No less than three high profile managers have either lost or changed jobs in the past two weeks. With the European Championship qualifiers now complete the Republic of Ireland; Scotland and England are all in the hunt to appoint a new manager or coach. The FAI, FA and SFA have some serious deliberation to make in the coming weeks to decide who will be given the task of guiding the various nations to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Republic of Ireland
There isn't enough space on the Internet to cover all the shenanigans that have been going on in recent weeks surrounding the identity of the panel that are being charged with the task of finding a new Irish coach. Speculation is rife that Terry Venables will be offered the job but going by Eamon Dunphy's wild rant on RTE last night, that appointment would not be met with the wide-spread approval of Irish football fans. Venables is still clearly the current front-runner for the post since Paul Jewell moved to Derby County. The only other real contenders at the present time include Liam Brady - though not favoured by many in the FAI - or Graeme Souness, whose background in managing Rangers would stupidly be used as a reason to prohibit him from taking the job.
One thing is for certain, the decision as to who is going to eventually be offered the job will involve many more twists and turns before a final decision is reached. At the time of writing there is no apparent obstacle or reason as to why Terry Venables shouldn't be offered the post along with an Irish-born Number two to coach alongside him. As long as Venables is 100% focused on the job, why not give him a shot?
England
If you thought the tabloid frenzy in Ireland surrounding a new manager was bad then just take one look across the water. Every decent manager in either club or International football is being associated with the vacant English post. Respected names in the game such as Jose Mourinho, Louis VanGaal, Fabio Capello and Guus Hiddink have all been mentioned as well as bizarre suggestions such as Steve Coppell and even Harry Redknapp.
There is little doubt that the man who should be offered the job to replace the hapless Steve McLaren (probably the next Middlesbrough manager) is Martin O'Neill. Two reasons why this will not happen are (a) the F.A. chose McLaren head of O'Neill the last time around and (b) O'Neill is too committed to his new job at restoring Aston Villa to their former glory. The Northern Irish native would be perfect for the job such has been his success at getting the best out of average players at every club he has previously managed.
If it is not to be O'Neill then who should take over the poison chalice of the second most important job (just behind the Prime Minister) in England? Mourinho looks the most likely candidate from the names mentioned thus far but I believe the F.A. are too afraid to give the highest profile job in English football to such an outspoken and volatile character. Fabio Capello may come into the reckoning having just organised a major media interview in Italy to stake his claim for the job. The Italian task master would be a sensible appointment with his history of handling big ego's and even more difficult Chairmen. My money is on Guus Hiddink as he is currently stalling on signing a lucrative extended contract with the Russian football federation with a view to throwing his name into the hat for the English post.
Scotland
First Walter Smith and now Alex McLeish have substituted the Scottish international team's revival for the hot seats at Rangers and Birmingham respectively. Scottish football owes a huge debt to both managers for their recent upturn in fortunes on the international stage. Both Smith and McLeish have been instrumental in creating a club-like atmosphere off the pitch and a determined revival on the playing field which has seen Scotland record a string of impressive result over the past two years. Ironically, both men's success is the Scottish international side's loss as the Tartan Army goes in search of a new manager for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Billy Davies, George Graham and Graeme Souness have been the most prominent names bandied about in recent days as potential replacements for McLeish. I think the Scottish FA should cast their net over a wider range of candidates and not just native, experienced managers who are currently out of work.
Despite the disappointment of the Berti Vogts reign someone with the experience and calibre of Martin Jol should be sounded out about possibly taking over. The most likely outcome will be a Scottish native with ex-Derby boss, Davies, the current favourite.
There are almost 10 months until England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland's next competitive matches but a new manager is needed by each country as soon as possible to begin planning for that campaign. With the merry-go-round of managers currently swapping seats in the Premiership each country's association will have to act fast and not be afraid to offer a substantial contract to their new managers.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Republic of Ireland vs. Cyprus - A Fan's View
{Published in the Evening Echo - Sat 20th Oct 2007}
The Republic of Ireland’s faint hopes of qualifying for next year’s European Championships ended with an appalling 1-1 draw at home to Cyprus in Croke Park on Wednesday night. The memory of an encouraging draw with Germany only four days earlier was completely erased in what must rank as one of the worst nights in Irish football history.
Revenge was the word on everyone’s lips prior to the Cypriot encounter. A year since the 5-2 humiliation in Nicosia meant both a victory and decent performance were the minimum requirements for our final home qualifying fixture at Croke Park. A mid-week evening kick off coupled with the sparse attendance marked a huge contrast from the atmosphere four days earlier against the Germans. These facts cannot be used as excuses for the utter rubbish that was served up in a woeful Irish performance. It was a truly dreadful experience; the players looked devoid of ideas and inspiration against at best, an ordinary Cypriot side.
This is the last straw for the Irish football public. I along with thousands of other supporters have simply run out of patience with Steve Staunton and the FAI. It has nothing to do with the cost of purchasing a match ticket (€70), travelling to Dublin by train (€61) or finding accommodation in the capital. It is the fact that even after a full European qualifying campaign we (a) still lack a basic style or pattern of play, (b) still don’t know what our strongest starting eleven is and (c) have a manager incapable of picking players in their correct positions on the team. Staunton’s bizarre selection policies (Finnan at left back, Keogh on the right wing, O’Brien in midfield) have served only to de-motivate the players rather than inspire and improve them. The team’s performance in the majority of the Group D qualifiers simply confirms that his impact on the training ground has been minimal.
The treatment of Joey O’Brien is the most obvious example of a manger not utilising a young Irish player to his full potential. O’Brien started centre-back against the Germans having just returned from a long term injury. In fairness to him he played superbly and did all that was asked of him in an encouraging display. Four days later Staunton asked the same player, who had performed heroics in the centre of defence, to switch to central midfield for the Cypriot game. O’Brien had a nightmare. The Bolton Wanderers right back was completely lost in the centre of the park which resulted in him giving away possession and space to the visiting midfield. It took until half time for Staunton to realise his error but by then O’Brien had faded completely. In the space of two matches the Irish manager had reduced a player full of confidence from his Saturday night performance to a gibbering wreck after the Cyprus debacle. Staunton was brought in by the FAI to bring young players like Joey O’Brien into the senior fold and establish them in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers next year. The inexperience of Staunton in his handling of this situation shows he is clearly not the right man for the job.
How has it come to this? We have talented players in our squad who regularly appear in the top English league. Shay Given, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Steve Finnan are players who could realistically walk on to any Premiership first eleven but look nervous and lacking in confidence when playing for their country in recent months.
John Delaney has a lot to answer for. Forget the spin doctors as Irish football is now in free-fall and shows little sign of improving under Staunton. It is not so long ago since the FAI Chief Executive promised a “world class manager” and we ended up with the Walsall reserve coach. Delaney has embarked on a thorough review of Irish football at grass-root level recently and this is a welcome development. The Chief Executive has botched the most important decision he was asked to make since taking office; find a manager with relevant experience to progress the senior side with a view to qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa. For this glaring blunder alone, his position has become untenable.
It is difficult to criticise Staunton, as the ex-Irish International played with such distinction for his country during a golden period in Irish football. His pride and determination were clearly evident every time he pulled on the green jersey during an illustrious international playing career. The Drogheda man’s inexperience as a manager should have been reason enough to prevent him from obtaining the top job in Irish football. Nevertheless, it is plainly obvious that he is completely out of his depth as an international manager. Staunton should never have been put in this position in the first place and this is where John Delaney must shoulder the blame. The Republic of Ireland needed a qualified manager to come in after Brian Kerr was axed but the FAI failed to appoint the correct person for the job and as a result we find ourselves in this precarious position.
The dismal performance of Don Givens’ U21 side in the 3-0 defeat at home to England in Turners Cross only added to the misery of a dreadful week for Irish football. Few if any of the Irish U21 players stood out on the night which is a concern for the future. Are there any talented players coming through the ranks once the likes of Kilbane, Finnan, Given and Dunne have retired from the International scene?
It is a depressing time to be an Irish football supporter. The excitement and anticipation of attending an international fixture has been replaced with a sense of pessimism and nervousness that we are incapable of beating even the most ordinary of opposition at international level.
Should Steve Staunton go? Yes. Should John Delaney go? Yes. Knowing the way the FAI operate neither of these scenarios are likely to occur before the World cup qualifiers begin.
Ger McCarthy
The Republic of Ireland’s faint hopes of qualifying for next year’s European Championships ended with an appalling 1-1 draw at home to Cyprus in Croke Park on Wednesday night. The memory of an encouraging draw with Germany only four days earlier was completely erased in what must rank as one of the worst nights in Irish football history.
Revenge was the word on everyone’s lips prior to the Cypriot encounter. A year since the 5-2 humiliation in Nicosia meant both a victory and decent performance were the minimum requirements for our final home qualifying fixture at Croke Park. A mid-week evening kick off coupled with the sparse attendance marked a huge contrast from the atmosphere four days earlier against the Germans. These facts cannot be used as excuses for the utter rubbish that was served up in a woeful Irish performance. It was a truly dreadful experience; the players looked devoid of ideas and inspiration against at best, an ordinary Cypriot side.
