Newmarket seal title with injury-time goal

NEWMARKET Celtic A were crowned Premier League champions at Lees Road before a big attendance on Sunday. The game ended in dramatic fashion with Newmarket snatching the winning goal two minutes into injury time.
While the game enjoys big support in Clare, the league isn’t known for huge attendances but this tie proved to be an exception, attracting one of the biggest gatherings to a domestic tie in Clare.
Newmarket and Avenue have been the two leading premier sides this season and the destination of the title was down to the outcome of this tie. Avenue needed to win to have a chance of taking the crown, while Newmarket knew that victory would see them crowned champions. They still have a game to play, against neighbours Rineanna Rovers, but the title is theirs irrespective of the outcome of that game.
The big crowd got plenty to cheer about with some great play, good chances at both ends and a lively finish.
There were chances at both ends in the early stages with Eoin Hayes coming close for the champions and David Smith having an opportunity at the other end. Con Collins came close for the Ennis side before they took the lead after 24 minutes and it was the former Bunratty player who punished indecision in the Avenue defence to score.
The Ennis outfit had, marginally, the better of the chances from here to the break but this was the only score in the half.
Five minutes into the second half, Newmarket struck for the equaliser when Mark Donlon was left unmarked at the back post and he headed the leveller.
Play continued to swing from end-to-end and both sides will argue that they had chances but they were still locked together at 1-1 as the full-time whistle approached.
As they went in search of the vital lead goal, Avenue brought in Gasry Flynn, David Herlihy and Barry Nugent but Newmarket defended well, although they were fortunate when Alan Roche’s effort came off the upright with 15 minutes remaining.
A few minutes later, at the other end, Johnnie Healy did well to save, at the expense of a corner, from Eoin Hayes. However, he wasn’t as fortunate in the second minute of injury time when Newmarket struck for the goal, which sealed the title for them.
They had pushed forward in search of the winner and only Healy was left in their own half when Newmarket broke. Healy failed to hold possession on the edge of the area and the speedy Hayes raced past him and fired home the all-important goal to the delight of his team mates and supporters. He was subsequently yellow carded for removing his jersey as he celebrated the winning of the league crown.
There were still two minutes to play but there was no way back for Avenue and the final whistle was sweet music to the Newmarket players and followers.
Avenue United A: John Healy, Simon Cuddy, Colin Smith, Mattie Nugent, David Russell, Alan Roche, Pa Wilson, David McCarthy, Con Collins, David Smith, Mikey Mahoney.
Subs: Gary Flynn for Collins (71 minutes), David Herlihy for McCarthy (80 minutes) and Barry Nugent for Roche (89 minutes).
Newmarket Celtic A: Marty Whelan, David O’Grady, Darren Cullinan, Eoin O’Brien, Mark Donlon, Michael Devitt, Mike O’Malley, Seamus Lawlor, Tom Monaghan, Eoin Hayes, Michael O’Grady.
Subs: Neil Ryan for M O’Grady (53 minutes), Mark O’Malley for D O’Grady (77 minutes) and Gary Collins for Mike O’Malley (82 minutes).
Referee: Martin O’Brien.