We have post-match reaction from Sunday’s ten-goal thriller in Division 1 between Mill Celtic and Dolmen Celtic, and Harry previews the big top-of-the-table clash in the Premier Division between St. Pat’s and New Oak.
The final game of 2024 in the Carlow District League promises to be a nail-biter as first-place New Oak Boys take on second-place St. Patrick’s Boys tonight at The Meadows, Graiguecullen. With only two points separating the sides,.
For New Oak, it’s more than just another game. Last season’s heartbreak still lingers after a dramatic one-all draw with St. Patrick’s Boys on the final day cost them their fifth consecutive league title. Crettyard United seized the trophy by a solitary point, with Dinny Farrell’s late equalizer for St. Pat’s proving decisive.
Ahead of tonight’s showdown, New Oak assistant manager Eddie Shaw spoke to the KCLR Carlow Soccer Podcast, reflecting on last year’s disappointment and the challenge of being the team everyone wants to beat:
“Everyone is up for the New Oak game. The other nine teams in it, everyone wants New Oak’s scalp. But I mean, it shouldn’t be like that. Last year, Pat’s drew with us one-all, and it sort of cost us the league. They were celebrating like they won the league. I turned around and said to myself after the game, why don’t you play like that every week?”
New Oak will be keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s drama, knowing a win tonight will cement their place at the top heading into 2025. Meanwhile, St. Patrick’s Boys have their own ambitions and will be looking to close the gap with a victory on home turf.
Kick-off is at 8:00 PM.
