Skerries Town 1 Parkvilla 0
On Sunday, in the last game before the Christmas break, Skerries entertained a Parkvilla side from Navan who started the day in second position in the league table. This was a serious test for the home side that needed the three points to stay in touch with the promotion hopefuls, and at the end of the ninety plus minutes of an absorbing game Skerries emerged the victors with a James McIlwaine second half goal.
With long term absentees Dean Monks and Con Martin back in the line-up plus the physical presence of Mark Doyle up front, Skerries matched up to a very organised and well drilled Parkvilla team .The pattern of the first 45 minutes suggested that goals would be in short supply as both defences coped with anything thrown at them.
From the restart, however, the home side took control of the game and with Richie Glynn and Monks dominating the midfield area, the scoring opportunities were all in the Parkvilla penalty area.
The vital breakthrough came mid-way in the half when a move started by full back, Colm Lee, freed up striker Kevin Farrell who’s shot from just inside the area was pushed away by the visiting keeper but only to the head of the inrushing McIwaine who finished from six yards.
Although Parkvilla tried to get back into the game, it was the home side that created the better opportunities and with central defenders Stephen Hogan and Killian McMahon rock solid at the back, Skerries comfortably saw out the remainder of the game and wrapped up a valuable three points.
Skerries now go into the midseason break in the top half of the table and if present form is maintained, they can look forward to the next period with plenty of optimism.