This is the last straw for the Irish football public. I along with thousands of other supporters have simply run out of patience with Steve Staunton and the FAI. It has nothing to do with the cost of purchasing a match ticket (€70), travelling to Dublin by train (€61) or finding accommodation in the capital. It is the fact that even after a full European qualifying campaign we (a) still lack a basic style or pattern of play, (b) still don’t know what our strongest starting eleven is and (c) have a manager incapable of picking players in their correct positions on the team. Staunton’s bizarre selection policies (Finnan at left back, Keogh on the right wing, O’Brien in midfield) have served only to de-motivate the players rather than inspire and improve them. The team’s performance in the majority of the Group D qualifiers simply confirms that his impact on the training ground has been minimal.
The treatment of Joey O’Brien is the most obvious example of a manger not utilising a young Irish player to his full potential. O’Brien started centre-back against the Germans having just returned from a long term injury. In fairness to him he played superbly and did all that was asked of him in an encouraging display. Four days later Staunton asked the same player, who had performed heroics in the centre of defence, to switch to central midfield for the Cypriot game. O’Brien had a nightmare. The Bolton Wanderers right back was completely lost in the centre of the park which resulted in him giving away possession and space to the visiting midfield. It took until half time for Staunton to realise his error but by then O’Brien had faded completely. In the space of two matches the Irish manager had reduced a player full of confidence from his Saturday night performance to a gibbering wreck after the Cyprus debacle. Staunton was brought in by the FAI to bring young players like Joey O’Brien into the senior fold and establish them in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers next year. The inexperience of Staunton in his handling of this situation shows he is clearly not the right man for the job.
How has it come to this? We have talented players in our squad who regularly appear in the top English league. Shay Given, Robbie Keane, Richard Dunne and Steve Finnan are players who could realistically walk on to any Premiership first eleven but look nervous and lacking in confidence when playing for their country in recent months.
John Delaney has a lot to answer for. Forget the spin doctors as Irish football is now in free-fall and shows little sign of improving under Staunton. It is not so long ago since the FAI Chief Executive promised a “world class manager” and we ended up with the Walsall reserve coach. Delaney has embarked on a thorough review of Irish football at grass-root level recently and this is a welcome development. The Chief Executive has botched the most important decision he was asked to make since taking office; find a manager with relevant experience to progress the senior side with a view to qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa. For this glaring blunder alone, his position has become untenable.
It is difficult to criticise Staunton, as the ex-Irish International played with such distinction for his country during a golden period in Irish football. His pride and determination were clearly evident every time he pulled on the green jersey during an illustrious international playing career. The Drogheda man’s inexperience as a manager should have been reason enough to prevent him from obtaining the top job in Irish football. Nevertheless, it is plainly obvious that he is completely out of his depth as an international manager. Staunton should never have been put in this position in the first place and this is where John Delaney must shoulder the blame. The Republic of Ireland needed a qualified manager to come in after Brian Kerr was axed but the FAI failed to appoint the correct person for the job and as a result we find ourselves in this precarious position.
The dismal performance of Don Givens’ U21 side in the 3-0 defeat at home to England in Turners Cross only added to the misery of a dreadful week for Irish football. Few if any of the Irish U21 players stood out on the night which is a concern for the future. Are there any talented players coming through the ranks once the likes of Kilbane, Finnan, Given and Dunne have retired from the International scene?
It is a depressing time to be an Irish football supporter. The excitement and anticipation of attending an international fixture has been replaced with a sense of pessimism and nervousness that we are incapable of beating even the most ordinary of opposition at international level.
Should Steve Staunton go? Yes. Should John Delaney go? Yes. Knowing the way the FAI operate neither of these scenarios are likely to occur before the World cup qualifiers begin.
Ger McCarthy
Republic Of Ireland vs. Germany - A Fan's View
The Republic of Ireland and Germany's European Championship qualifier ended in a 0-0 draw in a packed Croke Park on Saturday night. Normally a competitive qualifying game against such illustrious opposition would involve an exciting build-up and tense atmosphere generated by an expectant full house.
On the night, the Irish crowd got behind the boys in green but appeared to have already accepted that the team's best opportunity of qualifying for a major tournament would have to wait until the next (World Cup) campaign. All the fans required was a performance full of effort, passion and commitment and they certainly got it from a determined Irish team.
The German fans travelled to Dublin in huge numbers and were in great voice in the Drumcondra pubs just hours before the match. News of the inclusion of both Joey O'Brien and Andy Keogh in the starting line up was the main talking point amongst Irish fans in the run up to the game. O'Brien's inclusion was generally accepted as it was forced upon Steve Staunton due to an injury to John O'Shea. Keogh's appearance on the right wing caused many raised eyebrows in the local taverns as either Liam Miller or Aidan McGeady was expected to start ahead of the Wolves striker.
In the Stadium, video clips displaying highlights of the Irish team's qualifying campaign brought the crowd to life just prior to kick off but the tension that was evident before the Slovakia game was definitely absent. Even in the warm up the German player’s exuded supreme confidence looking every bit like a team that had already qualified for the European Championships. The Germans were making all the noise from Hill 16 with a sea of black and white chanting and jumping in unison. The Irish responded in kind with the canal end rising to their feet with a chorus of 'Stand up for the boys in green' as the atmosphere finally began to crackle.
Steve Staunton's pre-match comments in the official programme were telling: "I believe in 11 months time when we kick off the World Cup qualifying campaign that we will have a squad strong enough to have a good shot at making it to South Africa". In other words the Irish manager was clearly stating that the current campaign was all but over and to wait for the World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately a sizeable portion of fans in my section of the stand begged to differ. Many Irish fans chanted to have the ex-International full back removed from his managerial post as soon as possible.
There were plenty of goalmouth incidents throughout a lively match to keep the home fans on their feet. Robbie Keane’s glaring miss brought the loudest groan of the night when the Spurs striker snatched at a chance with only Jens Lehman to beat. The biggest laugh of the night was reserved for the Croke Park Stadium announcer who inadvertently referred to the visiting side as West Germany. A Freudian slip if ever there was one!
When a Mexican wave began to flow across the stands with 15 minutes still remaining you knew the fans had mentally switched off as the game inched towards a 0-0 draw. Despite the final result you just felt the Germans could have gone up a gear or two if they absolutely needed the win.
The general consensus afterwards was that Ireland had played as well as they have in any of their other qualifiers to date but lacked the creativity and quality in the final third of the pitch to really trouble the Germans. There was plenty perspiration but - apart from Andy Reid - little inspiration.
Ger McCarthy
On the night, the Irish crowd got behind the boys in green but appeared to have already accepted that the team's best opportunity of qualifying for a major tournament would have to wait until the next (World Cup) campaign. All the fans required was a performance full of effort, passion and commitment and they certainly got it from a determined Irish team.
The German fans travelled to Dublin in huge numbers and were in great voice in the Drumcondra pubs just hours before the match. News of the inclusion of both Joey O'Brien and Andy Keogh in the starting line up was the main talking point amongst Irish fans in the run up to the game. O'Brien's inclusion was generally accepted as it was forced upon Steve Staunton due to an injury to John O'Shea. Keogh's appearance on the right wing caused many raised eyebrows in the local taverns as either Liam Miller or Aidan McGeady was expected to start ahead of the Wolves striker.
In the Stadium, video clips displaying highlights of the Irish team's qualifying campaign brought the crowd to life just prior to kick off but the tension that was evident before the Slovakia game was definitely absent. Even in the warm up the German player’s exuded supreme confidence looking every bit like a team that had already qualified for the European Championships. The Germans were making all the noise from Hill 16 with a sea of black and white chanting and jumping in unison. The Irish responded in kind with the canal end rising to their feet with a chorus of 'Stand up for the boys in green' as the atmosphere finally began to crackle.
Steve Staunton's pre-match comments in the official programme were telling: "I believe in 11 months time when we kick off the World Cup qualifying campaign that we will have a squad strong enough to have a good shot at making it to South Africa". In other words the Irish manager was clearly stating that the current campaign was all but over and to wait for the World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately a sizeable portion of fans in my section of the stand begged to differ. Many Irish fans chanted to have the ex-International full back removed from his managerial post as soon as possible.
There were plenty of goalmouth incidents throughout a lively match to keep the home fans on their feet. Robbie Keane’s glaring miss brought the loudest groan of the night when the Spurs striker snatched at a chance with only Jens Lehman to beat. The biggest laugh of the night was reserved for the Croke Park Stadium announcer who inadvertently referred to the visiting side as West Germany. A Freudian slip if ever there was one!
When a Mexican wave began to flow across the stands with 15 minutes still remaining you knew the fans had mentally switched off as the game inched towards a 0-0 draw. Despite the final result you just felt the Germans could have gone up a gear or two if they absolutely needed the win.
The general consensus afterwards was that Ireland had played as well as they have in any of their other qualifiers to date but lacked the creativity and quality in the final third of the pitch to really trouble the Germans. There was plenty perspiration but - apart from Andy Reid - little inspiration.
Ger McCarthy
Saturday, September 29, 2007
WCSL - Weekend Preview
The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 league returns tomorrow with four key fixtures to be decided.
Togher Celtic currently sit top the table in the SuperValu U14 league with 4 points from their opening two league games. Togher defeated Clonakilty Youths 3-1 on the opening day of the season and followed up that result with a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Drinagh Rangers. Celtic will have home advantage tomorrow against Harbour United with a 12:30 kick off. The Union Hall side are newcomers to the U14 league this season and have already suffered two defeats to Riverside Athletic and Skibbereen. A home win is the expected result in Togher tomorrow.
