Parkvilla advance

JUSTIN BURKE REPORTS ON NEFL Kilmessan Shield Semi Final Parkvilla FC 3 - 1 Torro United
 

Derek Coogans Parkvilla side are still on course for a domestic double after overcoming a tough Torro United side at the MDL grounds in Navan on Thursdaynight in the semi final of the Kilmessan Shield. 

After securing the O'Neills Sportswear division one title last Sunday against Enfield Celtic it was back to work after a few days of socialising in Navan. 

It could of been a different game after just six minutes of this match when Parkvilla defender James Friary brought down Torro United player Evan Bird in the box with match official Conor Byrne pointing to the spot. Andy Tolan took repsponsibility of the kick but his effort was low and weak which enabled Gary O Dowd to get down to his left and save well. 

Parkvilla didn't have to wait long before they got their chance in front of goal, and it was Lee Fahy who played the ball into the path of striker and captain Lar Ivers who took ne touch before firing a left foot shot past keeper Dan Shields to put the Villa one nil up. 

The same two combined a few minutes later as Lar Ivers run in from the left saw the striker cross which was only cleared as far as Fahy who struck a right foot shot straight at Shields. 

 

Torro United persistence paid off in the twenty second minute as James Friary's throw back to Chris Kennedy was intercepted by Andy Tolan with a hint of a foul in the play but the match official played on and Tolan had a lot of work still to do beating Jay Colton before sending a cross into the box where Aaron Englishby was quickest to react to slide home an equaliser at the back post. 

Torro United kept pushing the defence of Parkvilla, with Evan Bird running from his own half down the left wing before cutting inside and curling a right foot shot just wide of the top corner. 

Jamie Blake was next to try his luck in this tight match as he collected a ball twenty five yards out and spotting Shields slightly off his line he tried a cheeky lob from distance but the shot was too soft to trouble the keeper. 

Michael Duke was playing well in the middle of the park for Torro and he won a ball on the right wing before stepping inside and sending a pass with the outside of his right boot into the Parkvilla box where Evan Bird met it with a header but he couldn't get any power in it to trouble Gary O Dowd in goal. 

Just before halftime the Villains were ahead again in this match, Joey Moran's skill on the wing saw him beat two defenders on the end line and crossing into the box where Ciaran Rogers beat his marker to the ball slotting home past Shields to tie them a slender lead at the interval. 

The second half didn't half many chances as it became a bit of a feisty match, with yellow cards been shown and then a nasty shoulder injury to Parkvilla player Lar Ivers saw the captain been stretchered off midway through the half. 

Torro United kept up the tempo against the newly crowned champions with Michael Duke trying to carve open a chance for himself despite beating three players his effort was sent wide of the post. 

Ten minutes were remaining when tricky winger Joey Moran ran the line with the ball, he took on his defender and beat him with only the keeper to beat he shot towards goal but Shields saved well with his legs with the ball rebounding back in front of Moran who made no mistake the second time firing home with his right boot to the delight of the large crowd. 

With five minutes left the last chance of this game fell to Torro United as substitute Sean Kendall made a good run into the box before unselfishly laying it on a plate for striker Andy Tolan to tap home but Gary O Dowd was alert to come off his line and clear the ball before Tolan had a chance to pull the trigger. 

Parkvilla held on for the victory which now leaves them with the chance of a double for the first team with their second string already securing the reserve title, they also have a chance of a domestic double in the Reserve cup final Saturday. What a remarkable season for Parkvilla Football Club as they took the huge decision to leave the Leinster Senior League and come back home to the NEFL, if they went on to complete all four trophies they would be strong contenders for the Premier title next season. 

Manager Derek Coogan spoke of his delight saying he has built a big squad up this year, and its down to all the hard work of his players and management team thats got him to the success this season. He said he is a manager hungry for trophies and its signing players with the same belief and who will buy into his ideas. 

Parkvilla Team 
Gary O Dowd, James Friary, Andy Williamson, Chris Kennedy, Jay Colton, Pierce Challenger, Joey Moran, Lee Fahy, Jamie Blake, Lar Ivers, Ciaran Rogers.
Subs Cathal Kennedy, Jimmy boland, Gary Gibney, Dylan Tighe, Keith McGibney, Cian Power, Ben Clarke

Torro United Team 
Dan Shields, Shane O Brien, Peter carroll, Gerard Murray, Kevin Crowley, Peader Farrelly, Evan Bird, Louis Timmons, Michael Duke, Andy Tolan, Aaron Englishby
Subs Ciaran Lyon, Sean Kendall, Paul Shields, Aaron Tolan, Ben O Reilly, William Gore 

Match Official - Conor Byrne