Club News27/04/03 No errors against Eire Og for Division 3 footballers

The division 3 footballers produced yet another convincing win on Saturday night against Eire Og despite a tight enough first half.

Colly McKnight produced a fine point from an acute angle far out on the left side to start the scoring off for St. John's after 3 minutes of play. This was followed closely by a well taken free on the right hand side courtesy of David Reynolds, returning to the Division 3 team for the first time in a number of years. Donal Kennedy also got in on the act taking nice scores on either side of half time. Eire Og were there and thereabouts throughout the first half, due largely to a number of soft frees conceded in dangerous areas - indeed these provided them with the majority of their five points which they amassed in the first half.

The back line were also dealt a vicious blow within 15 minutes of the first half when the hugely influential corner back Conor Gannon was forced out due the re-occurrence of an ankle injury which kept him out of most of last year's season (one can only hope he makes a speedy recovery). All was not lost however as Niall McCallin came in to steady the ship, and the ever versatile captain Liam Donnelly was switched to take care of the speedy Eire Og corner forward, which he did with aplomb.

Barry Mulgrew continued his run of good form, keeping his spotless record clear of any goals and produced kickouts of consistently high quality. Aidan Kelly, drafted into central defence in the absence of Niall Convery, performed well in a position he may well have made his own, judging by the enthusiasm he showed throughout the game. The first half ended 0-8 0-5 in the Johnnies favour.

The second half saw St. John's bury home their advantage as the defence kept out the Eire Og forwards (who, unfortunately for them, shot wide at every available opportunity) and the St. John's forward line mercilessly sent over point after point - finishing the game effectively after 15 minutes. There were goal opportunities aplenty throughout the game - Donal Kennedy memorably using some Ravanelli-like soccer skills to great effect, his right foot the only thing denying him his goal, and Declan Crummey blasting just wide on 2 occasions.

Colly McKnight finished the game as he started it, with a great point this time from the right hand side, curling the ball right over the bar.

The match finished up 0-15 0-5.

 

		St. John's
		B. Mulgrew
C. Gannon		A. Kelly	H. Kennedy
K. Rafferty		L. Donnelly	C. Clarke
		J. Connolly G. Clarke
D. Crummey		D. Reynolds	C. McKnight
F. Collins		D. Kennedy	S. Thompson
(Subs: N. McCallin for C. Gannon, D. McAllister for H. Kennedy, N. Kelly for D. Kennedy, L. Boyle for F. Collins, J. McCallin for J. Connolly)