Late McHale winner downs Super League newboys
Manulla netted a vital late winner against Super League newboys Claremorris. Picture: Jonathan Burke
Manulla took full advantage of a late venue change to claim what could be a vital three points in their opening league game of the 2024 Super League.
The game was pencilled in to be played at Concannon Park but after close inspection, the Claremorris pitch was deemed unplayable. The game was then switched to Manulla’s home ground and the game certainly lived up to its spicy billing.
Claremorris started the game on the front foot and struck the first blow on four minutes. The busy Brandon Walsh stood up a delicious cross for the on-rushing Simon Butler who rose highest to nod the Greens in front. It was a statement of intent from the now ‘away side’ who continued to keep the pedal down on the Blues.
Crunching challenges were a main theme also with several bruising tackles conjured up from both sides. Manulla gradually grew back into the contest and had a first real opportunity on 20 minutes. Ruairi Henry played in Aiden Dunleavy but he lost his balance at the crucial moment.
Andy Peters kept the Claremorris charge going with a beautiful through ball to the returning Mark Maloney with the latter firing over the crossbar from 15 yards out on 27 minutes.
The Blues roared back into the match on 30 minutes when Henry was denied from point blank range by Keith Saunders, Gary McHale’s rebound was then miraculously kept out by Claremorris skipper Calvin Joyce who was a rock at the heart of the defence.
A beautiful passage of play from Aiden Dunleavy’s men resulted in the equalizer on 35 minutes. Some quick intricate passing between Bryan Ralph, McHale and saw McHale’s effort blocked which fell kindly to Aiden Dunleavy who stroked home.
The last opportunity before half-time fell the way of Peters who miscued his goal bound shot over the crossbar.
Both sides re-merged from the break full of vigor and intent. Dunleavy was primed to score his second of the afternoon but was thwarted by Lewis Lally who delivered a beautiful block. Lally whipped a curling cross to Maloney who could only fire straight at Jack Livingstone.
McHale fluffed his lines on 51 minutes as his shot flashed across the Claremorris goal. McHale then went closer to pushing Manulla into the lead by smashing a well struck effort against the post with, Dunleavy lashing the rebound at Saunders.
Claremorris then came back at the Blues and Maloney’s freekick was well saved by Livingstone. McHale then spun the Claremorris defence and bared down on goal, but his advances were quickly washed away by Joyce.
As the game began to stretch and bodies began to tire, any mistakes at this juncture were critical. Claremorris attacked in heavy numbers and Peters’ shot was swatted away by the Manulla defence only for, the on-cue Brandon Walsh screaming a shot off the post on 84 minutes.
A frantic finale was set up and it was the home side who were celebrating. A long punt forward from Livingstone sailed over the Greens backline and McHale kept his cool to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner in the 87th minute.
The exuberant celebrations from the Manulla striker were punished by referee Damian McGrath who brandished a second yellow and red card to McHale. Dunleavy weaved his way past the Claremorris defence and shot straight at Saunders.
A massive chance for the newsboys ensued into injury time when Maloney directed a looping header which was kept out by Livingstone. Ten-men Manulla would soon become nine as Thomas Groarke was given his marching orders after a cynical foul on Joyce.
Joyce teed up Ryan McLoughlin for one final chance but Livingstone was not to be beaten for a second time.
Manulla secured the three points and travel Castlebar Celtic to Carramore on Saturday night while Claremorris will have to dust themselves down quickly with a tricky trip to Westport United on the horizon.
