Banner Flooring Clare Cup Rd 1
Bridge United A 3-1 Newmarket Celtic B

Bridge United A ensured their name would be in the hat for the next round after a good victory over Newmarket Celtic B.

The opening 15mins was, as expected, scrappy with both teams trying to wrestle control of possession. Tight, tetchy and competitive with neither team creating any chances of note.

The tie exploded in to life on 17mins when Brian Corry picked up a ball on the left, chopped back inside and whipped a stunning effort in to the far top corner much to the delight of the home crowd.

Newmarket's primary goal threat came in the shape of set pieces, and indeed when a corner kick wasn't properly cleared on 27mins, the ball was allowed to be recycled and crossed to Conor McCarthy who did well to finish from close range.

The game was decided in 6 second half minutes. 48mins on the clock and a wonderful pass found its way to Leon Kelly in the right, he allowed it to bounce and smashed home a volley to the roof of the net.

Just moments later, following an altercation, Martin Mulqueen was shown a straight red card and Newmarket's challenge faded thereafter.

With 20mins to go Leon Daly picked up a ball on the half way line and took off on a trademark run, beat a couple of defenders, taking the ball around the keeper and finishing powerfully to the net.

Kieran Quinlan had a 4th ball in the net 5mins later only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Bridge will be happy with a hard fought result and look forward to the next round. Next weekend they turn their attention to league action with a home game with Sporting Ennistymon.