Enniskerry YC have too much for Blesso
Unbeaten side see off Blessington to top the table
BLESSINGTON ENNISKERRY YC 1 4
THE clocks went back an hour on Sunday morning, and it seemed Blessington were still adjusting to the time change when they found themselves two down within five minutes, at home to Enniskerry in their Leinster Senior Premier 1 top of the table clash.
The first goal came down the left from Enniskerry’s left full Micky Donegan, who whipped in a cross come shot, and Blessington’s young keeper Mickey O’Toole was caught out on his near post. An avoidable goal which should have been prevented at source. Two minutes on the clock and one up, perfect start for Enniskerry.
Enniskerry bagged their second on five minutes from more poor defending. Conor Whelan was offered too much space in the middle to play a great slide rule pass which cut Blessington’s three-man back line open for Andy O’Keefe to slot home. This time Mickey O’Toole had no chance. Enniskerry were in dreamland and Blessington yet to wake up.
In fact, it wasn’t till the 18th minute till Blessington created their first chance, which failed to test Jamie Curran in the Enniskerry goal, Derek Keogh down the right to Keith Nolan who played a sweat pass to Alex Lynch who should have done better.
Blessington began to settle into the game, which turned into a midfield battle and seemed content to steady the ship to go in at half time just two down.
The half-time talk from Johnny Murphy appeared to do the trick. Paddy Caroll won a free, brilliantly swung into the box by Darren McCarthy, indecision in the Enniskerry box and David Carroll nipped into head home. 1-2 and game on.
At this stage it looked like a 2-2 draw was on the cards but Enniskerry
had other ideas. Enniskerry’s third was a little contentious with Blessington looking for an offside call which didn’t come. Football tennis in the large rectangle, indecision and like a fox in the box, Ryan Greene tucked it away to restore Enniskerry’s two-goal cushion.
Blessington were furious and called for an offside, but no VAR in Blessington as yet!
The goal stood and looked like the winner.
With only 20 minutes on the clock left Blessington pushed to get back into the game and Enniskerry expertly caught Blessington on the counter from their own corner.
A poorly taken corner, cleared well, an overhead pass down the left by Paul O’Reilly and Enniskerry were in with numbers. The ball was played to substitute Karl Mulligan, with an ocean of space and time, he calmly chipped the ball over an already committed Mikey O’Toole in goal who had little chance.
At four one down, Blessington were a beaten docket and can have no complaints. This game was decided in the first five minutes, Enniskerry flew out of the traps while Blessington were still asleep.
Enniskerry do the double on Blessington and, with that, the Blessington side lose their undefeated home record. Bessington will welcome back their prolific strikers, Sean and Keane O’Brien, who have scored 14 goals between them this season. Their presence was sorely missed and will hope to get back to winning ways quickly.
Enniskerry march on undefeated and top the table (seven wins and three draws), three points clear of Blessington and Swords who have two games in hand. All to play for.
BLESSINGTON FC:
Mickey O’Toole, Derek Keogh, Derek Balfe, David Carroll, Darren McCarthy, Ciaran Dempsey, Keith Nolan, Ian Richardson, Gary Mahon, Alex Lynch, Paddy Carroll. Subs: Bryan Keogh, Feidhlim O’Shea, Stuie Byrne, Scott Doyle.
Jamie Curran, Darren Lyons, Michael Donnegan, Fergus O’Brien, Colly Devitt, Paul Barr, Conor Whelan, Phelim Kelly, Paul O’Reilly, Ryan Greene, Ryan Greene, Andy O’Keefe. Subs: Karl Mulligan, Alan King, Ashley McDonagh, Graham Devlin.
ENNISKERRY YC: REFEREE:
Shane Broderick (Lucan)