Ballydehob entertain reigning U14 title-holders Drinagh Rangers in Rathravane at 11am. The two clubs enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the National Cup last weekend. Ballydehob lost 3-0 at home to Greenwood. Drinagh recorded a fantastic 4-1 win over Springfield Ramblers A to qualify for the first round with goals from Alfie Hyland, Michael Collins and Darren Sweetnam(2). Ballydehob have three points from their opening two games. Their recorded an impressive 5-0 victory away to Clonakilty AFC Youths last time out. A Tadgh O’Mahony hat trick inspired that win and Ballydehob will need a similar performance if they are to defeat Drinagh tomorrow.
Bay Rovers are at home to Clonakilty AFC Youths in Kealkil at noon. Rovers recorded a superb 3-1 win away to Glounthaune United with Padraigh Cronin, Gerry Harrington and Tom O’Sullivan scoring the winning goals. AFC Youths have suffered two disappointing defeats at the hands of Togher Celtic and Ballydehob so far this season. Bay will be expected to pick up all three points from this encounter.
Bunratty United and Clonakilty AFC clash in Town Park Schull at 1pm. United recorded a famous 4-2 win away to Castleview in the National Cup last weekend with Sean Evans(2), Gavin McIntaggart and Eddie Goggin all finding the net. AFC were knocked out of the U14 National cup last Sunday by Waterford side, Ardmore. Clonakilty put in a commendable performance with Stephen Vickery and Conor O’Brien scoring two consolation goals. Bunratty United will start as clear favourites tomorrow but Clonakilty AFC have the potential to cause an upset.
The much anticipated clash between Skibbereen and Lyre Rovers has been postponed with Lyre deciding to take their cancellation this weekend. Skibbereen Under11’s are the sole SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League representatives in the U11 National Cup this weekend. Skibb entertain Kilreen Celtic from the Cork Schoolboys League in the Preliminary Round of the competition at the Baltimore Road Ground tomorrow.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
SuperValu WCSL U14
Ballydehob vs. Drinagh Rangers in Rathravane Ballydehob at 11am
Bay Rovers vs. Clonakilty AFC Youths in Lisheens Kealkil at Noon
Bunratty United vs. Clonakilty AFC in Town Park Schull at 1pm
Togher Celtic vs. Harbour United in Togher at 12:30
Skibbereen vs. Lyre Rovers - Postponed with Lyre Rovers taking cancellation
U11 National Cup Preliminary Round
Skibbereen vs. Kilreen Celtic in Baltimore Road Skibbereen
Togher Celtic currently sit top the table in the SuperValu U14 league with 4 points from their opening two league games. Togher defeated Clonakilty Youths 3-1 on the opening day of the season and followed up that result with a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Drinagh Rangers. Celtic will have home advantage tomorrow against Harbour United with a 12:30 kick off. The Union Hall side are newcomers to the U14 league this season and have already suffered two defeats to Riverside Athletic and Skibbereen. A home win is the expected result in Togher tomorrow.
Ballydehob entertain reigning U14 title-holders Drinagh Rangers in Rathravane at 11am. The two clubs enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the National Cup last weekend. Ballydehob lost 3-0 at home to Greenwood. Drinagh recorded a fantastic 4-1 win over Springfield Ramblers A to qualify for the first round with goals from Alfie Hyland, Michael Collins and Darren Sweetnam(2). Ballydehob have three points from their opening two games. Their recorded an impressive 5-0 victory away to Clonakilty AFC Youths last time out. A Tadgh O’Mahony hat trick inspired that win and Ballydehob will need a similar performance if they are to defeat Drinagh tomorrow.
Bay Rovers are at home to Clonakilty AFC Youths in Kealkil at noon. Rovers recorded a superb 3-1 win away to Glounthaune United with Padraigh Cronin, Gerry Harrington and Tom O’Sullivan scoring the winning goals. AFC Youths have suffered two disappointing defeats at the hands of Togher Celtic and Ballydehob so far this season. Bay will be expected to pick up all three points from this encounter.
Bunratty United and Clonakilty AFC clash in Town Park Schull at 1pm. United recorded a famous 4-2 win away to Castleview in the National Cup last weekend with Sean Evans(2), Gavin McIntaggart and Eddie Goggin all finding the net. AFC were knocked out of the U14 National cup last Sunday by Waterford side, Ardmore. Clonakilty put in a commendable performance with Stephen Vickery and Conor O’Brien scoring two consolation goals. Bunratty United will start as clear favourites tomorrow but Clonakilty AFC have the potential to cause an upset.
The much anticipated clash between Skibbereen and Lyre Rovers has been postponed with Lyre deciding to take their cancellation this weekend. Skibbereen Under11’s are the sole SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League representatives in the U11 National Cup this weekend. Skibb entertain Kilreen Celtic from the Cork Schoolboys League in the Preliminary Round of the competition at the Baltimore Road Ground tomorrow.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
SuperValu WCSL U14
Ballydehob vs. Drinagh Rangers in Rathravane Ballydehob at 11am
Bay Rovers vs. Clonakilty AFC Youths in Lisheens Kealkil at Noon
Bunratty United vs. Clonakilty AFC in Town Park Schull at 1pm
Togher Celtic vs. Harbour United in Togher at 12:30
Skibbereen vs. Lyre Rovers - Postponed with Lyre Rovers taking cancellation
U11 National Cup Preliminary Round
Skibbereen vs. Kilreen Celtic in Baltimore Road Skibbereen
Sunday, September 23, 2007
WCSL U16 Match Report
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U16 Match Report
COMPEITION: U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
TEAMS: Skibbereen vs Cobh Ramblers
DATE: Sat 22nd Sept 2007
VENUE: Baltimore Road Skibbereen
FINAL SCORE: Skibbereen 1 Cobh Ramblers 7
SCORERS: Mark Collins (Skibb)
John Corcoran (4), Kristian Dennehy (2) and Shane Geasley (Cobh)
Cobh Ramblers recorded a comfortable 7-1 victory away to Skibbereen in an U16 National Cup Preliminary Round tie in the Baltimore Road Ground on Saturday. 4 goals from the excellent John Corcoran and a brace from the impressive Kristian Dennehy earned Cobh a well deserved victory.
The game kicked off on in brilliant sunshine on the immaculate playing surface in Skibbereen. The home side were missing some regular first team players and looked nervous in the opening exchanges. Cobh Ramblers settled quickly and passed with more authority thanks to Kristian (son of the famous Mia) Dennehy in the centre of the pitch.
Ramblers went ahead in the 1st minute when John Corcoran raced through and gave Donagh McCarthy no chance with a terrific shot. McCarthy was called into action to deny Cobh a second with a point-blank save in the 5th minute. Skibb’s Danny O’Donovan began to cause the visitors defence problems with his pace on the left wing. Cobh continued to dominate and it was no surprise when John Corcoran slid home his second of the afternoon from 10 yards to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. Ramblers were springing the Skibb offside trap with alarming ease and added a third in the 19th minute. Corcoran completed his hat trick with a sublime volley from the edge of the box. Darragh Leonard tested Kevin McCarthy with a free kick before Ramblers scored a fourth after 23 minutes. John Corcoran was allowed far too much room on the edge of the penalty area and slipped a pass to the unmarked Shane Geasley. The Cobh striker made no mistake to leave the score 4-0 to Cobh at the interval.
The second half was played at a more pedestrian pace with Ramblers well in control. Further goals from Kristian Dennehy and a fourth from John Corcoran made sure of the result. Despite the lop-sided score line the home side re-grouped and never let their heads drop.
Skibbereen played some excellent football in the second half and grabbed a consolation goal late in the game. Mark Collins got behind the Ramblers defence and finished confidently to the back of the net. It was no more than the hosts deserved for a much improved second half performance. Cobh Ramblers took less than a minute to respond. Kristian Dennehy grabbed his second of the game with a fantastic curling effort into the top corner to complete the scoring.
The home side can have little complaint about the final result. Cobh Ramblers were by far the better side and physically stronger in almost every position. Based on this performance Ramblers are certain to have a major say in the latter stages of this year's U16 National Cup competition. Skibbereen will bounce back from this defeat and are more than capable of making the U16 play-offs at the end of the season.
Best for Cobh included John Corcoran, Kristian Dennehy and Ross O’Donovan-Wyatt also impressed for the visiting side. For Skibbereen there were excellent displays from Thomas Hegarty, Darragh Leonard, Danny O'Donovan and Dan MacEoin.
Skibbereen: Donnagh McCarthy, Conor MacKahay, Trevor Roycroft (Capt), Jack O'Sullivan, Jack O'Driscoll, James Davis, Paidi Crowley, Thomas Hegarty, Danny O'Donovan, Mark Collins, Darragh Leonard, Rudi Henwood, Shane Hourihan, Dan MacEoin and Martin Murphy.
Cobh Ramblers: Kevin McCarthy, Gary Collins, Tadgh Lawton, Ross O'Donovan-Wyatt (Capt), Gavin Fitzgerald, David Collins, Gary Halpin, Kristian Dennehy, John Corcoran, Shane Geasley, Jordan O'Leary, Eoin O'Riordan, James O'Dwyer and Stephen Madine.
