boyne don’t ‘Wilt’ as they edge Quay assignment
BOYNE Harps moved joint top of the Premier Division after coming from behind to beat Quay Celtic at United Park in last week’s only top-flight game in the NEFL.
Martin Smith’s Quay side, who took a point from Newfoundwell in their previous outing, were looking for the three points which would carry them to the summit for at least a week, and they created the game’s first opening with some fine link-up play. However, former Bray Wanderers Under-19s and Laytown United schoolboy keeper Ryan Brown, making his debut, made a great save for the Harps.
The hosts settled down after that, with Darren McCann and Mickey Matthews taking control in midfield and chances falling to Alan Wilton and Stephen Carter.
However, it was Quay Celtic who eventually broke the deadlock around the 20th minute. After beating the offside trap their player bore down on goal and was
BOYNE HARPS QUAY CELTIC 2 1
taken down in the box by Brown, resulting in a penalty which was converted. Harps didn’t flinch, though, as they continued to play some good football and create chances, and just on the stroke of half-time they made one count as Tom Reilly netted with a fine strike.
On the restart both teams chased the lead goal and there were chances at either end, but the two keepers stood firm and the scoreline remained at 1-1.
Going into the final quarter there were plenty of substitutions made and one of Harps’ incoming players, Dean Fitzpatrick, delivered a very inviting cross into the Quay box which wasn’t converted.
The hosts kept pushing for that elusive goal, however, and on 75 minutes centre-back Kevin Walsh set Wilton free and the young forward rounded the Quay keeper and slotted home for what proved to be the winner.
In the latter stages Quay pushed hard for an equaliser, but Harps defended as if their lives depended on it and another sub, Luke McDonnell, made two great blocks to keep his team’s lead intact.
Next Sunday Harps take a break from league action as they make the short trip to Duleek for a Kilmessan Shield second-round tie. BOYNE HARPS: Ryan Brown, Conor Healy (Philly Meegan), Kevin Walsh, Niall Levins (Luke McDonnnell), James Traynor, Alan Wilton (Davie McDonnell), Darren McCann, Mickey Matthews, Chris Culligan, Tom Reilly (Chris McDonnell), Stephen Carter (Dean Fitzpatrick). Sub not used: Alan Sweeney.
QUAY: John Rogers, Shaun O’Connor, Dennis Cholach, Stefan McKevitt, Dean Sheil, Sean Matthews (David Redmond) Robbie Gavigan, Johnny Lynch (Martin Smith 65) Niall McLaughlin, Vinny Smith, Aaron Comerford (Andrew Duffy).