Mullingar Town denied by late Clara penalty

John Dingle

Clara Town retained their Senior Division title in dramatic fashion at Stanley O’Hara Park last Wednesday evening.

Having fought back from being a goal down to Mullingar Town to equalise midway through the second half, the home team sensationally completed the comeback in the final minute. Mullingar were penalised for handball and Pa Smith was the home hero when he slotted home the resulting penalty kick.

The champions knew that victory would see them again claim the trophy but defeat would not be fatal as they would get a second chance to force a play-off. Mullingar, though knew that nothing less than three points would suffice. The opening half was scoreless but the visitors would be disappointed to have gone to the break still on level terms as they had the better chances.

Needing to win, Mullingar were early on the attack and had their first opportunity after just 4 minutes. David Dyer took aim and his shot was pushed behind for the first corner kick. The number eight was again out of luck on the quarter hour mark when his shot hit the butt of the post. Clara were struggling and their main danger came from corners. Sam Watkin headed over for the visitors with Dyer having a further chance as the half progressed. The hosts had few chances as Josh Fleming drilled a free kick wide and Robert Bracken had a shot parried by the keeper. Mullingar almost took the lead in the last minute of the half. Watkins shot proved hot to handle for James Kinahan who could only palm the ball up in the air but Lee Tierney was well placed to then clear the ball off the line. Mullingar on top in the opening half but they still needed to score to have any chance of claiming the title.

Clara were much improved in the second half and had an early chance as Smith fired over. Mullingar were still dangerous as Dyer and Daragh Kiernan came close. The scoring was opening after 54 minutes as the Mullingar play to date was eventually rewarded. A corner kick, taken by Kiernan to the back post was forced home by Jason Charles. The visitors finally had their reward and now needed to keep Clara at bay. It was proving to be a frustrating evening for the Offaly team and a Luke Dignam effort which cleared the bar summed up their predicament.

The champions are made of stern stuff, though and were back on level terms midway through the half. Robert McDonagh put Clara back in contention with a fantastic strike to the net from the right edge of the penalty area. The title chase had now swung back Clara’s way but a draw would prolong their agony. Mullingar needed to get back in front but were out of luck. Kinahan kept Clara in contention with a great save after 78 minutes. Dyer released substitute Tristan Finnane but the home keeper advanced to block the goal-bound shot with his legs. Mullingar piled on the pressure with two further corners. The woodwork again rescued Clara after 82 minutes when David Mimnagh fired against the post.

The game appeared to be heading towards a stalemate, but there was a dramatic ending to proceedings. Mullingar were penalised for handball and Smith was provided with the chance to win it for the home team. The number three made no mistake with the spot kick sending the keeper the wrong way. It was tough luck on Mullingar but they had one more chance to spoil the Clara party deep into stoppage time. In the fifth and final minute, Mimnagh headed towards the corner of the net but sub keeper Gavin Fleming made a great stop to push the ball behind. The celebrations were soon underway for the reigning champions.

CLARA TOWN: James Kinahan, Lee Tierney, Pa Smith, Alex Hall, Adam Kelly, Thomas Devine, Neil Robbins, Robert McDonagh, Robert Bracken, Luke Dignam, Josh Fleming. Subs: Robert Mitchell for Devine (27 mins); David Minnock for Robbins (62); Lorcan Cornally for Fleming (80); Eric Deehan for McDonagh (86); Gavin Fleming for Kinahan (87).

MULLINGAR TOWN: Davie Sheahan, David Mimnagh, Paul Reid, Enda Morris, Jamie Loran, David Dyer, Jason Charles, Shane O’Keeffe, Sam Watkin, Dan Beyo, Daragh Kiernan. Subs: Tristan Finnane for Kiernan (66); TJ Cox for Morris (76).

REFEREE: Kevin Bryant (Offaly)