Springfield get the better of Shandon Celtic in AUL Premier league clash
The Springfield side that had a 2-1 victory over Shandon Celtic in their Premier A clash at St. Colman's Park.
It was a very open contest between two sides, showing a gung-ho approach, as they frantically chased the win from the off.
The evidence of this was very clear as Kyle Cummins collected from Donnacha Leahy before seeing his effort parried on to the post by Stephen O’Callaghan – minutes later, Shandon found themselves in front when after Ian Shellard’s crisply struck effort was parried by Aaron Murphy, Glen Cambridge was on hand to produce a calm finish in the fifth minute.
And when Donnacha Leahy failed to get his header on target from a cross, Mikleusevic won possession before lifting his effort over from 20.
This was followed by a cracking low effort from Theo Foley that whistled narrowly past the upright.
Cummins then collected from Alan Kelly’s throw before swivelling to drill wide of the target.
After enduring a period of hustle and bustle where neither side could find a way through, a chance arrived for Springfield – a weighted pass by Theo Foley picked out Donnacha Leahy in space, but he fired over from a favourable position.
Then, Tiago Barillot could not get a touch to Alan Kelly’s low cross into the box before Mikleusevic cushioned a ball down for Calum Gooney to rifle over.
The final action in what was a busy first period saw Kyle Cummins make inroads on goal, but he was denied by a solid block from Stephen O’Calaghan before Ian Shellard blazed over from an acute angle.
Springfield were forceful in their approach as the second period took off and it took a timely interception from Jack O’Hanlon to deny Theo Foley an opportunity to pounce on Mikleusevic’s cross.
After David Cummins fired wide at one end, Mikleusevic was starting to become a thorn in the side of Shandon’s defence
and he came close when his turn and strike flew narrowly wide.
Then, following a neat move, the ball arrived in the box, but Mikleusevic just could not get enough force on his header to trouble O’Callaghan.
But, Mikleusevic threatened again in quick succession – firstly he fired over from 20 before getting on the end of a nice Springers move – only to see his effort fly wide again.
But, when Shandon’s defence surrendered too much space near goal, they were punished by Mikleusevic when he sent a thumping strike crashing into the net for the equaliser on 71.
Mikleusevic was on fire now and he would have had a second minutes later, but was denied by a solid block from O’Callaghan.
But, when Shandon were awarded a free kick at the other end, Jack O’Hanolon was unlucky to see is fizzing effort fly narrowly over.
But, it was back to the other end quickly as Mikleusevic was denied by a near-post save from the Shandon keeper again.
What a chance fell for Shandon after that – Ian Shellard dinked a pass into space for the unmarked Glen Cambridge, but the Shandon striker could not get that all-important touch near goal which would have surely gave Shandon the advantage.
Shandon were to rue this opportunity for certain and as the clock ticked towards its final moments, Springfield were awarded a corner and from the set-piece, Jonah Walsh pounced to poke home the winner for the Springers.
Springfield: Aaron Murphy, Leon Keating, Alan Kelly, Scott Molloy, Jonah Walsh, Theo Foley, Tiago Barillot, Calum Gooney, Kyle Cummins, Dom Mikleusevic and Donnacha Leahy.
Subs: Martins Seidlers for Theo Foley (63), Steve Walsh for Tiago Barillot (75), Dave O’Connor for Donnacha Leahy (75).
Shandon Celtic: Stephen O’Callaghan, Jonathon Cronin, David Cummins, Paul O’Driscoll, Colin Farmer, Cian O’Driscoll, Ian Shellard, Jack O’Hanlon, Grantas Barsauskas, Glen Cambridge and Charles Daly.
Subs: Dylan McCarthy for Charles Daly (49), Derek O’Leary for Dylan McCarthy (64).
Referee: Stephen Moore.
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