|
The ball was launched forward, as is the wont of every team that finds itself staring into the abyss. Left side midfielder Tim Nagle collected the ball on the right wing, not even he knows why he was there, and delivered another cross into the Hull penalty area. His fellow midfield player Mick Coffey controlled the ball and shot, the ball arched towards the goal, it was going in and an expectant air of anticipation filled the ranks of the Irish. But no, the ball faded slightly and struck the post. As some shoulders began to slump, those of Coffey did not, he reacted with positive intent and from a scrambled position on his knees got his head to the rebound and diverted the ball to the net.
This pulsating climax to a tense encounter was the cue for unabated joy in the ranks of the Irish. The relief of manager Franklin was audible as the final whistle signalled the end the game and a seminal three points for his team. Victory sent the team soaring to the top of the league for the first time this season, two points ahead of Manchester United SC, both sides have two games remaining. RISSC will face Plymouth Argyle SC at the LPR Sports Ground, Sudbury at 2.00pm on Sunday 26 April 2006 and one week later at the same venue, Dundee United SC will be the opposition.
In the euphoria surrounding the finale to today's match, it is all too easy to overlook the ninety minutes of spirited endeavour which preceded it, but that would be unfair. With Dan Healey missing from the match day squad, regular right back, Mark O'Connor partnered Karl McGee at the heart of the defence. Adrian Ward dropped back from his customary midfield position to full back enabling Mick Coffey to revert to a midfield role with the peerless Paddy McGee linking with Mauricio Carillo up front.
Pitch conditions at the Barn Elms venue were fine for the time of year but an icy and increasingly fervent wind swept across the ground and provided a challenge to all the players. After a quiet start, RISSC fell behind on ten minutes. A free kick driven into the penalty area proved difficult to clear and after a series of attempts the ball broke kindly for a Hull player to score.
RISSC have been in this position before and that experience was evident as they set about retrieving the situation. The team combined on several occasions to create goalscoring opportunities but a combination of conditions and stout defence from their opponents prevented an equaliser during the remainder of the first half. Carillo, Coffey and McGee all had reasonable chances but were thwarted on each occasion.
Following the half time interval, Paddy McGee was replaced by Liam Kelly, who was returning to the fray after an injury plagued season. Kelly lost little time in displaying his predatory instincts and twice came close to providing a goal. The deserved equaliser eventually arrived some twenty minutes into the second half. A lengthy punt from goalkeeper Darren Nolan spiralled out of the sky and deceived the Hull defence. The ever alert Carillo was quickest to react and outpaced the defenders to drive a low volley to the net.
RISSC continued to create chances but they remained unrewarded. Their opponents, a very resilient Hull team, were not without opportunity also and Nolan had to be on his mettle twice during the final ten minutes to prevent them from regaining the lead. The Irish team was again well served by the midfield axis of Donnie Mullen and Gary Stockwell and Mullen showed particular courage by playing right to the end despite suffering an unpleasant injury to his eye.
Team
Darren Nolan
Jon Carey, Mark O'Connor, Karl McGee, Adrian Ward
Mick Coffey, Gary Stockwell, Donnie Mullen, Tim Nagle
Mauricio Carillo, Paddy McGee
Substitutes
Liam Kelly, Paul Franklin