Parkvilla edged out by Corduff

Parkvilla's bid for a quick return to the intermediate grade in the Leinster Senior League took a bit of a nosedive tonight at Claremont Stadium in Navan when they were edged out in a tight game by Dublin side Corduff ho won 2-1.

On the overall balance of paly Corduff probably deserved to take the points back up the M3, especially as they had to play most of the second-half with 10 men after half-time substitute Matt Keogh made an early departure.

However, Corduff had two goals in the locker at that stage after they had dominated a lack-lustre Parkvilla side in the opening half and forged ahead through a 10th minute Aaron Mulhall goal.

That was followed by a 33rd minute goal from Stephen Hand, but it was the defence-splitting pass from Methab Muhammad that created the gilt-edged opportunity.

Parkvilla hardly created anything of note in the opening half with the exception of a stinging shot that earned a corner after 24 minutes.

The hosts upped the tempo after the break and substitute Callum Cooney got them back into contention when he punished sloppy Corduff defending after 55 minutes.

Parkvilla enjoyed periods of dominance for the remainder with Frankie Cullen always willing to run and chase while James Friary and jamie Blake also contributed.

Defender Serghei Irstradi also caused some problems for the Corduff rearguard, but they survived with some sensible defending as Dan Murray kept things tight at the back.

This victory puts Corduff back into the mix for one of the three promotion places and Parkvilla also remain in contention, but will need to get back to winning ways next week when they travel to Wicklow.

Parkvilla - Mark Devlin; Conor Fleming, Serghi Irstradi, Gary O'Dowd, Scott Reilly, Chris Kennedy, James Friary, Dale O'Kane, Frankie Cullen, Jamie Blake, Cian Power.

Subs - Callum Cooney for Power, Andy Williamson for Reilly, Blessed Omorjor for O'Kane, Ben Renehan for Cullen.

Corduff - David Doyle; Nathan Browne, Dan MUrray, Adam Fox, Methad Muhammad, Dylan Travers, Jason Morgan, John Dowling, Aaron Mulhall, Paul McCullagh, Stephen Hand.

Subs - Matt Keogh for McCullough, Dylan Brady for Hand, Karl Murray for Morgan, Jordan Arnold for Dowling, John Paul Brennan for Travers.
Referee - Peter Burns junior.