Superb performance by the lads today to overcome a technically good Camp side in the 1st round of the Kerry Cup through tough conditions at the IT tralee this morning.
1st Half
The Park lads started confidently and dominated play through all sectors of the field, passing and moving the ball well but we were unable to create any clear cut chances in the final third. Our defence played reasonably solid and dealt well with any threat posed by the oppositions attack. But 15mins in camp caught us out on the counterattack a super ball over the top to find their pacey centre forward, our keeper Gavin done everything right, closing down the angle quickly but a curling ball over the head of the Gavin hit the net.1 nil down after dominating the play, still though we kept our shape and battled to get back on level terms.
2nd Half
A good team talk at the break and with the wind at our backs the Park lads started the half with a greater purpose, Nathan came on for Elliot who was injured and with a few tactical switches we started to provide good quality ball to the front men. With Camp pinned in their own half it was only a matter of time before we broke through their defence. 5 mins into the half a nice 1: 2 move from Liam and Conor let Liam in on goal and with a fine strike we were back on level terms. The park lads were starting to create some good chances with junior dominating play in the middle of the park.Colin came on for Andrew & Mervyn for Eoin and with a few more switches we began to dominate in the middle and final thirds, Mervyn was delivering penetrating corner kicks and was unlucky not to score direct with the keeper parring the ball to the oncoming Colin who smashed to the net 2-1 up and the park lads with their tails up were now ruthless up front and in the next 5 min period closed the game out with two fine strikes the 1st from Mervyn from a fine pass through the channel from Junior, taking the ball on his left and flicking to his right leg he duely fired into the top corner, the 2nd was the goal off the day with a string of passes started from cian at left back thru junior in the middle to Nthan on right wing on to Conor who riffled the ball across the keeper into the left corner, 4- 1 up and with seconds on the clock Mervyn completed his brace with an identical goal to his first, 5-1 on the final whistle.
A good overall squad performance where every player played to the best of their ability and gave 100% particularly in the 2nd half.
Players of Note: Mervyn,Greg, Conor,Eoin, Tide, Andrew,Darragh
Man of the Match: Junior with superb distribution in the middle of the park, spraying the ball left and right with precision, ferocity in defensive play. A performance the great “Roy Keane” would be proud of.
Squad on the Day: Gavin Doody, Cian Purcell, Darragh Moriarty, Andrew Sucaci, Junior Ankomah, Elliot Lynch, Greg Scanlon, Colin Walsh, Tide Osinubi,Mervyn Shalemba, Conor o Sullivan, Eoin higgins, Nathan Gleeson, Liam Tobin.
Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Rhys Keane and Devon Burns looking forward to their return soon!!
Note: Training continues Wednesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm and Fridays 5 – 6pm
