Author: Jonathan Purvis

Over 35s 15-16
by Jonathan Purvis

Johnstown Progress as Doolargey Do Little

Johnstown 3 Doolargey All-Stars 1

Looking resplendent in their new kit, proudly sponsored by The Old Bridge Inn, Kilcarne, Johnstown Over 35s kicked off their cup campaign with a fine 3-1 win over Dundalk side Doolargey All-Stars at the NEFL complex on Thursday evening.

It was third time lucky for James Kennedy, who’d gone close to opening the scoring twice earlier in the half, as his first time volley from the edge of the area broke the deadlock just shy of the half hour. Marius Tekorius playing on the left, cut into the area only to see his effort saving by the legs of the keeper. The ball rebounded high out to the awaiting Kennedy who dispatched his shot into net despite the presence of a number of covering defenders.

2 minutes later and Kennedy looked to turn provider as he played Peter Dempsey in on goal. Unfortunately for Johnstown, he could not find the target and could only look on as his shot rolled narrowly wide of the far past.

Dempsey did not have to wait long to make amends. Tekorius, again a danger on the left, advanced into the area where he laid the ball across the box to Dempsey. With the keeper coming out, Dempsey looked up and with an exquisite chip doubled Johnstown’s lead.

In the final minute of the half, Dave Grumley hit another trademark 50 yard pass up to Dempsey who showed good pace to run clear. As the keeper narrowed the angle, Dempsey chipped him again, a near carbon copy of his goal, only to see his effort drop wide.

Doolargey came out for the second half full of renewed vigour, knowing they had to attack Johnstown from the off to try and get back into this cup tie. Within 10 minutes, they had halved the deficit.

Some quick passing and good movement saw a forward find space at the back post. Doolargey found him with a well weighted pass, where after one touch he was able to slot the ball past Hegarty in the home side’s net.

Mid way through the half, Johnstown had a great opportunity to restore their 2 goal lead. Barry Halpin, now freed from his defensive duties, broke from midfield like a man half his age before playing in Alan Burke. Burke’s initial effort was well saved as he had just rounded the keeper. The ball ended up back at the Johnstown man’s feet. Burke played it on to Dempsey, but with the goal at his mercy, Johnstown’s top scorer could only pull his shot wide.

With the tie entering its final minutes, the visitors from Dundalk probed for an equaliser. As they attempted to build from the back, the alert Dempsey latched on to a misplaced pass. He ran into the area, rounded the keeper and made no mistake as he netted his second, Johnstown’s third, making the game safe, with the final kick of the game.

Johnstown FC Team: P. Hegarty, B. Sanfey, B. Halpin, D. Grumley, R. McGrath, M. Tekorius, J. Kennedy, S. Sheridan, T. Greene, A. Burke, P. Dempsey.
Subs: D. Byrne, J. Byrne, M. Berry, M. Coleman, D. Conway.

Over 35s 15-16
by Jonathan Purvis

Preston’s Men Press On

Preston’s Men Press On

For the second week running, Johnstown emerged from a Navan derby with all 3 points but by the slenderest of margins. A second half strike from Ian Murphy, was enough to overcome stern opposition from Parkvilla on Wednesday evening.

The opening stages saw little between the teams as both sides retained possession without causing any trouble for their opponents.

Midway through the first half, Parkvilla created their best opportunity to open the scoring. A smartly taken corner, driven low into the box, was met by an attacker on the run. His first time shot from close to the penalty spot flew narrowly wide of Tekoris’ goal.

A moment of indecision in the Johnstown defence, gifted the ball to Parkvilla on the half hour. With the forward racing through, looking favourite to score, the peerless Dave Grumley came to the hosts rescue with a fantastic last ditch tackle.

With halftime looming ever closer, Johnstown began to create chances with some regularity. A through-ball from Peter Dempsey set up Ian Murphy but his first shot having come on as a sub, was charged away. Next, in first half injury time, Dempsey tried his luck from the edge of the box only to watch as the Parkvilla keeper saved well.

The visitors certainly had the better of the first half but Johnstown started to exert more pressure and control right from the off in the second half. Dempsey once again tried his luck from range with a first time volley that disappointed following his initial touch over the head of his marker.

Just a couple of minutes later, Shane Sheridan, playing on the left wing, saw an opportunity to catch the keeper unawares. His shot from about 25 yards out was looping into the far top corner, looked certain to open the scoring, until the Parkvilla custodian recovered and got a strong outstretched hand up to divert the ball to safety.

It was to prove to be 3rd time lucky for Johnstown during this spell of almost constant pressure. Rory McGrath launched a long free kick from deep. Peter Dempsey, a constant thorn in Parkvilla’s side, rose highest to win the aerial battle. Having anticipated where the ball would drop, Murphy was perfectly placed to volley the ball home giving Johnstown the lead.

From then on there were few chances of note for either side until late on when the visitors looked to have equalised. Parkvilla, enjoying the lion’s share of the ball in the closing stages, crossed from deep. The forward’s header powered passed Tekoris but thundered back off the cross-bar and away.

Having survived that late scare, the final whistle was a welcome relief to Johnstown, as they made it 4 wins from 4 and perhaps of equal importance it signalled a 3rd successive clean sheet for Garry Preston’s side.

Next week, Johnstown face the trip to Slane Wanderers, hoping to keep their 100% start intact.

