Late Gavin goal gives Torro dramatic victory

The new and very different NEFL season kicked off this evening and among the games down for decision was the Div 1 clash between Torro Utd and Parkvilla at Powderly Park.  

It turned out to be a memorable occason for the home side as they defeated Parkvilla 2-1 with Steven Gavin grabbing a dramatic injury-time winner. 

This is the first time the season will extend from August to November before the move to summer soccer takes place in 2019. This is also a season with a difference in that Parkvilla have entered their first team in the NEFL after many years in the Leinster Senior League.

The Navan side knew they were facing an uphill battle when shortly before the interval Torro took the lead when Andy Tolan directed the ball to the net from a header.  

However, in the 88th minute Parkvilla equalised when Pierce Challenger hit the target following a goalmouth scramble. Also in the frantic closing stages Parkvilla's Jack Murray was sent off after picking up a second yellow. 

Then five minutes into injury time Gavin was fouled just outside the box. He took the free himself and drove the ball low to the corner of the Parkvilla net much to the delight of the big Torro contingent at the game. 

Both sides created a host of scoring opportunites during a eventful, end-to-end contest that was well-refereed by Conor Byrne but tenacious Torro just about did enough to carve out victory. 

See photographs and read match report and reaction in the next issue of the Meath Chronicle