Mens Soccer L1 - CSN 2 . 1 UCC

In what was a hard earned battle CSN took all 3 points in this league opener at Tramore Rd this evening. Going into the game, based on previous seasons CSN had an little chance at toppling Collingwood Cup Champions UCC. John Caulfield named a strong squad for the game however he saw his side outplayed for the opening 25mins. CSN adapted a 4..5.1 system with Kenny O Leary taking up the lone striker role and it was O Leary who opened the scoring after some fine individual skill. CSN were in control at this stage with fine displays from Ross Condon & Gareth Cambridge. However Condon was replaced after 40mins with a groin injury that will see him sidelined for a number of weeks.
His replacement Danny Roche was giving the role of striker while O Leary was moved to the wing. CSN had some fine passages of play during the first half, creating a number of good scoring opportunities. However the first half finished 1.0.

The second saw a different picture with UCC bringing in Simon Holland who was busy upsetting the CSN defence. Rob Waters was UCCs best player on the day, and it was not long before the ongoing pressure was too much for CSN. Lloyd Dorgan had left the field to have an eye injury treated when his opposing winger exploited his absence, cut inside and laid off a pass to level up the scoreboard. At this stage the game had swung in UCCs favour, but for a man of the match performance from James Furlong and the rest of his backline the scoreline may have been different.
But CSN continued to create opportunities and when Lloyd Dorgan was replaced by Lloyd O Sullivan CSN reverted back to 4.4.2 with cambridge becoming the second striker.
Just when it looked like a draw was on the cards, CSN replaced the tired but impressive O Leary with Joe Sheehy. In the space of 10 minutes sheehy had created a number of chances and within minutes he netted what would turn out to be the winner.
Altough CSN will be delighted with the win, it was evident that UCC will play an important role in the latter stages of the league this season.
The CSN defence of Furlong, Lonergan, Stack & McCarthy were outstanding on the day. Midfield players Cambridge and Condon were always dangerous offensively while Roche and O Leary created a number of opportunities throughout. The impact of Roche, O Sullivan and Sheehy was also very obvious which will push players for positions this season. The next game will see the mens team away to CIT at 6pm Wednesday 19th October