Referee: John Desmond (WCSL)
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
COMPEITION: U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
TEAMS: Skibbereen vs Cobh Ramblers
DATE: Sat 22nd Sept 2007
VENUE: Baltimore Road Skibbereen
FINAL SCORE: Skibbereen 1 Cobh Ramblers 7
SCORERS: Mark Collins (Skibb)
John Corcoran (4), Kristian Dennehy (2) and Shane Geasley (Cobh)
Cobh Ramblers recorded a comfortable 7-1 victory away to Skibbereen in an U16 National Cup Preliminary Round tie in the Baltimore Road Ground on Saturday. 4 goals from the excellent John Corcoran and a brace from the impressive Kristian Dennehy earned Cobh a well deserved victory.
The game kicked off on in brilliant sunshine on the immaculate playing surface in Skibbereen. The home side were missing some regular first team players and looked nervous in the opening exchanges. Cobh Ramblers settled quickly and passed with more authority thanks to Kristian (son of the famous Mia) Dennehy in the centre of the pitch.
Ramblers went ahead in the 1st minute when John Corcoran raced through and gave Donagh McCarthy no chance with a terrific shot. McCarthy was called into action to deny Cobh a second with a point-blank save in the 5th minute. Skibb’s Danny O’Donovan began to cause the visitors defence problems with his pace on the left wing. Cobh continued to dominate and it was no surprise when John Corcoran slid home his second of the afternoon from 10 yards to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. Ramblers were springing the Skibb offside trap with alarming ease and added a third in the 19th minute. Corcoran completed his hat trick with a sublime volley from the edge of the box. Darragh Leonard tested Kevin McCarthy with a free kick before Ramblers scored a fourth after 23 minutes. John Corcoran was allowed far too much room on the edge of the penalty area and slipped a pass to the unmarked Shane Geasley. The Cobh striker made no mistake to leave the score 4-0 to Cobh at the interval.
The second half was played at a more pedestrian pace with Ramblers well in control. Further goals from Kristian Dennehy and a fourth from John Corcoran made sure of the result. Despite the lop-sided score line the home side re-grouped and never let their heads drop.
Skibbereen played some excellent football in the second half and grabbed a consolation goal late in the game. Mark Collins got behind the Ramblers defence and finished confidently to the back of the net. It was no more than the hosts deserved for a much improved second half performance. Cobh Ramblers took less than a minute to respond. Kristian Dennehy grabbed his second of the game with a fantastic curling effort into the top corner to complete the scoring.
The home side can have little complaint about the final result. Cobh Ramblers were by far the better side and physically stronger in almost every position. Based on this performance Ramblers are certain to have a major say in the latter stages of this year's U16 National Cup competition. Skibbereen will bounce back from this defeat and are more than capable of making the U16 play-offs at the end of the season.
Best for Cobh included John Corcoran, Kristian Dennehy and Ross O’Donovan-Wyatt also impressed for the visiting side. For Skibbereen there were excellent displays from Thomas Hegarty, Darragh Leonard, Danny O'Donovan and Dan MacEoin.
Skibbereen: Donnagh McCarthy, Conor MacKahay, Trevor Roycroft (Capt), Jack O'Sullivan, Jack O'Driscoll, James Davis, Paidi Crowley, Thomas Hegarty, Danny O'Donovan, Mark Collins, Darragh Leonard, Rudi Henwood, Shane Hourihan, Dan MacEoin and Martin Murphy.
Cobh Ramblers: Kevin McCarthy, Gary Collins, Tadgh Lawton, Ross O'Donovan-Wyatt (Capt), Gavin Fitzgerald, David Collins, Gary Halpin, Kristian Dennehy, John Corcoran, Shane Geasley, Jordan O'Leary, Eoin O'Riordan, James O'Dwyer and Stephen Madine.
Referee: John Desmond (WCSL)
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
WCSL U12 Match Report & RoundUp
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U12 Match Report
COMPEITION: U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
TEAMS: Drinagh Rangers vs. Togher Celtic
DATE: Sat 22nd Sept 2007
VENUE: Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh
FINAL SCORE: Drinagh 3 Togher 1
SCORERS: Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan (Drinagh)
Niall Crowley (Togher)
Drinagh Rangers defeated Togher Celtic 3-1 in the Preliminary Round of the U12 National Cup in Cannon Crowley Park last Saturday. Goals from Jake King and Gary Lordan gave the home side a deserved victory in an all SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - National Cup tie.
Togher's Shane Crowley and Jake Inglis tested Drinagh goalkeeper, Conor O'Mahony, with a couple of long range efforts in the opening minutes. The home side should have taken the lead with their very first attack when Gary Lordan broke free of the Celtic defence. The Drinagh striker was denied a certain goal thanks to a brave stop from Jamie Reardon. Jake Inglis curled a free kick just wide of the upright as the frantic pace to the match showed no signs of letting up.
Drinagh had started well and caused some early moments of panic in the Togher defence but were caught napping when Niall Crowley put the visiting side ahead after 9 minutes. Crowley gained possession on the left wing and set off on a mazy dribble. The Togher winger slalomed past two defenders, cut inside and slipped a shot underneath the advancing Conor O'Mahony. Drinagh's response was immediate with Jake King turning a shot goalwards from the edge of the penalty area only to be denied by a stunning save from Jamie Reardon.
The home side were enjoying the majority of the possession but were unable to convert their chances. Togher were beginning to sit back on their 1-0 lead and defending deep from the edge of their penalty area. Celtic were made to pay for not building on their early lead when Drinagh equalised after 15 minutes. Jake King showed great reactions to stab the ball home after Riordan could only parry a rasping free kick from Don O'Driscoll. What the game lacked in quality it more than made up for in commitment and effort. Niall Crowley and Gary Lordan exchanged chances at either end. The half ended with the side’s level at 1-1.
Togher began the second half in determined mood and had the home side's defence on the back foot in the opening minutes. The game was delicately poised at 1-1 with the next goal crucial to the eventual outcome of the cup tie. A Wayne Rooney-like run from Jake King tore through the Togher defence only for the striker to shoot narrowly over.
The visitors were made to pay for not capitalising on all their possession when Drinagh took the lead in the 40th minute. Jamie Reardon pulled off a remarkable save to deny Stephen Crowley but Gary Lordan reacted quickest and turned the rebound into the net. Togher almost equalised when a Niall Crowley shot took a wicked deflection but O'Mahony scrambled to save.
Togher Celtic continued to press forward and as a result left gaping holes in defence. Drinagh took advantage and one counter attack left King with a one-on-one with Jamie Reardon but somehow the Drinagh striker managed to skew his shot wide. Celtic were visibly tiring as their huge second half efforts began to take its toll.
The home side made sure of the win with a third and clinching goal after 55 minutes. Jake King poached from close range to seal the win and send Drinagh Rangers into the first round of the U12 National Cup.
Jamie Reardon had a fine game in goal for Togher. Stephen Farrell, Owen Murray, Jake Inglis, Shane Crowley and Niall Crowley also put in commendable performances for the visitors. Conor O'Mahony, Kevin Dullea, Stephen Crowley and Don O'Driscoll were the pick of Drinagh's best players. It was the combined efforts and goals of strikers; Jake King and Gary Lordan that eventually swung the tie in Rangers' favour. Drinagh Rangers reward for overcoming the challenge of Togher is a First Round National Cup tie with - on the -th of October.
Drinagh Rangers: Conor O'Mahony, Seamus Murphy, Kevin Dullea (Captain), Odhran Connolly, Donal O'Donovan, Stephen Crowley, Don O'Driscol, Padraigh Cronin, Jack O'Sullivan, Jake King, Gary Lordan, Jamie Hurley, Diarmuid Kelly, Sam Kingston, Darren Collins, Ciaran Hurley and Dominic Fernandez.
Togher Celtic: Jamie Riordan, Thomas Daly, Stephen Farrell, Stephen O'Leary, Owen Murray, Syephen Connolly, Oisin Tremayne, Jake Inglis (Captain), Kenny Lynch, Shane Crowley, Niall Crowley, Andrew Doyle, James Coughlan, Danny Collins, Rian Hayden, Martin Murphy, Ronan O'Callaghan, Paul Collins, Jeremy O'Sullivan, Denis Kelleher and Michael Murray.
Referee: Anthony McDermott (WCSL)
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League – Weekend Roundup
The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League enjoyed a fantastic return in the U12, U14 and U16 National Cups with 10 teams gaining victories in their Preliminary Round ties.
U12 Nat Cup
Bunratty defeated Everton of the Cork Schoolboys League 4-0 in Rathvane on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Arron Barry, Fionn Hurley, Clodagh O'Callaghan and Conor O'Driscoll earned the home side a memorable victory. United face an away trip against either Midleton or Waterloo in the next round. Durrus recorded and emphatic 4-1 win at home to Park United. Eoghan O'Dwyer was the hero for Durrus with an inspiring hat trick. Brian O'Regan completed the scoring for the home side who are away to Greenwood A or Springfield Ramblers next. There was disappointment for Clonakilty AFC who were knocked out by Corinthian Boys A in an eight goal thriller in Ballyvackey. An Eoin Ryan hat trick made it 3-3 with only 5 minutes to go. Two late efforts from the Corinthians earned the Cork side a narrow 5-3 victory. Cian Crowley, Cian O'Callaghan and Eoin Ryan all impressed for Clon. Skibbereen rounded off a great weekend for the West Cork U12 Division with a fantastic 4-3 win in Crosshaven.
