Loran’s goal ensures vital three points for Town

CCFL Senior Division: Birr Town 0, Mullingar Town 1

CCFL Senior Division leaders Mullingar Town travelled to the home of the current champions Birr Town on Sunday and came away with what could prove to be a huge three points in the title race, as the D’Alton Park side made it eight wins from eight with a comfortable 0-1 win, thanks to a Jamie Loran goal.

Town started the faster of the two teams and in a completely dominant display they grinded out the victory.

After 22 minutes the high energy, high pressing game saw Jamie Loran steal the ball from a hesitant defender, and he made no mistake in smashing the ball home to make it 0-1 to the travelling team.

The rest of the first half played out with only one team in the game, as Mullingar Town pressed and tried to double their lead. But for some poor decision making in front of goal it would have been a far more comfortable win. 0-1 at half time.

The second half was as one-sided as the first, with the men in black and red completely dominant as they pushed forward for a second goal. Unfortunately, the security of a second goal never came, but Town restricted the home team to zero shots on target throughout as they all won their individual battles.

Each man that started and those who replaced the starters were all well drilled and knew their jobs, and they continuously pressed and harried Birr, who had no answer for the high tempo game which Mullingar Town are now accustomed to.

The visitors got their just rewards after 90 minutes as they left with a far more comfortable three points than the scoreline suggested.

The Mullingar club’s Eddie Rockets man of the match award went to Jamie Loran, who was excellent throughout and deserved the accolade.

It’s now a perfect start to the season for Mullingar Town with eight wins from eight in all competitions, as they push forward for all available honours this season.

Next up is a visit to Mountmellick in the FAI Junior Cup, a game in which the travelling party will feel confident of gaining a result.

Mullingar Town: Adrian Rapacki, David Mimnagh, Jason Charles, Paul Reid, Darragh Kiernan, Darren Keena, Sean Reid, David Dyer, Jamie Loran, Sam Watkins, Enda Morris. Subs used: Enda Matthews, Mark Hickey, Frank Kavanagh, Jack Hall, Alex McCormack. Not used: Michael Loran.