4 months ago
For the second time in as many weeks Clontarf 2’s welcomed Monkstown to the Bullring. With Monkstown fielding many of the same faces from their 2nd team faced a week previous, Clontarf were in for a stern test. However, the Bulls were not to be beaten with the 3-2 score a poor reflection on a game which Clontarf dominated in terms of chances.
In bright and blustery conditions, the game started at high tempo with Monkstown quickly settling into their passing game. However, with the Clontarf midfield starting to get the measure of their opponents, openings were being created with the ‘tarf coming close on a few occasions. The breakthrough came on 25mins with a sublime pass from Brian “one touch” Nolan releasing Andrew Poynter in midfield to start and finish a superb passing move. Indeed ‘tarf were unlucky to only see the minimum between the teams at the break with some good chances spurned.
The second period started as the first ended with Monkstown enjoying much possession but unable to breakdown the ‘tarf defence. The fast break was again the key as ‘tarf continued to unlock the ‘town defence and after ten minutes some neat passing up front allowed Stu Miller set up skipper Gareth to finish wonderfully to the roof of the net. 2-0
Not content with this and inspired by some fearless tackling and running by Cillian Rooney , Clontarf should have put the game beyond doubt with a 3rd goal at midway through the half. On this occasion a rebound from the ‘town keeper was dispatched to the net by Sean Cassidy.
However, on 60 mins a reverse stick strike from the edge of the D left the ‘tarf keeper unsighted and reduced the deficit. Minutes from the end Monkstown fashioned a second but with time running out Clontarf held out comfortably. A superb squad effort!
Noel O'Reilly