18/03/2006

Sammy Moore Memorial Trophy

Quarter Final 1st Leg

Lisnafillan Swifts 5 - 0 Castle Knights

This was a game which didn't come alive until the second half. Perhaps both teams were a little hung over from the St. Patrick's Day celebrations the previous night but the only notable chances in the half fell to Lisnafillan. Roy Calderwood in the Swifts' net was not called into action at all throughout the game and had Rodney Beggs made better use of the ball in front of the Knights' goal he would have had a hat trick by half time.

Half-time: 0-0

George Lynn brought the game to life in the second half with his tireless running and some intelligent passing. He made opportunities for both Simon Murray and Beggs, whose effort will go down for miss of the season, before grasping the game by the scruff of the neck and opening the scoring himself. He fired in a low shot which didn't look very dangerous until it took a wicked bounce in front of the outstretched Castle 'keeper, ending up in the back of the net.

Castle Knights tried to fight back but could not break down a very solid Swifts' defence. Lisnafillan were also now playing with the strong breeze but even Simon Murry was surprised to see his high through ball carry over the stranded Knights' 'keeper and into the net to make it 2-0.

The Swifts were then handed a double blow when mainstays Adrian McGarry and Rodney Beggs had to retire through injury. The enforced reshuffle seemed to work though as Jay Russell earned the home team a free kick on the edge of the box which George Lynn coolly converted for his second and the Swift's third of the day. Russell then bagged himself a goal when new signing, Simon Brown unselfishly laid the ball off to him on the edge of the box. Russell spotted the 'keeper in an advanced position and placed a delicate chip into the goal to make it 4-0.

It was up to Lisnafillan top goalscorer Simon Murray to round off the day when he latched onto a pinpoint through ball from Greg Marrs. He redirected the ball across the helpless 'keeper and just inside the far upright to finish the game off at 5-0 and keep his scoring record of a goal a game intact.

This game continues Lisnafillan's recent upturn in form with their fourth win and second clean sheet in a row.