MFL Division 1 Na Fianna v St Sylvester’s 0-06 v 2-19

 We were never behind, quickly going 0-3 up and due to some incredible free taking by Sean Guiden we motored our to 8-2 after 15. His free taking from anywhere in from 50 metres is consistently excellent, 2 monsters in to the wind, off the deck and on his weak side were almost like gimmies. He finished with 1-12, the goal coming from a penalty won by Kieran O’Donnells hard work and perserverence. Guidens haul included 3 45s out of 3 and a huge sideline kick from out almost on the end line.

While Sean was the scoring star, it all came about due to the constant harrying and work rate of the team. Perfection on free taking was a reward for fighting for every ball and clever play. Sean Murphy and Daragh McLoughney were exceptional, capping their displays with a couple of long range points. There were points also for the returning Jack Boyne and Nathan Geraghty. Kieran O’Donnell got his customary score while Sean Gibson chipped in 2 from midfield.

Many of our scores came from patient build up, holding the ball and either finding the shooter or drawing the foul.

While we scored well, that was on the back of a great defensive display where nothing was given easy and we went hard for every ball. Discipline in tackling was excellent, only 2 scored frees allowed. The positive aggression shown by our full back line of Tom Bennett, Alex Smith and Ciaran McLoughney set a tone followed on by the rest of the team.

We had committed beforehand to ensuring all 19 players got a minimum of 30 minutes and with 4 changes at half time we lost a bit of momentum, spurning 3 or 4 good goal chances. Danny Taaffe did find the net for us second half to put a gloss on the scoreboard. Great to have Luke Darcy back in goals and pulling a few difficult balls down under the crossbar. His kick outs, short and long were excellent.

2 matches left, home to Crokes Sunday week next on the list.