Tag: Match Report

Seniors First Team 15-16
by Julian Lee

Johnstown Prove Too Strong For Rock Celtic

After a disappointing end to 2016, in which they lost their last 4 games, Johnstown bounced back with a perfect start to the New Year with a superb 4-2 win over Premier side Rock Celtic in the LMFM Kilmessan Shield on at the MDL Tuesday night.

It took the hosts less than 5 minutes to open the scoring. Vinny Murphy received the ball in space and beat 2 Rock Celtic defenders before unleashing a shot from 25 yards which sailed into the net high above the keeper.

Murphy almost doubled his side’s lead a little over 10 minutes later with an almost carbon copy effort, only to see his wickedly swerving shot thunder back off the crossbar.

With 5 minutes left in the first half, this season’s top goal scorer, Wayne Cahill scored Johnstown’s 2nd of the evening. Having timed his run to perfection, Cahill found himself clear of the defence just inside the area, where he met Kacper Zeberek’s pass with little dink over the keeper.

Rock Celtic began the 2nd half the strongest and, but for a couple of smart saves from Dylan Byrne, they could have pulled one back before, on 54 minutes, a cross from Celtic’s left went through Byrne’s hands and dropped into net.

60 seconds later, the Louth side missed a chance to equalise as they could only send their effort wide.

Johnstown’s next attack was started by Mark Grumley as he played a fantastic ball down Johnstown’s left. Arnold Luco’s powerful run allowed him to reach the goal-line inside the area, from where he pulled the back setting up Zeberek who fired home Johnstown’s 3rd, leaving the visitors to rue their earlier missed opportunity.

With 10 minutes left to play, Zeberek was again on hand to score Johnstown’s 4th. Sean Challenger’s through ball released him into space and into a 1-on-1 with the Celtic keeper, who came off the stronger following Zeberek’s first effort but could do nothing as the Johnstown man finished at the second time of asking.

With the game deep in injury time, Rock Celtic pulled a second goal back, as their player chipped Byrne, amidst appeals for offside, completing the scoring on night, and seeing Johnstown progress the next round by 4 goals to 2.

Johnstown FC Team: D. Byrne, J. McDermott, J. Colton, D. McQuillan (c), J. Connolly, W. Cahill, D. Grumley, S. Challenger, V. Murphy, K. Zeberek, A. Luco
Subs: M. Grumley for McDermott, D. Bollard for Murphy, S. Ivers for Luco, J. Gaffney for Cahill, E. Donnelly for Zeberek.

by Jonathan Purvis

Under 13 Match Report 12th November 2016

U13 Premier Johnstown 1 – 2 Kells Blackwater

Top of the table clash last Saturday morning in the MDL attracted a decent size crowd to see the leagues two form teams battle it out. Adam Murphy continued his impressive scoring run with a strong run and powerful finish to put JFC 1 up , the game was contested mostly in midfield with very little to choose between the two sides.  JFC looked to be going in at half time with the lead when a Kells free kick took an unlucky deflection off a JFC player past the excellent Oisin in goal, 1-1 at half time.

 

The second half continued in the same vein a close tense game and looked to be heading for what possibly would of been a fair drawn result. Five minutes to play and Kells took the lead somewhat against the run of play as JFC pushed forward to get the winner that would of taken them top of the table.   A great effort on Saturday and every member of the squad can be proud of their efforts in the game.  Some nice words of encouragement from opposition manager to our lads at the end. The lads left the pitch disappointed  but certainly going in the right direction in terms of their football week in week out now.

by Jonathan Purvis

13s SFAI Cup Match Report 29th October 2016

SFAI CUP U13 Laytown Utd 3 – 4 Johnstown Fc

the Old adage a game of TWO halves was alive and well out at the coast on Sunday Morning, in possibly Phil & Joe’s team best first half ever, ‘’ footballing wise’’ JFC stormed to a 4 – 0 lead by half time.

 

Recent weeks sluggish starts were put to bed right from the start with some slick passing and quick forward movement.  Ironic so that JFC took the lead when Cormac Walsh lobbed the keeper Beckham Style from the halfway line, a stunning goal.  But we didn’t have to wait long for possibly that goal to be topped by Abraham who took on the full back and cut in to the edge of the box and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner , so hard it bounced back out of the net !

Soon after Abraham added a 3rd and Adam Murphy continued his scoring streak to make it 4 – 0.  Finn Malone skilfully controlling some neat midfield play and Kian Merrigan’s engine had us well in control at half time.

All the right talk was made at halftime to keep the lads focused , but a change in in style of play in the second half with some long balls over the top to there Tall physical centre forward soon reaped rewards.  To their credit the same play had Laytown not once , twice but three times back in the game 4- 3 in what seemed a blink of an eye.  Pressure on and momentum with the home side  it was time for some players to step up to the plate and they didn’t fail to deliver.  Lee Fitzgerald and Jamie Byrne having been caught out with the change of attack against them , gained their composure and adapted their play to combat the attacks.

