Match Report: Seaford Rock United 0-3 Rush Athletic
LSL Sat Major 1B
Calamitous defending in the first half and wayward finishing in the second cost Seaford dearly as they slipped to a fourth defeat in five at the worst possible time of the season.
In contrast, the visitors defended resolutely and took their chances ruthlessly to move back to the summit of Major 1B with a commanding performance.
There was an element of good fortune about the opening goal, when Seaford;s Stephen Kelly headed into his own net from close range after Jonathan Hanratty had nodded Aaron Kelly's free-kick back across goal, but once in front Rush seized the momentum in the match.
Simon McGinty had already made a smart save to deny Hanratty before Brian Gillen doubled Rush's lead from close range after target man Mark Doyle had held off three opponents to flick the ball on, and it was 3-0 moments when Seaford left themselves wide open after conceding possession cheaply, allowing Doyle to set up strike=partner Dylan Kelly to finish,
A change of shape brought a much better second half display from Seaford, but in truth the visitors were happy to see the game out in second gear, mustering only a couple of long-range efforts after half time. In-form winger Darragh Connolly was the architect of the best openings for the navy blues, but the two clearest chances fell to makeshift striker Chris Monk at either end of the half, first volleying off target inside the six-yard box from a fine Fionn Geoghegan cross, before pouncing on keeper Stephen Kirwan's spillage in injury time, only to direct his effort inches over the bar.
The defeat leaves Seaford with a huge match against Beggsboro on Saturday as they seek to preserve their status in the division.
Seaford: Simon McGinty, Donal Howley (Eoin Mahon, 81), Paul Tansey, Fionn Geoghegan, Fionn Lawlor, Stephen Kelly, Robbie Creevy (Andy Roe 81) , Gavin Walsh (David Higgins, 69),,Darragh Connolly Peter Tierney (Paul Lydon, 69) Chris Monk. Goals: P TIerney (28, 69), Lydon (30)
Rush Athletic: Stephen Kirwan, Liam Doyle, James Bermingham (John Martin, 86), Rory Byrne, Aaron Kelly, Barry Martin, Brian Gillen (Craig Vaughan, 81), Bryce Ndjatang, Mark Doyle (Stephen Hanratty, 84), Dylan Kelly (Alan Kerslake, 63), Jonathan Hanratty (Alex Neary, 75). Goals: S Kelly (o.g. 14), Gillen (32), Kelly (35):
Rockfield Park, 10 May 2018
In contrast, the visitors defended resolutely and took their chances ruthlessly to move back to the summit of Major 1B with a commanding performance.
There was an element of good fortune about the opening goal, when Seaford;s Stephen Kelly headed into his own net from close range after Jonathan Hanratty had nodded Aaron Kelly's free-kick back across goal, but once in front Rush seized the momentum in the match.
Simon McGinty had already made a smart save to deny Hanratty before Brian Gillen doubled Rush's lead from close range after target man Mark Doyle had held off three opponents to flick the ball on, and it was 3-0 moments when Seaford left themselves wide open after conceding possession cheaply, allowing Doyle to set up strike=partner Dylan Kelly to finish,
A change of shape brought a much better second half display from Seaford, but in truth the visitors were happy to see the game out in second gear, mustering only a couple of long-range efforts after half time. In-form winger Darragh Connolly was the architect of the best openings for the navy blues, but the two clearest chances fell to makeshift striker Chris Monk at either end of the half, first volleying off target inside the six-yard box from a fine Fionn Geoghegan cross, before pouncing on keeper Stephen Kirwan's spillage in injury time, only to direct his effort inches over the bar.
The defeat leaves Seaford with a huge match against Beggsboro on Saturday as they seek to preserve their status in the division.
Seaford: Simon McGinty, Donal Howley (Eoin Mahon, 81), Paul Tansey, Fionn Geoghegan, Fionn Lawlor, Stephen Kelly, Robbie Creevy (Andy Roe 81) , Gavin Walsh (David Higgins, 69),,Darragh Connolly Peter Tierney (Paul Lydon, 69) Chris Monk. Goals: P TIerney (28, 69), Lydon (30)
Rush Athletic: Stephen Kirwan, Liam Doyle, James Bermingham (John Martin, 86), Rory Byrne, Aaron Kelly, Barry Martin, Brian Gillen (Craig Vaughan, 81), Bryce Ndjatang, Mark Doyle (Stephen Hanratty, 84), Dylan Kelly (Alan Kerslake, 63), Jonathan Hanratty (Alex Neary, 75). Goals: S Kelly (o.g. 14), Gillen (32), Kelly (35):
Rockfield Park, 10 May 2018