STED ARE 'FAST OFF THE MARK
Early scoring blitz seals win
December 19th 2000. The Star - Ger Keville.
Stedfast United 3 - Clontarf Athletic 2
Stedfast's title challenge is back on track after this vital win over contenders Clontarf
at Rockbrock last Saturday. Three points were a necessity for Stedfast if they wanted to
keep in touch with league leaders Clontarf. This win puts them level on points with the
northsiders, but they have played an extra game. A blistering opening quarter of an hour,
when Stedfast scored three times, set-up victory in an exciting contest. But the home side
were guilty of complacency and allowed Clontarf to hit back with goals before half time.
Brian Farrelly opened the scoring after just four minutes when he collected the ball on the
right. There seemed to be no danger to the Clontarf defence but Farrelly's cross-cum-shot
from out on the wing skidded into the net.
Range
Two minutes later Billy Long's side were 2-0 up. Gary Whyte made good ground down the right
and his cross found Eugene Long at the back post and he tucked home from close range.
Stedfast's third goal came in the 16th minute. Danny White picked the ball up inside the
Clontarf half and made good ground before being fouled 25 yards from goal. Gary White stepped
up to take the free and curled a beauty around the Clontarf wall and into the net. Clontarf
pulled one back in the 40th minute courtesy of a grant cracker. The roaming midfielder picked
the ball up outside the Stedfast box and unleashed a fine shot that gave Dunne no chance.
Suddenly Clontarf were back in the game and they reduced the deficit to just solitary goal on
the stroke of half time.
Hammer
Mick Crowe sent in a cross from the left and when the Stedfast defence failed to clear, James
Cunningham was on hand to hammer home the lose ball. Clontarf were back in the it and pushed
on after the break. Michael Crowe had a goalbound effort cleared off the line while at the
other end Gary Whyte came close to restoring Stedfast's two-goal advantage. Clontarf threw
everything at Stedfast in search of an equaliser, but the champion's defence held on for the
three points.
STEDFAST
: Derrick Dunne, Ken O'Reilly, Eugene Long, Aidan Delaney,
Tony Gillick, Kevin Norris, Robbie Giltrap, Brian Farrelly, Gary Whyte, Henry Fox, Danny White.
Subs : Darren Kavanagh, Ciaran Prouse.
