A fine performance from our lads saw them go back to the top of the table with a good win over a strong Listowel Celtic side.
Listowel were missing some important players and were unlucky to end up losing by four but there was no questioning the quality of the Park performance.
Park started well and some of the passing and movement was a joy to watch. Michael O’Gara was playing superbly on the right wing while on the opposite side Dan Goggin was causing Celtic plenty of problems. Although Park pretty much owned the ball for the first 15 minutes they just couldn’t make it count and Listowel were looking dangerous on the break. However after forcing their third corner in the 18th minute James Rusk delivered a superb cross to the head of Seán Carmody for the opener.
Listowel continued to work hard but the Park back four were outstanding and Michael Slattery was having a fine game along side Seán Carmody in the middle. Upfront the hardworking duo of Robin McCarthy and Niall Sertutxa were pressing for scores but just couldn’t get that second goal. Right on the stroke of half time it came. Sean Carmody put an unstoppable left foot drive past the Listowel keeper from the edge of the box following excellent work by Dan Goggin and Niall Sertutxa. Two nil at half time was probably a fair reflection of how the game had gone.
Niall Sertutxa more or less put the game to bed with a fine goal two minutes into the second half. Great build up play from Dylan Casey, Adam Ward and Dan Goggin set Michael Slattery free on the left wing and his fine cross was finished off by the inrushing Sertutxa. Listowel to their credit never gave up but they were caught on the break when Adam Ward cleared a cross to Dan Goggin who in turn fed Robin McCarthy. McCarthy in his first game for some time showed outstanding footwork to set up Niall Sertutxa for his second and Park’s fourth. Dylan Casey had an earlier score unluckily ruled out side this score was deserved.
Thomas Burke made a fine debut in goals and handled anything that came his way with confidence and assurance which was just as well as Celtic really pressed hard for a score in the final quarter. Matt Lukco’s head repeatedly repelled Listowel corners during that spell in what was his best game of the year to date. Raul Vnczel, Gearoid Fitzgerald and Jake Deering all came on and did well. An impressive performance but a long way to go yet in this league.
Panel, Thomas Burke, James Rusk, Matt Lukco, Dylan Casey, Adam Ward, Seán Carmody, Michael O’Gara, Michael Slattery, Dan Goggin, Robin McCarthy, Niall Sertutxa, Raul Vnczel, Jake Deering and Gearoid Fitzgerald. Kevin and Jakub were missing.
Training Tuesday night at 7.40pm
Thanks to Liam Goggin for his help and to our supporters who braved the elements.
Report by P.Carmody
