(4-4-2)

Andrews, Cowdery (Powell 65), Rogers, Griffin, Murray, Johnson, Moore, Danieli, Gall, Dawson (Del Favero, 70), Withey

A fairly even, if somewhat uninspired game, from which Ealing took the points due to their edge up front.

CPR almost started off the season abysmally, as within 30 seconds the Shamrock left-winger had broken clear and lobbed John. Fortunately the alert Jon Murray got back to clear the ball off the line. After that Ealing dominated the first 25 mins, as the CPR midfield seemed to have some problems adjusting to the 5-man formation.

It was no surprise, therefore, when Shamrock took the lead after a coupld of close things. A long clearance bounced off Ken C over Garry and straight into the path of the Ealing left-winger. The lad took it round John and finished it off.

CPR then came back into the game, without ever really looking like they would break through. Paul had some joy down the left-hand side, but the opposition defence only rarely looked in any trouble. At half-time, CPR decided to revert to a 4-4-2 formation, to try and create some chances.

The second half picked up from where the first left off, with CPR probably having the edge in possession (possibly due to some tired old legs in the Shamrock side). However, Ealing still looked quite useful on the break.

Midway through the second half CPR made a couple of changes, bringing on Steve and Teo, but the basic pattern of the game remained unaltered. For all their possession and passing in front of the Shamrock defence, CPR were barely able to penetrate at all.

The game turned in the 75th minute, when at last CPR carved out an opening from a set-piece. The ball fell to Matt about 8 yards out with the keeper stranded, but his slightly scuffed shot was cleared off the line by the full-back on the post.

Shortly after that the game was ended when the Ealing left-winger broke down the flank and put in a delightful cross which was matched by a powerful diving header into the bottom corner of the net.

Final score: CPR 0, Ealing Shamrock 2

Match Reporter: Garry Griffin