Midseason lull continues

Ormeau Park, Sunday 16 December 2001, 1:30PM

Dub FC (0)2 Chester Park FC (0)4

Dub FC's ambitions of a top three finish in the Belfast Sunday Premier League took another dent at Ormeau Park last Sunday.

The midseason lull continued for Dub as they suffered a 4-2 defeat against high-flying Chester Park FC. They have now gained only one point from their last three matches.

Despite the defeat this was a good team performance from Dub who played well throughout the match but failed to make the most of their chances. They came close to taking the lead when a good move ended with a Sean Mullan volley that was well saved by the diving keeper. With Sean Mullan and Shane Murphy pushing forward at every opportunity Dub continued to create chances but were caught on the break when a swift counter attack left Colm Kernan with no chance.

Right on the stroke of half-time Kristian Hill made a clumsy tackle in the area and gave away a penalty. This was duely dispatched and Dub were 2-0 down at the interval.

The second half saw Dub continue to press and Michael Smyth hit the post before a Chester counter attack saw them go 3-0 up. Soon after a ricochet in the Chester box fell to Shane McCusker who headed accross goal to Cormac Kernan who smashed hom his ninth of the season from close range.

Chester sealed the game with a well worked goal. Dub dominated the latter stages of the match with Brian Gribben, Cormac Kernan and Ryan MCGaughey all failing to score from close range efforts. Dub finally got the consolation goal they deserved when a quick throw from Sean Doherty fell to Michael Smyth who struck a fierce goalbound shot that was diverted home by the impressive McGaughey.

After the match Gareth Dickson received the Rose & Crown man of the match award from bar manager, Phil Sheridan.

Dub now have the opportunity to build on this improved performance and avenge a recent defeat when they play Brookvilla next Sunday. Club captain, Shane McCusker, claimed in midweek that "all the players have upped their efforts in training this week and we are clearly focused on winning against Brookvilla."

Team: Colm Kernan, M Smyth, G Dickson, S Doherty, K Hill, S Mullan, J Quinn, S Murphy, R McGaughey, Cormac Kernan, B Gribben

Sub: S McCusker for S Murphy (53)

Rose & Crown Man of the Match: Gareth Dickson

Squad

Brian Gribbin, Michael Smyth, Shane Murphy, Sean Doherty, Gareth Dickson, John Quinn, Sean Mullan, Shane McCusker, Kristian Hill, Ryan McGaughey, Cormac Kernan

Subs

Match Statistics

Goals	Cormac Kernan Ryan McGaughey
Assists	-
Yellow cards	-
Red cards	-
Man of the match	Gareth Dickson