Premier title completes delightful day for Duleek

Parkvilla edged out in league showdown

Duleek...2

Parkvilla...1

The spaces in Duleek AFC's carpark were full well before kick-off time today as supporters showed up at The Tollstone ground in big numbers for this NEFL Premier League decider - and at the final whistle it was the players in green and white who celebrated a famous victory.

This was was the final round of the Premier League for both these teams and the mathematics could hardly have been simplier. Leading by a point at the top of the table Parkvilla needed a draw to clinch the title, Duleek required a victory - and they achieved that objective with the help of two goals from sharpshooter Dylan O'Boyle, his goals scored just before and just after the break.

Duleek AFC have been on the go since 1967 but Sunday was surely their greatest day. The day when they finally claimed the NEFL Premier title.

Just like the league campaign itself the teams were close throughout this encounter played on a sticky, glue-pot of a pitch with Parkvilla, who trailed 1-2, bombarding the Duleek goals in the second-half in search of an equaliser - but they were unable to fashion the strike they needed, although they went very, very close.

It all ensured that the big attendance were kept enthralled right to the end. This was a heartbreaking conclusion for 'Villa who led the field for much of the season and only needed a point from their closing few games to take the title.

They lost out to Trim Celtic two weeks ago at Claremont, an outcome that set the scene for Sunday's showdown that had all the feel, the noise, the atmosphere of a cup final.

Duleek despite shipping the opening goal of the game (which was well refereed by Brian Murphy), still managed to win, a testament to their resilience and spirit - traits all champions must have if they are to succeed.

There was only 13 minutes played when 'Villa, who started much the better team, went ahead when Callum Bonner caused big problems in the Duleek defence. The ball broke to Karl Jordan who stayed calm and composed to fire home.

Considering they had the considerable advantage of the slope it was hardly surprising Duleek, loudly urged on by their voiciferous following, hit back. O'Boyle gave a hint of what was to come when he forced a smart save from Parkvilla's young goalkeeper Finian Collier. Bobby Brady and Matthew Noone also threatened.

Then just before the interval the home side mustered an equaliser. Some skill and sheer good luck from a Duleek perspective was involved in the creation and the taking of the goal. James Traynor and Noone were involved in the lightning quick move. The ball was drilled into the crowded 'Villa goalmouth. Amid a forest of arms and legs the ball struck O'Boyle's body and ended up looping up and into the net. All-square at the interval.

There was nothing accidential or haphazard about Duleek's second goal just after the interval. This time Brady won the ball on the edge of the Parkvilla goalmouth. He played a clever little pass in for O'Boyle who finished superbly.

At that stage few could have predicted there would be no more goals. The game was open; the action relentless. As time moved on Parkvilla pressed hard for an equaliser. Ryan Murphy and Bonner threatened as did Tommy Buchanan and Roy Browne when they came on. A net-bound Browne shot was heroically blocked by Duleek defender James Traynor. That was vital.

At the other end Duleek's Cormac McGroggan had a shot cannon off the post while another of his efforts was smartly saved by Collier. Both sides also had 'goals' ruled out.

Encouraged by THEIR big backing Parkvilla put dependable centre-half James Friery up front - and, in the final minutes, he almost got the golden goal they sought. The ball was played into the Duleek box by Ryan Murphy. Friery got a touch but the ball went inches wide of the far post.

On such tiny margins are league titles decided. Brian Murphy's Duleek withstood the storm - much to the delight of their self-styled "Green and White Army."

Duleek - Jonathan Clear; Sean Kennedy, James Traynor, Robert Daly, Ben Boyce, Jamie McCarthy, Sean O'Halloran, Matthew Noone, Dylan O'Boyle, Josh O'Reilly, Bobby Brady. Subs - Cormac McGroggan for O'Reilly 68m, Tom Reilly for D O'Boyle 89m.

Parkvilla - Finian Collier; Craig Friery, Karl Jordan, James Friery, Danny Doggett, Ben Gibney, Kian Ratty, Ryan Murphy, Jamie Blake, Eoghan Heavey, Callum Bonner. Subs - Tommy Buchanan for for Bonner 55m, Roy Browne for Ratty 67m, Paul Cunningham for Gibney 84m.

Referee - Brian Murphy.