Winning goal sheer bliss for Rock star
Marsh Celtic's Gary Thornton drives out of defence, pursued by Conor Smith of Rock Celtic, during Sunday's MDL Premier match at Drogheda Grammar School.
FORMER Drogheda United striker Derek Delany - just back from jhis honeymoon - struck a late winner to clinch three priceless points for Rock Celtic and plunge Marsh Celtic deeper into relegation trouble on Sunday.
The immediate consequence of the result is that it restores Rock to third place after briefly being dislodged by Woodview, while Marsh were left to rue a number of missed opportunities to snatch a draw or even victory.
From a Rock perspective the win could provide the stimulus to mount a strong run-in to the campaign, particularly if they can get back several of their injured players.
Marsh keeper Alex Reilly was the busier of the two keepers in the early stages, making two fine saves, but he was powerless to prevent David Ward putting the visitors ahead with a 16-yard shot in the 20th minute.
Kevin Farrell shot over the bar from 10 yards and Paddy Bedford (twice) and Robbie Daly also had chances for Marsh, who nevertheless were indebted to Reilly for another fine save early in the second half.
The equaliser came around the 67-minute mark through Bedford, after Dale Thornton had supplied the assist, but that apart Rock were defending well, with Mark Mcgeown and Paddy Reilly in midfield providing plenty of cover for their defence.
Bedford, Daly and Dale Thornton had chances to put Marsh ahead, the best of them falling to Thornton when he somehow mis-kicked from six yards out after latching onto Farrell's cross.
Marsh then paid the ultimate price when Delany shot home in style - although Marsh sub Mark Sullivan missed another decent opening deep into stoppage time as Rock held on for the points.
Nevertheless, the hosts could reflect on good performances from Reilly, Gary Thornton and Olan Flanagan who was particularly influential in midfield.