Patrick Warren and Jo Jo Hanningan also adding to the back four trying to regain a foothold in the game.  Despite the switch of dominance in the early part of the second half we still had chances to put the game to bed and as the last 10 Minutue’s of the game ebbed and flowed back and forth in a game worthy of knock out cup football.  The JFC Goal Keeper Oisin coming to the rescue with a stunning save at the feet of the on rushing Laytown centre forwards feet in virtually the last kick of the game.  Never has a touch line been so relieved to hear the full time whistle , great game , credit to both side’s efforts and now on to the regional Semi Finals for Johnstown after a thoroughly entertaining morning out near the sea.

by Jonathan Purvis

Under 14s Match Report 29th October

Johnstown 4 Summerhill Parkceltic  4
Johnstown started this game in determined fashion  somehow knowing a battle was brewing. For the first 20 minutes we left this robust Parkceltic side chasing shadows.
Some very slick passing down the left flank from Mikey Leddy  and Adam Quinn who put Ronan Maxwell through on goal didn’t need a second invitation to put his first past the keeper 1-0. Ronan went on to score a second to take advantage of our dominance in that first half 2-0.
Half time talk was centered on keeping things tight and moving the ball fast. Our back four came in for some heavy artillery bombardment from the Parkceltic midfield particularly Jacko and Adam Boylan doing their best to repel the attacks alas two goals were conceded  in quick concession 2-2.
With 20 minutes to go Parkcetic where buoyed by their two quick goals.  hey pushed on, but it was a very foolish  thing to leave the deadly trio of Adam Quinn, Mikey Leddy and Ronan Maxwell to roam their defensive lines.  They took full advantage of the space behind them and it was Mikey who  dispatched not one but two goals in quick time 4-2.
But Parkceltic responded with a quick attack down the left 4-3 and then they got a fourth with 9 mins to go.
Special mention to Ciaran Vaughan and Riley Symonds who carried the water in midfield to free up our attacking players .
Well done also to Alex our 2nd goalkeeper who did well as last minute replacement.  Another granite like game for the candy stripes who are enjoying the battles in this tough premier league.
by Jonathan Purvis

Match Report Under 16s 22nd October 2016

U16s Newtown 1-5 Johnstown

Johnstown were on the road again for a third week running and came away with all 3 points.

The conditions were ideal and the away side made the most of a very good Newtown pitch.

David O’Gorman got the away sides first of the day with 15 mins on the clock. Noel Donnelly collected a long pass from Gaffney and he played in O’Gorman who made no mistake with a shot from just inside the box. Johnstown made it 2-0 when Joshua cut out a Newtown attack and he found O’Gorman who crossed for Donnelly to convert.

Ciaran McCann made it 3-0 shortly with a good finish from inside the the box. The last goal of the half came at the boot of Reaney. The impressive Adam O’Connor found Reaney with a defence splitting pass, the latter made no mistake with a good run into the box and finished past the keeper.

HT 4-0

Johnstown took the foot off the gas in the 2nd half. Although there were chances missed to increase the lead our normal passing game wasn’t there. The home side had a few chances themselves and Paddy Gaffney was called upon and saved well.

The away side made it 5-0 when Conor Davies converted a penalty after O’Connor was tripped in the box. Newtown got a consolation goal late on with a good finish from the Newtown striker.

This was a good performance with some stand out performers. Best for Johnstown O’Connor, O’Gorman, Barry, Gaffney and MOTM Kevin Joshua

Team: Paddy Gaffney, Glenn Sheeran, Darren Finnegan, Kevin Joshua, Josh Flood, Anthony Barry, Adam O’Connor, Ciaran McCann, David O’Gorman, Noel Donnelly, Danny Reaney.

Subs: Charles Okri, Japhet Ogu, Breen McCullagh, Christopher Matthews, Lorcan McKeever & Conor Davies

Third Team 2015-2106
by Jonathan Purvis

Third Team Match Report 16th October 2016

Johnstown 3 Athboy 2

Despite taking an early lead with a well taken goal from Daragh Hughes and hitting the woodwork twice Johnstown went in level at the break.  After being reduced to ten men early in the second half Johnstown went 2-1 up with a scrambled goal from Shane Kelly.

A missed penalty midway through the second half didn’t help but Johnstown dug deep and following some persistent pressure went 3-1 up with another good finish from Hughes.  Late pressure from Athboy reduced our lead to 3-2 but we held on for a well deserved 3 points.  A solid team performance where every player gave 100%.

by Jonathan Purvis

U16 Match Report 15th October 2016

U16s Borora 2-7 Johnstown

Johnstown made the trip to Borora on a very wet Saturday morning. The conditions weren’t ideal but Johnstown started the game at a fast pace and began to play some slick football. The away side found themselves 2 to the good inside 10 minutes with goals from Ciaran McCann. Johnstown increased their lead with goals from Noel Donnelly and David O’Gorman. Borora to their credit never gave up and scored 2 goals of their own to leave the tie 4-2 at the break.

