We let ourselves down last week, individually and collectively, against Sals but this was much more like it. A fine team performance, capped by an excellent goal from JP and another from close range from Deco, saw off half-decent opposition from Royal Park and sent Tara cruising into the 2 nd round of the Middlesex Junior Trophy. To be honest the first hour of this game could not have gone any better –save for the fact we should have scored at least three more and Gav should really have taken out that tree.

The tactics, positions and personnel were spot-on; Tara 's five man midfield dominated the game and imperious work from Dec and the understated GOC helped Larry to showcase his selfless range of passing. Dubliner Darren Quigley was an excellent outlet on the left-hand side and Sean O'Carroll once again showed that he will make a significant contribution to our campaign despite his youth. For what its worth though none of it would have come off with anyone other then JP up top. The impressive Paul Conlon told me last week that John had been superb in the role for his Saturday side and he did not disappoint for us this week; he fully deserved his goal and I'll even go as far as to reinstate the assist John was denied last week as a reward.

As I said before we should have scored more. Larry had 2 brilliant opportunities to notch his first goal for the club and will surely do so soon, while Darren could also have scored after one of many strong runs. Sean O'Carroll had a half-volley cleared off the post and Gav was disappointed not to hit the target with a free-kick. Given our dominance I knew we'd score and when JP's corner was flicked on by Paul, Dec duly did. Only 10 more required for him now.

There was no let-off for Park at the beginning of the second half, as Tara scored again following an excellent 6 man move. An early contender for goal of the season despite Sean's unintentional touch to set-up JP, the goal personified the passing philosophy at the heart of this victory and should have killed the game. Paul's hamstring and Sean's ankle forced changes which seemed to disrupt the flow but past experience points more to complacency in allowing our opponents to get into the game. We need to eradicate that quickly. At the back Sean Clifford had his hands full with Parks main outlet but let no-one down, Dan and Tim were solid enough and Paul and then Micko did a job a left back. I was n't that bad either but thankfully it seems as if Rizza has recovered from his broken thumb and he will return against Highgate (a) next weekend in the league. More of the same from you all please. 7/10.