Waterford 2-2 NT&DL
North Tipperary ended it’s long exile from inter county competitions with an excellent point away to the powerhouse of the Waterford Junior League. The long awaited game played in atrocious conditions was an extremely tight affair from the off. NTDL aided by a strong breeze controlled most of the possession and struggled to break through the stubborn home rearguard. NTDL kept piling on the pressure and Nenagh Celtics Eddie Shoer forced the home keeper into a fine save after hammering a long range goalbound shot from 25 yards. NTDL finally took a deserved lead on 32mins when Josh McCarthys corner was met by Emmett Moloney and Mikey Greed pounced on a loose ball to slot home from six yards. One up at the break NTDL knew conditions would favour the home team in the second half and despite starting brightly conceded an equaliser after just 3 minutes of the restart when Josh McCarthy was maybe unfairly dispossessed in midfield and a long punt forward found the Waterford striker who finished well to level the game. Tipp were stunned but responded in style when on 50 mins another McCarthy delivery had the home defence in.disarray and the confusion leading to a Waterford own goal. Tipp set about defending their precious lead and the home team literally threw caution to the wind. Wave after wave of attack was repelled by a resolute tipp defence marshalled by skipper Emmett Moloney. Just as it looked as if Tipp would hold out an 89th minute home corner was poorly defended and the home striker had the simplest of headers from all of a yard Heartbreaking for the plucky visitors but all in all the whole squad should be extremely proud of its performance. Outstanding displays from Dylan Kennedy, Emmet Moloney, Josh McCarthy and in particular Mikey Greed capped a memorable day for the league and we now look forward to two home games starting with Kilkenny on 22nd of November as we bid to qualify from the four team group. Special thanks to the Waterford Junior League for their excellent hospitality on the day.
Report by Dave Rooney