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You are > Home > Soccer: Slick Carbury leave their rivals Stranded
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Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Soccer: Slick Carbury leave their rivals Stranded
By: Philip Rooney, The Showgrounds
Sligo-Leitrim Super League
Carbury FC 3, Strand Celtic 2
An entertaining and even encounter between two Sligo-Leitrim Super League rivals ultimately finished with Carbury claiming victory by the narrowest of margins last Sunday morning at MacSharry Park, Cranmore.
A two-goals lead at half-time seemed to have assured victory but Strand Celtic responded within the opening minutes of the second-half and set up an enthralling finale.
Despite this loss, their first in 12 top-flight games this season, Strand Celtic remain on top of the Super League, five points clear of second-placed Abbey United, the defending champions.
Carbury made the better start and could, in fact, have opened the scoring in the opening minute. Paul McDaid rose highest following a corner but his header was excellently saved by Strand Celtic goalkeeper, Glen Ballantyne.
Both teams cancelled each other out for the next quarter hour before good play from Niall Walsh set up Keith Lynch whose effort was deflected away from danger.
Two minutes later, in the 21st minute, Strand Celtic had their first clear sight of goal. Dean Deering was played through and looked certain to at least test Ian Coburn in the Carbury goal.
However, Ciaran O’Boyle was alert to the danger as he raced across from his full-back position to make a crucial tackle that cleared the ball for a corner.
Strand Celtic were left to rue that missed opportunity as less than five minutes later they found themselves behind. Right full-back John Keane advanced into the opposition half and delivered a pin-point cross. Nigel Hargadon met the ball perfectly and planted a powerful header beyond Ballantyne, who was powerless to prevent it from hitting the back of the net.
Following the goal, chances were at a premium until Paul Keaveney found himself in the Carbury penalty area.
From a throw in an attacking position, the ball rebounded back to him. However, his first-time shot was hit harmlessly wide when he had more time to compose himself.
Again Strand Celtic were made to pay for not taking their chances as Carbury doubled their lead just four minutes from the interval.
Keith Lynch found himself in space at the edge of the box and decided to try his luck from distance. His well-hit shot required a good save but Lynch’s midfield partner, Shane Hayes, was on hand to convert the rebound.
While it may have appeared as though Strand Celtic would find it difficult to fight their way back into the match they started the second-half like a whirlwind.
The early pressure paid dividends in the 48th minute. James Keaney delivered a vicious free-kick from midway inside the Carbury half. Paul Keaveney met the perfectly flighted delivery with a well-timed leap and headed the ball past Coburn to half the deficit.
At that stage the momentum was entirely with Strand Celtic but they were unable to capitalise on their possession and pressure and create any clear-cut chances and as the first-half progressed Carbury began to regain their confidence and composure.
Shortly after the hour mark, Ryan Menzies took advantage of a slip from John Keane and bore down on goal. His effort was on target and produced an excellent save from the Carbury goalkeeper.
The introduction of Paul Masterson in the 66th minute proved to be an inspired decision as within a minute of arriving on the pitch he had restored Carbury’s two-goals lead.
John Keane, who was now operating in a more advanced position, delivered a perfect cross to the unmarked Masterson.
The substitute had time to ensure he executed the finish properly and made no mistake in beating Ballantyne.
To their credit, Strand Celtic refused to throw in the towel and a fine effort from outside the penalty area from Paul Keaveney again reduced the deficit to the narrowest of margins.
Unfortunately for Strand Celtic, there was to be no epic comeback although the Super League leaders came very close and can take a lot of positives from their second-half performance.
Player of the Match: John Keane
Carbury FC: Ian Colburn, Ciaran O’Boyle, John Keane (Andy McCann 86), Darren Dunbar, Gerry Carr, Keith Lynch, Fearghal O’Hara (Paul Masterson 66), Shane Hayes, Nigel Hargadon (Glen McCormack 45), Paul McDaid, Niall Walsh
Strand Celtic: Glen Ballantyne, James Keaney, Colin Reddington (Gerry Lopez 45), Marcel Gordon, Declan Lynch, David Howley, Packie Callaghan (Ian Cooper 77), Ryan Menzies, Paul Keaveney, Dean Deering, Johnny Lynch
Sub not used: Aidan Carty
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