Blast from the Past. Pearse Celtic v Macroom in battle for the top spot.

Blast from the Past. Battle for the Top:  Pearse Celtic v Macroom, 1st November 2003 

AUL 1 Top of the table clash ends all square.  

Unbeaten Macroom pleased with away point.

Macroom

Pearse Celtic 1 Macroom 1

The clash between Pearse Celtic and visitors Macroom was a battle for supremacy at the top of the AUL 1 table, and it didn't disappoint. Both teams fought tooth and nail, resulting in a thrilling 1-1 draw at Clashduv Road.

Macroom, the league leaders with three games in hand, were eager to extend their advantage, but Pearse Celtic had other plans. The home side struck first, with Kevin McCoy converting a penalty to give them an early lead. Macroom responded with determination, and their persistence paid off when Chris Murphy equalised with a powerful shot.

Pearse Celtic

The game was a physical encounter, with both teams battling fiercely for every ball. The intensity of the match was palpable, and the crowd was treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides.

Norman Kelly: The Macroom Rock

Macroom's Kevin Sheehan (right) and
Cian Holbrook stretch for the ball.
A special mention must go to Norman Kelly, Macroom's defensive stalwart. His commanding presence at the back was instrumental in keeping Pearse Celtic at bay. His crucial tackle to deny Kevin McCoy a clear scoring opportunity in the second half was a pivotal moment in the game, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure.

While Macroom may have been disappointed not to secure all three points, they will undoubtedly take heart from their performance. Pearse Celtic, on the other hand, will be frustrated to have dropped points at home but will remain in contention for the league title.

This was a classic top-of-the-table clash, with both teams giving their all. The result leaves the league wide open, with plenty to play for in the remaining games of the season.

Terry Dalton (Pearse) gets to the ball ahead of Pat Kelleher.

Pearse Celtic: John Murphy, Mick Delea, Lennie O’Halloran, Brendan Sheehan, Mark O'Mahony, Terry Dalton, Dave Walsh, Cian Holbrook, Colm Goulding, Kevin McCoy and Damien Walsh. Subs used: Dave Forde for Goulding (34th minute, injured) and John Nagle for Walsh (72nd)

Macroom: Shane O'Leary, Peter Healy, Michael Murphy, Alan O’Connor, Pat Kelleher, John McCarthy, William O'Riordan, Kevin Sheehan, Norman Kelly, Red Kirby and Chris Murphy. Subs used: Barry O’Donnell for M. Murphy (62nd minute), Brian Bradley for Sheehan (65th)  and John Angland for Kelleher (88th).

Referee: Denis O’Driscoll.

Pearse player Dave Forde heads clear.


* Macroom would go on to win the title (and promotion) with Wilton in second place. Afton Villa and Grangevale were relegated.


Comments