U14 Nat Cup
Skibbereen came from 2-0 down to Inishvilla to record a tremendous 3-2 away victory. A Dan MacEoin brace brought the sides level before Rudi Henwood snatched a dramatic late winner for Skibbereen. Ballydehob lost at home 3-0 to Greenwood and a severely depleted Togher Celtic were no match for Ringmahon Rangers despite Daniel Twomey scoring a late consolation. Bay Rovers won 3-1 away to Glounthane United thanks to goals from Padraigh Cronin, Gerry Harrington and Tom O’Sullivan. Drinagh Rangers accounted for Springfield Ramblers A in Cannon Crowley Park. Ranger’s impressive 4-1 victory came courtesy of goals from Alfie Hyland, Darren Sweetnam (2) and Michael Collins. Bunratty United enjoyed a tremendous 4-2 away win at Castleview. Sean Evans (2), Gavin MacIntaggart and Eddie Goggin scored the goals to give Bunratty a home tie with either Casement Celtic or Kilreen in the next round. Clonakilty AFC suffered a heavy defeat at home to Ardmore on Sunday morning. Stephen Vickery and Conor O’Brien were on the score sheet for the home side.
U16 Nat Cup
Bunratty United defeated fellow West Cork side, Togher Celtic 8-7 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw. Sean Deasy and Dan O’Sullivan scored for Togher and Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan for Bunratty in normal time. Daniel Hickey saved in the shootout for Bunratty before Michael Bailey made sure of the win with the decisive spot kick. Drinagh Rangers recorded a 4-1 win at home to Buttevant on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Jamie Walsh, Daniel Hayes, Paul Crowley and a cracker from Shane Connolly earned Rangers a famous victory. Drinagh are away to Ballincollig in the next round. An under strength Skibbereen were comprehensively beaten 7-1 by an impressive Cobh Ramblers side in Baltimore Road on Saturday afternoon. Mark Collins scored a late consolation for Skibb. Bay Rovers U16 first outing of the season ended in a 3-0 defeat at home to Leeds on Sunday.
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - TEAM OF THE WEEK
Skibbereen U14 - Coming from 2-0 down to win away 3-2 at Inishvilla in U14 National Cup
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Eoghan O'Dwyer, Durrus U12 - Magnificent hat-trick that inspired Durrus to 4-1 victory over Park United in U12 National Cup
WEEKEND RESULTS
Thurs 20th Sept
SuperValu U12 League - Group 1
Leeside 1 Lyre Rovers 4
Sat 22nd Sept
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Drinagh Rangers 3 Togher Celtic 1
Clonakilty AFC 3 Corinthian Boys A 5
Bunratty United 4 Everton 0
Durrus 4 Park United 1
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Innishvilla 2 Skibbereen 3
Ballydehob 0 Greenwood 3
Castleview 2 Bunratty United 4
Drinagh Rangers 4 Springfield Ramblers A 1
Glounthaune United 1 Bay Rovers 3
Ringmahon Rangers 7 Togher Celtic 1
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Castleview v Clonakilty AFC - Walkover awarded to Castleview
Togher Celtic 2 Bunratty United 2 - Bunratty won 8-7 on pens
Drinagh Rangers 4 Buttevant 1
Skibbereen 1 Cobh Ramblers 7
Sunday 23rd
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Clonakilty AFC 2 Ardmore 10
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Crosshaven 3 Skibbereen 4
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Bay Rovers 0 Leeds 3
COMPEITION: U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
TEAMS: Drinagh Rangers vs. Togher Celtic
DATE: Sat 22nd Sept 2007
VENUE: Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh
FINAL SCORE: Drinagh 3 Togher 1
SCORERS: Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan (Drinagh)
Niall Crowley (Togher)
Drinagh Rangers defeated Togher Celtic 3-1 in the Preliminary Round of the U12 National Cup in Cannon Crowley Park last Saturday. Goals from Jake King and Gary Lordan gave the home side a deserved victory in an all SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - National Cup tie.
Togher's Shane Crowley and Jake Inglis tested Drinagh goalkeeper, Conor O'Mahony, with a couple of long range efforts in the opening minutes. The home side should have taken the lead with their very first attack when Gary Lordan broke free of the Celtic defence. The Drinagh striker was denied a certain goal thanks to a brave stop from Jamie Reardon. Jake Inglis curled a free kick just wide of the upright as the frantic pace to the match showed no signs of letting up.
Drinagh had started well and caused some early moments of panic in the Togher defence but were caught napping when Niall Crowley put the visiting side ahead after 9 minutes. Crowley gained possession on the left wing and set off on a mazy dribble. The Togher winger slalomed past two defenders, cut inside and slipped a shot underneath the advancing Conor O'Mahony. Drinagh's response was immediate with Jake King turning a shot goalwards from the edge of the penalty area only to be denied by a stunning save from Jamie Reardon.
The home side were enjoying the majority of the possession but were unable to convert their chances. Togher were beginning to sit back on their 1-0 lead and defending deep from the edge of their penalty area. Celtic were made to pay for not building on their early lead when Drinagh equalised after 15 minutes. Jake King showed great reactions to stab the ball home after Riordan could only parry a rasping free kick from Don O'Driscoll. What the game lacked in quality it more than made up for in commitment and effort. Niall Crowley and Gary Lordan exchanged chances at either end. The half ended with the side’s level at 1-1.
Togher began the second half in determined mood and had the home side's defence on the back foot in the opening minutes. The game was delicately poised at 1-1 with the next goal crucial to the eventual outcome of the cup tie. A Wayne Rooney-like run from Jake King tore through the Togher defence only for the striker to shoot narrowly over.
The visitors were made to pay for not capitalising on all their possession when Drinagh took the lead in the 40th minute. Jamie Reardon pulled off a remarkable save to deny Stephen Crowley but Gary Lordan reacted quickest and turned the rebound into the net. Togher almost equalised when a Niall Crowley shot took a wicked deflection but O'Mahony scrambled to save.
Togher Celtic continued to press forward and as a result left gaping holes in defence. Drinagh took advantage and one counter attack left King with a one-on-one with Jamie Reardon but somehow the Drinagh striker managed to skew his shot wide. Celtic were visibly tiring as their huge second half efforts began to take its toll.
The home side made sure of the win with a third and clinching goal after 55 minutes. Jake King poached from close range to seal the win and send Drinagh Rangers into the first round of the U12 National Cup.
Jamie Reardon had a fine game in goal for Togher. Stephen Farrell, Owen Murray, Jake Inglis, Shane Crowley and Niall Crowley also put in commendable performances for the visitors. Conor O'Mahony, Kevin Dullea, Stephen Crowley and Don O'Driscoll were the pick of Drinagh's best players. It was the combined efforts and goals of strikers; Jake King and Gary Lordan that eventually swung the tie in Rangers' favour. Drinagh Rangers reward for overcoming the challenge of Togher is a First Round National Cup tie with - on the -th of October.
Drinagh Rangers: Conor O'Mahony, Seamus Murphy, Kevin Dullea (Captain), Odhran Connolly, Donal O'Donovan, Stephen Crowley, Don O'Driscol, Padraigh Cronin, Jack O'Sullivan, Jake King, Gary Lordan, Jamie Hurley, Diarmuid Kelly, Sam Kingston, Darren Collins, Ciaran Hurley and Dominic Fernandez.
Togher Celtic: Jamie Riordan, Thomas Daly, Stephen Farrell, Stephen O'Leary, Owen Murray, Syephen Connolly, Oisin Tremayne, Jake Inglis (Captain), Kenny Lynch, Shane Crowley, Niall Crowley, Andrew Doyle, James Coughlan, Danny Collins, Rian Hayden, Martin Murphy, Ronan O'Callaghan, Paul Collins, Jeremy O'Sullivan, Denis Kelleher and Michael Murray.
Referee: Anthony McDermott (WCSL)
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League – Weekend Roundup
The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League enjoyed a fantastic return in the U12, U14 and U16 National Cups with 10 teams gaining victories in their Preliminary Round ties.
U12 Nat Cup
Bunratty defeated Everton of the Cork Schoolboys League 4-0 in Rathvane on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Arron Barry, Fionn Hurley, Clodagh O'Callaghan and Conor O'Driscoll earned the home side a memorable victory. United face an away trip against either Midleton or Waterloo in the next round. Durrus recorded and emphatic 4-1 win at home to Park United. Eoghan O'Dwyer was the hero for Durrus with an inspiring hat trick. Brian O'Regan completed the scoring for the home side who are away to Greenwood A or Springfield Ramblers next. There was disappointment for Clonakilty AFC who were knocked out by Corinthian Boys A in an eight goal thriller in Ballyvackey. An Eoin Ryan hat trick made it 3-3 with only 5 minutes to go. Two late efforts from the Corinthians earned the Cork side a narrow 5-3 victory. Cian Crowley, Cian O'Callaghan and Eoin Ryan all impressed for Clon. Skibbereen rounded off a great weekend for the West Cork U12 Division with a fantastic 4-3 win in Crosshaven.
