Third Match in the Wally Winn Cup (29.03.08)

We travelled to Walkinstown Park for our third match in the Wally Winn Cup on Saturday 29th March 2008 to meet Walkinstown United. Before the game it looked as if the skies were just about to open up and drown the pitch, indeed, one of the Walkinstown lads jokingly said that if they won the toss they should "play against the tide". He didn't have to worry as the rain held off for the entire match. The game was a tense and tough affair with both sides determined to progress in the Cup. The lads of "The Town" were certainly up for this game despite, once again, missing a number of our strong regular players. Twenty minutes into the first half produced few chances for either team as sold defences held firm. However, an unfortunate lapse of concentration in our midfield allowed Walkinstown to put away an easy goal - a lead they held right up to the break. At the break our Manager, Japo Kelly, encouraged the lads to keep up the pressure on the opposition and to take every chance available - be confident, he urged. At the restart the pep-talk seemed to hit home as the lads came out in great spirits and it showed in the quality of play. However, it wasn't long before the fitness levels of the two squads became a deciding factor as Walkinstown began to heavily pressure our defence. Our youngest players, Daniel Cruise, Gary Leonard and Nathan Jennings, all from Shanganagh, gave a great account of themselves against much stronger and taller opponents. Japo's decision to take off Nathan Jennings midway in the second half was, to say the least, a bit puzzling. Replacement Kevin Plunkett, despite his pace and determination, had a very tough game. The host's second goal was a shocking and embarrassing display of a combination of errors by our midfield, defence and goalkeeper. With two goals up, the Walkinstown lads sensed that it was all over but our forwards Jay Kane and Kevin Corcoran kept up the pressure. Alas easy chances were just not going our way - even with a near open goalmouth!!. But to be fair to the lads, the team played with determination and never gave up the fight. They came out of strong tackles, sometimes with very hard knocks, and continued to give it their all. Indeed, all the team members could and possibly should, be cited here as each and everyone deserves praise for their tenacity and hard work during this very tough match. Final score: Walkinstown United 2 : DLTFC 0 (pictured above, Jay Kane battles his way through stiff opposition)