Match of the Week: Collinstown FC and Inchicore share the spoils in crunch derby

THE BIG top of the table clash Leinster Senior League 1A clash between Collinstown and Inchicore Athletic finished all square 1-1 in Collinstown Community College on Sunday.

It was first versus second in this clash with the home side coming from a goal down in the second half to secure a share of the spoils and maintain their impressive start to the season.

Both sides will be satisfied with the outcome with Inchicore edging the opening half and went in with a 1-0 advantage at the break.

The deadlock was broken after 25 minutes of play when Craig Walsh ran onto a ball over the top and got a touch to the ball to score from 18 yards out.

Both teams had chances but they failed to find the target in what was an evenly contested encounter.

Inchicore, under new manager Tony Griffiths who took over from Gareth Zambra, battled hard in the second half but the hosts were starting to find a new gear as they broke through on two occasions and had two goals disallowed one for off-side.

Collinstown FC shared the spoils with Inchicore Athletic

The equaliser did eventually arrive from the boot of Shane Stritch after Collinstown had applied the pressure and it eventually paid off.

Two players were sent off mid-way through the second half in a heated exchange as Collinstown pressed hard looking for a winner with Dylan Clarke at midfield and Dean Meehan in defence working hard.

However, both teams held firm in the closing stages to hang out for a draw “It was important for us not to lose the match but I felt a draw was a fair outcome,” remarked Collinstown manager Eric Quinn.

“It’s a big achievement for the team to remain unbeaten as there are not too many teams in the Leinster Senior League unbeaten at the moment.

Inchicore Athletic took the lead but the game finished a draw

“We are getting the crowds out to watch the games and there is a good feeling in the club and we are building for the future.

“The match could have gone either way but we are now looking to build on this result,” added Eric.

Collinstown have pulled off some big wins in the FAI Intermediate Cup beating one of the favourites Lucan United along with Bangor Celtic this season.

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