VIDEO Highlights: Parkvilla edged out in FAI Junior Cup
NEFL side Parkvilla exited the FAI Junior Cup (1-2) against Dublin side St Paul's, Artane in a tight competitive match at Claremont Stadium in Navan last night reports JUSTIN BURKE.
Parkvilla were already warmed and ready for this 7:30pm kick off when St Paul's Artane players were only arriving as their was congestion on the road from Dublin due to a motorway crash, and this showed in the early exchanges of this game.
The home side flew out of the blocks when match official Conor Byrne blew for the start of this FAI Cup tie and it took just five minutes to find our first goal of the game.
The impressive Lee Fahy collecting a pass from Joey Moran-Lynagh on the edge of the box before nutmegging his opponent and firing a low drive which Jason Morgan saved, but Dylan Regan reacted quickest to the rebound and unleashed a left foot drive at the near post to put the 'Villa in front.
St Paul's went close a minute later with an attempt from long-range, Ger Keating collecting the ball 30 yards out and firing a dipping shot that narrowly went wide of Ben Clarkes post.
This game was played at a high-tempo, the players on both teams were giving everything into tackles and it became a dogged match.
Five minutes before hal-ftime the 'Villa should of doubled their lead, Fahy once again causing problems for St Paul's defence before sending a stinging shot that Morgan saved and Parkvilla captain Lar Ivers couldn't convert the rebound.
The interval allowed the visitors to regroup and come out for the second-half recharged and it took them just six minutes to find an equaliser.
Keating's centre found Alan Talbot who controlled it into the path of Ryan Fitzsimons who drilled home a shot past substitute goalkeeper Euan Niven who came on at half-time.
The visitors thought they took the lead midway through the second-half as Graham Sullivan scrambled the ball across the line but it was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Niven in the build up to it crossing the line.
Referee - Conor Byrne (Meath Branch).
SEE THE ACTION FROM LAST NIGHT'S GAME
The home side went in search of a winner and substitute Cian Power will be kicking himself as he found himself unmarked at the back post following a cross from Andy Williamson and with just the 'keeper to beat he went for power sending it wide.
Parkvilla didn't look like they were a division below their counterparts and continued to push for another goal, this time it was captain Lar Ivers who tried his luck from long range and didn't trouble the 'keeper.
Two minutes later it was all over after St Paul's took a quick throw and neat passes saw the ball find its way to striker Alan Talbot who beat a defender before sending his left foot shot past Niven and in off a defender on the line.
It was a blow to the hard work the players had put in and St Paul's were an experienced side who knew how to see out the game.
The visitors nearly grabbed a third late on as Talbot sent a free into the box, but Keating's header hit the post.
The home side bow out of the competition, but it was a good work out for the lads says assistant-manager Mervyn Ennis.
"The players gave us everything tonight and it showed in the early part of the match, the interval came at the wrong time which allowed them to regroup but our main goal is promotion to the NEFL Premier. We have three games to go and its in our hands now," he stated.
Parkvilla - Ben Clarke, James Frery, Andy Williamson, Chris Kennedy, Chris O Neill, Pierce Challenger, Brian Gibney, Lee Fahy, Lar Ivers, Dylan Regan, Joey Moran Lynagh. Subs Ciaran Rogers, Euan Nevin, Dylan Tighe, Cian Power, Jack Murray, Gary O Dowd, Jimmy Boland
St Paul's, Artane - Jason Morgan, Stephen Young, Nathan Donohue, Richie Grimes, Paul Morgan, Colm Smith, Peter Keegan, Ryan Fitzsimons, Graham Sullivan, Gerard Keating, Alan Talbot. Subs - Shane Murphy, Daniel McCabe, Gavin Fitzsimons, Cian Lindsay, Alan Byrne