Highlights: Rathmullan Celtic v Swilly Rovers (2:1) скачать в хорошем качестве

Highlights: Rathmullan Celtic v Swilly Rovers (2:1)

Late Drama Sees Rathmullan Celtic Claim Derby Bragging Rights Rathmullan Celtic claimed local derby honours with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Swilly Rovers, sealing the win with a dramatic late goal in a match played in excellent spirit throughout. The home side started brightly and almost took the lead inside five minutes when Kevin O’Donnell’s well-struck free kick rattled the post. Jay Curran reacted quickest to the rebound but blasted over when well placed. Despite Rathmullan’s early pressure, it was Swilly Rovers who opened the scoring on the half-hour mark. Killian Hagan did well to save an initial free kick, but local youngster Alfie Rodgers reacted sharply to slot home the rebound and give the visitors a 1–0 lead. The complexion of the game changed five minutes later when Swilly were reduced to ten men. Clive Callan was shown a red card after hauling down Jay Curran, who was clean through on goal. Rathmullan emerged from the interval with renewed urgency, pinning the visitors back and creating a string of chances. Barry Gallagher, however, was in inspired form in the Swilly goal, repeatedly denying the hosts. Daniel Wojciun saw an acrobatic volley saved after excellent wing play from Mokhtar Bouasria, while Kevin O’Donnell tested Gallagher from 25 yards. A triple substitution on the hour mark — introducing Reece Thompson, Serhii Oriabinskyi and new signing Shay Lindsay — underlined Rathmullan’s attacking intent. Kevin Doran went close after cutting in from the left, narrowly missing the far post, while Serhii’s dangerous free kick was again kept out by Gallagher. The pressure finally told on 70 minutes when Kevin O’Donnell’s dangerous corner caused chaos at the near post and was turned into the net by a Swilly defender for the equaliser. O’Donnell nearly added a goal of his own moments later, his long-range strike hitting the side netting. Gallagher continued to keep Swilly in the contest, producing a superb double save to deny Reece Thompson and then Kevin Doran, before thwarting Serhii once more shortly after. Just as the game looked destined for a draw, Rathmullan found the winner they deserved in the 90th minute. Excellent play down the wing by Shay Lindsay set up Kevin Doran, who finished clinically to spark wild celebrations — including the youngsters behind the goal racing off in delight with the goalscorer. Swilly pushed for an equaliser in added time, but it was Rathmullan who nearly added a third when Oscar Carruthers’ effort was saved by Gallagher following more good work from Lindsay. Kevin O’Donnell was Rathmullan Celtic’s standout performer, while Alfie Rodgers impressed greatly at right back for Swilly Rovers on an entertaining afternoon of local football.