Both teams started brightly, exchanging corners which resulted in half chances to open the scoring. Cosmos should have taken the lead within 5 minutes when their striker was clean through only to be stopped by Johnstown’s number 1, Pat Hegarty.

1 – 0
The game then exploded into life on the 12th minute, a simple ball into Peter Dempsey was converted into the first goal on the night. Dempsey who was already having one of his best performances for the 35s, showed some neat control, made some space then smashed the ball from 25 yards into the top left corner of the Cosmos net. Dempsey should have doubled the lead 5 minutes later…he beat the offside trap but couldn’t get past the Cosmos keeper who was having a fine match.2 – 0
We didn’t have to wait long for the second to arrive, Jon Callaghan making his debut for Johnstown, played an excellent through ball, which was read by Rory McGrath, he then made no mistake by slotting the ball into past the on rushing keeper.

2 – 1
Johnstown then undid their good work by giving away a soft penalty, Hegarty did his best, diving the right way, but the penalty was well struck into the bottom left corner.

3 – 1
The third and final goal on the night was dispatched from 30 yards, not as spectacular as the opener but just as important. Ciaran Croke also making his debut for the 35s received the ball in midfield and had a speculative shot, it spun off the back of a Cosmos defender and looped over the stranded keeper.

The second half was a lot calmer affair, Cosmos should have closed the gap halfway through only for an outstanding save from another debutante Fergal Beirne. The ball was arrowed for the net, but Beirne who was going the other direction, somehow managed to get a strong hand and deflect it over.

Johnstown could have also added another couple of goals, but overall the team played well, controlled the match and can now look forward to the rest of the season.

•••

Next training session is planned for 8pm Monday 23rd May.
Next fixture is provisionally scheduled for next Wednesday evening @ 7:30 vs OMP.
Over 35s would like to thank the continued support from their sponsers:
The Old Bridge Inn , Willows, Navan, Ireland.