Seasiders refuse to Stop Believing after epic derby success Rathmullan Celtic 4-2 Milford United Despite a highly controversial first half penalty against them, Rathmullan emerged with a deserved three points from the big local derby with Milford at the Flagpole this afternoon. The Hoops hit the front thanks to an early goal from Kieran Gorman but this was soon cancelled out when referee Mick Lagan awarded the visitors a penalty amidst confusion for all parties. With a strong home crowd behind them, Rathmullan rallied in the second period and goals from Eamonn Sheridan, the immense Paddy Sheridan and talisman Dara Patton were enough to secure the win despite sub Peter Doherty’s goal for the Swans. The victory keeps Rathmullan at the top of the Premier Division with just games left to play but Lifford are still hot on their heels following their 1-0 win over Kilmacrennan. Milford stared brightly and set about taking the game to their hosts with Gary Merritt and PJ Hagan running the channels. They were not able to penetrate the home defence however and Rathmullan soon put their stamp on the game. From a Glen Bovaird free kick on the right touchline Eamonn Sheridan glanced the ball towards the back post where Gorman found himself in acres of space to tap home. This should have served to calm any nerves in the home camp but just minutes later Milford were given a free pass back into the game. Goalkeeper Ian Strain did well to claim a high ball into the box and his attempt at throwing the ball clear saw him collide with Gorman. Rathmullan cleared the ball but the referee pointed to the spot in for an apparent hand ball. Mark ‘Spike’ Flood made no mistake from 12-yards as he slotted home after some lengthy protestations from the home side. Rathmullan maintained their game plan despite the setback and Dara Patton has a shot saved by Caolan McGettigan after he cut in off the right flank to unleash a stinger with his left foot. Gorman almost doubled his tally with a volley from 12-yards following another corner but the ball cleared the crossbar (only just!). Milford had the best chance chance to register again in what remained of the first half when Gary Merritt created space for himself inside the home box. His cut back found Joey Cullen and the Swans’ starlet will probably feel he should have hit the target from 8-yards but the opportunity went begging. Into the second period and Rathmullan were fully aware that their title hopes now came down to this 45 minutes of football. Eamonn Sheridan, a consistent menace to the Milford rearguard all day, dribbled into space and fired a point blank shot from just inside the box but was matched by McGettigan once more. On the hour mark, Rathmullan regained the lead with the goal of the game. Eoin Sheridan was the creator as he gained yards on the right touchline, nut megged former Seaside player Ciaran McGinley and fired in a tempting cross. Eamonn Sheridan was on the end of it but again McGettigan produced a reflex save. The early rising Baker was up again to deny Dara on the rebound but at the third time of asking Eamonn was able to lash the ball home from 5-yards. With their tails up, Rathmullan set about securing the points and man of the match Paddy S was the man that extended the lead on 70 minutes. Big bro Eamonn was the provider this time and, despite another fine stop for the Milford netminder, the ball broke to Paddy’s feet and he calmly slotted home between goalkeeper and defender before producing an unlikely back-flip to mark the goal! Just when the home side thought it was going to be plain sailing, Milford sent on their own talisman Peter Doherty for the final 15 minutes. His impact was immediate as he was first to a loose ball inside the area and stabbed home. Within 60 seconds, the second penalty of the game was awarded this time to the hosts and in less controversial fashion. Eamonn played in the tireless Paddy S and he clipped the ball past Paddy People who had committed to the tackle. A straight forward award but there was more drama to come. McGettigan dived to his left and pulled out another impressive stop to deny Eamonn from the spot as the pulse rate rose amongst the Seaside faithful. Sniffing a chance of another Flagpole ‘sing-song’ Milford really pegged Rathmullan back for the final ten minutes as they sensed blood. In the final minute of the game, Eamonn showed his willingness to chase down a lost cause as he got in the middle of three Milford defenders from a long ball. He was fouled and from 20-yards Dara Patton eased the nerves of the Flagpole faithful as he curled a low right-foot shot past McGettigan to make it 4-2. This was a must-win game for Rathmullan and they once more answered the questions posed of them. This title race looks set to go right to the wire but the Hoops displayed their mental toughness today to overcome a stubborn and determined Milford side. From one to twelve today, the Rathmullan team were immense in their pursuit of the three points. The game changing players really played their part in a tense second half. It’s impossible to pick a standout player but after a torrid season it really makes a difference to see #CardboardReggie slotting in at right back. For Milford, Caolan McGettigan deserves praise for his outstanding saves. Next up is Kilmacrennan next Sunday as the rollercoaster ride continues.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 15:48:00 +0000
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