Johnstown got the next goal of the game 5 minutes after the restart when O’Gorman was put through on goal and he finished from inside the box. The away side continued to dominate and O’Gorman got his 3rd of the day with an unstoppable strike from 12 yards. The scoring wasn’t finished yet and Lorcan McKeever got his first goal of the season   with a neat finish from close range. This was a brilliant performance from the entire squad. Best for Johnstown, Ciaran McCann, Noel Donnelly, Adam O’Connor and David O’Gorman.

Team; Paddy Gaffney, Glenn Sheeran, Darren Finnegan, Kevin Joshua, Josh Flood, Anthony Barry, Adam O’Connor, Ciaran McCann, Japhet Ogu, Noel Donnelly, David O’Gorman.

Subs; Danny Reaney, Conor Davies, Darren Clarke, Lorcan McKeever, Chris Matthews & Breen McCullagh

by Jonathan Purvis

Under 13 Match Report 16th October 16

Trim 1 – 3 Johnstown

A bright lunch time kick off on Saturday did not produce a bright start once again for JFC.  A spirited Trim side were content in avenging a defeat earlier in Season and went into the break 1 – 0 up.

The ball was coming back far to quick to the JFC back four in the first half and a bit of half time disciplined team talk and couple changes by Phil Warren had JFC up their game right from start of second half.  Adam Murphy show continued in rich vein with another hat-trick in 15 minutes though one may go to the dubious goal panel as the Trim goal keeper was unlucky to hold and then let go of Adam’s shot.  Patrick Warren and Jamie Byrne stood out in the back four for JFC today both getting stuck in with important challenges.  Cormac Walsh was unlucky to be sent of ten minutes from time for a second bookable offence

. Another 3 points , second in the table keeping the pressure up on Kells .A good days “second half” work. On to next week.

by Jonathan Purvis

Under 15s Match Report 8th October 2016

Johnstown 1 Cloghertown 1

Johnstown started well and dominated proceedings but failed to capitalize on their early possession, as Johnstown pushed forward they isolated the Johnstown rear guard to the counter attack but excellent last ditch tackles from Hill, Colton and surperb save by McQuillan kept the scoreline at 0-0. With 25 minutes on the clock the away slide where awarded a penalty, unintentional hand ball, Cloghertown coolly slotted home to put them in front. This gave the away side the momentum to push for a second but the Johnstown defense held firm until half-time.
HT 0-1
In the 2nd half, Johnstown started much better and the introduction of substitutes Hanney, Burton and Kavanagh allowed Johnstown to grab a foothold on the game. The home pushed for an equalizer, but a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping keep the scoreline in favor of the visitors. With the game heading to the final stages, excellent work from the tireless Byrne on the right, allowed him to whip in a perfect cross for Hanney to nod into the net at close range. Johnstown looked the more likely to get the winner, however a rare attack from Cloghertown near the end was brilliantly denied by the the Johnstown keeper, Andrew Mcquillan.
FT 1-1
Best for Johnstown: Andrew McQuillan, John Hill, Conor Byrne.
Team: Andrew Mcquillan, David Lee, Kyle O Hara, Josh Hill, Eric Colton, Benji Taylor, Ryan Kelly, Daniel Gorman, Conor Byrne, Liam Purvis, Euan Burton, Viktor Suchan, Duarte Martinho, Nathan Hanney, Callan  , Aarron Whelan, Shane Reaney, Gareth Kavanagh, Basfi, Jake Cudlipp.
by Jonathan Purvis

U14s Premier Match Report 8th October 2016

U14S PREMIERE Navan Town 1 – Johnstown 5
Johnstown travelled the short distance to Navan Towns new ground determined to keep up their good run of results in the premiere league.
The hosts started well in some neat passing but as soon as the Johnstown lads got a grip on the game there was no way back.
Herdy started the goal rout with his energetic self down the left 1-0. Next up Walshie sent a low driven ball from outside the box and gave the goalkeeper no chance 2-0.  Then the third just before half time came from Clarkie on the right with a sublime shot from 30 yards our contender for goal of the season.
3-0 at half-time  the coaching staff reminded the lads to keep the tempo up and focus on the job in hand.
An indirect free kick in the Johnstown box led to Navan Town getting a good goal high in the top corner 3-1.  Johnstown controlled the midfield well with captain Riley and Nathan Carton ever so strong in everything they did.
Walshie stepped up to get his second goal with a crisp shot tucked into the corner from a back heel from Mikey Leddy 4-1.  The last goal came via a penalty in which was neatly dispatched by Ben a nice gift to get on  his birthday 5-1.
A good day at the office for the candy stripes was followed by a double birthday celebration for Craig and Ben at the final whistle.   big thanks to Sharon for organising this, our very own social events planner!