Derry Rovers advance with fine win in CCFL Premier Division Cup

Rovers first team recorded a great win over one of the favourites for the Premier Division Cup last Saturday night in Brians Park when a stirring second half display turned around a goal down deficit at half time to beat second placed Mullingar.

Derry Rovers A 2

Mullingar Athletic B 1

These sides had met seven days previously in Gainstown when Mullingar won 4-0 so the manner of victory on the night should not be underestimated.

Mullingar came out flying early doors and went 1-0 up on five minutes when a quick break down the right wing saw a cross delivered low and Barry Sullivan’s attempted clearance fell kindly to Mullingar’s centre forward and he made no mistake from 12 yards with a quality finish.

Things got worse minutes later when Mullingar were awarded a penalty after a rash tackle but Jimmy Dunne made a brilliant save to keep Rovers in the tie.

This let off inspired Rovers and they grew into the game. They started to create chances with Paul Foran and Colin Slevin getting on top in the midfield battle. Mark Denehan was unlucky after he was put through on goal from a Jonathan Dunne quick pass over the top.’Tucker’ ran on beat his marker but his shot was well saved.

Another flowing move involving Paul Foran and Jonathan Dunne saw them work the ball to Mark Denehan who was again denied from the edge of the box by a smart save. Mullingar were always a threat on the counter attack but Rovers defended really well to snuff out any danger and it was 1-0 at the break

The second half saw Rovers continue the good work from the last half hour of the first half and they were level by the hour mark when a clear handball saw a penalty awarded. Johnny Jones stepped up to clinically finish and now it was game on.

The goal rattled Mullingar and minutes later Rovers struck again when stunning wing play by Mark Denehan on the right saw him cross to strike partner Jonathan Dunne who rose 12 yards out to loop a majestic header that arced over a despairing dive by the Mullingar keeper.

Rovers suffered a blow when they lost Mark Denehan to a second yellow card and Mullingar sensed a chance to pile on the pressure. The last 20 minutes saw Mullingar dominate as expected and they struck the crossbar. They again went close a corner kick caused panic in the Rovers box as a header was somehow scrambled clear.

Rovers were playing counter attack football when they could and one great break saw Colin Slevin create a chance by himself and as he bore down on goal from the right wing. He got caught in two minds choosing to square to a better placed team-mate when maybe shooting himself could have been the better option.

As the clock ticked down trojan defending by Barry Sullivan and Jason Mooney in particular kept out Mullingar’s attacks. In injury time Mullingar almost sent the game to extra time but a stunning save by Jimmy Dunne with his foot somehow kept the ball out and moments later the final whistle sounded to cap off a famous win for Rovers to advance to the semi finals of the Cup.

It was a great team performance to clinch the win and all 13 lads deserve credit which will surely give their hopes of surviving in the league a huge boost if this kind of display can be reproduced in the coming games.