Skerries draw comfort from unbeaten start
SKERRIES TOWN............. 1 LEIXLIP UNITED............... 1
SKERRIES Town maintained their unbeaten start to the season on Sunday last with a draw against a Leixlip United side who are being tipped as one of the promotion favourites.
Although Skerries went in front after 20 minutes against Leixlip and held the lead until the 80th, a draw was probably a fair result.
After an initial opening period where Skerries had the better of the exchanges, the game swung Leixlip's way when a clumsy tackle by Barry Davey on the experienced Leixlip striker resulted in a penalty kick for the away side. Home keeper Alan Mooney read the kick the right way and, diving smartly to his left, he pushed the ball away to safety.
This was to be the first of many fine saves which deservedly earned Mooney the Man of the Match award.
Then, with 20 minutes gone a through-ball from Brendan Moore in midfield was flicked on by Derek Early to the onrushing Con Martin, who took the ball perfectly in his stride and slotted past the away keeper from 15 yards.
Half-time came and went without any change, and Skerries managed to control the game while still pushing on for the second goal.
However, in the last 15 minutes Leixlip began to dominate in the middle of the park, and after a period of sustained pressure a cross to the far post was finished to the net by their substitute.
For the remaining 10 minutes, both sides went looking for the winner, but with no further scoring.
Aidan Bolger ( 22), who has had been playing for Skerries since the age of seven, was part of the back line that put in a solid performance and ensured Leixlip were kept at bay for most of the game.
Aidan's father Mick is also long associated with the club, having been secretary and manager of the first team in the past, mother Noeleen is the current chairperson while his older brother Niall was one of their key players during their most illustrious years.
