Tag: over 35

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.