Campbell's strike from distance saves Trim Celtic

This was another point in the bag for Trim Celtic as they lead the chase for the Meath & District Premier League title. However, the expression on the faces of the players at the end of this encounter at Tully Park on Sunday told another story. They clearly felt this was two points lost rather than one gained. And the players in the green and white hooped jerseys could hardly be blamed if, at the end, they were deflated about the final outcome. For most of the second-half they pummelled and pounded the Dromin goals without managing to find a way through for the second, and what surely would have been, the winning goal. Up to this game Trim Celtic just didn't do draws in the league. Usually they managed to get out of tight situations just like they did the previous week when they travelled up to Clones Town and carved out a 2-1 victory. As usual a fair sprinkling of locals came out to watch Brian McCreary's men in this contest and they were served up an entertaining affair, played at a hot tempo on a cold day. The pitch was in excellent condition with groundsman and chairman Robert Bradley out and about to ensure everything was in place. There were plenty of others to help out and it's easy to see why Trim Celtic are a thriving club. People behind the scenes are willing to put in the effort. Dedication is evident on and off the pitch. The local supporters didn't see a victory. What they did witness was a brilliant goal from Trim Celtic's Paul Campbell (pictured). It would have been worth the entrance fee alone - if there was an entrance fee! The busy and inventive midfielder doesn't even need to get too close to the oppositon goalmouth to find the net. A few weeks ago he scored from a kick-off. He did the business again on Sunday this time from a free almost 40 metres out with 55 minutes played. Campbell didn't have to blast the ball. He hit it instead with his usual, languid style yet still managed to get enough power behind it to beat Dromin's acrobatic goalkeeper Tommy Melia. The ball flew into the top right-hand corner and it's doubtful if even the likes of Shay Given or Pepe Reina would have kept the ball out such was the pace behind it and position at which it entered the net. Campbell's exocet arrived a minute after Dromin took the lead. The Wee County outfit didn't create too many opportunities and their goal came from the Jack Charlton manual. Route one. A long clearance from defence appeard to catch the Trim Celtic defence unawares. The ball got a touch and it fell perfectly for Dromin midfielder Brian McQuillan who tucked it skilfully home. Campbell's hot-shot was the perfect response and he was also very unlucky not to hit the target from a similar routine in the first-half. On that occasion the Trim side were awarded a free on the edge of the box. Campbell took aim and right-footed the ball to the top corner only for Melia to make a super, one-handed save. With the likes of Campbell and Michael Corrigan toiling tirelessly away in the engine room Trim Celtic are always likely to create chances. This game was no different. The league leaders make life very difficult for opponents by switching the point of attack, quickly moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. Players also switch positions as they probe for weaknesses in the opposition defence. Just before the break a fine move that involved Corrigan, Campbell and Aaron Newman ended with Dimmy Higgins knocking the ball against a post and Dromin scrambled the ball clear. Dromin took the lead against the run of play, but when Campbell hit back immediately with the equaliser the stage looked set for them to push on and find a winner. Corner after corner was forced by the home side. Substitutions were made and the pressure applied with unrelenting intensity. Dromin did break from their defensive shell once or twice. Near the end another long ball caused Trim Celtic problems. Cyril Halton's attempted clearance was blocked and home netminder Barry O'Callaghan had to be alert to snuff out the danger. At the other end the pressure continued. Campbell produced a mazy run to set up Colm Smyth whose shot again forced a super save from the in-form Melia. Derek Donohoe had a shot blocked when a goal looked on. Campbell clipped a free just over with time almost up. The Dromin defence wobbled and wavered yet it still held firm. Seldom can Jim McLoughlin's outfit have worked so hard to earn a point. They were delighted with the draw. Trim Celtic felt this was one that got away. Trim Celtic - B O'Callaghan; M Gilsenan, J Goggins, C Halton, D Conway, D Higgins, P Campbell, M Corrigan, A Douglas, C Smyth, A Newman. Subs - M McCormack for Newman, D Donohoe for Douglas, S McGowan for Higgins. Dromin - T Melia; C Clarke, D McKeown, J Boylan, C Sheehy, B Daly, A McLoughlin, B McQuillan, B Osborne, P Gore, G Conlon. Subs - P Johnson for McLoughlin, R Gaffney for Conlon, P Duff for Gaffney. Referee - David Murphy (Meath Branch ISRS).