This Park Squad were determined to reach the open draw stages for the second year running as they battled against a physical Shelbourne side in Limerick yesterday, both sides had to battle against tough weather conditions also. The park lads proved too strong in the end hitting 9 goals to reach the last 32 in fine style.
The park found themselves 1-0 down after a uncharacteristic miss kick by Jack to allow the big No 11 in on goal to tap home to an empty net.The park started to get on top and created some good chances from Sean and Liam but it was Mervin who struck first on the 7th min from a lay off from Sean to level the match 1-1, Sean struck 2 mins later and within 17 mins had completed his hatrick to make it 1- 4, The goal of the day came on the 23rd min from the midfield when junior hit Liam on the wing with a pinpoint pass, Liam played a nice one two with Sean and slid the ball across goal to Colin who drew the ball past the keeper 1-5, The park lads continued to create chances thru Liam, Sean, john and Sean but it remained 1-5 at the break.
The 2nd half and the Park continued to pile on the pressure on the Shelbourne defence and pinned them back in their own half with the aid of a strong wind. Mervin hit the post and smacked the cross bar but it was John C on the 10 min mark that got the 1st goal of the half coming in from the middle , smashing the ball to the top corner, 1-6 as the home side heads started to go down the park lads continued to press home their advantage and Mervin hit his 2nd 15 mins in 1-7, Terrence C hit a fine strike mins later from a long run on the right side of midfield to whip the ball across the keeper to the left corner, Kevin completed the scoring with a fine strike to the corner from just outside the box. 1-9 as the final whistle blew.
A great overall squad performance, a massive achievement for this squad reaching the last 32 for the second year running Well Done Lads!!
The Park Management Team and squad would like to thank Shelbourne Coaches, supporters and club members for a sporting game and their hospitality providing a fine spread at the end of the game.
Players of Note: Sean, Kevin, Nick I, Leo, Terrence C, Dara H
Man of the Match: Junior Ankomah– controlled the midfield sector, with precision passing which create a lot of the teams scores on the day
Squad on the Day: Gavin Doody, Jack Kirby, Nick Izehi, Junior Ankomah, Colin Walsh, Mervyn Shalemba, Liam Tobin, Sean McGrath, Tide Osinubi, Cian Purcell, Leo Gaxhia, Darra Heim, Terrence Carmody, John Carmody, Kevin Goulding.
Reminder: New Training times Mon 6.45 – 8 pm and Thurs 7.15 – 8.30 pm. We have important tough league games coming up over the next few weeks so if the squad is to further improve all players need to attend all training sessions!!
Match Report by Padraig Killeen .
