Fitzsimons Cup win for Parkvilla

Parkvilla annexed their first piece of silverware since their return to the Meath & District League with a hard-fought win on Sunday when they captured the Fitzsimons Cup. On chances created they deserved their victory, but they were pushed all the way by a determined Summerhill Celtic outfit in this encounter at the MDL grounds. Parkvilla almost went ahead in the first minute however, Mark McCabe was just off target. The contrast in styles made for interesting fare. The Navan side sought to pass the ball around, while their opponents favoured a more direct style. Summerhill were always a threat and Jason Galvin had to be constantly alert. On one occasion in the first half it looked like Summerhill would make the breakthrough, but Galvin showed catlike reflexes to save superbly and it remained scoreless at the break. Kia Beckham, who stood strong at the heart of the Parkvilla defence, was the epitome of reliability. His heading ability and courageous tackling repelled any dangerous situations that came his way. Alongside Beckham, New Zealander Stephen Levin gave his usual wholehearted performance. With two determined, sporting teams not giving an inch, it was going to take something special to separate them and the crucial score arrived midway through the second-half. Gavin Brady and John Power exchanged passes in their opponent"s half before a clever ball from Brady put Power in the clear. From the edge of the penalty Parkvilla"s leading scorer first controlled the ball and then fired to the net for what proved to be the winner. Power was very unlucky not to add a second shortly after when he was denied by Summerhill"s goalkeeper who smartly saved his looping header. The last 10 minutes were tense as the winner"s goal came under pressure, but good defensive play by Conor O"Callaghan at left back steadied the ship. On the opposite wing Patrick Connors ran himself ragged for the cause. As the clock ticked down Galvin was once again called into action. This time it wasn"t his skill that saved the day, but his bravery as he threw himself at the striker"s feet to avert the danger. Others to shine for the Commons Road side who collected their only piece of silverware at adult level this season with this win were Rory Devlin, Chris Hand, Cathal Kennedy and Craig Collins. Parkvilla - Jason Galvin; Cathal Kennedy, Kia Beckham, Stephen Slevin, Conor O"Callaghan, Patrick Connors, Rory Devlin, Chris Hand, Gavin Brady, Mark McCabe, John Power. Subs - Craig Collins for Brady, Jamie Blake for Connors, Stephen Wallace for McCabe.