Goals prove elusive as St Peter’s just can’t find finishing touch

Combined Counties Football League Senior Division

St Peter’s 0 Mullingar Town 0

By Eamon A. Donoghue

St Peter’s kept their CCFL Senior Division title hopes alive with this hard fought goalless draw against Mullingar Town at McCarthy Park, Athlone on Sunday last.

Despite the scoreless draw, there was plenty of goalmouth action and some good combination play by both sides. On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Athlone, the two teams served up a nice Easter dish that was fought out right to the final whistle.

Both sides went close to scoring, both hitting the woodwork and both having chances cleared off the line. The game had everything really, except goals.

St Peter’s started with purpose and made a blistering start to the game in terms of general play. Niall Scullion rolled back the years and gave an outstanding performance from right back. Scullion was playing the game at a higher tempo than his comrades or opponents and his relentless energetic play put the hosts on the front foot from the off.

Jordan Carr, Clive Harris and then Dylan Stewart all had goal bound shots but each took a deflection and away to safety. The home side lacked the necessary cutting edge and this continued for the duration of the game.

Ian Dempsey’s fierce shot went close and again Carr tested the mettle of the Mullingar keeper Adrian Rapacki but his attempt lacked power.

The home side was continuously creating chances but their finishing was let them down. They could have rued their missed opportunities from early in the game.

Mullingar had plenty of chances themselves, and both teams lacked that cutting edge around the goal.

David Dyer had a shot from distance for Mullingar but it screamed wide of the post. Greg Kozicki was busy and he threatened to break the deadlock on a couple occasions but his attempts were not hitting the target.

The visitors lost the experienced Darragh Kiernan to injury before half-time, at which stage the game remained 0-0.

After an even first half, the second half was similar. Both sides again had moments on top and created opportunities. St Peter’s introduced Luke Kelly and he gave them fresh legs and boosted their midfield.

Another substitute, Adam Dowling had the best chance to open the scoring in the second half, his shot flew just outside the post.

Mullingar had the better of the last quarter; they began to dominate and they had a number of chances. They had an appeal for a penalty when Kozicki went down inside the box but the play was waved on. Dyer also went close to scoring but he mishit his shot.

The Mullingar outfit pinned the hosts inside their own half for much of the last quarter but failed to make the most of numerous opportunities in and around the box. They didn’t punish the hosts when they were under pressure and struggling to break out of defence.

Mullingar were nearly punished themselves as St Peter’s could have stolen all three points at the end. They had two chances on the counter attack. Gary Kelly was unlucky with his attempt and Harris again could have scored but his attempt was blocked.

Overall, St Peter’s simply weren’t able to put the finishing touches to an otherwise encouraging display. They did so much right and ruined it with a lack of composure with their shots or wrong decisions with the final ball.

St Peter’s are now joint second on 16 points, six points behind leaders Willow Park, but they two have two games in hand. Mullingar Town are far from out of contention either as, though they are ten points adrift, they have four games in hand on Willow.

Player of the match: Niall Scullion (St Peter’s). Scullion made little of his miles on the clock to give an inspiring display from right back. Scott Delaney kept things together at the back and Jordan Carr was inventive on the ball. For Mullingar Town, Paul Reid, Greg Kozicki and Sean Watkins played crucial roles.

Key moment: Adrian Rapacki’s save from Carr in the first half was probably the closest either side went to actually getting the ball in the net.

St Peter’s: Darcy Lawless, Niall Scullion, John McCrossan, Stephen Barr, Scott Delaney, Ian Dempsey, Clive Harris, Johnny Duffy, Jordan Carr, Dylan Stewart, Gary Kelly. Subs used: Luke Kelly for Duffy (60 mins), Adam Dowling for Stewart (85).

Mullingar Town: Adrian Rapacki, Jamie Loran, David Mimnagh, Paul Reid, Liam Brennan, Jason Charles, Greg Kozicki, David Dyer, Nathan McCullagh, Sean Watkins, Darragh Kiernan. Subs used: Sean Reid for Kiernan (injured, 39 mins); Alan Cashman for McCullagh (57).

Referee: Ray Conlon.