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Parnells demolish holders to win League title Sundon
Park basked in glorious sunshine last Sunday and Parnells showed why they
are the kingpins in Herts when they comprehensively defeated holders St.
Colmcilles to add the League title to their growing silverware.
Both sides were understrength but with Maurice Fallon back in attack,
Parnells had an outstanding addition to their artillery.
Particularly in the opening half, Fallon was everywhere. There is no more
committed footballer to be found and his goal and two points were well
deserved.
Colmcilles struggled against their more fleet-footed opponents and a better
organised side. They were down 1-3 to nil after 15 minutes.
The opening goal hit the side hard. Parnells’ Chris Kitteringham
walloped the ball goalwards only to see it rebound back to him when it
struck a colleague’s body.
Kitteringham pounced to goal as goalkeeper Tony Caines struggled to recover
from his initial attempt to save.
The twin threat of full-forwards Kitteringham and Darren Ó Loane
was lethal in the opening half.
Actually their markers Craig Fetherstone and Damian Ó Hara can
hold their heads high but the balls just kept arriving.
Victory was all but sealed when Parnells were awarded a penalty right
on half-time. Although it was probably a penalty unnecessarily given away.
The shot at goal from the end line was never likely to ensure a score
but the jersey pull left referee Paul Connolly no option but to point
to the 13-metre line. Caines guessed correctly but Ó Loane’s
kick was inch perfect and directed to the corner.
Colmcilles’ forwards were forced further out the field to win ball
as the opening half progressed.
With Martin Coleman and Mark Sweeney dominant at midfield and Conor Ó
Connor, John Regan and Fintan McMorrow in mean mood at the back. Colmcilles
sole opening half reward was a pointed free from Aaron Ó Byrne.
A 3-6 to 0-1 deficit at the interval did not bode well for a Colmcilles’
revival. But the St. Albans’ side is not just decorated with medals.
They are a side full of courage and pride. Neil Gallagher and James Lane
added two early points. A goal then might have driven the side to a margin
where Parnells felt shaken.
But good opportunities were missed and the Cambridge side settled once
more.
Colmcilles did play their best football in the second-half with Shane
Lynch, Adrian Ó Rourke, Pat Leydon and Plunkett McGreevy breaking
evens with their opponents.
It was that poacher Ó Loane who put victory beyond any lingering
doubt when he goaled in the 48th minute. A quick passing movement between
Paul Lynch and Paul Ó Sullivan enrolled Ó Loane who blasted
the ball to the net from 20 metres out. Colmcilles kept battling but Parnells
were ensured of their first League title. |
