Soccer
31 December 1997

Newport take giant step in promotion bid

Newport Town........4     Parkside Celtic........0

Keith Bourke Reports

Newport Town achieved an emphatic 4-0 win over a youthful Parkside Celtic at Milebush Park on Sunday and will have to play there again when they take on Conn Rangers in their next match in their bid for promotion.

Conditions were ideal for good football and both sides served up a highly entertaining festive feast of soccer, interspersed with flashes of individual skill.

Parkside got off to a spritely start with midfielder Martin Conroy and striker James Muldoon linking up well on a number of occasions, but each time Muldoon had a sniff of goal he was quickly closed down by the Newport defenders.

Parkside strived to score the opening goal, but could not find a way past Newport goalkeeper Martin McGreal, who was in fine form and pulled off several fine saves.

In the 16th minute Newport shocked the Ballina side, when somewhat against the run of play he took the lead when Charlie O'Donnell headed in from a corner.

Parkside were playing the better football but their final pass was letting them down, while Newport's more direct approach was paying dividends. Indeed, Newport almost had their second when a quickly taken free'-kick caught the Parkside defence napping and Johnny O'Donnell's pin-point cross was met by Charlie O'Donnell who's diving header went narrowly wide.

Celtic should have equalised when John Ginelly was sent through but Martin McGreal saved bravely at the feet of the number 8.

This was to be the last incident of note in the first half and Parkside went in at half-time disappointed to be behind.

The second half kicked off at a frantic pace with both sides committed to all out attack, but neither side could score in the opening minutes, and it took a moment of individual brilliance from Newport striker Charlie O'Donnell to break down the Parkside defence, when in one flowing movement he took the ball down, controlled it and let fly with a spectacular volley which went crashing to the roof of Tony Hopkins net. It must rank as one of the finest goals ever seen at Milebush Park.

After this confidence booster the more experienced Newport side took control and it took just another 6 minutes for them to score their third when after Parkside failed to clear a corner Pat Sweeney headed the ball into the gaping net.

The West Mayo side were on fire with midfielder Pat McNally and strikers Johnny and Charlie O'Donnell particularly outstanding.

In the 82nd minute Newport super sub Alan O'Malley completed the rout when he latch onto a ball over the top, rounded the keeper and nut-megged the last remaining defender. The closing minutes were played out with Newport still dominant and hungry for further goals.

Both sides have to be complimented for the high standard of football displayed and their level of fitness immediately after the Yuletide festivities.

Best for Newport Town were Charlie O'Donnell, Johnny O'Donnell, Pat McNally, Pat Sweeney, Martin McGreal and Michael O'Donnell.

Martin Conroy, James Muldoon, Paddy Kelly and Keith Guthrie stood out for Celtic.

Newport Town: Martin McGreal, Michael Chambers, Michael O'Donnell, Martin Dillane, Brendan O'Hea (capt), Pat McNally, Alan Drum, Johnny O'Donnell, Charlie O'Donnell, Pat Sweeney, Stephen Barrett. Subs used: Alan O'Malley.

Parkside Celtic: Tony Hopkins, John Conway, Paddy Maughan, David Langdon, Paddy Kelly (capt), James Langdon, Keith Guthrie, John Ginnelly, James Muldoon, Martin Conroy, Philip Devers. Subs used: Malcolm Judge, Raymond Langdon.

Ref: Jimmy Blake (Castlebar).

*Star rating - Charlie O'Donnell - spectacular volley.