Portlaoise opened their league account in Charleville Castle with a very good win against a strong Mucklagh team. Conditions were excellent considering Fridays rain. Portlaoise came into the game looking to avenge three defeats in six days against Mucklagh at the end of last season.
They got off to a poor start when a free kick 40 yards from their own goal was brilliantly drilled to the net through a crowded penalty area leaving Emmanuel Famokuna with no chance in the Portlaoise goal.
The away team leveled the match when an excellent move down the right involving David Mulhall and Brian Brennan resulted in Harry Whalley fizzing a lovely ball across the box for Tobi Olaoye to expertly flick the ball to the net, a super team goal. Olaoye doubled his and Portlaoise’s tally five minutes before half time making it 2-1 to the visitors. Good work again from Harry Whalley saw him put Cillian Friel through. His pace saw him outrun the Mucklagh defense before putting in another brilliant cross for Olaoye to fire to the net.
Portlaoise started the second half very strongly,creating plenty of chances and playing good football in the process. Both goalkeepers were kept really busy and both made some outstanding saves.
Portlaoise put the game out of Mucklaghs reach with 15 minutes to go. Robbie Farrell won possession on the right wing before making his way to the edge of the Mucklagh box.He rifled the ball low and hard to the far bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.
For the last few minutes Portlaoise looked very dangerous on the counter attack while soaking up all of Mucklagh’s pressure.
Both of Portlaoise’s coaches were extremely happy with their teams performance, particularly the 2 debutants, Roady Dempsey and Harry Whalley. Tobi Olaoye was unmarkable on the day earning himself the man of the match award.3-1 was a very satisfying win.
Team – Emmanuel Famokuna, David Mulhall, Adam Kingston, Roady Dempsey, Anto Brennan, David Olebuwale, Robbie Farrell, Brian Brennan, Harry Whalley, Tobi Olaoye, Cillian Friel, Oisin Bohan, Cameron Carlisle, Lee Moore, Evan Gavin,Paddy Young.
