OMP crowned NEFL Div 1 champions
OMP Utd got the point they needed tonight to clinch the North East Football League Div 1 title following a scoreless draw with promotion-chasing Ardee Celtic at the MDL in windy conditions.
The result was all that mattered for OMP and while their performance wasn't up to the usual standard, they surely earned the right to dig out a scoreless draw for the last game of the season.
Ardee made it difficult for OMP and the Louth men played some good football with only the woodwork preventing a Ken Thornton lead goal in the 43rd minute while David Nolan also handled the high ball confidently between the posts.
It was mostly Ardee in the second-half with Niall Conlon denied by the woodwork also.
OMP's Andrew Kearney had a great opportunity on 70 minutes only for Ardee's Declan Butler to make a great save and then Fintan Clarke completed the clearance.
In the 91st minute Mickey Brennan ghosted in for OMP and looked certain to score, but the ball went the wrong side of the post.
OMP will now take their place in the Premier League next season and based on their performances this season, they will not be out of place in the top flight under manager David Doyle.
OMP Utd - David Nolan; David Bracken, Daire Corcoran, Joseph Garvey,Dylan Doyle, Craig Dixon, Andrew Kearney, Stephen Casey, David Bowens, Michael Brennan, Gavin Boyle. Subs - Mark Horrigan, Nigel Kennedy, Graham Hill, Oisin McGuinness, Paul McGuirk, Paddy Fagan.
Ardee Celtic - Declan Butler; Ken Thornton, Robbie Reynolds, Robert McNiece, Fintan Clarke, Paul Carrie, Lorcan MYles, Mikey Nulty, Niall Conlon, Eddie Burke, Paul Matando. Subs - Stuart Osbourne, Conor Osbourne, Tristan Knowles, Andrew Hurley, Niall Sharkey, Stuart Reynolds.
Referee - Conor Byrne, assistants - Billy Cruise, Ken Ennis.
TOP FOUR
P W D L F A Pts
OMP Utd 22 15 6 1 60 22 51
Ardee Celtic 22 13 7 2 48 25 46
Enfield Celtic 21 14 4 3 73 34 43
Black Bull 20 13 3 4 54 29 42