Cup run ends for Juniors in Tipp

A spirited performance from Lakewood who were always going to be up against it when traveling to the home one of the best junior sides in the country.

In the first 5 minutes Kenny Murphy was put through on goal by Arseni Lamenov but his shot was well saved. 5 minutes later the home side we’re ahead. A long ball caused some confusion in the defense who left it for the GK but it held up in the wind. The St Michaels centre forward ran onto it and although James Murphy saved the initial effort, the rebound was easily put into the empty net.

Lakewood were now under pressure and found it hard to get out of their own half as the experienced home side we’re playing some nice football. Although they had the majority of possession they failed to trouble James Murphy as all Lakewood players worked hard to keep St Michaels at bay. Late in the first half Jonny Rice Madden delivered a free kick to the back post but Dan O’Callagans effort went narrowly over the bar.

Lakewood were well in the game at HT.

10 minutes into the 2nd half the home side scored again. As the ball was delivered to the back post, the referee missed a clear push in the post on Gavin O Flaherty by St Micheal’s centre half and the ball was tapped home.

Lakewood now needed to take some risks as they pushed forward looking for a goal. Fresh legs were introduced from the bench as Colin Moore, Con Breen and Scott Vaughan injected some energy. As they away side continued to push forward St Michaels looked dangerous on the break and went three goals up with 10 minutes left. Lakewood continued to push for the goal their performance deserved. Kenny Murphy again threatened as he beat 3 defenders but could not beat the GK who produced a fine fingertip save.   Lakewood finally scored in the last few minutes when Con Breen and Kenny Murphy combined down the left wing, Kenny’s cross found Arseni who headed into the top corner.

Overall a good hard working display from Lakewood but unfortunately it was not to be their day.

We wish St Michaels all the best and thanks for the food provided afterwards.

Next up is a league game away to Greenwood on Saturday at 2pm in lehenaghmore.