Match Reports - Kilkenny City

11-May-03

Kilkenny City 0 Rovers 1

Rovers completed a very successful eight days for the club with their third win during that period. On the face of it a trip to Buckley Park to face the bottom of the table City may not have seemed a daunting task but these games have to be won. Rovers did get the win though it wasn't one of their most convincing performances of the season to date. Indeed much of the credit for the three points must go to the ever improving Ciaran Kelly in the Rovers goal as once again he produced some outstanding saves when called upon. The Cats are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from their six games so far but that might have changed had Kelly not been in such good form during this game.

The start of the game was delayed as the linesman was not happy with the way the nets were tied up but once we eventually got the game under way Rovers completely dominated the first half. It was a very poor game bu the first half was th better one as far as Rovers were concerned. There were very few chances in the game but Rovers went in front with virtually their first real chance of the game. Rovers were awarded a fre kick on the edge of the box and the dead ball specialist of the tam, Derek O'Brien, stood over it. His floated free kick found th head of Luther Watson whoc scored with a marvellous diving header. It was a terrific goal which deserved a much better game.

Rovers might have gone in two up at the break but Paul Mc Tiernan squandered a great chance in uncharacteristic fashion just before half time. He intercepted an attempted clearance from the Kilkenny keeper but his effort went just past the post when he might have done better. Rovers were good value for their lead at the break and we might have expected the team to go on and increase the margin of victory in the second half.

The game deteriorated after the break and Rovers failed to build on their first half lead. Within minutes of the kick-off Rovers attacked and Rafael Cretaro put McTiernan through on a one to one with the 'keeper. The two players collided and rolled in agony as the ball went just wide of the upright. There was a long delay as both players received treatment - Mac's injury looked very serious. But like the player that he is he eventually got up and played on. He did have to come off eventually and must be a doubtful starter for next weekend.

Mid way through the half the home team had a decent shout for a penalty but the refereee didn't want to know. When you are down on your luck these things go against you. Kilkenny had the better of things in the second half and Kelly was forced to make a couple of useful saves. Right at the end Kelly pulled off a breathtaking save to deny the home team the point they will say they deserved on the basis of their second half performance. Rovers hung on to take a very valuable three points back to the north west. With other results going our way at the weekend the top of the table is now beginning to tighten up.

Rovers: Kelly, Purcell, Murphy, Sheridan, Carr, Cretaro Feeney, Watson, O'Brien, Mc Tiernan, Mullan.

Subs: Jinks for Cretaro, Jordan for Mc Tiernan

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