Johnstown FC Senior side opened their pre-season schedule with a resounding 4-0 defeat of Kentstown Rovers in Village Park on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Shane Conroy, Steven Brazil, Denis Kinlan and Jonathan Ford were enough to give the mostly reserve side the victory on a pitch that allowed for some good football by both Meath outfits.

First Half Action

The game opened with both teams trying to keep the ball on the deck while teasing the respective defences. It was 12 minutes before the opening opportunity. Good play from both Johnstown’s Conroy and Patrick Warren ended with Josh Gaffney’s shot bringing a fine save from the Rover’s number one.

Conroy almost broke the deadlock on 15 minutes after excellent defensive work from Ford. A smart ball into the Kentstown half from Ford was brilliantly chased down by Brazil whose cross into the box flashed just wide from Conroy.

Johnstown had the lead just two minutes later. Conroy made no mistake from the spot after man of the match Brazil was pulled down when through on goal. Warren and Boland were both involved in the build-up.

There were further chances for Andrew Moran, Warren, John Moran and a fine save from Darragh Kenny in the Johner goal before an unfortunate injury to left fullback Gaffney led to a break in the game. The club wishes Josh a full recovery. He was having a fine match.

Second Half Action

When the game resumed, with both teams feeling the cold, it had opened up and Johnstown was the team to take advantage.

Both sides had chances in the next 10 minutes. Brazil again tried his luck from distance before Kenstown’s busy number 16 tested Keegan in Johnstown’s goal with a shot from just outside the 18-yard box.

Brazil doubled the lead five minutes later, racing onto an excellent ball from his half from John Forde. The young number 7 still had plenty of work to do but calmly slotted the ball between the Kentstown keeper’s legs who had tried to close the distance.

As both teams rolled on the replacements and chances were starting to open up, it was Johner’s very own player-coach, Kinlan, who added the next goal and the third of the game. Another fine ball from John Forde left Kinlan in space behind the Kentstown back four. The midfielder spectacularly lobbed the keeper from 20-odd yards.

The Finglas man had the chance to double his tally just a few moments later but the Kentstown keeper was not going to be beaten by a second lob in as many minutes and calmly collected Kinlan’s attempted lob. A lesson from the coach to the lads…just tap it in!

Just before full-time centre half, Forde, at this stage playing in a much more forward position, wrapped up the victory for the visitors with a trademark rasping effort from distance that smashed into the roof of the net.

Well played to both teams! Not a bad game of football considering the time of year. Thanks to the Kentstown FC team and staff for their hospitality and we wish you the best in the coming season.

Johnstown FC (Ratings out of 10)

Darragh Keegan (7), James Finnegan (7), Josh Gaffney (7), Jonathan Forde (8), Andrew Moran (7), Steven Brazil (9), John Moran (8), Dylan Bollard (7), Shane Conroy (7), Patrick Warren (7).

Substitutes: Denis Kinlan (7), Michael Folan (7), Cormac Walsh (7), Scott Taylor (7), Kikki Dooley (7).

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