The Wanted Panic and Slip off Top

Thursday Division 2

Panicyakios held league leaders The Wanted in a thrilling 5-5 draw last week.

A weakened Hungarian Wanted outfit did really well coming from 4-1 down to take a 5-4 lead into the final minute, only to concede a last gasp equaliser. Paul Stanton was excellent for Paincyakios and scored a brace as did his team mate Danny Murray. The Wanted played some lovely football and deserved their point which they must look at like a point gained after impressively coming back from a 3 goal deficit. Janos was most impressive for the Magyars as he scored a hatrick and set up the final goal with a superb dummy, after an excellent pass from Gergo Teko. This weeks 8pm fixture against new league leaders Hardly Athletic looks like being a title decider if there happens to be a winner. A draw this week may let in Mount Oval and an in form Rotten Johnnies back into the race.

The Johnnies had an excellent 8-3 win over Mount Oval, in a game where Pedro Oliveros was man of the match even without his 4 goal contribution.

Ray Lally and Brian Connell tried hard to motivate a hard working Oval team, but fell well short on the night to the Johnnies efforts who passed the ball much better for the hour.

Aaron Atkinson and Rory Barry were also in good form for the winners.

Old rivals the Boca Seniors and The Thirty Somethings played out a hard fought game with the Somethings just coming up short on a 2-1 scoreline. The impressive calm and controlled passing of Paul Tierney being the difference between the 2 sides. Tierney coming up with a second half winner after the 2 sides were tied 1-1 at the break.

Thursday Division 1

Ezy Fc powered ahead with another big win and are a class apart again this season. Dave Johnson led the way for Ezy, being their most impressive player as they demolished a 6 man Cupid Stunts side. Tom Carolan put the Stunts ahead after 5 minutes, but their lead did'nt last too long as Steve Dwyer, Andy Daunt and Johnson all impressed as they took control of the game.

The Dreamers had another win, this time their victims were the Sons of Pitches. Dean Cummins gave a solid performance for the Dreamers. Their 5 goals coming 5 different players in a good team display. William O'Brien was the lone scorer for the Pitches who were definitely second best on the night.

Thursday Division 3

KFC may have ended River Plates hope of honours this season as they beat the Carrigaline team 6-2. Peter Carroll was KFC best player, who produced their best performance of the season. KFC will be kicking themselves at dropping some silly points earlier in the season, as they have enough class in their team to be contending for honours

Men Utd will be hoping River Plate will take the points from league leaders Crystal Eagle this week and put them back in with a chance of the title.

Men Utd had a 6-5 win over a battling Whitfords team. They looked to be cruising to the 3 points as they led 6-2 with 5 minutes left, only to concede 3 late goals to give them a late scare. Padraig McGovern scored a hatrick, his third being the most impressive, scoring with a daisy cutter drive from 25 yards, which proved to be the winner in the end.

Crystal Eagle had a rather easy win over a weakened JT Specials outfit. James Mealy and James Corcoran both with hatricks for the leaders who should see out this season with the title in their hands.
Stephen Ginn was best for Pathetic Ath and scored a brace as they beat the Barrells 5-1. The Corbett bothers Steve and Kevin also got on the scoresheet.

Great Win For Thirtysomethings

Thirtysomethings defeated league leaders Wanted FC with a performance that was reminiscent of the all conquering Thirtys of a previous era. The Thirtys got their tactics right in this encounter. Their full court press made it very difficult for the technically gifted Wanted to to play through them. Jake McAuliffe was immense up front for the Thirtys and two of his four goals were from the top drawer. Niall Kerrigan was the other player to impress for The Thirtys. His organisational skills and domination of the centre was critical. The Thirtys started strongly and raced into a 4-1 lead. However The Wanted were not about to give up without a fight and got to within a single score when the score was 5-4 with about 20 minutes remaining. However The Thirtys kicked on again and stretched their lead to 8-4. As the Thirtys tired towards the end of the match The Wanted took control and even though they scored two goals in the last ten minutes their just was not enough time for them to catch The Thirtys. The final score was 8-6.
With a couple of minutes to go it looked like Hardly Athletic would be two points clear at the top of the table, but two late goals from Pedro and Rory Barry earned The Rotten Johnnies an unlikely draw. Willie Bruton was outstanding for Hardly while Pedros contribution for The Johnnies was immense.
Darren Murphy scored four goals was superb for Boca Seniors during their 9-5 victory against Paniciakos. Paul Stanton scored three for Panic while Tommy Stanton and Paul Reidy also scored for the losers.

EZY FC maintained their unbeaten record with a 4-2 win against The Vale. Dave Johnson stood out for the winners with a magnificent performance and scored a great goal. Ken O Connor and Colin McKeon were best for The Vale.
Richard O Brien was the difference between the teams in the Sons of Pitches and Cupid Stunts encounter, during which he scored four for The Pitches.The final score was 7-4 for for the Pitches.
Dean Cummins was outstanding for the Dreamers against an under strength Booze Crew. He and Jonathan Coughlan scored to help The Dreamers to a 2-0 victory.

