Clontarf –V- Na Fianna

GOALS WIN GAMES

   It was a case of take your goals and your points will come for Na Fianna as a first half goal blitz killed of any chance of a Clontarf championship upset.  Na Fianna’s game plan was clear from the outset.  Quality balls were to be delivered by the likes of Senan Connell and Kevin O’Neill while Dublin supreme Jason Sherlock would use his blistering pace to punish the Clontarf defence. 

   It took ten minutes for Clontarf to register their first score of the game but by that time, their opponents had already notched up 1 goal and 3 points.  Cathal Carr took over the responsibility of free taking due to the absence of the ill Shane McIntyre and it was his free that put Clontarf on the scoreboard.  It was a false sign of hope however, as Jason Sherlock replied by getting his second goal of the game.  Again it was a long ball that caused the trouble.  Sherlock collected the ball before taking it around Rossa O’Brien to reap the rewards.

   That goal awoke something in the Clontarf team and they went on to enjoy a ten minute spell of dominance, due in no small part to brilliant fielding from Aidan Morrisey and Ian Smith.  Clontarf failed to take full advantage of their dominance and only put 3 points on the board.  Donovan Rossi and the ever impressive Dara O’Brien got a point each before Clontarf were handed their first goal scoring opportunity.  Rossi was put through and struck for goal but his shot went too high and it went over for Clontarf’s fourth point of the game.

   Just as Clontarf were gaining in confidence Na Fianna got their third goal of the game.  Once again the long ball caused the defence problems and Na Fianna’s corner forward was allowed time and space to put the result beyond any doubt.  Clontarf then concentrated on getting a goal of their own first it was Rossi whose shot was blocked down before it fell to Dara O’Brien who got his second point of the evening.  That point made it 3-2 to 0-5.  With half time beckoning Shane Dunlea raced clear of the defence before his thunderbolt effort was brilliantly tipped over the bar.  Disaster struck once again for Clontarf as Na Fianna got their fourth goal of the half and crushed Clontarf hearts.

   The second half, understandably, lacked the heat of the battle which the first had provided.  Clontarf failed to get started and Na Fianna could have increased their goal tally but over elaboration in front of goal and some wayward shooting cost the Glasnevin outfit.  Cathal Carr got Clontarf’s first score of the second half, but like clockwork Na Fianna went up the far end and after some cheeky play from Jason Sherlock he bagged his hat-trick and rubbed salt into already bleeding Clontarf wounds.  Dara O’Brien brought his tally up to five points with three second half scores. 

   Even with game well and truly over there was more bad news to come for Clontarf.  First there was the baffling dismissal of Shane Dunlea for what can only be guessed as mouthing off to the referee after some baffling decisions from the man in black.  A straight red means that Dunlea will now miss the relegation play-off match.  Then pacey half-back Stephen Coen picked up his second yellow of the day and received his marching orders for striking, supposedly.  With another argument about to break out the ref called an end to proceedings and put Clontarf out of their misery.