Lacey lights up LSL classic

ST MOCHTA’S came out on top of an eight goal thriller after they defeated Crumlin United 5-3 to get back to winning ways and keep the pressure on the teams above them in the LSL Sunday Senior.
The Clonsilla side had only won once in their previous four league games prior to Christmas but 2017 saw them get back on track and move within two points of Bluebell United at the top and level on points with second-placed Cherry Orchard after their draw with Killester United.
The home side got off to a great start when David Lacey scrambled the ball over the line on five minutes after good work from former Crumlin winger Alan McGreal.
Crumlin hit back immediately and created several chances of their own but failed to find the back of Morgan Cranley’s net.
Shane Dolan eventually got them back on level terms when he capitalised on some slack defending to curl home with 24 minutes on the clock.
His goal proved to be the last one of the half but, with chances aplenty at both ends, it could have been a very different story at the break.
With anticipation growing that the second half could really see the game take off, it was Crumlin who came racing out of the blocks quickest to grab the lead just seven minutes after the restart through Conor Murphy.
Their lead wouldn’t lose for long, however, as Mochta’s were back on level terms within 10 minutes Karl Somers ran on to a clever flick from Lacey and finished well into the bottom corner.
Eight minutes later and the Saints were back in front after David Somers met Simon Dixon’s drilled cross at the back post and fired it into the roof of the net.
They looked to have wrapped up the game minutes later when they got their fourth when another stroke of genius from Lacey saw him dink the ball over Crumlin’s onrushing keeper.
Crumlin pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining as Murphy grabbed his second of the game to ensure a nervy finish was on the cards for the Saints.
However, as the final whistle approached, Lee Dixon produced an attacking move his namesake could only dream of and released David Somers, who kept his cool amongst all the tension and simply rolled the ball into the far corner to put the game to bed.
It is a massive win for Mochta’s who are playing in just their second season in the top division following promotion and, having already beaten Cherry Orchard this season, Brian McCarthy’s side look capable of putting it up to the so called big boys of the league.