Leinster Senior League, Division 2 Saturday
Manager Brian Gilmartin sent his troops out with a new formation playing three central defenders, thus allowing more soidity in midfield. With this new system, the home side enjoyed heavy spells of possession in the first half and managed to construct wave after wave of promising attacks. With this dominance in possession, it was somewhat suprising that it took the Clondalkin men until the 40th minute before managing to open the scoring. It was Stephen McGibney, who had already spurned a number of guilt-edged chances, who rose highest to meet a Jason Carey corner and head home from close range to break the deadlock
Two minutes later, the home side had doubled their lead when Carey's speculative cross looped over the hapless Ballyouster goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Afterwards, Carey claimed he had purposely meant to lob the keeper -though it is probable that not all present in the Clondalkin Community Centre would have agreed with this assessment.
A 2-0 lead at half time, however; seemed just reward for the 'Wheelers' efforts in the opening 45..
Ballyouster began the second period with a new sense of purpose, which grew as the 'inevitable' rustiness began to show in some of the home side's defending. After a series of scuppered clearances, Ballyouster's lively forward Mark Keenan found himself in posession 12 yards in front of goal, where he duly dispatched a right footed shot past the sizeable frame of Paul Egan. This made it 2-1 with much of the seconh half remaining. Despite the renewed confidence and increased endeavor shown by the Celbridge outfit during the closing stages, this was where the scoring ended, leaving the home side to hang on for victory. The three points will come as a welcome boost to title chasing Freewheelers who have recorded wins in all but one of their matches played in Clondalkin so far this season..
Telia for Stephen Murphy
Subs Not Used:
Darz.
Seanie (who fucked off)