J.M.B. Sportsfields – Football League – Division 2 Knockout Stages Semi Final
Little did the crowd know when gathering in Trim for this much anticipated semi-final as to the sheer delight of a match that awaited. Although finishing in fourth place in the round stages, Simonstown strode on to the pitch with the demeanour of men who had no intention of finishing their league run in Trim on Wednesday evening.
Trim needed to be alert from the start but no one needed to tell that to county player Aaron Lynch who got the ball from the throw in, took 4 strides and launched a high ball from outside the 40-metre arc to secure 2 points ….and only 30 seconds on the clock. From the kick out, Simmonstown launched their first attack only to be thwarted by a well-timed Padraig Walsh intercept who carried the ball out of defence to release David Lernihan who struck a soaring ball to claim another 2 points with a mere 1 minute gone. From the kick out, Trim once again secured the ball and patiently probed the Simmonstown half back line to find a way forward. Sean Fitzgerald and Daire Lynch marshalled affairs in the middle of the field until the ball eventually went out for a Trim 45 that was converted effortlessly by Aaron Lynch. On the kick out, Trim’s Carty demonstrated a great example of tracking and intercepting when he secured the ball and released it to Sean Foley who was well blocked by the visitor’s defence. Minutes later Simmonstown launched their own attack straight down the middle of the Trim defence to easily convert their first point on the 5th minute. Bolstered by this, Simmonstown secured the ball from the kick out and once again, very easily penetrated the Reds defence to convert for their second point.
This was to be followed moments later by a 3rd point to keep Simmonstown in touch on the scoreboard. But Aaron Lynch was in no mood for worrying as he continued to surge forward and attack the Simmonstown defence – first to strike the upright and then to convert a free for his 4th point of the game. Fitzgerald was increasingly effective across the middle of the field both breaking down Simmonstown attacks as well as launching the Reds counter attacks. On the 10th minute, Fitzgerald secured the ball and delivered a laser-like pass to Aaron Lynch who sent the ball across the bar from far out on the left wing. Somewhat dispiriting for Simmonstown was the fact that Lynch and the Trim forwards were constantly punishing up front while the Trim backs led by Conor McGinley, Conor Quigley and Jack McGowan were letting nothing past them. Noteworthy was Padraig Walsh whose phenomenal work rate saw him continuously break down attacks and then counterattack to release the Trim forward line - which is exactly what he did on the 11th minute to find Fitzgerald who swivelled on the 45-metre line and drove the ball high over the bar for a truly wonderful 2-point score. Lynch was again in the action moments later when he released James Toher who very intelligently fisted the ball over the bar to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Trim. Simmonstown replied with a much-needed point to try and keep in touch. On the 15th minute some Trim indiscipline gifted an easy free to Simmonstown who duly converted. But not to be out done, Trim replied with 2 points of their own, firstly from the impressive Conor Quigley who cut out of defence, straight down the middle of the field and split the posts, followed shortly after by Tom Carmody who secured his first score of the match.
Despite trailing, Simmonstown were far from finished when, in the following 3 minutes they attacked down the left wing, cut in and secured a well taken point followed by another point from the kick out moments later. More concerning for Trim was the visitor’s attack in the 19th minute that saw them quite easily move the ball to their forward line where at least 3 men handled the ball before it was buried into the Trim net with very little resistance from the Reds. Suddenly only 1 point separated the teams.
Again, Trim did not panic when Fitzgerald – who it must be said was up against some very big Navan men – caught the ball way out beyond the 45-metre line and hit a merciless kick that drove the ball high over the bar. But for the nets behind the goal, the Trim back-room team would have to have sent a car to Ballivor to retrieve the bruised leather!! Inspired by this feat, Tadhg Carty rose to win the kick out, and released the ball to Foley, who cheekily off loaded to Aaron Lynch who in turn found Quigley who was brought down for the free. Lynch slotted over the free - followed shortly thereafter by another well-taken point by dual star Togher. The Simmonstown goal had jolted Trim into much need action – and they weren’t finished yet. Foley, who is renowned for flair and jinking excitement, turned his man on the 25th minute only to see his shot blocked and rebound into the grateful hands of Ben Holden who easily drove the ball into the back of the net. Trim had now restored a comfortable lead. With Lynch torturing all and sundry up front, Fitzgerald powerful in midfield and Eoin Sweeney very calmly patrolling the half back line, things were looking very promising for the home team. In the final minutes of the half, Lynch converted his own free while more super fielding from Carty allowed the impressive Lernihan get his 3rd point.
