U15s Div 1 Johnstown 0-1 Slane

Johnstown returned to league action after their successful trip to Manchester with a home clash against league leaders Slane.

The home team knew that 3 points were a must and they started the game with real purpose. This early pressure pushed Slane back and they struggled to get a foothold in the game. Johnstown came close on a number of occasions. Firstly Mark Dowdall was unlucky not to score when he rounded the keeper but his effort was blocked by the Slane defender, Ciaran McCann followed up but he failed to keep his effort down and the ball clearer the crossbar.

Kennedy and Dowdall had efforts both from corners. McCann was the provider for both, Dowdall headed into the side netting at the back post and Kennedy failed to trouble the keeper who saved comfortably. Johnstown had the best chance of the half after a mix up in the Slane defence Dowdall reacted quickest and with the keeper out of position he lifted the ball over his head but the ball bounced just wide of the post.

Just before the break Chinchilla had an effort but he blazed over. Slane never really threatened and they were reduced to an effort from distance and a free kick which was comfortably saved by Murphy.

HT 0-0

The second half resumed in the same fashion with the home team taking the game to Slane. 10 mins into the second disaster struck for the home team. With their first real attack of the game, the Slane striker was put through down the channel after some poor defending from Gaffney, the Slane striker finished calmly past the advancing Murphy who tried to close the angle.

This gave the away team something to hold onto and they showed some good defensive qualities. Johnstown never troubled the Slane keeper but never gave up and kept searching for an equaliser. Football is a funny old game and Johnstown really should have been out of sight such was their dominance in the first half. Slane however showed why they are top of the league and with this result they are one step closer to the title.

Best for Johnstown were, Chinchilla, Junior, Cummins and Dowdall

Team: D. Murphy, A. Barry, A. Cummins, A. Barrett, P. Gaffney, A. Chinchilla, A. O’Connor, D. Finnegan, C. McCann, M. Dowdall, K. Odin
Subs; D. Clarke, C. Davies, L. McKeveer, A. McGovern, B. McCullagh, C. Leonard, G. Sheeran