Clontarf 5 Dublin University 2
Three goals in a ten minute spell in the first half fired a decisive blow in the title race at the bullring as Clontarf hit the front of divison two for the first time this season.
In a wide open first period, both sides could have scored a hatful. As it was, the hosts defended their circle slightly the better and came out with a 4-1 advantage. They should have been behind inside 30 seconds when Chris Tyrell crossed for Henry Butler for a tap-in but Craig Moore missed the call and found a scrambling ’Tarf goalkeeper blocking his route.
Andy Poynter punished that let-off in the third minute when – in centre-midfield for the first time this season in place of the work-tied Rob Kelly – he moved forward to grab the first goal.
Stephen Roberts levelled in jig-time, finishing off Moore’s hit in but goals in quick succession from Robert Forrest, Gareth Borland and Kevin Mullins – his first in senior colours – swung the game. The second and fourth were tidy reverses from the teenage duo, sandwiching the player-coach’s effort.
After the break, the game tightened up with the visitors holding more of the possession but were unable to break down a well-organised Clontarf.
Andrew Gardner got the goal for 5-1 while Chris Tyrell got one back with three minutes to go, with his back to goal, turning and flicking home.
Scorers: (Stephen Roberts, Chris Tyrell)
