Clontarf FC v Glasnevin FC
St Anne’s Park, 31-10-2009

8 goals, 5 penalties and 2 red cards made for a thrilling contest between the two bottom sides of the Premier division on Saturday afternoon. Glasnevin came into this game having failed to score in they're last four outings and so where determined to get back on track against they're fellow struggler's. However the diggers failure to deal with straight balls over the top of the defence all season was evident again in the opening minutes when Clontarf where given an early lead against the run of play.
The early goal sparked the game into action and Glasnevin where on the attack straight away, playing some neat football in midfield and using the wings to good effect. The diggers made 3 changes to the side that was cruelly knocked out of the Amateur cup last time out. Karl Hearns moved up into the attack alongside Jake Warren, Willie Byrne returned to the midfield to partner Colin Daly and Ian Daly came into the centre of defence with Sean Johnson moving out to right back.
Indeed Karl Hearns started the game very brightly, holding up and laying off the ball to his midfield. The diggers where level in the match good play out on the left wing saw James Lynch put in a good cross and after the ball was not dealt with by the Clontarf defence, Karl Hearns was at the back post to prod home the equalizer.
The game continued to flow as the small pitch allowed for constant attacking movement from both sides. However it was Clontarf who where next to get themselves on the score sheet. They’re lively striker proving to be a real thorn in the digger’s side all afternoon. But both sides went into half time with the scores equal after the diggers where awarded the first of the 5 penalties of the day. Colin Daly received the ball from Jake Warren and burst into the box only to be upended by the Clontarf defender. Karl Hearns made no mistake with the spot kick.
The second half saw Glasnevin start with some real vigour and they put the home side on the back foot straight away. Some neat interchanging from Eddie Riley and James Lynch on the left wing so Lynch put a sweet cross into the box but Hearns couldn’t make the most of the opportunity. However the Diggers didn’t have to wait long to get the goal they deserved and it was man of the match Karl Hearns to score it with his 3rd of the game. The diggers where on top and continued to attack the home side and only for a few questionable decisions by the referee they could have added to they’re tally.
However things took a turn for the worse when on 65 minutes, a corner from Clontarf gifted them a way back into the game when Keith Kearns handled a goal bound shot when there where two players behind him in line to clear the ball. The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and gave Kearns a red card to add to his woes. Clontarf dispatched with the penalty to equal the scores once again.
Jake Warren moved to right midfield leaving Karl Hearns to lead the line on his own up front as the diggers would face an uphill battle to gain control of the game. They did however enjoy a lot of possession of the ball as they looked determined to gain 3 points from the game, pushing forward at every opportunity looking for the goal they craved.
Yet again though, the diggers handed the home side another huge advantage when a goal bound shot was handled on the line by the diving Willie Byrne and he received a straight red card for his actions and gifting Clontarf with another penalty. Alan McHue kept his side in the game though with a fantastic save to keep the scores level.
The only change of the game came when Rafael Nunes came on for the injured Eddie Riley. Before he could get settled into the game though, Clontarf where awarded they’re third and most contentious penalty of the game. Mark McAuley being penalized for what seemed to be only standing his ground as the ball trickled out for a corner. Indeed even the Clontarf players seemed surprised by the referee’s decision. They took advantage of they’re luck however to dispatch with the kick and lead the game once more.
Glasnevin where not going to let game die away and continued to press on in the dying minutes and perhaps got the luck they deserved when a Rafael Nunes shot from outside the box hit the hand of a defender and the ref pointed top the spot once more. Karl Hearns hammered home the kick to get his and the Diggers fourth of the match. Nothing more than the Diggers deserved.
Clontarf nearly stole the game though, as from the kick off they audaciously fired straight at goal but Alan McHue was well placed to stop the shot.
So in the end the two teams had to take a share of the points. The diggers however will be disappointed not to have taken the 3 points, even having gone done to 9 men for a period of the game.
Next up for the Diggers is a match at home to mid table Beaumont Athletic. A game that has previously brought its fair share of goals and cards in the past.
In other news, the Saturday Division 1 side picked up they’re first points of the season when they drew two all against Club Everton in what they hope will be a kick starter to they’re season.

Team Line up:

Alan McHue (GK)

James Lynch (LB)
Sean Johnson (RB)
Ian Daly (CB)
Mark McAuley (CB)

Eddie Riley (LM)
Keith Kearns (RM)
Willie Byrne (CM)
Colin Daly (CM)

Karl Hearns (FW)
Jake Warren (FW)

Subs:
Brian Blood
Rafael Nunes (for Riley, 66mins)
Paddy Byrne