PREMIER LEAGUE: Newport 1 Aisling Annacotty 3 AISLING Annacotty created their own history on Saturday evening when for the first time, the Club won the Premier League following a 3-1 win over Newport at the Co Tipperary venue. Needing three points to be crowned champions, Aisling did it the hard way after conceding a first half goal to the home side. Blessed not to concede a second before half-time, Aisling took full advantage of the let-off to grab a late first half equaliser.

That took the pressure off and a more controlled second half performance saw them push on to take the spoils. Credit to Newport who rightly put up a stern challenge and made John Lysaght’s men earn their win. It’s a remarkable victory for Aisling.

After a little wobble in late October/November, they bounced back in style to win twelve consecutive games to claim the throne. Not surprisingly, with so much at stake, Aisling started rather nervy but they did create the best early chances. Paul Brennan saw a volley whizz just wide, while Leon Daly fired into the side netting and Adam Foley went close with a couple of efforts.

The pace of Newport’s Jay Ryan was causing Aisling trouble and it was from this source they took the lead when Ryan played Brian O'Sullivan through to fire in from 20 yards. While the leaders didn’t panic, they had Josh Coady to thank for keeping it at 1-0 when he made a double save from Ryan at close range. Just before the break, a good run by Raid Mouras saw him play the ball.