Campbell strike secures another three points

Trim Celtic emerged from a hazardous journey to the Co Louth village of Blackrock on Friday night with their Meath & District Premier League title aspirations still intact following a hard-earned victory over hosts Rock Celtic despite missing a 50th minute penalty. With four games remaining Trim Celtic retain control of their destiny and the formbook suggests that the title will be decided on the final day of the season, probably Sunday 29th April, at Tully Park when the only other contenders visit Meath for what Sky Sports might describe as 'Super Sunday.' Trim Celtic are now six points clear of title rivals Woodview Celtic who have two games in hand. Woodview will bid to close the gap this week when they visit Rock Celtic on Wednesday night (4th April). Fourth-placed Rock needed to win on Friday night to keep their title aspirations intact and dictated most of the opening half, but still trailed at the interval to Mark McCormack's 43rd minute goal. McCormack (pictured) finished to the net from Aaron Newman's cross from the right wing. That wing proved to be a productive outlet for Trim as the Meath side relied on the quick counter attack to alleviate the first-half pressure. Rock welcomed back Chris Ward from injury and had a sprinkling of ex-League of Ireland-experienced players in their line up which included David Hoey, John Sharkey and David Ward. Despite their first-half dominance, Rock were poor in the shooting department with David Ward mising two gilt-edged chances late in the half before Trim broke the deadlock. Trim Celtic resumed smartly after the resumption and Alan Douglas, who worked tirelessly throughout, was eventually rewarded when he earned a penalty, but the usually reliable Campbell saw his spot kick well saved by Nat Cooney. Soon after Douglas attempted to lob the 'keeper, but his effort skimmed the outside of the post. Trim were rocked on the hour when the hosts got back on terms following some woeful attempts to clear the danger - David Ward finished to the net and it was a goal that the striker richly deserved. However, Trim found the perfect response as Campbell made amends for his penalty lapse when he latched onto a long clearance as the Rock rearguard dithered and skilfully steered the ball to the net. Both sides created chances subsequently, but Trim Celtic had enough in the tank, in terms of physical ability and skill, to hold on for another precious victory. Rock Celtic - N Cooney; D Hoey, D McGeough, P Reilly, S O'Callaghan, C ward, J Sharkey, D Delaney, D Ward, D McKeown, M McGeough. Subs - G Breen for McGeough 70 mins, B Kilboy for Reilly 80m. Trim Celtic - B Callaghan; K Jones, J Goggins, C Halton, D Conway, A Newman, P Campbell, M Corrigan, A Douglas, J Hand, M McCormack. Subs - C Smith for McCormack 77 mins, D Higgins for Newman 90m. Referee - Joe Dyas (Louth Branch).