Another step in the journey for these young men as they continue their quest for their first league title. This trip to Mastergeeha turned out to be a good test for Park as they had to find a solution to unlock the defence of the organised and determined home outfit.
The notes for this game read like it was a one v one for the majority of the contest. Niall Sertutxa for the Park vs. the outstanding young Mastergeeha keeper. Sertutxa had six different chances in the first half to put Park ahead but the crossbar, the keeper and a marginal offside kept the young Milltown man off the score sheet. Matt Lukco and Michael Slattery were others to test the keeper but as the teams departed for the half time break its safe to say Mastergeeha would have been the happier of the two sides.
Park were playing some fine soccer and remaining patient but sometimes doubt starts to creep in when chances aren’t being converted. Not with this team. Superb defending from Matt Lukco, Dan Goggin, Adam Ward, James Rusk and the outstanding Dylan Casey meant that Thomas Burke was never under pressure in the Park goals. Michael Slattery was beginning to torment the Mastergeeha defence and it was his free kick in the 23rd minute of the second half which Sean Carmody knocked down to Dylan Casey for the opening and only score of the game. A poacher’s finish from an excellent gamekeeper.
Casey then had a fine free kick parried by the keeper and the young Mastergeeha man was up bravely and quickly to save at the feet of the inrushing Sertutxa. Sertutxa had one final chance to kill off the game for the Park but a horrible bounce at the wrong time caused the ball to end up flying wide. It would gave been easy for Niall to get frustrated and throw the towel in when things weren’t going right for him but this man is made of sterner stuff. He continued to work hard for the team throughout, caused loads of problems for the Mastergeeha defence and never shirked the responsibility to take on a chance. He is on the cusp of bagging a hatful.
Great to see Ruairi O’Kelly back in action and making a very impressive return after a long injury layoff.
Overall a good game, plenty of good soccer and chances created from the Park but they will need to improve in front of goal.
Thanks a million to Inîgo, Helen, Fiona, Aidan and Paudie for driving. Your help is much appreciated.
We have been drawn away to Listowel Celtic in the cup and our three remaining fixtures in the league are away to Listowel Celtic and at home to Killarney Celtic and Tralee Dynamos.
Panel: Thomas Burke, James Rusk, Matt Lukco, Dylan Casey, Adam Ward, Dan Goggin, Sean Carmody, Michael O’Gara, Michael Slattery, Jakub Zlotocki, Niall Sertutxa, Raul Vnczel and Ruairi O’Kelly.
Gearoid, Kevin, Robin, Jake and Alfie were missing for a variety of reasons.
Report by P.Carmody
