Smithfield 5 v 1 Ladyswell Utd
------------------Keith Clarke 24'
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Ladyswell made the trip to the Phoenix park for their third game of the season after a draw and a loss so far this season. Smithfield had been involved in Ladyswells Jubilee cup and both clubs have a good relationship from the previous two seasons.
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Ladyswell manager Mick Loftus found himself choosing from a depleted squad with injuries causing a problem Ladyswell would still be without long term injured player Colm Ennis, Kevin Cox and last seasons top scorer Shane Smith.
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The game was almost put in serious doubt when what could only be described as hurricane conditions obscured the view of players and those on the lines. The referee was still adamant to play on and he was justified as the weather began to calm. It was the home side who started the brighter and should of been one to the good only to be denied by some top class goalkeeping by Robert Simpson.
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Ladyswell were finding it very difficult to get started and once again Simpson in the Ladyswell goal was proving why he has become a hit at the club as he pulled off save after save from the home side who attacked in wave after wave. Ladyswell eventually got a foot hold in the game and looked dangerous for the first time going forward and it came from the right side as Cunningham and Hughes combined and Hughes was in space fired over the bar.
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Ladyswell were beginning to get on top and it was through the hard work again by Cunningham who attacked down the right and whipped a ball in to force a good save from the keeper after O'Driscoll got on the end of it. It was the away side who took the lead soon after when Keith Clarke broke down the left cut inside and struck a superb shot with the outside of his right foot into the top corner, a real contender for goal of the season.
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Ladyswell soon found themselves on the back foot again and were defending quite high, once again Simpson was quick off his line to deny Smithfield the opportunity to get back in the game but just before the half time break the home side were on level terms when a long ball from the keeper was knocked on and the advancing Simpson was well beaten by another classy goal.
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Ladyswell manager Mick Loftus felt that the ball was coming back to quick and made a change up top taking off Alan king and putting on Ian Kenna. Once again Ladyswell did not start and were truly punished and found themselves 3 v 1 down in the blink of an eye. The away side just could not get going in the second half and opportunities were limited. Ladyswell imploded and were soon dispatched 5 v 1 although this scoreline was quite harsh on the Ladyswell goalkeeper who had been absolutely outstanding all day and had denied Smithfield on a number of occasions. Ladyswell finished the game with 10 men which seen the game then fizzle out.
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Ladyswell Fc:
1. Robert Simpson - 2. John Cunningham - 3.Paul Hughes - 4.Stephen Keenan - 5.Dermot Ennis (Capt) - 6. Stephen Coates - 7. Keith Clarke - 8.Ciaran Ennis - 9. Alan King - 10.Noel O'Driscoll 11. Colm Moran
Substitutes Used:
Ian Kenna, Oisin Doyle, Declan Farrell
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Man of the Match: Robert Simpson
