Vital derby win for Caw at a rain soaked Nelson Drive

Tullyally will feel bitterly disappointed for getting nothing from a game which they just shaded in terms of possession and territory.

Caw were simply more deadly in front of goal than the Colts and that was the difference in the two sides on Saturday.

The storm that was supposed to miss us at the weekend certainly didn’t miss this game as it kicked off in torrential conditions.

The weather may not have been conducive to sexy football, but both sides served up a competitive and entertaining feast for the few foolhardy fans at the game.

Caw may have recently lost two key players in Graham McGarrigle and Paul McColgan, but they have strengthened this season notably with the Dougherty’s in midfield.

Tullyally brought a very strong squad with them on Saturday and they began the game very brightly, with decent efforts from the dangerous Andy Cooke and the busy Michael Ross. Connor Kelpie and Kyle Armstrong looked the main threats for the home team early on.

Cooke almost opened the scoring after 21 minutes when he took control of the ball, swivelled skilfully and fired a shot that was well saved by Caw keeper Davy Blair.

Minutes later Shane Quinn robbed Stephen Dougherty of possession in midfield and fired in a stinging shot from 30 yards which was gathered by Blair at the second attempt.

By this stage Tullyally’s Dean O’Neill was starting to exercise some control on proceedings making a number of dangerous runs and efforts on goal.

Very much against the run of play Caw took the lead. Sean Kelpie slid an inch perfect through ball to Gary Harris who side-footed the ball past David McFaul into the back of the net.

The Colts rallied strongly and Dean O’Neill cut past two Caw defenders and as he was about to shoot was challenged by veteran Victor Dougherty.

Minutes later Ross, again through on goal, fired well wide of the target, but Caw were also producing chances.

Harris saw a meaty header well saved by McFaul. Kyle Armstrong made one of a number of strong runs at the heart of the Colts’ defence, dropped the shoulder twice but was tackled as he was about to pull the trigger.

On the hour mark, Tullyally were awarded a free kick, 25 yards from goal and Shane Quinn was unlucky to see his effort crash off the crossbar.

Ross was at it again a short time later, battling with Colin McGarrigle for possession before volleying tamely into the arms of the keeper.

Sean Kelpie had been having a quiet game up to this point, but cometh the hour, cometh the man, he took control of the ball just outside the box and blasted home the all important second goal low to the goalkeeper’s left.

Fair play to Tullyally Colts as their heads never went down and they fought right to the end, looking for a goal that might get them a foothold in the game.

But the Caw defence is a hard nut to crack marshalled by the experienced McGarrigle, the home side simply refused to yield and they ran out winners 2-0.

Caw manager Mark McHale was a relieved man at the final whistle. “We’ve been struggling with our finishing this last couple of games so it was great to put away a couple of our chances today, and I’m delighted with the three points.”

But when asked about his side’s ambitions for the season McHale isn’t getting too carried away. “As long as we can sustain ourselves, stay in the league and not get relegated like we did last season. That’s the goal anyway.”

Up next for Caw is a tricky away tie to Ardmore, but that shouldn’t phase them as they are striking up a nice little winning streak and the confidence is high.

For Tullyally, they host Lincoln Courts this Saturday and will feel that nothing less than a victory will be required as they aim to get back on track.