Town win derby battle with ten men

The north London derby and the Merseyside derby both took place across the pond last weekend, but in Mullingar all eyes were on the clash of Mullingar Town and Mullingar Athletic B at D'Alton Park on Sunday afternoon.In a hard fought encounter, Mullingar Town ran out deserved winners, even though they played much of the game with ten men.Athletic's second string failed to make the extra man count, although they did get a consolation goal and were unlucky not to get a second late on, which would have created a nervy finish for their opponents.Athletic started the stronger, with Steve Norris and Paul Radford doing well in midfield and dominating possession.Town soaked up the pressure and defended well, ably led by centre back Joe Cassidy.Both teams gave the ball away sloppily early on and chances were few and far between. But Keith Hope got Town's first shot on target, firing from about 20 yards out after some brilliant play by Michael Grimes.Athletic nearly took the lead when a simple ball over the top caused panic in the Town defence, with Martin Coyne's clearance nearly ballooning into his own net. Vinny McKevitt, who was deputising in goal for Town, frantically chased back to his goal-line to prevent the own goal, but was relieved to see the ball go over the bar.Mullingar Town were dealt a huge blow minutes later Ethan Scally was dismissed for using foul and abusive language.Athletic now had a one-man advantage, but Town continued to play like they had eleven men, and the half closed with a great long range strike from Jason Duff, which went very close.Town started the second half brightly, and took the lead when Steven Daly raced through on goal and powered a shot into the bottom left corner.Johnny Gavin searched for the equaliser for a shocked Athletic with some probing runs, but Town continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack, as Athletic committed bodies forward.Town added a second goal when Daly, the goalscorer, turned provider by brilliantly winning back possession and placing a great pass into the path of Keith Hope, who duly slotted the ball home.Athletic struggled to create chances and were restricted to long range efforts, one of which, from the boot of Steve McNamee, forced McKevitt into a save.Any chance of an Athletic comeback was ruined when Martin Charles released Daly down the wing; he put in a cross, which was expertly controlled by Hope, and he provided the finish to make it 3-0.Athletic didn't give up the ghost, and got a goal back through Johnny Gavin after some good play from Jimmy McEntee.They went agonisingly close to getting a second, when sub Jimmy Corcoran hit the post with a well struck shot.Town's ten men held on to a deserved victory, with their potency in attack proving the difference, and key man Stephen Daly playing a part in all three goals.Mullingar Town - Vinny McKevitt, Darragh Reilly, Joe Cassidy, Martin Coyne, Martin Charles, Ethan Scally (s/o, 22) Steven Daly, Michael Grimes, Richie Healy, Keith Hope, Jason Duff. Subs used: Stephen Fadian for Healy (60), Mark Coyne for Grimes (68), Jason Matthews for Daly (85).Mullingar Athletic - Joe Martin, Andrew Crowley, Lee Scally, Niall McGonagle, Mick Reid, Jimmy McEntee, Steve Norris, Paul Radford, Steve McNamee, Ramunas Dijokas, Johnny Gavin. Subs used: Chris Vella for Scally (69), Adam Hogan for Reid (73), Jimmy Corcoran for Dijokas (77), John Keegan for Norris (82).Ref - Paddy Nolan.