Crystal Eagle maintained their three point advantage over River Plate with a decisive 9-3 against The Whitfords. The winners were 8-1 ahead at half time. The only consolation the Whitfords had was that they won the second half. James Corcoran and James O Sullivan scored three a piece for Crystal.
The KFC and Pathetic Athletic encounter was a thriller during which the lead moved back and forth through out the match. The final score was 6-6, which was a fair result as neither team deserved to loose. Kevin Corbett and Stephen Ginn scored two each for Pathetic while Jack O Connor and Peter Carroll scored two each for KFC.
River Plate maintained the pressure on Crystal Eagle with a comfortable 4-1 win against The Barrells. It looked like the Barrells would be in real trouble when Ross Long scored in less than a minute for River Plate. With the scored tied at 1-1 at half time, The Barrells were still in contention . However River Plate completely dominated the second half.

Ezy Does It Again

Thursday Division 1

The Booze Crew and Ezy Fc went head to head in last weeks most important fixture and indeed of the of the Summer Season so far. With both sides winning all of their games so far except for the 3-3 draw with each other 6 weeks ago, this was always going to be the big 6 pointer in this division. Could this skilful Booze Crew outfit overcome the strong and organised Ezy, and perhaps put an end to their remarkable Footy run, having won 5 division 1 titles in a row. The Booze Crew got off to a flyer, and scored with their first attack when Alan Kinsella surprised the Ezy defence with a well taken goal within 30 seconds of the kick off. They doubled their advantage after Ezy’s keeper Charlie Fitzmaurice gave away a penalty for a sly tackle, which Eoin Kinsella dispatched with conviction. Ezy who were missing Steve Dwyer from their line up, but still fielded a very strong side and indeed started with Peter Fitzmaurice and Andy O’Mahony on the bench. They worked their way back into the game using all of their experience from their recent successes, and had more possession of the ball during the first half. John Daly restored to the Ezy line after a recent injury, reduced the deficit just before halftime with a very well worked goal, to set up the second half up nicely.The second period continued as the first half finished, with Ezy bossing possession, but finding Dylan Sheridan tough to beat in the Booze Crew goal, and running into some resolute defending from the Cobh lads. Man of the match, Brian Lyons who was excellent in midfield for Ezy levelled with 15 minutes left on the clock. Lyons may be small in stature, but made up for it with skill and courage, the latter being most admirable as he is just back from a cruciate ligament injury. So this was a big test for Lyons which he came through with flying colours. Andy Daunt was also excellent and marshalled Booze Crew’s danger man Jimmy Griffin very effectively. Daunt was also quick to break out of defence and was a threat on the counter attack on numerous occasions. Daly deservedly put Ezy ahead with a tap in after Sheridan could only parry a strong shot from Dave Johnson. They wrapped up the 3 points with further goals from Lyons and their very effective centre forward Dave Johnson. This win now puts them in a commanding position to take a very impressive 6th title on the bounce.           

The Vale Afc turned over their close rivals the Sons of Pitches, 3-2 in another excellent game. Glen Johnson with a late winner for the Vale with a super strike.           

The Dreamers also overcame a six man Cupid Stunts side 9-5 in a high scoring encounter. Dave Linnane and Mark Cummins (3) were best for the winners, while Shane Buckley and Dan Williams were best for the Stunts and scored a brace apiece.
Thursday Division 2

Mount Oval produced their best performance of the season with an impressive  5-2 win over league leaders, The Wanted FC. Brian Connell scored a hatrick and keeper Marcin Korona were both excellent for the Oval who may have left it too late for a title challenge, with them being 8 points behind, although they do have a game in hand.Hardly Athletic are right back in contention after securing the 3 points with a 7-3 win over the experienced Boca Seniors. The recent addition of Willie Bruton to the Hardly line up, proving critical as the season closes in. Their upcoming game with The Wanted at the end of the month looking like a winner takes all clash.The Rotten Johnnies overcame Panicyakios 3-0 with Wayne O’Callaghan best for the Johnnies and amongst the goals along with John Constant and Liam Hennessy.
Thursday Division 3

Men Utd and River Plate lost ground on the leaders Crystal Eagle when they drew 2-2 against each other. This was a big game for both sides to stay in touch for honours, but a draw was a fair result. River Plate doing well coming from 2-0 down to snatch a valuable point.

Crystal Eagle had a comfortable win over Pathetic Athletic and are now 3 points clear of their closest rivals River Plate, who they have yet to play on July 31st. James Corcoran being the most impressive Eagle scoring 4 times.

KFC beat Whitfords 4-3 in a cracking game, the much older legs of the Whitfords just about running out of steam as the match closed in. Robert Browner scoring their fourth with 2 minutes left. Jack Russell rolled back the years with an excellent display for the unlucky Whitfords.

