In the end another three points for Castlewellan but they had to work very hard in the first half to contain a busy Tollymore side who could yet have a big say in the destination of this seasons title.The Town almost got the perfect start in the first minute when Paddy Keown was just off target with a fine header. The big man was a constant threat in the air and would have opened his account on 16 minutes but for a flying save from the Tollymore keeper. Sean Russell saw a shot come off the post and Barry Travers had an excellent effort go just over in the first 30 minutes. It certainly wasn’t all one way traffic as the visitors enjoyed plenty of possession, they were competitive and found their men well but lacked a killer instinct. With half time approaching Castlewellan made the breakthrough when Dean Anderson scored and on the stroke of half time Conor Stratton got a rare goal heading home from a Steven Trainor corner.
Tollymore should have been back in the game after 51 minutes but Mickey Watson produced a stunning save to deny them. At this point Castlewellan upped the ante and started to win a lot more possession in midfield resulting in more chances being created. Anderson increased their lead after 64 minutes ably assisted by the impressive Barry Travers. Two of the town’s brightest young stars Matthew Stratton and Sean Dornan were introduced almost immediately and showed that they will not easily be displaced with assured displays. The best goal of the game came on 71 minutes when Russell finished off a flowing move on the left in which Dornan played a major role. The same player set up Stevie Trainor for what was to be the final score on 80 minutes.
This was a much better performance from Castlewellan who really pulled away in the second period but they had to defend well in the first half as Tollymore moved the ball about well. So it’s make or break for the Town this Saturday away to Ballyvea in a game they really have to win if they are to win a third league title in a row. The recent return of Barry Travers is a real plus for them as is the form of young Stratton and Dornan giving them plenty of options for this crunch game.
(top) Barry Travers completed the full 90 minutes after his recent injury and below Dean Anderson spreads the play last Saturday.