Half time and Trim went to the dressing room with a very comfortable 10-point lead and quite difficult to see how Simonstown could make a comeback.
Half time: Trim 1-17 Simonstown 1-07
Ominously for Simonstown, was the sight of county star Ciaran Caulfield taking up his position on the field for the second half. After his efforts against Donegal only 3 days previous, it was a tribute to the young player that he could muster the energy to don the red jersey. But Simmonstown weren’t happy to let the game slide away – a fightback was clearly in their minds. And fight back they did in the first 5 minutes of the new half when they struck 3 successive 2-point scores that were majestically taken. It must be said that 2 of those scores arose from indiscipline from Trim – something they could ill afford. Simonstown on the 6th minute struck another point from play to reduce a half time deficit of 10 points to a mere 3-point game. This now was a very different type of game.
Aaron Lynch converted his first of the half in the 8th minute. But despite several more attacks, the Simonstown defence was suddenly very well organised and impenetrable. Trim’s attack was repeatedly forced wide across the 40-metre mark as they prodded in an attempt to find a way in. But the visitors stood firm and launched their own attacks that were very well defended by Daire Lynch, Sweeney and the excellent Walsh. A free right in front of the posts for Simmonstown allowed them back within 3 points – a single kick of the ball. Both teams attacked and counterattacked with Simmonstown now showing most promise. Trim substitutes Eoin O Connor and Harry Purcell brought much needed fresh legs to proceedings. Lynch struck again in the 21st minute to again put 4 points between them only for Simmonstown to strike back a minute later with a very well struck 2 point free. Trim now looked like a team beginning to hang on, but to be fair, still maintaining their composure. Clear messages from the sideline were acknowledged and acted on. Back come Trim on the 23rd minute with a superb jink and turn by Caulfield to release Togher to slot the ball over the bar. A minute later substitute Eoin O Connor broke through the middle of the Simmonstown defence and secured his first score of the game to widen the gap again to 4 points.
With 3 minutes left in the game Foley got the ball far out on the sideline – although now shepherded by 2 Simmonstown defenders – like a hare at a coursing meeting in Clonmel, he ducked, twisted, jinked and turned to leave the 2 poor pursuers floundering as he drove the ball over the bar. 5 points between them and 3 minutes to go - surely the game was over. Not so said Simmonstown as they came surging back down the field, and in a move reminiscent of Moses parting the Red Sea, split the Trim midfield and defence in half. With the goal at their mercy, it’s impossible to know how the ball was cleared but Trim got it out only for it to be won again by Simonstown who this time tapped over for a point. Unfortunately for Simonstown, and very thankfully for Trim, this was to be the last action of the game.
Trim can be very thankful for the well-deserved tally they notched up in the first half because when Simonstown came attacking Trim needed every morsel of reserve. Simonstown’s defence and discipline were impressive and their change of momentum after half time shook the home team. They will be disappointed with the final outcome. But this Trim team doesn’t quit. They stick to their task and support one another admirably. They have leaders on and off the pitch and this has yielded dividends throughout the season. No doubt they’ll quietly discuss the need for sustained discipline throughout a match. 2 pointers can severely punish loose lips and wayward hands on backs!
One match to go - great momentum – one final push.
A magnificent game of football by both teams.
Trim: E O Reilly; C McGinley; J McGowan; P Walsh; B Holden (1-00); C Quigley (0-01); E Sweeney; D Lynch; S Fitzgerald (0-03); J Toher (0-03); T Carty; A Lynch (0-09); D Lernihan (0-03); S Foley (0-01); T Carmody (0-01)
Subs: E O Connor (0-01) for S Fitzgerald; C Caulfield for J McGowan; H Purcell for E Sweeney; K Ennis for D Lynch
