McLaughlin Shines For Pitches

McLaughlin Shines for Pitches

Thursday Division 1

James McLaughlin's ultra competitive edge inspired his side to a closely fought victory over the much fancied Soup A Stars. McLaughlin topped a memorable performance with a wonderfully taken volley from 20 yards goal to tie the game at 2-2 ten minutes into the second half. The Pitches then went ahead through an own goal and never gave up the lead afterwards. William O'Brien and James Barber defended superbly blocking many efforts on goal from Soup A Stars. The Pitches keeper Barry Fitzgerald made some key saves to keep his side in the lead, before they struck again on the break through Colin Deavy. Dave Johnson pulled one back for Stars with a powerful header, but the winners struck again on the break when Sean Crowley scored with 6 minutes left on the clock to seal a win which opens up this division.

The Zimmerframes beat the Thirty Somethings 4-3 in another close encounter. This was a tough battle played in an excellent spirit. A valuable 3 points earned here puts the Frames joint top on 6 points with Soup a Stars and The Sons of Pitches. If they can put out a similar team each week they should be there or thereabouts come mid April. Barry Gannon's contribution was immense for the Zimmerframes as he scored 3 times. Alfie Davis and Patrick O'Riordain were also in top form for the winners. Kevin Murphy and Hugh Kelly were best for the Somethings.

Hardly Athletic sent out a strong message to other teams in this division, with a powerful performance with a 9-0 victory over the Wanted FC. The Hungarian lads did not know what hit them, as Willie Bruton (3) Rob Dywer (2) punished some slack defending from Wanted, who had lots of possession of the ball but were caught on the counter attack several times.

Thursday Division 2

After their opening night of the season defeat the Deadly Buzz have secured 6 points with 2 good wins. Last Thursday saw them overcome River Plate 3-1. Dean Dunlea, Peter Carroll and Brian Lyons were top players for the Buzz and were all on the score sheet. Lyons sealed his man of the match performance and the win with a late goal. Gary O'Connell tried hardest for the Carrigaline lads.

The other Carrigaline team in this division, the Cowboys also went down, but they competed very well with only 6 players but tired eventually and lost 7-4 to table toppers NRG Fitness. NRG are doing well this season again, in only their 2^nd season at Footy. Peter Thornton with a hatrick and Owen Cullinane with a brace did most of the damage to the Cowboys rearguard.

The young O'Connell cousins Dean and Ian, newcomers to the Footy leagues, seem a real find for the Boca Seniors, as they both struck hatricks in a 7-2 win over the Crystal Eagles. Their excellent close control and finishing were very evident after some lovely goals between the duo.

The Frauds also had a good victory over South Coast Athletic when they won by the odd goal in 9. This game was end to end for the hour with both sides competing with 100% effort. The Frauds deservedly going into a 4-2 lead, but South Coast's game came to life in the second half, and were rewarded with an equaliser with 5 minutes to go after a superb solo effort by Stephen O'Reilly. Tim O'Connor had earlier scored twice for the Frauds as did Brendan Cashman for South Coast, before the reliable Sean Casey scored a late goal to seal a valuable three points for the Frauds. South Coast threw the kitchen sink at the Frauds but they held on for the win.

Thursday Division 3

Murder on Zidanes Floor went top of the table with a big win over Parken da Bus. The Bus was parked in the wrong spot as Zidanes Floor ran in ten unanswered goals. Shane Youano put in a great performance for the winners and scored 4 times.

The Kia FC v Men Utd and Whitfords v Rapid Vienneta ties both finished in 1-1 draws, two results which keeps this division tight. Jack Russell rolled back the years for the Whitfords and got the nod for man of the match after Steve Browne (Whitfords) and Gary Healy (Vienneta) shared the goals. Finbarr Browne (Kia) and Padraig McGovern (Men Utd) were the goal scorers in their tie, with a draw being a fair result.