Murphy runs riot against Wanderers
Striker scores six times as Wicklow Town sink Seaview
WICKLOW TOWN 8 SEAVIEW WANDERERS 0
SEAVIEW travelled to face Wicklow Town in the final game for both sides before Christmas.
The game opened with both sides tentatively probing each other’s backlines for weaknesses, and for a time it looked as though this game could develop into a real battle.
However, a mistake in the Seaview backline lead to the game’s opening goal.
John Condren failed to deal with a bouncing ball and Alan Delaney took the ball down without breaking stride.
His run was cut off by Alan O’Shea and Delaney did well to turn back and find the supporting Donal Fitzgerald.
It looked as though the attack was fizzling out like the office Christmas party, lots of excitement but not living up to expectations, as most of the retreating Seaview defence had filtered back into position.
The home side did not panic, however, and a sequence of composed passes left Gareth Murphy free in possession on the edge of the area.
Where others may have gone for power, Murphy had the confidence in his own ability to place a precise effort into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Tony Coyle with no chance.
It was the equivalent of the office party bursting into life. Suddenly the boss was dancing on the table, swinging his tie above his head to Westlife.
Moments later, Seaview were left feeling as bad as the party-goers heads the morning after enjoying the festivities.
Both teams were battling around the middle of the park when Richard ‘ Chico’ Murphy took control of the ball, left multiple Seaview players in his wake with some tidy footwork, and found himself with acres of space to drive into.
The imposing midfielder had the pass to match the build-up, deceiving the defence to slip in Donal Fitzgerald on goal who never looked like missing, doubling his side’s lead with apparent ease.
The remainder of the second half was evenly matched with both sides seeing chances well defended.
Seaview’s John Condren pulled off several excellent blocks throughout the game while his partner in central defence, Alan O’Shea, was unfortunate to see his indirect free kick nodded onto the crossbar by a well-organised goalline defence after a pass back.
However, the second half was all about Wicklow Town, and in particular Gareth Murphy.
The front-man was simply sublime, netting a staggering five times in the second half, including a trio of goals within a matter of minutes at the beginning of the period.
Murphy’s first of the second half came from a simple throw-in.
With the Seaview defence seemingly asleep, a throw down the line found Murphy who had very little to do to get in front of goal where he slotted to the back of the net.
Within minutes, Murphy had the ball in the box again. This time made to work a little harder, the front man turned sharply and knocked the ball around a defender before netting the fourth of the game.
Murphy’s fourth came from a long clearance by goalkeeper Ken Turner to Murphy on the left wing. Murphy easily outpaced the Seaview backline and beat Coyle again.
The introduction of Chris French for the home team ensured the attack did not lose its bite, and it wasn’t long before the change had the desired impact.
French was played in on the inside left channel and staked his claim for a starting position with an excellent cross to who else but Gareth Murphy again who was clinical with his finish yet again.
Murphy then turned provider for his sides seventh, linking well with French before finding Jack Gerathy with a low cross who dispatched with ease.
The final act of the game was the eighth goal for Wicklow.
Richard Murphy, Mick Delaney and Chris French all played a part in an excellent move before Gareth Murphy completed his double hattrick with a classy feint to round the keeper and score.
A sensational showing from the livewire frontman in a match that will leave Wicklow Town filled with hope for the remainder of the season after the Christmas break.
On the other hand, Seaview might be asking for three points and maybe a return from injury from several key players on their list for Santa Claus for next week, such has been the dip in form they have suffered in recent times.
Wicklow Town (4-4-2): 1. Ken Turner, 2. Brian O’ Sullivan, 3. Mick Delaney, 4. Lenny Carton, 5. Ian Brannigan, 6. Donal Fitzgerald, 7. Richard Murphy, 8. Alan Delaney, 9. David O’Connor, 10. Gareth Murphy, 11. Brian Byrne. Subs: Chris French, Jack Gerathy, Paddy Reynolds, Peter Finnegan
Seaview Wanderers (4-5-1): 1. Tony Coyle, 2. Joe Reid, 3. John Condren, 4. Alan O’Shea, 5. Eddie Gattenby, 6. Kevin Fitzpatrick, 7. Ingvard Hansen, 8. Nevan O’Sullivan, 9. Michael Healy, 10. David Kavanagh, 11. Ross Turner.