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.

Seniors 1st Team
by Julian Lee

Fitzsimon Cup Final Preview

Johnstown return to the final of the Fitzsimon Cup for the first time since winning this competition following their 2-1 victory over Kingscourt Harps in 2011, a season which also saw them lift the Division 3 title.

Johnstown’s opening tie was against Kilmessan, with the home side prevailing in a comfortable 4-0 win thanks to goals from Peter Dempsey, Arnold Ruksenas, and a brace from Lee Fahy.

Next up, was Dunshaughlin Youths. Following the abandonment of the 1st tie due to a severe snow shower, the game was refixed for the NEFL complex in March. Johnstown needed extra time to see off the challenge from Dunshaughlin, eventually running out 3-2 winners thanks to a hat trick from top scorer Ruksenas.

The quarter finals saw the visit of Trim Town to the complex last week. Another hotly contested encounter between these two sides saw Johnstown emerge victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to goals from Arnold Ruksenas and a brace from Shane Conroy.

On Sunday, only Rossin Rovers stood between Johnstown & the final. A tight game saw Johnstown edge through 2-1 thanks to goals from Lee Fahy & Shane Conroy with the winner.

In Friday’s final await Athboy Celtic. The division 2 champions will hold no fear for Johnstown, who have beaten them in both encounters this season. Athboy, on the other hand, will feel they have a point to prove.

All signs indicate another tight, exciting game in this year’s Fitzsimon cup at the home of Newtown United, a fitting venue for the final.

Come out and support our lads as they attempt to capture some silverware to crown an impressive season.

Come on Johnstown!!

Johnstown Fitzsimon Cup
Top Scorers
Arnold Ruksenas 5
Lee Fahy 3
Shane Conroy 3
Peter Dempsey 1

Seniors 1st Team
by Julian Lee

Johnstown Going Up

Congratulations to Johnstown’s Senior Men’s 1st team on their promotion from the NEFL John Gorman Motors Division 2.

An opening day defeat away to Torro Utd, which remains their only league defeat with 1 game left at the time of writing, followed by 2 draws in their next 2 games meant Johnstown had just 2 points from their opening 3 games. Far from an ideal springboard for the season to come.

September and October saw Johnstown rack up 6 successive wins, including their first win over eventual champions Athboy Celtic, scoring 28 goals among which was a club record of 6 goals in one game from Kacper Zeberek away to Newtown United, seeing them rise steadily up the division.

The end of October saw the return fixture against Torro and a chance to atone for the opening day defeat. A fractious encounter saw the home side reduced to 9 men but they managed to hold on for a point against the visitors who are the only side Johnstown have not beaten at least once in the league this season and are currently in line for a playoff.

With the winter break closing rapidly, it was important Johnstown did not let this draw disrupt their momentum. November saw them finish off the first half of the season with 2 wins and a draw at home.

As cup competitions took centre stage in the new year, Johnstown were limited to just one game a month in the league throughout January, February and March. Again, winning 2 drawing 1 but stretching their unbeaten league run to 15 games.

April began with a return trip to Athboy Celtic. A stunning free kick from Mark Grumley saw Johnstown complete the double and become the only team to stop the newly crowned division 2 champions from taking maximum points.

2 walkovers followed giving Johnstown the final 6 points necessary to secure promotion. While it would have been nice to clinch promotion on the field, no one can argue with their performances for the duration of the season.

Congratulations to all players involved this season and to manager Iain Sheridan and his assistant Christy Kavanagh in masterminding a successful league campaign and good luck in Wednesday’s Fitzsimon cup clash against Trim Town.

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