Abbeyleix defy the odds to salvage a draw against Rosenallis

CCFL Division 1

Abbeyleix Athletic came from two goals down to rescue a point away to Rosenallis on Sunday morning. The hosts looked to have secured all three points as the game drew to a close, but substitute Ben Freeman found the back of the net with a wonderful 89th-minute strike.

Abbeyleix came into the game in third place, three points and four places ahead of Rosenallis in a highly congested, highly competitive Division 1. The draw keeps them in third place, four points off Coolraine, who dropped points at home to Stradbally.

Rosenallis A 2 

Abbeyleix Ath. 2 

The visitors started well, taking the game to Rosenallis from the first whistle. Joe Bergin had two early chances but couldn't keep his efforts on target. 

Rosenallis were getting forward and trying to play but it was not quite clicking in the first twenty minutes. Abbeyleix were getting the better of the midfield battle and looking dangerous on the counter attack, Bergin and Alex Westbrook keeping the Rosenallis defence on their toes. 

Rosenallis centre back, Darren McEvoy limped off after only quarter of an hour having strained his groin. It comes just weeks after McEvoy’s return, having spent over a month on the side-lines with a quad injury.

He was replaced by Donal Lawlor, who came on and put in an outstanding man of the match performance. He was calm, confident and physical in defence, showed leadership throughout, and contributed an assist for the second Rosenallis goal.

Charlie Friel has proven effective all season as part of a two up front, but was starved of possession today as the lone striker. When he did find some space with the ball at feet, he created the game's opening goal in the 27th minute. After beating two defenders he whipped the ball across the face of goal leaving Conor Conroy to finish into an empty net. 

Conroy was also adapting to a new role, playing high on the right wing rather than his normal position at full back. 

Abbeyleix lost their zip after the goal as Rosenallis took over, controlling the rest of the half to lead 1-0 at the break. 

The home side got off to a dream start in the second half, doubling their lead just two minutes in. Donal Lawlor's free from out wide bounced off the crossbar where John Dunne reacted fastest, heading the ball into Rory Nevin's net. A fair reward for another big shift from the winger. 

Abbeyleix hit back in the 53rd minute. After great work down the left from Bergin, he whipped the ball into the box where Westbrook slid in to finish at the back post. The goal gave Abbeyleix a real lift as they put Rosenallis under serious pressure for the next twenty minutes. 

The hosts held their shape and composure well and just when it looked like they would come away with the win, they failed to clear their lines and Abbeyleix took advantage. The ball broke loose to Freeman just inside the Rosenallis box and he made no mistake.

The two teams are back in Rosenallis next week where they meet in Round 1 of the Michael Dolan Division 1 Cup. 

SCORERS – Rosenallis: Conor Conroy, John Dunne. Abbeyleix: Alex Westbrook, Ben Freeman. 

ROSENALLIS: Paul Friel, Anthony Gorman, Jack Claffey, Darren McEvoy, Jack Friel, Conor Dowling, John Dunne, Adam Finlay, Charlie Friel, Cian Ryle, Conor Conroy. Subs: Donal Lawlor for McEvoy (17 mins), Niall Conroy for Conroy (88 mins), Niall Doolin for C. Friel (90 mins).

ABBEYLEIX: Rory Nevin, Aaron O'Dea, Lee Maher, Dean Byrne, Eric Killeen, Adam Broady, Darren Bowe, Colin Rowan, Eoghan Fennelly, Alex Westbrook, Joe Bergin. Subs: Ben Freeman, Alex Conway and Josh Tormey for Bowe, Rowan and Fennelly (60 mins), Scott Pearson for Westbrook (75 mins).