Johnstown 2 – Trim Town 2
Top of the table Johnstown welcomed unbeaten Trim Town to the NEFL complex on Wednesday night. An evenly matched game saw the teams share the spoils in an exciting Group B clash.
Having lost their unbeaten start to the season last week, Johnstown were keen to get back to winning ways and a bright start saw them almost take the lead in the opening 5 minutes.
James Kennedy, impressive in midfield throughout the game, played an excellent ball toward Marius Tekorius but it was knocked out for a corner. Ian Murphy took the set piece, crossing to the far post where it was met by Dave Grumley whose goal bound header was cleared off the line.
The action was not all one way traffic however, as soon after this chance the visitors created their own opportunity to opening the scoring. A perfectly weighted ball in from their left was met on the half volley and needed the alert Pat Hegarty to steer it low around the post.
The deadlock was broken just after the quarter hour. Ciaran Tansey found Tekorius inside the area. His quick feet and awareness allowed him to play in Josh Byrne. He took one touch to set himself before picking his spot and curling his first of the season into net.
This lead was to be short lived however. A quick throw by Trim on their right, caught Johnstown sleeping. The visitors delivered a cross to the far post where it was finished easily, leaving Hegarty with little chance.
The second half began with 2 goals in 2 minutes. First the visitors took the lead following a tricky run, leaving 2 Johnstown defenders on the ground before rolling the ball into the net.
Immediately after this set-back, Johnstown were on the attack. A heavy tackle on Murphy in the Trim area saw muted appeals for a penalty, but the referee awarded a corner instead. Once again, Murphy played it to the back post. A Johnstown head played back across the goal where it dropped invitingly for Tansey who hammered the equaliser into the roof of the net.
Johnstown could have retaken the lead about five minutes later. A long pass by Barry Sanfey was flicked on by Murphy. Shane Sheridan raced on to the ball, but his shot saved well by the Trim keeper.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Trim Town become increasingly dangerous in their attacking third. A deflected shot fell nicely for their forward, who found himself 1 on 1 with Hegarty. He looked favourite to score, until the Johnstown keeper saved with his feet.
Hegarty’s night was not finished there. In Injury time, a headed clearance fell short of safety. A Trim midfielder met the dropping ball sweetly. The first time volley was destined for the top corner, until Hegarty once again came to his side’s rescue, getting a strong hand up to the ball diverting the danger and preserving a hard earned point for Johnstown.
Johnstown FC Team: P. Hegarty, B. Sanfey, D. Grumley, J. O’Brien, C. Tansey, S. Sheridan, A. Burke, M. Tekorius, J. Kennedy, J. Byrne, I. Murphy.
Subs: D. McElroy, M. Berry, M. Coleman.
