Match Report

Azzurri Division 4 League

Crusaders AFC 1 – 3 Tramore AFC

Those who persevered through the end-of-day traffic jam in Butlerstown were privileged to see an exciting game in Whitfield Park on Wednesday evening as Crusaders entertained Tramore in the 11th round of the Azzurri Division 4 league.

From the kick off, playing into the setting sun, and despite missing a number of regulars, Crusaders seemed intent on making a mockery of both sides’ league positions, with chances falling to Paul Dower, Mark Kennedy, John Rockett and Shane Hunt. However, Tramore’s keeper was up to the challenge on the night, producing a string of saves to keep the Seagulls in the game. At the other end, Paul Lawrence was rock solid on the goal, ably assisted by a makeshift central defence pairing of Austin Hanrahan and Peter O’Byrne.

The second half saw Tramore strike first, a well-worked move down the left resulted in former Crusaders David Kent nodding home from close range. After further chances at the other end from Patrick Egan and Brian Scott, Tramore extended their lead after a goal mouth scramble resulting from a corner.

On 46 minutes, Shane Hunt finished with style, latching onto a deft through ball from Gary Grant to lob the Tramore keeper from 20 yards, reducing the deficit and sparking hope of a revival. Yet more chances went unclaimed, with Duckie, Frank, Patrick, Mark, Brian and Barney all attempting to force an equaliser.

With almost the last kick of the game, Tramore scored a third, resulting from a quick break down the right wing.

A throughly entertaining watch full of chances and played in the best spirit of the game. Crusaders showed their creative side on the night, engineering more chances than perhaps at any other time this season, but found that Lady Luck had deserted them in front of the goal on this occasion.

Star Player: Shane Hunt