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.
