*Clare manager, Adrian Walsh. Photograph: Joe Buckley.
NOT ONLY were there four seasons on one evening weather-wise but arguably four different gameplays required as well to really test Clare’s new soccer management in a 1-9 opening victory over North Tipperary in their Oscar Traynor opener in Frank Healy Park last week.
The incessant rain and occasional squally conditions didn’t augur well but throw in the dismissal of Jack Ryan for the home side just before halftime and manager Adrian Walsh was understandably pleased to have prevailed thanks to George Lopes’ early strike.
“We’re delighted to start with the win. Just the manner of it I suppose, the grit and determination shown at the end there. I mean we had to play with ten men for over an hour so the players had to dig really deep on a bad evening so we’re both happy and relived to get over the line. When we did have a full team, I thought we played some great stuff in the first half but the sending off, obviously it was controversial first of all, but from that moment on, playing with ten men made it a completely different game,” he told The Clare Echo.
Ennis native Adrian added, “Yes it was backs-to-the-wall at times but I also thought we created two of three scoring chances as well so all-in-all I’m really pleased with the group. They’ve bought into this set-up and we can’t ask for anymore really”.
With a combination of bad weather and inevitable fatigue, Clare’s miserly rearguard was increasingly tested but three guilt-edged final quarter goal sightings wouldn’t ultimately trouble home goalkeeper Simon Kilker for the Banner to get an early leg up in the group.
“At half-time, we knew even, with us only having ten men, that North Tipp weren’t going to be about to play through us or around us, the only thing that they could do try to launch ball over the top. So we were prepared for that but as the second half developed, we just seemed to get tired and drop off a little which did allow Tipp to get a few chances.
“However, with Liam Buckley and Jamie Roche manning the centre of our defence, either one of them could have easily been man of the match. Look, at the end of the day, it’s an honour to play or manage your county so to get a win on top of that is very pleasing, But we have to move on as we’re facing Limerick District in a months time in Jackman Park and we have to be at our best to get something out of that one,” he concluded.
