Having had a mediocre season up to Christmas, the New Year has certainly taken a turn for the better in recent weeks. The introduction of Alan Sweeny as Senior Manager has resulted in a footballing “Operation Transformation” with the Senior Squad.
Two weeks ago, the home game to league leaders, Lucan Utd. appeared a tough debut for the new management team, but playing with a new –found confidence they claimed the three points from a well taken Bob McKenna goal .
The only black spot on the victory was the severe injury to keeper, Shane Davis, who sustained a broken arm and dislocated wrist during the game. All in Skerries Town wish Shane well and hopefully a speedy recovery and look forward to see him back between the posts again.
Then, to last Sunday and a trip to Templeogue where last season Skerries experienced an unhappy afternoon and a 5-1 drubbing, the question posed was could the previous victory and confidence be carried over. The answer was delivered in emphatic fashion with a comfortable 3-1 victory.
This game, played on a boggy pitch, was even up to the half-time whistle with both sets of defenders coping with anything that came their way. However, that all changed in the opening ten minutes of the second half, when two goals in three minutes rocked the home side. First up was Bob McKenna who engineered some space in the crowded area before scoring from eight yards. In an almost similar situation three minutes McKenna found his way to goal blocked and he calmly laid the ball off to Ross Hopkins whose first time volley gave the home keeper no chance.
This seemed to deflate Templeogue completely and shortly afterwards, Barry Davey strode into the box and virtually unchallenged had the simple task of making it three nil. With eight minutes to go, the home side finally got a goal back when a through ball left keeper Ian Tolan helpless as their big No. 9 grabbed what was a mere consolation.
Next Sunday it is back to Park Lane for a home tie against new boys, Ballymun Utd. No doubt, Manager Sweeney will ensure that the attitude will be spot on so “Come on Down!” to support the guys and get a good afternoon’s entertainment.