Sliabh na mBan Test Kids

Sliabh na mBan Test Kids

Wednesday Division 1

Sliabh na mBan gave the Kids their biggest test yet but just came up short as the Kids prevailed by a 3-2 scoreline in an excellent game. They led through goals from Paul Tierney and Eric Cotter. The Kids did well to come back from being 2-0 down to win the game but were helped by two second half own goals from na mBan before the impressive Shane Twomey scored with a very late winner.

The Could Have Beens also tested PSV Hungrovers, but also lost out to the Cobh Lads. PSV went ahead after 15 minutes and scored again before half time. They increased their lead just after half time and looked to have the points in the bag, but the Could Have Beens battled their way back into the game, with 2 goals from Derek O Brien. With Mark Murphy impressing, CHB pushed hard for an equaliser but found PSV's keeper Dylan Sheridan in excellent form and a stubborn Peter Leahy also excelled in defence. Damien O'Leary and Martin Carroll scored with 2 breakaway goals to seal the points for PSV.

Deportivo finally got their first win of the season as they comfortably beat Crossbarry 9-5. John O'Brien was the star man here and scored 5 of Deportivo's haul. Kevin Finn and Bryan Crowley were best for Crossbarry and scored a brace a piece.

Abcde FC hung on for a narrow 2-1 victory over the Lemon Drizzlers which keeps them third in the table. Conor Barry impressed for Abc and scored along with Dermot Ring, This game was a tough battle with neither side deserving to lose. Edward Noonan and Ryan Nolan were best for the Drizzlers. Peter O'Leary was the lone Lemon scorer.

Wednesday Division 2

Racing Returns went to the top of the table with a 4-3 win over their main rivals AC Standard. AC narrowly beat Racing on the opening day of the season, but this time the result was reversed in a cracking encounter. Stephen Kenny was brilliant for Racing and scored an all important hatrick. Niall Gannon was the games best player, and pushed Standard forward after they trailed 2-1 at the break. Peadar Horgan was also in top form for Racing. This division looks like its between these 2 sides, as they are now both 6 points clear of third placed Dynamo Tonduff.

James Mullins had an excellent second half for Dynamo Tonduff as they beat Olympiakios 4-2. His efficient use of the ball in midfield meant they kept more possession and so his side created more chances. This made all the difference as the sides were tied 2-2 at half time. Mark McNally, Darren McCarthy, Sean O'Connell and Brendan O'Sullivan all scored one each for Tonduff. Kevin Donnelly and Ian Casey replied for Olmypiakios.

Balaga Tongo stay in fourth spot after they overcame Voxpro. Some of the Balaga players are actually Voxpro employees, so this was all about bragging rights at the Voxpro headquarters. John Duggan's influence on the game for Balaga was huge. Eoin Hayes scored twice for the winners who were always under pressure from a battling Voxpro outfit.

Game of the week went The Adams Family v The Individuals tie. The Adams Family produced their best performance of the season but just lost out in a really exciting game, going down 7-6. The Adams Family who are all Harvey Norman employees, led 5-2 at the break, thanks to a fine individual display from Angelo who was on the mark 3 times. Barry Gleeson also impressed for the Harvey Norman lot and scored a brace. Damien Galvin was the games best player and made all the difference for the Individuals and also scored 3 times in a brilliant second half display to turn the score in their favour.

Good Win For Tonduff

Dynamo Tonduff defeated Balaga Tongo 3-0 in a mid table darby and leap frogged their opponents in the standings. Tonduff dominated from the kick off and in James mullins they had an inspirational leader. Dave Murphy scored an outstanding team goal mid way through the first half that involved four of his team mates in the build up to put his team 1-0 ahead. Darren Mccarthy scored a fine second just before half time. Inspite of the heroics of Damien Kennedy in goal and John Duggan up front, Balaga just could not get a foothold in the match. When James Mullins scored Tonduffs third the competition was over.

Racing Returns had an emphatic 7-1 win against The Individuals. The first half was an even affair but Charlie Quinn continuously frustrated The Individuals with some great goalkeeping.

The half time score was 3-1. However the second half belonged to Racing and in particular, Padraig McGovern who scored a spectacular five goals.

AC Standard maintained their hundred per cent record with an 8-1 win against The Adams Family. Tim O Connor and Julius Leke were in great form for Standard and scored five goals between them. The Adams Familys internal rows didnt help their cause.

Despite trailing 1-2 at half time,  Olympiakos won a tight, hard fought dual with Voxpro 5-3. Ian Casey scored two for the winners while Shane Dorgan scored one for each team.

The highlight Couldhavebeens, Deportivo encounter was a superb hat trick scored by Darren Murphy. John Murphy, Bernard parkes and Damien Murphy replied for Deportivo but The Couldhavebeens went on to win 6-3.

PSV were outstanding against Crossbarry Celtic. Alan Kinsella stole the show with a sublime performance. His team won 10-4.