Cumann Spoirt an Phobail vs New Santos
Falls Park, 20th March 2010, 2pm
In a top of the table clash, Santos faced title rivals C.S.P, the only team to defeat them in the league this season.
C.S.P started much the brighter of the two sides and took advantage of poor defending to grab the lead within the first minute. They continued to pile on pressure but saves from JP Byrne and a last ditch tackle from David Dougan kept the score at one. After 35 minutes, C.S.P finally got their second with a looping header from the edge of the box as Santos failed to clear a corner. The C.S.P keeper denied Paddy O'Reilly from a one-on-one and again on the rebound in Santos' best chance of the half.
Half-time: Cumann Spoirt an Phobail 2-0 New Santos
At the start of the second half, C.S.P continued to pile forward and but failed to finish any of their chances. They came closest when Kevin Carson cleared an effort of the line. Around the hour mark, Santos started to have more of a say in the game. With 20 minutes left, Martin Magee scored an excellent 30 yard free kick to get Santos back into the game.
With a renewed belief, Santos kept the pressure on C.S.P in the hope of an equaliser. Gareth Cullen came close with another free kick which was well saved by the C.S.P keeper. In a brave move, Ronan Doherty ordered a change in formation for the last 5 minutes as Santos went to an all out 2-4-4 formation. It was a risk that needed to be taken but failed to pay off as C.S.P got a third in injury time with a fine finish on the counter attack.
The loss is a dent in the title hopes for Santos but it was a well deserved win from a quality C.S.P side.
Full-time: Cumann Spoirt an Phobail 3-1 New Santos
New Santos team:
GK- JP Byrne
DR-Colm McDonald
DL - Gareth Cullen
DC-David Dougan
DC- Kevin Carson
ML- Martin Magee
MC-Kieran Seaward ©
MC- Paul Barr (Kevin Kerr)
MR- Conor Chambers
ST- Paddy O'Reilly (Joe Magee)
ST- Anthony McGreevy (David Harrigan)
Santos Goals: M. Magee
MOTM: T.B.C
