In their first game back since COVID ended last season early, Park’s rustiness showed against a well organised Joeys side.
Park started the stronger, with Jack Scanell smashing an early shot off the post and Jamie going close after some slick passing from Killian, Kevin and Peter. Joeys made them pay soon after with a slick break getting them in behind the defence to take the lead midway through the first half. Park continued to pile on the pressure, but the final ball was letting them down. Joeys were still dangerous on the break, but some strong saves from Fritz and tackles from Brian kept Park within one.
The 2nd half started in a similar fashion, with Park surging forward. A slick through ball from Jack Fitz put Larkin through, but his curling effort was inches wide of the far post. Eoin, Conor and Killian were all unlucky not to score. Joeys then smashed a long-range effort which was flying towards the top corner, only for Peter to pull off an unbelievable fingertip save. This spurred on Park even more, and the equaliser came soon after, with a slick finish from Jamie. Park made a number of subs just after equalising and the team lost their shape. Joeys punished them again with 2 quickfire goals. Parks heads didn’t drop and after 3 corners in quick succession, Park pulled a goal back with a neat finish from Niall on his debut. 3-2 with 10 minutes to go.
Park we’re pushing for the equaliser, with Larkin, Jack Scannel and Peter all going close. But with seconds left on the clock, Joeys broke again and scored to put the game out of Parks reach. 4-2 the final score was harsh on Park. A solid performance for their first game back.
The Man of the match award has to be shared this week between Conor and Brian in their final game before a big-money transfer to Riccardo’s Saturday team. Their versatility showed again today as they played a multitude of positions and made it look easy.
Roll on the new season!