Midfield clash with Johnville’s Michael Heffernan & Carrick’s Richard Lawrence.
Carrick United 0; Johnville 0
Carrick United dropped two vital points in their quest to retain their league title but on the other hand Johnville gained a vital point in their fight to beat the dreaded drop. Johnville had two star players in goalkeeper Dean Purcell and central defender Shane O’Brien and the city based team deserved their share of the spoils. Carrick have one eye on their up-coming FAI Junior Cup semi final against Castlebar Celtic but that fact should not take away from a very good Johnville performance.
Top class
saves
Carrick played with the advantage of the strong breeze in the first half. Anthony Power picked out Wayne Fitzgerald after 5 minutes but his header went over the crossbar. Five minutes later Ian Cleary weaved through the Johnville defence but with Dean Purcell coming out of his goal he shot wide. Ian Cleary then shot over the crossbar shortly afterwards. Wayne Fitzgerald burst into the penalty area on the half hour mark but John Butler got in a fine clearing tackle. Dean Purcell then began to display his class with a number of fine saves. He saved from Anthony Power on 32 minutes and when the ball rebound to Wayne Fitzgerald he saved again. The ball ran lose this time to Ian Cleary but again Purcell saved at his near post. The Carrick goalkeeper, Adrian Walsh prevented a shot from John O’Leary entering the net on 35 minutes and shortly afterwards Dean Purcell produced a wonderful save from Glen Keane who cut lose from 18 yards. On this occasion he tipped the ball over his crossbar. Richie Lawrence got in a cross to Ian Clear on 41 minutes but his header hit the top of the crossbar.
Visitors
pressure
Johnville looked more comfortable with the breeze behind their backs in the second half and Anthony Phelan played in John O’Leary who shot at Adrian Walsh who parried the ball and Richie Lawrence cleared the danger. Dean Purcell then saved from Keith Walsh after 61 minutes and not to long afterwards he saved from Glen Keane. Barry Murphy had an effort punched clear by Dean Purcell on 82 minutes and Daryl Kavanagh was just over with a late free kick. The visitors did have their moments during the course of the second 45 minutes but they could not get a goal but nevertheless they will be very happy with their point. They will fancy their chances against an out of sorts Tramore team on Sunday next in St Martin’s Park.
Carrick United: Adrian Walsh, John Walsh, Anthony O’Donnell, John Walsh, Richie Lawrence, Keith Walsh, Wayne Fitzgerald, Eoin Burke, Anthony Power, Ian Cleary, Glen Keane.
Subs: Barry Murphy and Daryl Kavanagh for Power and Keane (72 mins), Stephen Hahhessy for Cleary (81 mins).
Referee: Paul O’Keeffe.
