Champions get back on the wagon with important Tipperary Premier League victory

Clonmel Credit Union Premier League

PEAKE VILLA 3 CLONMEL CELTIC 0

After all the rain over the last few weeks, there was a break in the weather on Sunday morning for this league encounter, and the Peake Villa staff had the pitch in fine order for the game, which the home  needed to win after some poor results in recent weeks.

 The first half was a cagey affair, with both defences on top, limiting the chances to a few for both sides. Villa had the best opportunity  of the half when a Keith Cahill cross in front of the goal deceived everyone, but the ‘keeper managed to parry  it to keep his goal intact.

The second half was only a minute old when the home side took the lead. A great cross by Kieran Hennessy was met by the head of Ronan McGuire and his effort was unstoppable, finding the top corner of the net.

The Thurles outfit  completely took control after this, creating some good chances, but were unable to extend the lead. And they almost paid for their profligacy when Clonmel Celtic nearly found an equaliser in the 66th minute from the penalty spot, but the spot kick was well saved by David Purcell in the Villa goal to keep it at 1-0.

 That scare was enough to make the league champions kick on, and four minutes later a free kick into the area by Keith Cahill found the head of Evan McCormack, who sent it back across the box and Kieran Hennessy was first to react to score from close range, and give his side some breathing space at 2-0.

 They saw out the final 20 minutes comfortably enough and deep into injury time Ronan McGuire made a great run and found Kieran Hennessy, who made no mistake scoring his second of the day to ensure that  the points were stay