Tam McLaughlin leads Oldtown to back-to-back titles

Tam McLaughlin admits that the late, late drama surrounding his Oldtown Celtic side’s 2-1 win over title rivals Kildrum Tigers wasn’t easy to sit through. 

The Oldtown boss initially seen his team fall behind when Kealan Gillen gifted Kildrum the lead. But the reigning champions battled back to draw level through Sean Cleary. 

It seemed like the Glencar Inn Saturday Division 1 title was destined to be decided by a play-off meeting. However, deep into added time Oldtown were presented with a huge opportunity to win it when Dessie McLaughlin pointed to the spot. 

Kevin McGrath kept his cool to roll home from 12 yards and, in the process, made sure his team was holding onto their title. 

“It was exciting but, at the same time, nerve wrecking,” a relieved McLaughlin said. “We had a gameplan and we stuck to it, even when we went one down. In the second-half we changed from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2. They scored just before we did that. 

“But the boys knew what we were expecting of them. And take nothing away from Kildrum - they were very good. They had chances as well to beat us. I hope they win the cup next week. It was just our day thankfully”.

On Oldtown’s ‘never say die’ attitude, the manager says it’s a trait his players have displayed all term. 

“It was tough going behind but I remember playing Glenea earlier on in the season and we were two down at half-time. We changed things around that day too and we went on to win 5-2. So our lads have that experience of knowing that falling behind isn’t the end of the world. 

“Really, it’s how you react. And the boys reacted once again in the right fashion. We kept going at them and if your luck is in it’s in. We got the penalty as well there at the end so the rub of the green was with us. 

“And honestly I didn’t see it so I don’t know if it was a penalty. But for these boys here they’ll enjoy the win”.