OMP strike late for victory against Torro

Two second-half Shaun Doyle goals gave OMP a crucial NEFL Div 1 victory against Torro at the MDL last night reports JUSTIN BURKE.

This is one of the most competitive divisions we have seen in this league for years, with four clubs fighting it out for just two promotion places to the North East Football League Premier Division. 

Torro went close to opening the scoring in the second minute when Andy Tolan met a corner with a header and soon after OMP strikers Donal Callan and Ryan Murphy combined to set up Paul Cunningham, but his shot lacked sufficient power for Dan Shields in the Torro nets. 

Torro had another good chance on 17 minutes when Michael Duke's free was partially cleared and Shane O'Brien set up Louis Timmons, but his effort went was deflected wide. 

Ben O'Reilly then played a wide ball to Shane O'Brien who crossed first time for Aaron Englishby who was denied by the crossbar. 

Just after the half hour Craig Dempsey impeded Andy Tolan outside the OMP box and Michael Duke curled a beautiful ball into the back post where Wayne Smith volleyed Torro ahead. 

Just before the interval OMP United went close to levelling when Ryan Murphy's header went narrowly wide. 

OMP introduced Mickey Brennan for the second-half and after just five minutes as he went close from a Donal Callan with a well-placed header.

OMP put pressure on Torro's defence and were rewarded 25 minutes into the second half when Ryan Murphy's
quick throw gave Stephen Casey a chance to cross and Doyle finished.

Torro could have sat back, but they didn't, Evan Bird showed his determination to chase a ball down, win a tackle and fire a low shot that Jack Walsh saved. 

OMP took an 80th minute lead. Callan launched a free into the box and Shields attempted to punch it clear, but the ball bounced off  OMP's Richie Massey and into the path of unmarked Shaun Doyle who tapped home from close range - there might of been a hint of offside?

This seemed to frustrate the Torro players and seconds after the restart Andy Tolan saw a red card, apparently for dissent?

OMP substitute Wayne Cahill could have added to the lead when he waltzed through the Torro defence late on, but scuffed his shot.

OMP Utd
Jack Walsh, Joe Garvey, Josh Gaffney, Shaun Doyle, Craig Dempsey, Craig Dixon, Simon Dixon, Stephen Casey, Ryan Murphy, Donal Callan, Paul Cunningham. Subs - Richie Massey, Oisin McGuinness, Peter Cahill, Wayne Cahill, Mark Gardner, Michael Brennan, Josh McDermott

Torro Utd
Dan Shield, Ben O Reilly, Wayne Smith, Gerry Murray, Kevin Crowley, Michael Duke, Shane O Brien, Peader Farrelly, Louis Timmons, Andy Tolan, Aaron Englishby. Subs - Colm Tully, Will Gore, Colm Gilsenan, Evan Bird, Peter Carroll, Johnny Hand, Ciaran Lydon

Referee - Pat Henry.