Johnstown FC Team: M. Tekoris, M. Coleman, D. Grumley, B. Halpin, G. Merrigan, K. O’Connell, A. Burke, R. McGrath, S. Sheridan, J. Kennedy, P. Dempsey.
Subs: P. Dandy, I. Murphy, D. Conway, B. Sanfey, D. McElroy.

U12 2013-2014
by Jonathan Purvis

Under 12s v Kentstown Match Report

Johnstown continued there winning ways from midweek with a tough game against kentstown.

 

The candy stripes went into an early lead through the pacey Fionn Kennedy who broke fast on the break to hammer home the first.  Rhys Connolly hit the second from inside the box.  After a knock down when Rhys calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.
Kentstown seemed to be on the ropes especially the threat of electric Adam Quinn and Herdy down the left but Kentstown got two quick goals to level 2-2.  This it stayed for most part of the first half with both sides on top form ,Kentstown with their dangerous no 8 and Johnstown with their explosive pace.  Twelve minutes from half time the kentstown box was under attack when they had thought they cleared their lines when a loose ball fell into the path of Walshie who clinically despatched the third.

 

3-2 it stayed but not without some nervy moments.  When Kentstown attacked in numbers between Troy, Evo, Jacko, Shaun and Adam Johnstown were in good hands and worked well to hold on to our slender lead, Which they did.
Good hard fought win well done lads.

by Jonathan Purvis

Well Done Max

The NECSL have just announced their Galway cup squad and we are delighted to see that our Under 13s keeper Max has been chosen to represent the region on the squad and will play the Galway cup latter on in the year.

 

From all of us in the Club we would like to say Congratulations Max

 

 

Under 10 Girls
by Jonathan Purvis

Johnstown FC Girls

Building on our success this year of our first all girls team we are expanding.  Starting on Wednesday April 8th we will have training  in the MDL, running for 6 weeks.  For Under  14’s we train from 7-8pm and for under 17’s we train  8-9pm

All Welcome

U13 -2014-2105
by Jonathan Purvis

U13 Match Report v Parkceltic Summerhill

U13 Premier League

Johnstown FC – 2 Park Celtic Summerhill – 1
A great win for the lads today coming up against a team that beat us well earlier in the season.  From the off we were much the better side, threatening Summerhills defence with our attacks. We deservedly took the lead when a brilliant run and through ball from Nauris Vilnis set up Ronan Maxwell who finished well.
We then unfortunately went away from our good play at the start and began to make a few mistakes that gave Summerhill a bit of confidence. They eventually equalized from one of their chances leaving the score at 1-1 at halftime.
We started the second half very well and pushed Summerhill right back into their own box again where we had a number of sights at goal. A few changes and some fresh legs made a big difference for us. It was one of these changes that gave us the lead after some good interplay by Ryan Kelly and Euan Burton a great through ball by Ryan ended with Daniel Gorman putting us in front again.
Summerhill piled forward for the last few minutes and some great defensive work and saves gave us what was a deserved win.
Great spirit and attitude from the whole team again. Well done lads.
Team : M. Demendecki, D. Lee, R. Dambal, A. McQuillan, K. O’Hara, L. Duffy, C. Dooley, R. Kelly, B. Taylor, N. Vilnis, R. Maxwell
Subs : V. Suchan, K. McMenemy, D. Gorman, E. Burton, O. Mooney, C. Byrne, L. Purvis
by Jonathan Purvis

U12s Match Report V Parkvilla

Parkvilla 3  Johnstown 2.
The sun was out the crowds were out but alas jJohnstown luck was out.  Instead it looked like lady luck shined on Parkvilla for this CRUNCH league game for both teams.
The home team started the goal tally from a free kick outside the box a high ball over the top bounced off the post and off the back of troy in for a bizarre goal.  The johnstown midfield rallied with Ciaran Vaughan pulling the strings to earn johnstown a free kick with Ciaran gladly obliging 1-1.  Parkvilla pressed and it was all hands on deck for the Johnstown team eventually Parkvilla pounced with a good goal outside the box.  This buoyed the home team on more, but to Johnstown credit they don’t do LYING down.  Herdy on the left side latched on to a bounce ball to drive home at close range for johnstown 2-2.  In fact herdy was a constant threat on the left and nearly broke through on a couple of occasions.
Jacko and Evo at the back repelled attacks time and time again.  2-2 it seemed to stay for a long time, with the watching crowed gasping at every kick and tackle.   Johnstown in fairness didn’t play their best football today it wasn’t the one that got them to the top of this hard division.  But they dug deep in the bright sunshine to stretch every sinue they had and it was a shame to be dealt such a bad luck of play for villas 3rd goal.  If the gods were fair a draw was probably right for both teams efforts..
Not quite over yet though!!
Would love a 2nd opportunity to play Parkvilla. MAYBE THOSE GOD’S WILL EVEN IT UP FOR US!!
Well done johnstown you did proud and not forgetting winning promotion to premier division.
And thanks for the travelling support.
BEST FOR JOHNSTOWN
C Vaughan and C Herdman.

U12 2013-2014
by Jonathan Purvis

Good Luck Under 12s

Best of luck tomorrow to our Under 12s in tomorrows league game.  A win tomorrow will leave them top of the table in their league and no one will be able to catch them.  If you around tomorrow the boys are playing in Parkvilla at 10am.  It would be great to get as much support out as possible to cheer them on.

GO ON THE TOWN #JFC