Parkvilla move into top four position

Parkvilla maintained their recent good form when they collected three more Leinster Senior League Div 1A points at Claremont Stadium on Friday night with a couple of late goals. This was another impressive performance from the Navan side as they chalked up a third successive clean sheet and continued their challenge for honours. Parkvilla had to work hard to survive the considerable threat posed by Pegasus, especially as it was achieved without Chris Kennedy who sustained an injury the previous week against Skerries. Kennedy’s absence forced veteran defender Kenny Ratty into action and the club stalwart could put pressure on his younger colleague to keep his place. Ratty and Andrew Rogers held a vice-like grip on the Pegasus strikers throughout and supplied midfield with plenty of possession. Kevin Dunphy was a constant threat and he almost broke the deadlock from a far post header that was just off target. Andy Williamson also headed Dunphy’s corner off the woodwork while Ratty split the visitor’s defence with a precision pass that set up Dave O’Neill who was denied by a good save. At the other end a deflected Pegasus shot clipped the crossbar to the relief of Sean O’Gorman in a scoreless first-half. The second-half featured loads of good passing and honest, but fair tackling. Williamson and O’Neill combined to set up Wayne Russell from a corner, but his headed effort was just off target. Parkvilla continued to push forward and were rewarded in the closing stages when they scored twice. After a period of sustained pressure Parkvilla won a corner on the left. Davy Hosie’s superb kick caused panic in the danger zone and the lose ball was toe-poked home by Andrew Rogers. Pegasus were opened up again soon after with a delightful move by the home team. Substitute Ciaran Rogers found Hosie with a crisp pass and the midfielder sent Jamie Blake racing clear on the halfway line. Blake showed remarkable calm as he waited for the custodian to commit himself and he nonchalantly slipped the ball under a despairing dive. Best for the Navan side on Friday night were Ratty, Andrew Rogers, Russell and Dunphy. This victory moves the Navan side into the top four and they will be eager to maintain the momentum when they entertain Kildare side Confey at Claremont Stadium this Thursday night, 7.45. However, the Kildare side will be full of confidence for their trip to Navan after they knocked Div 1A leaders Glenville out of the George Moore Cup (2-1) at the weekend. Parkvilla - S O’Gorman: G Crossan, A Williamson, K Ratty, A Rogers, K Dunphy, D Hosie, W Russell, A Kerr, D O’Neill, C Lynch. Subs - C Rogers for Lynch, G Reilly for Kerr, J Blake for O’Neill.