On a fantastically sunny and clear evening these table topping duo went into battle in what could end up probably being the league decider.
The lads started at a fantastic pace, moving the ball really well and creating some great opportunities, and after having the majority of the play the lads played a text book corner delivered by Simon Turkington which ended up with Leo z,ago wan having his goal bound effort cleared off the line. Again the lads penned Newhill in their half, and after yet another great corner from Simon the ball bounced around the six yard box and again Newhill cleared their lines. Newhill came back into the the game towards the half, and on two occasions the Colts keeper Eoin Maguire advanced quickly off his line to snuff out any shot.
The half ended 0:0 with the Colts well on top but nothing to show for it.
The second half started and the same high pace, but it was Newhill who opened the scoring, and it came from a misdirected corner which was poked into the goal through a crowded penalty box, 1:0 to Newhill and against the run of play. Newhill continued to press, and made it 2:0 following yet another long throw which the Colts couldn’t clear and the ball again ended up in the net.
The Colts dug deep and showed real strength and character, Ryan Tweedy had a 25 yard free kick tipped over the bar by the impressive Newhill keeper, and it wasn’t long before the Colts pulled one back, after a few challenges a free kick was finally awarded about 25 yards out and dead centre, up stepped Rory Reilly and with a powerful and deadly accurate shot the ball flew over the Newhill keeper, 2:1 and game on.
Again the Colts pressed and passed the ball well, and following a string of corners the ball struck a Newhill hand in the box, penalty! Michael Lawson as normal took the responsibility and as usual tucked the corner away, 2:2 and the Colts really on top, and Michael maintaining his 100% penalty recorded!
With 5 minutes to go Newhill broke away and following a huge call for handball the ref pointed to the spot, a penalty to Newhill! Up came the Newhill player and he placed the ball perfectly towards the bottom corner, but the Colts keeper Eoin Maguire was equal to it, not only getting down quickly with an outstretched hand but ended up holding on yo the ball on the line, what a save to keep it 2:2, but it still wasn’t over, and in the last few minutes the Colts continued to press and two excellent saves from the Newhill keeper to deny both Caolan Cunningham and Leo McGowan made sure the game ended 2:2, although the Colts will feel they did more than enough to win it.
The League title is still an open affair, and with the Colts sitting 2nd with a couple of games in hand it’s still all to play for. Their next game is on Saturday in the Cup semi-final against Antrim Rovers at Olympia 3G.
Final score 2:2
Goals: Rory Reilly & Michael Lawson
Man of The Match: Rory Reilly.