Town win the Clonmel derby to stay in pursuit of Tipperary Premier title

Clonmel Credit Union Premier League

Clonmel Celtic 0 – 5 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town maintained their title challenge with a big win at neighbours Clonmel Celtic on Sunday morning at the Bypass. Although Celtic will be disappointed with a big home defeat you have to credit Town who were simply too good on the day, as they continue to zone in on what they hope will be a first title winning season in over a decade.

The visitors started on the front foot and looked sharp in the early stages, but despite having little to play for Celtic gradually settled into the game and matched their rival’s intensity for the first half hour. Indeed, the hosts came closest to scoring when Darren Sweeney was freed following a good move but his shot was well saved by the away keeper.

The league leaders finally hit the front in the thirty third minute when Stephen Kelly powered home a header from a corner, and the watching crowd felt that after going behind, Celtic needed to hold on until half time and hopefully regroup.

But they were denied that opportunity when Town got a crucial second just before the break, with Jamie Ahearne sweeping home a fine effort from just outside the box.

The game was effectively over four minutes into the second half when Ashley Lasslett struck a brilliant effort from an acute angle to the top corner to put his side in complete control. The home side visibly wilted and faded and with 15 minutes to the end Stephen Kelly got his second from close range, before Alan O’Donnell scored a free kick with the final shot of the game, to see the visitors run out convincing winners.