Delaney goal sets the tone as Clara surprise Monksland
Monksland United 1 Clara Town 3
By Kevin O'Neill
The formbook was turned on its head last Sunday when a well-polished Clara Town side visited Cushla Park and emerged with a thoroughly deserved three points at the expense of Monksland United.
The home side had a chance to go joint top of the CCFL Senior Division table by winning, while the Offaly visitors came into this clash with only eight points from nine outings.
But judging by the way things panned out, you could be forgiven for thinking that it was the other way around, as Clara took control of matters from an early point and never looked back. Monksland, for some reason, struggled throughout to gain a foothold on proceedings and never really looked like getting back in the match after Clara opened the scoring with a fabulous strike in the 17th minute.
That goal, scored by Cormac Delaney, was a most fitting way to break the deadlock, as the attacking midfielder watched a long pass come over his shoulder before connecting with a wonderful volley that flew into the far corner of the goal, leaving Monksland goalkeeper Niall Ward with no chance.
Delaney was not only the scorer of a wonderful goal, but was also instrumental throughout, along with the likes of defender Patrick Smith, winger Isaac Ryan and forward Josh Fleming.
In the opening stages, Clara set the tone for the match with a couple of long range efforts that Ward had to save. And the home 'keeper also produced a fine tip-over save when his own defender Shane Gavin diverted a free kick towards the roof of his own net. Delaney also shot narrowly wide for Clara before his exquisite opening goal.
Observers might have expected a reaction from the Athlone outfit, but it never really came. Instead, it was Clara who continued to boss proceedings with Isaac Ryan, a constant threat on the right flank, going close with a couple of good efforts.
Monksland were finding it really difficult to assert themselves on the game and Clara's five-man defensive structure stood up to any of their threats. And in the 41st minute, it was one of those strong defenders who doubled the Clara lead when Sean Tierney headed home Ryan's corner from the right. It was a very simple finish for Tierney, who probably couldn't believe how much space he had to nod the ball past the home 'keeper.
The excellent Josh Fleming almost made matters worse for Monksland when forcing Ward into a good save. At this stage it was all Clara, who also had a goal ruled out for offside just before the half-time whistle sounded to alleviate the pressure on Monksland. Tommy Naughton, the Monksland manager, opted to make a couple of substitutions at the break in an effort to inject some life into a largely insipid display.
It was probably only in the last 20 minutes or so that the changes started to help Monksland's cause, but by then it was far too late, as Clara had added a third goal in the 55th minute when Fleming powered the ball into the net after Ward had saved well from Ryan.
After that, Clara understandably seemed content to defend in numbers while looking to hit Monksland on the counter attack. The pace and trickery of Isaac Ryan was key to this, and he continued to torment the home defence, having moved into a more central role after the injured Fleming hobbled off.
In the 70th minute, Monksland mustered a goal when substitute Aaron Meares fired low into the net after a clever run in behind the Clara right-back. That inspired a brief comeback by Monksland and Cathal Callinan almost diverted a low cross by Ian Harney into the net but was marginally wide.
Although they continued to fight hard, Monksland just never found the answers to Clara's well-organised defence.
The Offaly men saw out the game without much fuss and continued to carry a threat of their own, mainly through the trickery of Ryan, and when the final whistle went there could be little doubt about which team deserved to take all three points.
Player of the match: Isaac Ryan (Clara Town). All the contenders came from the Clara side with Isaac Ryan narrowly pipping Patrick Smith and Josh Fleming. The latter would have been an even stronger contender had he not been forced to leave the field of play through injury shortly after scoring.
Key moment: The spectacular opening goal by Cormac Delaney set the tone for the rest of the match, inspiring confidence in Clara Town and seemingly dispiriting the home side who never got into their stride until it was far too late.
What it means: Monksland's defeat means they miss the chance to apply pressure on St Peter's at the top of the table, while Clara will hope to build on this performance and start pushing for at least a place in the top five of the standings.
Clara Town: Adam Scanlon, Ronan Touhy, Ben Kennedy, Patrick Smith, Tomas Devine, Sean Tierney, Tadhg Maher, Davy Minnock, Josh Fleming, Cormac Delaney, Isaac Ryan. Subs: Neil Robbins for Minnock (37 mins), Callum Bracken for Fleming (57), Chris Minnock for Bracken (63), Cody Fitzpatrick for Kennedy (70), Ryan Handy for Fitzpatrick (83).
Monksland United: Niall Ward, Luke Gavin, Shane Pettit, Shane Gavin, Mick Harrington, Callum O'Brien, Adam Harney, Abdul Idris, Ian Harney, Charlie Kelly, Ryan O'Connor. Subs: Cathal Callinan and Aaron Meares for Luke Gavin and Kelly (H-T), Sean Ryan and Dylan Jinks for Harney and Idris (67 mins).
Referee: Jason Murray.