Long Ball Longwood

Last Friday night I had a choice to make, head to Richmond Park and watch St Patricks Athletic take on Drogheda or take the short walk to Bernard Curtis Park (BCP) to see how Inchicore fared as their pre season continued.  It was an easy choice as I made my way towards Inchicores home ground.

There was a bonus for me there as local legend Keith Marshall was making a return to the Inchicore team.  I haven't seen Keith play for almost 10 years so it was sure to be a good nights football at BCP.  Sporting a flash new kit Inchicore took to the field to take on a fired up Longwood FC from Kildare.  With a few new faces and some players from the U-21s on the subs bench the scene was set.

It was a cagey opening as both teams sized each other up, Longwood opting for the more direct long ball route as Inchicore looked to pass and move their way through the visitors defence.  Local hero Keith Marshall was in fine form commanding the back four with assured quality as Longwood tried to stamp their authority on the game. The first real chance fell to away side but a great strike came back off the post to keep the scores level.  A dubious penalty was awarded just before half time to Longwood but justice was served as the resultant spot kick was blazed high over the bar.

Inchicores front pairing of John Byrne and Alan Brennan caused some problems early in the second half.  The script for Inchicore, however, read like a carbon copy of Longwoods from the first half.  John Byrne struck a post with a close range effort and then Alan Brennan blazed high over the bar from a penalty kick.  It looked highly unlikely a goal would be produced until Inchicore found themselves a man down following a red card for an off the ball incident.

Two quick goals followed  as the men from Kildare made the man advantage count.  Keifer Byrne and a raft of youngsters from the U-21s made late appearances and gave a good account of their future potential.  Keifer impressing a few on the sideline as he showed us some silky skills and a sweet left foot while working his socks off in midfield to try and bring Inchicore back into the game.

It wasn't to be though as Longwood held on to claim the win as the light began to fade at BCP.  With the mighty St Patricks only gaining a point in a dour 0-0 draw my trip to BCP was the much better option for sure.