League v Everton in Coffey’s Field on Sunday 1st April 2018
Scorers: Leslie Edwards and Leroy Mhondiwa
On April Fools day, we trooped up to Togher with 12 players on a day where most of our top end players were missing due to Easter Holidays. Needless to say our lads showed great character playing on a mutually agreed 9 aside match in preparation for next season. Everton had their best squad out after their second team plaid a day before. That didn’t matter much as Rollie Durango ran the show on the midfield taking the ball into opposition half time and again.
Our defence looked solid early on with Leroy being flanked either side by Alex Lombard and Jakub Malek. The 2 wing backs did enough to stay compact protecting the middle player who is naturally attack minded. Our breakthrough came midway through first half when the evergreen Rollie threaded a good pass to Rory Dolan who created space for himself on the right. Rory coolly held on to the ball dribbling one player before crossing a delicate pass to Leslie Edwards(strike partner for the day ) who made no mistake with a neat finish. Few positional changes brought Everton back with scrappy goals from corner kick. All the direct attacks were either thwarted by our defenders or smart saves from Cian O’Rourke in goals. Jakub Malek was always at the right place at the right time.
Our second goal was more of a replica to the first one. Noah O’Neill playing on the right was time and again bringing lovely crosses into the box. This time Leroy had moved from defence carrying the ball up from midfield with powerful runs that could have been better with early passing. Soon after a powerful shot over the bar and forced save, Noah put a good cross to the back post that Leroy pocked in for our second goal. Elsewhere, Leslie having moved back to defence made vital interceptions together with Ende Cungulo where small players out shined big fellas in defence. Highlight of the day came from Brian Healy who received a pass from Ende and stylishly chipped the ball over the player before getting fouled.
Man of the match for the day went to Leroy who worked his socks off in defence, midfield and upfront. Versatility, scoring second goal and playing without complaining about positional changes.
Player of the Match; Leroy Mhondiwa