U14 Nat Cup
Skibbereen came from 2-0 down to Inishvilla to record a tremendous 3-2 away victory. A Dan MacEoin brace brought the sides level before Rudi Henwood snatched a dramatic late winner for Skibbereen. Ballydehob lost at home 3-0 to Greenwood and a severely depleted Togher Celtic were no match for Ringmahon Rangers despite Daniel Twomey scoring a late consolation. Bay Rovers won 3-1 away to Glounthane United thanks to goals from Padraigh Cronin, Gerry Harrington and Tom O’Sullivan. Drinagh Rangers accounted for Springfield Ramblers A in Cannon Crowley Park. Ranger’s impressive 4-1 victory came courtesy of goals from Alfie Hyland, Darren Sweetnam (2) and Michael Collins. Bunratty United enjoyed a tremendous 4-2 away win at Castleview. Sean Evans (2), Gavin MacIntaggart and Eddie Goggin scored the goals to give Bunratty a home tie with either Casement Celtic or Kilreen in the next round. Clonakilty AFC suffered a heavy defeat at home to Ardmore on Sunday morning. Stephen Vickery and Conor O’Brien were on the score sheet for the home side.
U16 Nat Cup
Bunratty United defeated fellow West Cork side, Togher Celtic 8-7 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw. Sean Deasy and Dan O’Sullivan scored for Togher and Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan for Bunratty in normal time. Daniel Hickey saved in the shootout for Bunratty before Michael Bailey made sure of the win with the decisive spot kick. Drinagh Rangers recorded a 4-1 win at home to Buttevant on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Jamie Walsh, Daniel Hayes, Paul Crowley and a cracker from Shane Connolly earned Rangers a famous victory. Drinagh are away to Ballincollig in the next round. An under strength Skibbereen were comprehensively beaten 7-1 by an impressive Cobh Ramblers side in Baltimore Road on Saturday afternoon. Mark Collins scored a late consolation for Skibb. Bay Rovers U16 first outing of the season ended in a 3-0 defeat at home to Leeds on Sunday.
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - TEAM OF THE WEEK
Skibbereen U14 - Coming from 2-0 down to win away 3-2 at Inishvilla in U14 National Cup
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Eoghan O'Dwyer, Durrus U12 - Magnificent hat-trick that inspired Durrus to 4-1 victory over Park United in U12 National Cup
WEEKEND RESULTS
Thurs 20th Sept
SuperValu U12 League - Group 1
Leeside 1 Lyre Rovers 4
Sat 22nd Sept
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Drinagh Rangers 3 Togher Celtic 1
Clonakilty AFC 3 Corinthian Boys A 5
Bunratty United 4 Everton 0
Durrus 4 Park United 1
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Innishvilla 2 Skibbereen 3
Ballydehob 0 Greenwood 3
Castleview 2 Bunratty United 4
Drinagh Rangers 4 Springfield Ramblers A 1
Glounthaune United 1 Bay Rovers 3
Ringmahon Rangers 7 Togher Celtic 1
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Castleview v Clonakilty AFC - Walkover awarded to Castleview
Togher Celtic 2 Bunratty United 2 - Bunratty won 8-7 on pens
Drinagh Rangers 4 Buttevant 1
Skibbereen 1 Cobh Ramblers 7
Sunday 23rd
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Clonakilty AFC 2 Ardmore 10
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Crosshaven 3 Skibbereen 4
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Bay Rovers 0 Leeds 3
Friday, September 21, 2007
WCSL - Weekend Preview
There are 16 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League teams involved in U12, U14 and U16 National Cup Preliminary Round ties tomorrow. This weekend marks the busiest fixture list of the season for the West Cork clubs as they take on the cream of the Cork Schoolboys League in the National Cup.
U16 National Cup
Match of the day is in the Baltimore Road where Skibbereen entertain Cobh Ramblers in the preliminary round of the U16 National Cup. It promises be quite a game with the visit of one of the most prestigious clubs in Munster and Irish Soccer. Ramblers will provide the hosts with a massive challenge in their attempt to reach the first round proper. The West Cork side have some talented players so an exciting, open game is eagerly anticipated. Drinagh Rangers entertain Buttevant in Cannon Crowley Park with a 2:30pm kick off. Clonakilty AFC U16's are one of the few West Cork sides to have been drawn away from home in the Preliminary Round. Clon make an early morning journey to O'Sullivan Park to take on Castleview with a 10:30am start time.
There is an all SuperValu W.C.S.L. game with Togher Celtic at home to fellow U16 divisional side, Bunratty United at 12:30. The home side finished runners-up in both the U16 League and Cup competitions last season and home advantage may swing the tie in their favour. West Cork is guaranteed to have at least one representative in the first round, irrespective of the final result. Bay Rovers have home advantage in Lisheens, Kealkil for the visit of Leeds on Sunday with a 2:30pm kick off.
U14 National Cup
Only two SuperValu West Cork clubs have been handed home ties in the Preliminary Round of the U14 National Cup. Ballydehob have been drawn at home to Greenwood in Rathvane while Drinagh Rangers face the challenge of Springfield Ramblers A in Cannon Crowley Park tomorrow afternoon.
Skibbereen are the first West Cork U14 team in action tomorrow at 10:30am, away to Inishvilla in Skevanish. Togher Celtic U14's must travel to Ringmahon Park to face the challenge of Ringmahon Rangers with a 2pm kick off. Bay Rovers are also on the road and face Glounthaune United in Glenmore Park at 1:30pm. The Castleview and Bunratty United tie kicks off at 12:15 in O'Sullivan Park tomorrow. Clonakilty AFC and Ardmore clash in Ballyvackey, Clonakilty at 11:45am on Sunday morning.
U12 National Cup
The Under 12 draw has been kind to West Cork with four clubs handed home advantage tomorrow. Clonakilty AFC host Corinthian Boys A in Ballyvackey at noon. Durrus face Park United in the Community Field, Durrus, at 3pm while Bunratty United entertain Everton in Town Park, Schull at 2:30pm. There is another all SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League tie with Drinagh Rangers and Togher Celtic clashing in Cannon Crowley Park at noon. Skibbereen are the only U12 West Cork team given an away tie in the Preliminary Round against Crosshaven in Camden at 2:30pm on Sunday.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Sat 22nd Sept
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Drinagh Rangers v Togher Celtic in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 11am
Clonakilty AFC v Corinthian Boys A in Ballyvackey Clonakilty at Noon
Bunratty United v Everton in Town Park Schull at 2:30pm
Durrus v Park United in Community Field Durrus at 3.00pm
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Innishvilla v Skibbereen in Skevanish at 10.30am
Ballydehob v Greenwood in Rathravane, Ballydehob at noon
Castleview v Bunratty United in O'Sullivan Park at 12.15pm
Drinagh Rangers v Springfield Ramblers A in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 12:45
Glounthaune United v Bay Rovers in Glenmore Park at 1.30pm
Ringmahon Rangers v Togher Celtic in Ringmahon Park at 2.00pm
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Castleview v Clonakilty AFC in O'Sullivan Park at 10.30am
Togher Celtic v Bunratty United in Togher at 12:30
Drinagh Rangers v Buttevant in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 2:30pm
Skibbereen v Cobh Ramblers in Baltimore Road Skibbereen at 2:30pm
Sunday 23rd
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Crosshaven v Skibbereen in Camden at 2.30pm
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Clonakilty AFC v Ardmore in Ballyvackey Clonakilty at 11:45am
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Bay Rovers v Leeds in Lisheens Kealkil at 2:30pm
U16 National Cup
Match of the day is in the Baltimore Road where Skibbereen entertain Cobh Ramblers in the preliminary round of the U16 National Cup. It promises be quite a game with the visit of one of the most prestigious clubs in Munster and Irish Soccer. Ramblers will provide the hosts with a massive challenge in their attempt to reach the first round proper. The West Cork side have some talented players so an exciting, open game is eagerly anticipated. Drinagh Rangers entertain Buttevant in Cannon Crowley Park with a 2:30pm kick off. Clonakilty AFC U16's are one of the few West Cork sides to have been drawn away from home in the Preliminary Round. Clon make an early morning journey to O'Sullivan Park to take on Castleview with a 10:30am start time.
There is an all SuperValu W.C.S.L. game with Togher Celtic at home to fellow U16 divisional side, Bunratty United at 12:30. The home side finished runners-up in both the U16 League and Cup competitions last season and home advantage may swing the tie in their favour. West Cork is guaranteed to have at least one representative in the first round, irrespective of the final result. Bay Rovers have home advantage in Lisheens, Kealkil for the visit of Leeds on Sunday with a 2:30pm kick off.
U14 National Cup
Only two SuperValu West Cork clubs have been handed home ties in the Preliminary Round of the U14 National Cup. Ballydehob have been drawn at home to Greenwood in Rathvane while Drinagh Rangers face the challenge of Springfield Ramblers A in Cannon Crowley Park tomorrow afternoon.
Skibbereen are the first West Cork U14 team in action tomorrow at 10:30am, away to Inishvilla in Skevanish. Togher Celtic U14's must travel to Ringmahon Park to face the challenge of Ringmahon Rangers with a 2pm kick off. Bay Rovers are also on the road and face Glounthaune United in Glenmore Park at 1:30pm. The Castleview and Bunratty United tie kicks off at 12:15 in O'Sullivan Park tomorrow. Clonakilty AFC and Ardmore clash in Ballyvackey, Clonakilty at 11:45am on Sunday morning.
