Back to winning ways for Sky Blues

Manager Seamus Quinn included new signings Connor Monaghan and Chris Bradley in his squad with James Bateson returning after a year out.

The Blues started on the front foot and after 3 mins created and spurned the first chance of the game. After 7 mins Beattie superbly volleyed home a great cross from Stewart to put the Blues one up. With Connor Monaghan in great form in midfield ably assisted by McGuckin, Ciaran Monaghan and Stewart the Blues completely dominated the first half and goal number two arrived on 17 mins when ‘Rossi’s ‘cross was headed back across goal by Nicman to Beattie who scored his 2nd of the game.

The game was now becoming heated with a few robust challenges as Mountjoy tried to put the Blues out of their stride but with no success. Half time arrived with the Blues two up but it probably should have been more but for some wayward finishing.

Mountjoy started the second half brightly but found the Blues rearguard of keeper Farniok, Scullion. Hawe and Martin impenetrable. Soon the Blues took control again and ‘Rossi’ Monaghan found the net to put the Blues three up. By this stage Mountjoy were a beaten side but let themselves down by trying to get Blues players sent off, Connor Monaghan in particular.

Connor Monaghan was shown an unwarranted second yellow and the Blues were down to 10 men. This however didn’t deter the Blues and they duly scored through ‘Rossi’. Mountjoy scored a consolation shortly after but the drama continued when after an altercation between Walls and a Mountjoy player the referee deemed Walls to be the aggressor and produced a red card for Walls but only a yellow for the Mountjoy player.

Although down to 9 men the Blues were still the dominant team. In the last few mins Mountjoy had a player sent off and the Blues thought they should have had a penalty when Stewart was upended in the box but the referee chose to award a free just outside. The final whistle sounded shortly after.

A great team performance with Beattie just edging everyone else for the man of the match award.

TEAM; Farniok, Scullion, Stewart, Martin, McGuckin, Hawe, Hawthorne, Connor Monaghan, Nicman, Beattie, Ciaran Monaghan. Subs; Bradley, Niblock, Walls, Bateson, O’Neill