The Park lads found themselves into the 3rd round of the SFAI Cup without kicking a ball after a bye in 1st round and getting a disappointing walkover from Askeaton in the 2nd round.
So the Park team were fired up last Saturday away to Annacotty B in Limerick and determined to begin their campaign strongly and that they did in emphatic style, hitting 10 past a game homeside.
The lads started poorly unable to get their pass and move game up and running on the other hand the homeside were truly up for it, pressing on the park lads in all areas and were rewarded for their efforts on the 3 min mark with a fine strike from their striker latching onto a cross in from the right wing, 1-0.
This was a wake up call to the Park lads and they slowly started to come into the game particularly in midfield with Junior, Colin and Leo linking up well with both wingers Liam and Nathan, and 7 mins in they were level 1-1 with a tap in from nathan coming in at the back post., by the 15 min the park were well on top after 2 strikes from Sean up front 1-3, Just before half time Junior brought out a great save from the home keeper but kept his composure to slot home the rebound and fine passing move finished clinically by Sean for his hatrick made it 1-5 at the break.
The second half continued on as the first with the park dominating all sectors and getting firmly on top in the defence with Annacotty’s main striker being marshalled superbly. 7 mins into the half and Sean hit his fourth with Darragh M hitting his 1st of the season with a never say die follow up on a corner kick which was spilled by the keeper. Annacotty hit back from a set piece but when Mervin came on for Sean up front he hit 2 in quick succession to make it 2-9, with Leo finishing off the goal scoring with 5 mins to go to make it 2-10 to the Park, a resounding scoreline biut to be fair to the opposition for remaining game throughout the 70 mins and should be commended for not giving up despite the scoreline.
The Park Management Team and squad would like to thank Annacotty 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, Junior, Nathan, Leo, John C, Dara H
Man of the Match: Colin Walsh – 100% work rate from start to finish battled superbly in central midfield with creative distribution, with four assists,
Squad on the Day: Gavin Doody, Jack Kirby, Nick Izehi, Junior Ankomah, Colin Walsh, Mervyn Shalemba, Nathan Gleeson, Liam Tobin, Sean McGrath, Tide Osinubi, Cian Purcell, Leo Gaxhia, Darra Heim, Darragh Moriarty Terrence Carmody, John Carmody, Rhys Keane.
Reminder: New Training times Mon 6.45 – 8 pm and Thurs 7.15 – 8.30 pm. We have an important challenge game coming up at home to Ashling Annacotty A team so if the squad is to further improve all players need to attend all training sessions!!
Match Report by Padraig Killeen .
