CRAIG Sheridan’s last-gasp winner saw St Mochta’s snatch the spoils from their Dublin 15 derby and build a massive eight-point lead at the top of the LSL Sunday Senior One.
It was a scrappy game in tricky conditions but it was a derby that had everything – frantic, tense, very competitive and when Sheridan scored the winner it was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, depending on your affiliation.
Mochta’s took the lead in the ninth minute when David Somers scored his 11th league goal of the season from the penalty spot after John Reilly was brought down with a rash challenge.
Verona equalised when a cross deceived the Saints goalkeeper Warren Fee. Kenny Clinch rounded Fee to score despite Gavin Smith’s last-ditch attempt to clear it.
Both sides struggled with the conditions and the opening half saw many moves breaking down and the half never really had any fluency.
Soon after the break, Verona went ahead when Fee was beaten by a powerful Ian Croft free kick that flew into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
The lead did not last long, however, and when Glen Crowe replaced Lee Dixon in the 57th minute and if the legendary striker gets a chance he is more than likely to score.
The league leaders applied some pressure and the Verona goalkeeper made a fantastic save in the 67th minute to keep out a Somers header.
One minute later it was all square when Glen Crowe’s volley flew over the Verona goalkeeper and into the roof of the net. It was a brilliant finish and class personified.
Paul McCullagh was introduced for his debut in the 76th minute replacing Stephen Deegan. The former Corduff man was exceptional when he came on and he went so close to scoring when his shot went inches wide after he went on a terrific run and evaded a couple of desperate tackles.
He glided past players with ease and with the game stretched and tired legs he caused Verona all sorts of problems.
Both sides gave it everything in the final stages of the game and the Saints could have wrapped it up when McCullagh went on a run and his pass just couldn’t find John Reilly.
The two teams were giving it everything and you could sense a late winner for someone. A winner did arrive thanks to Sheridan who sent the huge away following home very happy.
