Brigdale inspire title holders to semi-final

Clare Cup

Newmarket Celtic A 3   Avenue United A 1

It was billed as the game of the round and it certainly proved to be an entertaining affair when title-holders Newmarket Celtic entertained Avenue United in this quarter-final at McDonogh Park.

 

The game attracted the biggest attendance of the four quarter-finals and patrons certainly got full value as both sides battled for victory.

Title-holders Newmarket made it clear that they are determined to hold on to the crown and emerged with a deserved win.

Their chances of winning the league title took a big dip in recent weeks and, while it is still possible for them to be crowned champions, they are dependent on other results going in their favour, also winning their remaining games.

Having lost out to their great Ennis rivals in a recent league clash, they went into Sunday’s contest determined to prevent a repeat. They took a grip on the game from the kick-off and were in front as early as the eighth minute. Darren Cullinan’s corner from the right found Daithí O’Connell who headed past John Healy in the Avenue goal.

The visitors created the next couple of chances. Mark Roche broke through at the mid-point of the half but his weak shot was saved by Patrick McCoy. A minute later they won a free on the edge of the area; Dave McCarthy’s well-struck effort superbly saved by McCoy.

From McCoy’s clearance, Alan Brigdale won possession at midfield before setting off on a run through the heard of the visitor’s defence and finished superbly to the net.

Again Avenue fought back and they forced a goal line clearance from Darren Cullinan before they were awarded a penalty, Alan Kelly penalised for handling the ball in the area. David Russell made no mistake from the penalty spot to leave the half time score at 2-1 in Newmarket’s favour.

Avenue had a lot of possession in the early stages of the second half but the Newmarket defence held firm and McCoy made another excellent save during this period.

The game had just entered the final quarter when Newmarket and man of the match Brigdale struck again and a superb finish from the Crusheen man restored the winner’s two-goal advantage.

Both sides made a number of changes in the remaining time when the best chance fell to Newmarket substitute Diarmuid Nash but his effort was well saved by John Healy in the Avenue goal.

The game ended disappointingly for Nash who was dismissed shortly before the full-time whistle.

Newmarket Celtic A: Patrick McCoy; Alan Kely, Darren Cullinan, Eoin O’Brien, Mark Donlon; Michael Crosby, Alan Brigdale, Michael Devitt, Daithí O’Connell; Eoin Hayes, Paudie Hayes.
Subs: Ally McMilan for P Hayes; Diarmuid Nash for O’Connell; Neil Ryan for Crosby.
Avenue United A: John Healy; David Herlihy, Eamonn O’Reilly, Mattie Nugent, David Russell; Colin Smith, Mark Roche, Dave McCarthy, Barry Nugent, Scott Hennessy, Mikey Mahoney.
Subs: Pa Wilson for Roche; Nicki Twumasai for B Nugent.
Referee: Pat Gleeson.