Johnstown 4
Square Utd 3
It was a case of 3rd time lucky as Johnstown finally got their first win of the 2016/17 season when they edged out Square United in an epic 7 goal thriller in the O’Neill’s Sportswear Division 1 on Thursday night at the MDL.
The hosts took the lead early on when Mark Grumley swung a trademark left footed free kick into the Square United box following a foul on Wayne Cahill. Such was the quality of the delivery, it was no surprise to those watching that when attempting to clear the danger, the Square defender could only head into his own net giving Johnstown the lead with less than 4 minutes played.
Despite playing most of the opening quarter without the ball, it was the men from Ardee who were sharper in the final third. A goal direct from a free 20 yards out saw them draw level, before on 21 minutes, they capitalised on some hesitant defending, finishing high over Mangan in Johnstown’s net.
Just before halftime, Johnstown had a chance to draw level. A fine move down the right, started by Mangan, saw a neat interchange between the front 2 before Ger Lynch crossed for Kacper Zeberek to shoot bringing a tremendous save from the Square net minder.
Mid way through the 2nd half, it was Johnstown’s turn to profit from some lax defending as Ger Lynch pounced on a loose ball in their area and fired his side back on level terms. Thus began a spell of 3 goals in 6 minutes.
Sean Challenger, more than living up to his name, robbed a Square defender on the edge of the area. He drove into the area before shooting high across the goal. Despite the keeper’s best efforts, he could not keep it out and Johnstown were back in front.
Within 2 minutes, the Louth side were level again. Awarded a corner, the referee spotted some pushing the area and pointed to the spot. Although he dived the right way, Mangan could not keep it out. Worse still, he picked up an injury, becoming the 3rd home player having to withdraw through injury after another lengthy stoppage.
With the match entered injury time, the host’s laid siege on the Square end. It is in the 12th of the allotted 14 minutes of injury time, that Kacper Zeberek got the finishing touch to another Grumley free kick, sending his teammates and supporters on the side line into raptures.
After the game, manager Iain Sheridan praised his team’s character, commitment, and never give up attitude that saw them over the finish line, taking the 3 points as full reward that their play deserved.
Johnstown FC Team: K. Mangan, J. Colton, J. Connolly, D. McQuillan (c), M. Grumley, P. Challenger, S. Conroy, W. Cahill, S. Challenger, G. Lynch, K. Zeberek
Subs: V. Murphy for P. Challenger, D. Bolland for Murphy, D. Byrne for Manga
