Supersub wins it as ’Well dig deep
NEWFOUNDWELL OMP UNITED 2 1
SUBSTITUTE Brian Kermode’s stoppage-time winner kept Newfoundwell firmly on course for a shot at the NEFL Premier title as they continued their unbeaten run in all competitions this season at DIFE last Friday night.
OMP started the day level on points with the ‘Well, albeit with three more games played, and their intentions were clear from the start as they slowed down play and tried to frustrate their hosts.
Nevertheless, the ‘Well controlled proceedings in the first half and they were unlucky not to hit the front when an Ian Devine 30-yard piledriver crashed off the crossbar, with the OMP keeper rooted to the spot.
Paddy O’Boyle and Stephen Murphy also looked dangerous from set-pieces, but OMP reached half-time still on level terms.
The breakthrough eventually arrived on the hour mark when the ever alert Devine intercepted a wayward OMP defensive pass and rounded their keeper before slotting to the empty net.
However, the visitors got back on level terms with 20 minutes remaining when they attacked down the right flank and the subsequent cross looped over Stephen Murphy before being finished to Ronan Brown’s net by David Blake.
The ‘Well rang the changes then, replacing Adam O’Connor with the bigger physical presence of Kevin Bull who was used as a target man, while Brian Kermode came on for Ryan Connor.
Nevertheless the game had moved into stoppage time when the ‘Well finally got the vital winner, substitute Kermode tapping in from close range after Bull had headed the ball back across goal, sparking wild celebrations on the touchline.
The news on Sunday that fellow title contenders Trim Celtic had dropped points in a draw with Ardee Celtic only served to make the management team of Danny Gartland and Paul Crowley even happier.
The ‘Well’s proud unbeaten record will be tested this coming weekend when they make the long trip to Cork in the last 32 of the