U12 National Cup
The Under 12 draw has been kind to West Cork with four clubs handed home advantage tomorrow. Clonakilty AFC host Corinthian Boys A in Ballyvackey at noon. Durrus face Park United in the Community Field, Durrus, at 3pm while Bunratty United entertain Everton in Town Park, Schull at 2:30pm. There is another all SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League tie with Drinagh Rangers and Togher Celtic clashing in Cannon Crowley Park at noon. Skibbereen are the only U12 West Cork team given an away tie in the Preliminary Round against Crosshaven in Camden at 2:30pm on Sunday.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Sat 22nd Sept
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Drinagh Rangers v Togher Celtic in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 11am
Clonakilty AFC v Corinthian Boys A in Ballyvackey Clonakilty at Noon
Bunratty United v Everton in Town Park Schull at 2:30pm
Durrus v Park United in Community Field Durrus at 3.00pm
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Innishvilla v Skibbereen in Skevanish at 10.30am
Ballydehob v Greenwood in Rathravane, Ballydehob at noon
Castleview v Bunratty United in O'Sullivan Park at 12.15pm
Drinagh Rangers v Springfield Ramblers A in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 12:45
Glounthaune United v Bay Rovers in Glenmore Park at 1.30pm
Ringmahon Rangers v Togher Celtic in Ringmahon Park at 2.00pm
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Castleview v Clonakilty AFC in O'Sullivan Park at 10.30am
Togher Celtic v Bunratty United in Togher at 12:30
Drinagh Rangers v Buttevant in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 2:30pm
Skibbereen v Cobh Ramblers in Baltimore Road Skibbereen at 2:30pm
Sunday 23rd
U12 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Crosshaven v Skibbereen in Camden at 2.30pm
U14 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Clonakilty AFC v Ardmore in Ballyvackey Clonakilty at 11:45am
U16 National Cup - Preliminary Round
Bay Rovers v Leeds in Lisheens Kealkil at 2:30pm
Saturday, September 15, 2007
WCSL - U12 Match Report & Roundup
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - Match Report
COMPEITION: SuperValu Under 12 West Cork Schoolboys League - Group 2
TEAMS: Dunmanway Town U12 vs Clonakilty AFC Youths U12
DATE OF MATCH: Sat 15th Sept 2007 - KO 12:30
VENUE: Mullough, Dunmanway
FINAL SCORE: Dunmanway Town U12 6 Clonakilty AFC Youths U12 0
SCORERS: Killian O'Donovan(2), Dylan O'Driscoll, John Kelly, Dens White and Raymond O'Brien (Dunmanway)
Dunmanway Town marked their debut in Group2 of the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U12 league with a comfortable 6-0 win at home to Clonakilty AFC Youths in Mullough last Saturday.
The game kicked off in sweltering heat on the excellent playing surface in Mullough. The Dunmanway Town club deserve immense credit for preparing and maintaining such a fantastic pitch. John Kelly had the first chance of the afternoon but AFC Youths net minder Eoin Barrett made a fine stop. Town enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening 10 minutes with Killian O'Donovan and Dylan O'Driscoll also going close.
Clonakilty finally settled into the game and forced a succession of corners which had the Town defence on the back foot. In the 8th minute Mark Crowley flashed a brilliant shot across the Dunmanway goal for Clonakilty's best effort of the opening half. Robert Kingston was fouled on the edge of the Dunmanway penalty. Mark Crowley stepped up but his curled effort was safely gathered by Tom Murphy.
Dunmanway should have taken the lead in the 11th minute. The increasingly influential Killian O'Donovan released John Kelly. The Town striker flicked a pass to Dylan O'Driscoll who shot over the crossbar when well placed. Clonakilty were under increasing pressure from their kick-outs and Dunmanway eventually took advantage. The hosts went 1-0 ahead thanks to a tremendous Killian O'Donovan shot from the edge of the penalty area. Clonakilty Youths were reeling now and Dunmanway doubled their lead within 2 minutes. Dylan O'Driscoll was on hand to finish off a flowing move with a rocket into the top corner that gave Barrett no chance. 2-0 to Dunmanway Town and they were good value for that lead.
The AFC Youths fought hard to get back in the game with Mark Crowley and Cian O’Mahony to the fore. Jack Williams and Emmett O'Gorman were working overtime in the heart of the AFC Youths defence in an effort to keep the Dunmanway strikers in check. Dunmanway Town made it 3-0 in the 20th minute when Killian O’Donovan grabbed is second of the game. O’Donovan - who was having a terrific game in midfield - angled a precise shot into the bottom corner and the points were secure.
Clonakilty responded with a fantastic move involving Cian O’Donovan, Daniel Kelleher and Mark Crowley which ended with Crowley arrowing a shot just wide of the upright. Dunmanway were still well in control and added a fourth right on half time. Dylan O’Driscoll expertly controlled a clearance on his chest and passed to John Kelly. The Dunmanway striker instantly turned and volleyed to the back of the net for a fine goal.
The second half was dominated by Dunmanway Town who capitalised on all their possession by adding a further two goals. Eoin Barrett pulled off a world class save to deny John Kelly at the beginning of the half but was powerless to prevent a fifth goal soon after. Denis White reacted quickest after a goalmouth scramble to make it 5-0. Raymond O’Brien turned in a Billy O ‘Flynn cross to complete the scoring late on. To their credit Clonakilty AFC Youths never allowed their heads to drop and kept going right up to the final whistle. The visitors could have no complaints though with Dunmanway running out deserving winners.
The host’s victory was based on an excellent all-round team performance. Killian O'Donovan played a captain's role with two goals and deservedly took the man of the match award. The twin strike-force of Dylan O'Driscoll and John Kelly gave the Clonakilty Youths defence a torrid afternoon. Both strikers got on the score sheet and combined well throughout the match. Danny O'Leary in defence and Aidan O'Donovan in midfield also impressed for the hosts. Despite the heavy loss, Clonakilty AFC Youths enjoyed some fine individual performances from Eoin Barrett, Emmett O'Gorman and Mark Crowley. Centre-back, Jack Williams stood out as Clon's best player on the day.
Dunmanway Town U12: Tom Murphy, Danny O'Leary, Jonathan O'Sullivan, Seadhna Crowley, Denis White, Killian O'Donovan (Captain), Owen Lavers, Maurice Herlihy, Aidan O'Donovan, John Kelly, Dylan O'Driscoll, Conor White, Joseph O'Sullivan, Billy O'Flynn, James O'Neill, Raymond O'Brien, Sean Daly, Damien Crowley, Cathal O'Donovan and Thomas White.
Clonakilty AFC Youths U12: Eoin Barrett, Sean Conway, Emmett O'Gorman, Jack Williams, Darragh O'Mahony, Mark Crowley, Cian O'Donovan (Captain), Robert Kingston, Daniel Kelleher, Darragh McCullough, Fergus Jayes, Stephen O'Brien, Eoin O'Neill and Issac Hicks.
Referee: Shane Goggin (WCSL)
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League – Weekend Roundup
Togher Celtic U14 went top of the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 league thanks to a 2-2 draw in Drinagh on Saturday morning. Drinagh Rangers U14 had the better of the opening exchanges but Eric Crowley and Paul Shanahan each missed good chances. The home side eventually took the lead in the 10th minute with Michael Collins finding the net. Togher responded immediately with a Ciaran Bosma free kick to level the scores. There was nothing to choose between two evenly matched sides in an exciting second half. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides attacking at every opportunity. The visitors broke from defence with only 5 minutes remaining and substitute Mark Quinn pounced to give Togher a 2-1 lead. Drinagh fought back and grabbed a dramatic equaliser in the last minute. Michael Collins grabbed his and Ranger’s second of the game to leave the final score Drinagh Rangers 2 Togher Celtic 2. Best for Togher included Ciaran Bosma, Stephen O’Driscoll and Maurice Murphy. For Drinagh Eric Crowley, Peter O’Driscoll, Danny Allison and Michael Collins were the pick of the home side’s best players.
Drinagh Rangers: Liam Cahalane, Kieran O'Donovan, Eric Crowley, Peter O'Driscoll, Sean Walsh, Danny Allison, Alfie Hyland, James O'Mahony, Joseph Twohig, Michael Collins, Paul Shanahan, Oisin O'Sullivan and Daniel Lordan.
Togher Celtic: Rory Doyle, Ian Crowley, Liam Crowley, Ciaran Bosma (Captain), David Ring, Keith Daly, Brian O'Donovan, Kieran Daly, Stephen O'Driscoll, Maurice Murphy, Donal Rice, Eoghan O'Driscoll, Paul O'Regan, Daniel Twomey, Mark Quinn, Shane Cotter, Eoin O'Driscoll, Paul O'Regan, Richard Lynch, Shane O'Neill and Stephen Kingston.
SuperValu U14 League
Ballydehob U14 bounced back from their opening day defeat with a comprehensive 5-0 victory away to Clonakilty AFC Youths U14 in Ballyvackey on Saturday. Tadgh O'Mahony inspired the visitor's win with a tremendous individual display including a superb hat-trick. All the goals were scored in a one-sided first half with O'Mahony (3), Alan Cronin and David O'Mahony each finding the net. Skibbereen were too strong for Harbour United in Rosscarbery and came away with a facile win. Lyre Rovers made their U14 title aspirations known with an easy win at home to Riverside Athletic. Gearoid Barry, James Hayes, Shane O’Donovan, Scott Sheehan and Ethan Draper were all on the score sheet for Lyre.
