Mullingar Town in seventh heaven after wonderful win

Mullingar Town 7, Ballymahon 2

On a sunny Saturday in perfect conditions, Mullingar Town welcomed Ballymahon to D'Alton Park in a league decider.

This fixture materialised following an error by the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL) where they had already awarded the league to the Mullingar men only for them to inform the club, after presenting the trophy, that they had miscalculated the points and in actual fact Mullingar Town were only five points ahead with two games to play. It meant the Mullingar men had to regroup and go again in order to seal the title.

Ballymahon started well and took a 1-0 lead after 10 minutes to put serious pressure on the home side and make this a real test of Mullingar Town's mettle.

The usual black and red of Mullingar Town were in their orange third kit due to the clash against familiar rivals Ballymahon and, on 22 minutes, Johnny Keegan, who as of late has been outstanding, came on to a ball thanks to great work from Oisin Tyrrell and slotted past the 'keeper to level the match, 1-1.

On the 30-minute mark, Cian McGrath latched onto a thorough ball from Breece Fadian, who was immense in the first half, and he made no mistake when passing the ball into the net to give Mullingar Town a 2-1 lead.

From here on out it was one-way traffic as the champions-elect began to show their quality.

The second half began with Keegan missing an opportunity after only 30 seconds to end the game as a contest; it looked like Keegan was set to score, but the opposing 'keeper made a great save.

Gerry Bowen who has replaced Breece Fadian at half-time was found with a through ball and he controlled it first time and chipped the 'keeper from the edge of the box for a 3-1 advantage, and that almost sealed the first league title in over a decade for the Mullingar men.

Ballymahon were reduced to 10 men when John Nevin received a red card on the hour mark and, from there on, it was always going to be plain sailing for Mullingar Town.

Michael Fadian, Barry Egerton and Jack hall were introduced, and Hall would be instrumental in the rest of the match.

Bowen turned provider for captain Jamie Loran who ensured a 4-1 lead and again it was Bowen who, after great work from Egerton and Fadian, found Loran who made it 5-1 with a neat finish.

Mullingar Town were now relentless in their pursuit of the coveted league crown, but for a moment they were out of shape when conceding a breakaway goal.

Ultimately, it proved nothing more than a consolation goal for their inferior opponents on the day and it left the score 5-2.

Mullingar Town were soon back on the front foot; Loran led by example and competed his hat-rick following great work by Hall, only seconds after conceding, to make it 6-2.

In stoppage time Loran was brought down when he was first on the scene to a loose ball, following a David Masterson shot. Hall stepped up to take the kick and duly put the penalty away for 7-2 lead.. That was the icing on the cake for the home side and brought an end to the scoring in a supremely dominant display by the new champions.

Farrell in goals had basically nothing to do after the first 10 minutes, but he was protected by the excellent back four of Stephen McNameee - who just continues to defy 'father time' as he produced another excellent performance - along side McMahon, Masterson and O'Rourke.

Oisin Tyrrell and Dean Kavanagh bossed the midfield and were particularly strong as a pair, while Breece Fadian pulled the strings.

Fadian's father Michael along with Egerton, McGrath, Bowen and Hall were also very good, whilst Keegan, as per the norm, scored his customary goal.

The management team of Mark Brady and Jason McGrath now have to regroup as the Mullingar men still have the Saturday Cup final to look forward to, against the same opponents, coupled with the Division 1 cup semi-final against the winners of Walsh Island and Temple Villa. The first leg of a possible record-breaking treble is now secured.

Mullingar Town team: Alan Farrell, Stephen McNamee, Gary McMahon, David Masterson, Mick O'Rourke, Darragh Kiernan, Dean Kavanagh, Oisin Tyrrell, Jamie Loran, Breece Fadian, Johnny Keegan.

Subs used: Cian McGrath for Darragh Kiernan (inj., 10 mins), Gerry Bowen for Breece Fadian (HT), Michael Fadian for Oisin Tyrrell (55 mins), Jack Hall for Cian McGrath (65mins), Barry Egerton for Johnny Keegan (68 mins). Unused: David Mimnagh, Jason McGrath.