Dungarvan Celtic 3 – 1 Crusaders AFC
On Saturday last, our 2B team came up against a well-oiled Dungarvan Celtic side in Lawnfield Park and, despite a strong performance on the day, came away empty handed. Absent a few key players on the day through injury and other commitments, Crusaders still put a strong side on the field, the benefits of a large, able squad allowing a full panel of 20 to be named. Manager Murphy had sleep-depriving problems the night before in terms of selection and approach, but a clear and concise message was delivered to the team beforehand – the graphics department had been comprehensive in terms of positional play and tactics, and the scouting team were up to speed on the opponents, expecting a strong team playing a game very much suited to their home ground.
Celtic took the lead on 14 minutes, firing past an impressive Joe Barry after some confusion in defence. However, the backline of Jim, Jordan, Devin and impressive debutant Andrew Richards grew into the game and never looked under pressure for the remainder of the half. In fact, it was Crusaders who looked most likely to score thereafter up until the break, with the Celtic keeper on fine form. The equaliser eventually came on the stroke of half time, when Ben Brophy calmly slotted home a penalty.
Playing up the imposing hill in the second half, Crusaders needed to lift their game and came out guns blazing. Zak once again was unselfish in his running up front against a tough tackling Celtic back line, and very nearly managed to score what would have been a spectacular goal, running from the halfway line and holding off three defenders only to shoot narrowly wide.
The home side scored twice more however, taking advantage of the conditions and the diminutive pitch as a home side should. Crusaders probably deserved more in what was a close fought encounter, won out by a fine side who know and play to their strengths.
Starting XI: Joe Barry, Jim Brennan, Devin Enright, Jordan Wall, Andrew Richards, Sean Halpin (C), Zak O’Connor, Ben Brophy, Conor Brennan, Eoin Daly, Tommy Smyth. Subs: Alex Cowman, Alex Kavanagh (86’), Daniel Brennan (75’), Padraig Brennan, Luke McCarthy, Jordan Daniels (86’), Cian O’Murchu, David Glynn (45’)
Crusaders AFC 
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