Crumlin men despatch Newtown from Metro
CRUMLIN United marched on into the third round of the Metropolitan Cup following a 2-0 victory over Newtown Rangers at home on Sunday.
Two second half goals by Liam Brady and Craig Walsh proved enough to see them past the Kiltipper side who came into this match having edged out St John Bosco 2-1 in the opening round of the competition.
Crumlin progressed in the Metro Cup after beating Newtown
The game opened at a frantic pace with both teams in attack mode and testing the opposing defence early on.
Indeed, it looked like any team could score first, but Newtown’s offensive strategy was dealt a major blow when striker Anthony Purdy was forced off with injury just a half hour into the game.
Crumlin, attacking down both flanks, certainly looked like opening their account first and they almost did when Alan Greenalgh drove a low powerful shot across the face of goal and into the path of the oncoming Brady whose effort was cleared.
Minutes later Crumlin went close again when Greenalgh, attacking again from the right, struck the post as the match remained scoreless by the halftime break.
Yet five minutes into the second period, Brady latched onto a shot from Curtis Murphy and steered it home to see Crumlin into the lead.
Newlands almost fought their way back on to level terms, but Carl Wynne struck just wide before Carl Wynne drove the ball low and hard into the path of Dylan O’Callaghan who engaged in a scramble with several Crumlin defenders, before Blair Mandingu managed to clear.
Newlands’ John Houlhan worked hard to get on the ball and attack time after time, but Crumlin’s back four held firm.
And, with some 25 minutes remaining, Crumlin goalkeeper Michael Quinn made a massive clearance to Brady who struck it first time into the box where Walsh won possession but was unable to put it away.
Yet, he made amends soon after when a mix up on the Newlands goal line allowed him in to make it 2-0 and ensure further passage for his side in the competition.
TAGS Sport
