Relief for Rock in goal feast

ROCK Celric earned their first league win of the season after five starts - six if you include their abandoned game with Parkvilla a couple of weeks back which is to be replayed.

But they had to withstand a determined second-half fightback by fellow strugglers Kingscourt Harps after leading 3-0 at the break at Sandy Lane on Friday night.

The win takes Rock above their opponents, who have two draws to their credit and are still seeking their first win in the top flight.

It was a must-win game really for both sides and Rock were able to bring in Gary Clarke for the first time this season after a long lay-off due to injury. He played an important part in the win and was able to last the full game, which is encouraging for the side as he will be a vital as Rock look to avoid relegation.

They also selected the talented Ben Kapinga and he responded by supplying two of their first-half goals that put them in a commanding position at the break, with Paddy O’Connell also on the mark.

However, Kingscourt hit back with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half to leave just a goal between the sides, although Rock goalkeeper David Hayes hadn’t a save to make in the half.

Niall Lennon relieved the tension for the Seasiders when he made it 4-2, but it was back to a single goal between the sides when a wicked deflection ended up in the home net.

The tension grew again for Rock when substitute Sean Gartlan rather harshly received a red card, and they had to play the final 10 minutes with only 10 players.

ROCK: David Hayes, Sean Hand (Liam O’Callaghan 70), Fergal McDonald (Sean Gartlan 58), Ryan Hand, Jack McKenna, Gary Clarke, Liam McDonnell, Mark Leavy, Paddy O’Connell (Josh Todd 58), Ben Kapinga (Francis Lynch 85), Niall Lennon.