Park U-15As played their first league game of the season, away to Killarney Celtic on Monday 29th September.
From the kick off Park imposed themselves on the game and were unlucky not to score early on when a fine effort from Michael Slattery came back off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Park were very dominant in midfield in the early exchanges and chances were presenting themselves. Thomas Burke, Michael Slattery and Sean Carmody all went close before Park finally opened their account in the 12th minute. Michael Slattery crossed from the left and when the Killarney keeper failed to deal with the cross Michael O’Gara was on hand to force the ball over the line by the smallest of margins.
Park pressed time after time and with their defence proving very capable in dealing with the Celtic attack another goal looked inevitable. Poor decision making from the Park lads and some stout defending from the Killarney defence meant that the goal didn’t come until the 34th minute. Again it was that man Michael Slattery on the end of a Sean Carmody through ball. This time his finish was emphatic and he gave the Killarney custodian no chance. 2-0 up at half time but it as should have been more.
A few early chances went a begging for Park early in the second half but due to tiring legs Killarney Celtic began to get a foothold on the game. Our defence, which hadn’t been overly tested in the first half were now called into action in a serious way. Michéal Devlin from Celtic was getting more and more of the ball on the right wing and the contest between him and Adam Ward from the Park turned into a great duel. Devlin’s pace certainly caused Park problems but Ward’s doggedness and determination was outstanding and he was instrumental in ensuring clear shots at goal were few and far between.
Gearoid Fitzgerald continued to show why he is one of Kerry’s up and coming goalkeeping stars with some timely interventions and superb handling. As Killarney threw everything at Park, James Rusk, Dylan Casey, Matt Lukco, Sean Carmody,Kevin Browne, Michael O’Gara and substitute Ruairi O’Kelly were working their socks off to ensure that while Celtic had the majority of possession they had very few clear chances on goals. Park had a number of chances on the break which they failed to convert but one could put this down to first game rustiness. Robin McCarthy replaced the hard working Niall Sertutxa and with a little bit more match practice he would surely have converted on a number of occasions. Dan Goggin made his competitive debut for Park and for a young man who was still recovering from a chest infection he had a superb 15 minute cameo. John Ward and Jake Deering made late appearances on the field and in the 80th minute the 3rd goal finally came. It was somewhat fortuitous for the Park. A long ball from Matt Lukco forced a mix up between the Killarney keeper and his defence and this ended up with one of the Killarney lads putting the ball into his own net.
A good, if understandably rusty, start to the season for our lads. The effort put in by all the players was outstanding and if they keep training hard there is no reason why this cannot be a successful season. There is some excellent competition for places, Raul Venzel was an unused substitute due to a knee injury, and there are a number of other players who could still force their way into the squad. We also have the experienced Paudie Barrett now back in the fold and offering his words of wisdom on the sideline which is a great support to everyone.
Many thanks to the parents who drove to Killarney and to those who offered to do so. Your help is greatly appreciated by the team and management.
We will have a challenge game or training on Sunday next as we have a bye in the first round of the National Cup. We play the winners of the Aisling Annacotty vs Tralee Dynamos tie.
We want all tickets for the FAI draw returned this weekend. Please make a special effort to sell your allocation as this will help kick start the club’s drive for a full size all-weather pitch to rival the facilities we played on on Monday night. Thank you to those who have already returned theirs.
Report by P.Carmody
