This article is from page 93 of the 2010-02-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 93 JPG
NEWMARKET continued _ their forward progression on Sunday af- ternoon when they easily accounted for Bridge United in a game that was originally scheduled for Sixmilebri- dge, but was switched to Newmar- om
The alternative surrounds did the eventual winners no harm and they settled in as early as the opening minute.
Last time out, the twin attacking threat of Kieran Devitt and Eoin Hayes bagged two goals, they contin- ued that form on Sunday and indeed, maximised it as the game wore on.
But back to that opening minute of the game. Devitt picked up pos- session just outside the box, made sweet contact with the ball, looping his shot over Paul Tuohy and the first thing the Bridge goalkeeper had to do all afternoon was to pick the ball out of the net.
Immediately Newmarket settled. They grew in composure and confi- dence and it’s easy to see why most in Clare soccer circles regard them as the biggest threat to Avenue this season. When they doubled their lead a quarter of an hour later, it was clear that they were going to continue their unbeaten run to six games.
That second goal came courtesy of the boot of Devitt once more. This time Newmarket raided down the left wing, launching the ball into the dan-
ger area and Devitt knocked the ball into the net from close range.
By now, they had seized control of the game and for the 90 minutes, Bridge would fail to threaten Trevor O’Donnell in the Newmarket net.
It remained 2-0 at the break but 64 minutes in, Newmarket pounced again, with Devitt claiming his hat- trick. His third bore some similari- ties to his second. Once more his side attacked down the left and once more Devitt scored from close range.
But credit his strike partner Eoin Hayes who got through plenty of work all afternoon. He also added to the Newmarket haul with a couple of fine goals for himself.
His first and his side’s fourth ar- rived with 15 left in the game.
Newmarket received a free 25 yards out and in a well-worked set-piece, they controlled the ball well, setting up Hayes for a tap in.
His most sublime contribution came after 82 minutes. From 25 yards out he showed composure and skill when chipping the goalkeeper for his side’s fifth goal of the game.
It rounded a quality display from Newmarket and proved the icing on the cake for the league’s most potent strike partnership.