DUNMANWAY TOWN 1

TOGHER CELTIC 3

GER McCARTHY REPORTS

TOGHER Celtic emerged with all three points from their short trip to Dunmanway Town in the PremierHiSpecCars.com West Cork League Premier Division.

Local bragging rights and a fourth victory in six league outings were Togher’s reward from a keenly-contested local derby at the Meadows on Sunday.

Celtic are now six points behind league leaders Clonakilty Soccer Club, with a game in hand, heading into the busy Christmas period.

Robbie Lucey, Jamie Lucey and Donnacha Collins’ goals put the seal on a terrific team effort with Cathal Daly, Paudie Crowley and Ciarán Murray also standing out.

Based on this performance, Togher have every chance of featuring at the top end of the table before season’s end.

As for Dunmanway Town, with only three league fixtures remaining, any hopes of a late surge to the top of the standings were extinguished by an off-colour performance. Stephen O’Donovan, Killian Vassallo, Gavin Dullea and Ciaran Nangle toiled hard but the hosts were second best for much of a disappointing display.

Togher’s ability to break at pace made for an entertaining opening quarter. Celtic’s Robbie Lucey cut into the penalty box from the left wing and forced Killian Vassallo into an early stop. Barry O’Donovan fired a first-time effort wide and Ciarán Murray was quickly off his line to deny Ciaran Nangle as Town mounted an immediate response.

Neither side gained the upper hand until the hosts carved open Togher’s defence and grabbed the lead after 12 minutes.

Oran McCarthy and Ciaran Nangle played a one-two, releasing the former clear on goal. Ciarán Murray produced an excellent save before McCarthy was fouled when trying to gain possession from the rebound. A penalty was awarded and Stephen O’Donovan made no mistake to edge Dunmanway in front. One-nil down, Togher took advantage of Dunmanway’s decision to drop deep and enjoyed a dominant spell.

Kevin Cotter volleyed an effort over the crossbar from a Jamie Lucey cross. Peter Collins guided a header into Cathal Daly’s path shortly after. The striker’s close-range attempt was saved by Killian Vassallo prior to Gavin Farr curling a 25-yard free kick beyond the target.

Dominating in every sector, Celtic’s best chance of an equaliser fell to Robbie Lucey on the half hour. Togher’s striker beat an outrushing Vassallo to the ball but could only watch as his chipped effort bounced inches past the upright.

Failing to heed repeated warnings, Dunmanway had little complaint when a rampant Togher equalised after 37 minutes. Cathal Daly’s superb cross was headed into the net by an unmarked Robbie Lucey. Celtic’s striker was a constant threat whenever in possession, sending a header and shot wide before the half concluded.

Keith White and Ray Jennings’ introductions offered Town some badly-needed impetus at the beginning of the second period.

Despite enjoying a greater share of possession, the home team conceded for a second time after 53 minutes. A corner kick delivered into the heart of Town’s penalty area fell to Jamie Lucey who side-footed a first-time effort into the bottom corner.

Dunmanway altered their shape and the change had the desired effect.

David Ring released Oran McCarthy who forced a brave Ciarán Murray stop. The Togher goalkeeper saved a Keith White attempt two minutes later as Town’s advances intensified.

It took a quality goal to finally wrap up the points, as Togher netted for a third and decisive time after 76 minutes.

Paudie Crowley gained possession inside Dunmanway’s penalty area and teed up Jamie Lucey. Killian Vassallo went full length to prevent Lucey’s shot from hitting the net. But Donnacha Collins was on hand to fire in the rebound from the tightest of angles, as Togher Celtic emerged from with all three points.

Dunmanway Town: K Vassallo, C Collins, S O’Donovan, J Dullea, C Dullea, B O’Donovan (captain), C Vassallo, C Kelleher, N Nangle, I Bryan, O McCarthy.

Subs: K Murray, A O’Donovan, R Jennings, J McCarthy, D Ring, N Mawe O’Donovan, K White.

Togher Celtic: C Murray, J Lucey, K Cotter, S Crowley, P Collins, C Daly (captain), E Murray, R Lucey, G Farr, B Horgan, D Collins.

Subs: L Hurley, P Crowley, N Hurley, P Collins, C Horgan, E Lehane.

Referee: Sean Doyle.