Johnstown 1 – Black Bull 0
After 3 successive defeats in cup and league competitions, Johnstown got back to winning ways with a fine 1-0 win over visitors Black Bull FC at the MDL on Sunday morning.
The home side dominated from the outset and could have been 3 up inside the first quarter of the game. Misses from Kacper Zeberek, Arnold Ruksenas and Wayne Cahill set the tone for much of the match with Johnstown failing to convert a number of chances.
On 27 minutes, Ruksenas chased down what looked a lost cause. His pace enabled him to keep the ball in on the right hand touchline before laying the ball across to his strike partner Zeberek, who having hit the post earlier, made no mistake on this occassion and slotted home to give Johnstown a deserved lead.
It was nearly 2-0 minutes later. Sean Challenger played an excellent long pass to Wayne Cahill on the left wing. His cross was met by a Ruksenas’ overhead kick that the visiting keeper did well to claw out of the top corner.
On the stroke of half time, a long free kick again by Challenger dropped to Ruksenas who unselfishly laid the ball into Zeberek’s path. With his 2nd goal beckoning, Zeberek could only fire straight at the keeper.
The second half began in the same vein. Another chance, again with Challenger instrumental in the build up, went begging as Ruksenas pulled his shot wide of the near post.
Johnstown were very nearly left rueing their missed chances, as on the hour mark, Black Bull almost found themselves level. A cross from their left was met by the head of the front man who, with the goal at his mercy, managed to steer his effort wide.
A mistake mid way through the half was the source of Black Bull’s next effort on goal. A blind pass back by Challenger in mid field allowed Black Bull in again. As Baltinas came off his line, the advancing forward chipped the Johnstown keeper but the ball fell wide, to sighs of relief from the Johnstown bench.
In the final ten minutes, Johnstown’s profligacy in attack continued. Further misses by Ruksenas, Cahill, Zeberek, and Challenger ensured a nervy wait for the final whistle. After 4 minutes of injury time, the referee signalled the end of the game and confirming Johnstown’s 4th league win of the season.
Johnstown FC Team: G. Baltinas, J. Colton, J. Connolly, D. McQuillan (c), J. McDermott, P. Challenger, S. Conroy, W. Cahill, S. Challenger, K. Zeberek, A. Ruksenas
Subs: H. Shivmagal for Conroy, C. Murphy for Ruksenas.