Bay Rovers picked up their first points of the season with an excellent performance away to Clonakilty AFC. Rovers enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win with two goals in either half. David Casey and Padraigh Cronin gave Rovers a half time 2-0 lead. Casey grabbed his second of the game thanks to a ferocious 30 yard screamer early in the second half. Nathan Wycherley completed the scoring for Bay although Clonakilty AFC managed a late consolation in the final minute of the game.
SuperValu U12 League
Bay Rovers opened their account for the season in U12 Group1 with a hard fought away win at Drinagh Rangers on Saturday morning. Two first half goals from Darren Cronin and Donal Casey secured the points for Rovers. Kevin Dullea, Don O'Driscoll and Seamus Murphy impressed for Drinagh. Donal Casey, Ayrton O'Shea, Mark Hines and Anthony Hanley were the pick of Bay Rovers performers.
SUPERVALU WEST CORK SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE - TEAM OF THE WEEK
Dunmanway Town U12 - Debut victory in U12 Group 2
SUPERVALU WEST CORK SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE- PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tadgh O'Mahony - Ballydehob U14, for his superb individual hat-trick against Clonakilty AFC Youths U14
SUPERVALU WCSL WEEKEND RESULTS
Saturday 15th of September
U12 Group 1
Drinagh Rangers 0 Bay Rovers 2
U12 Group 2
Dunmanway Town 6 Clonakilty AFC Youths 0
U14 League
Clonakilty AFC Youths 0 Ballydehob 5
Clonakilty AFC 1 Bay Rovers 4
Drinagh Rangers 2 Togher Celtic 2
Harbour United 0 Skibbereen 6
Lyre Rovers 6 Riverside Athletic 0
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details
COMPEITION: SuperValu Under 12 West Cork Schoolboys League - Group 2
TEAMS: Dunmanway Town U12 vs Clonakilty AFC Youths U12
DATE OF MATCH: Sat 15th Sept 2007 - KO 12:30
VENUE: Mullough, Dunmanway
FINAL SCORE: Dunmanway Town U12 6 Clonakilty AFC Youths U12 0
SCORERS: Killian O'Donovan(2), Dylan O'Driscoll, John Kelly, Dens White and Raymond O'Brien (Dunmanway)
Dunmanway Town marked their debut in Group2 of the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U12 league with a comfortable 6-0 win at home to Clonakilty AFC Youths in Mullough last Saturday.
The game kicked off in sweltering heat on the excellent playing surface in Mullough. The Dunmanway Town club deserve immense credit for preparing and maintaining such a fantastic pitch. John Kelly had the first chance of the afternoon but AFC Youths net minder Eoin Barrett made a fine stop. Town enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening 10 minutes with Killian O'Donovan and Dylan O'Driscoll also going close.
Clonakilty finally settled into the game and forced a succession of corners which had the Town defence on the back foot. In the 8th minute Mark Crowley flashed a brilliant shot across the Dunmanway goal for Clonakilty's best effort of the opening half. Robert Kingston was fouled on the edge of the Dunmanway penalty. Mark Crowley stepped up but his curled effort was safely gathered by Tom Murphy.
Dunmanway should have taken the lead in the 11th minute. The increasingly influential Killian O'Donovan released John Kelly. The Town striker flicked a pass to Dylan O'Driscoll who shot over the crossbar when well placed. Clonakilty were under increasing pressure from their kick-outs and Dunmanway eventually took advantage. The hosts went 1-0 ahead thanks to a tremendous Killian O'Donovan shot from the edge of the penalty area. Clonakilty Youths were reeling now and Dunmanway doubled their lead within 2 minutes. Dylan O'Driscoll was on hand to finish off a flowing move with a rocket into the top corner that gave Barrett no chance. 2-0 to Dunmanway Town and they were good value for that lead.
The AFC Youths fought hard to get back in the game with Mark Crowley and Cian O’Mahony to the fore. Jack Williams and Emmett O'Gorman were working overtime in the heart of the AFC Youths defence in an effort to keep the Dunmanway strikers in check. Dunmanway Town made it 3-0 in the 20th minute when Killian O’Donovan grabbed is second of the game. O’Donovan - who was having a terrific game in midfield - angled a precise shot into the bottom corner and the points were secure.
Clonakilty responded with a fantastic move involving Cian O’Donovan, Daniel Kelleher and Mark Crowley which ended with Crowley arrowing a shot just wide of the upright. Dunmanway were still well in control and added a fourth right on half time. Dylan O’Driscoll expertly controlled a clearance on his chest and passed to John Kelly. The Dunmanway striker instantly turned and volleyed to the back of the net for a fine goal.
The second half was dominated by Dunmanway Town who capitalised on all their possession by adding a further two goals. Eoin Barrett pulled off a world class save to deny John Kelly at the beginning of the half but was powerless to prevent a fifth goal soon after. Denis White reacted quickest after a goalmouth scramble to make it 5-0. Raymond O’Brien turned in a Billy O ‘Flynn cross to complete the scoring late on. To their credit Clonakilty AFC Youths never allowed their heads to drop and kept going right up to the final whistle. The visitors could have no complaints though with Dunmanway running out deserving winners.
The host’s victory was based on an excellent all-round team performance. Killian O'Donovan played a captain's role with two goals and deservedly took the man of the match award. The twin strike-force of Dylan O'Driscoll and John Kelly gave the Clonakilty Youths defence a torrid afternoon. Both strikers got on the score sheet and combined well throughout the match. Danny O'Leary in defence and Aidan O'Donovan in midfield also impressed for the hosts. Despite the heavy loss, Clonakilty AFC Youths enjoyed some fine individual performances from Eoin Barrett, Emmett O'Gorman and Mark Crowley. Centre-back, Jack Williams stood out as Clon's best player on the day.
Dunmanway Town U12: Tom Murphy, Danny O'Leary, Jonathan O'Sullivan, Seadhna Crowley, Denis White, Killian O'Donovan (Captain), Owen Lavers, Maurice Herlihy, Aidan O'Donovan, John Kelly, Dylan O'Driscoll, Conor White, Joseph O'Sullivan, Billy O'Flynn, James O'Neill, Raymond O'Brien, Sean Daly, Damien Crowley, Cathal O'Donovan and Thomas White.
Clonakilty AFC Youths U12: Eoin Barrett, Sean Conway, Emmett O'Gorman, Jack Williams, Darragh O'Mahony, Mark Crowley, Cian O'Donovan (Captain), Robert Kingston, Daniel Kelleher, Darragh McCullough, Fergus Jayes, Stephen O'Brien, Eoin O'Neill and Issac Hicks.
Referee: Shane Goggin (WCSL)
SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League – Weekend Roundup
Togher Celtic U14 went top of the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 league thanks to a 2-2 draw in Drinagh on Saturday morning. Drinagh Rangers U14 had the better of the opening exchanges but Eric Crowley and Paul Shanahan each missed good chances. The home side eventually took the lead in the 10th minute with Michael Collins finding the net. Togher responded immediately with a Ciaran Bosma free kick to level the scores. There was nothing to choose between two evenly matched sides in an exciting second half. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides attacking at every opportunity. The visitors broke from defence with only 5 minutes remaining and substitute Mark Quinn pounced to give Togher a 2-1 lead. Drinagh fought back and grabbed a dramatic equaliser in the last minute. Michael Collins grabbed his and Ranger’s second of the game to leave the final score Drinagh Rangers 2 Togher Celtic 2. Best for Togher included Ciaran Bosma, Stephen O’Driscoll and Maurice Murphy. For Drinagh Eric Crowley, Peter O’Driscoll, Danny Allison and Michael Collins were the pick of the home side’s best players.
Drinagh Rangers: Liam Cahalane, Kieran O'Donovan, Eric Crowley, Peter O'Driscoll, Sean Walsh, Danny Allison, Alfie Hyland, James O'Mahony, Joseph Twohig, Michael Collins, Paul Shanahan, Oisin O'Sullivan and Daniel Lordan.
Togher Celtic: Rory Doyle, Ian Crowley, Liam Crowley, Ciaran Bosma (Captain), David Ring, Keith Daly, Brian O'Donovan, Kieran Daly, Stephen O'Driscoll, Maurice Murphy, Donal Rice, Eoghan O'Driscoll, Paul O'Regan, Daniel Twomey, Mark Quinn, Shane Cotter, Eoin O'Driscoll, Paul O'Regan, Richard Lynch, Shane O'Neill and Stephen Kingston.
SuperValu U14 League
Ballydehob U14 bounced back from their opening day defeat with a comprehensive 5-0 victory away to Clonakilty AFC Youths U14 in Ballyvackey on Saturday. Tadgh O'Mahony inspired the visitor's win with a tremendous individual display including a superb hat-trick. All the goals were scored in a one-sided first half with O'Mahony (3), Alan Cronin and David O'Mahony each finding the net. Skibbereen were too strong for Harbour United in Rosscarbery and came away with a facile win. Lyre Rovers made their U14 title aspirations known with an easy win at home to Riverside Athletic. Gearoid Barry, James Hayes, Shane O’Donovan, Scott Sheehan and Ethan Draper were all on the score sheet for Lyre.
Bay Rovers picked up their first points of the season with an excellent performance away to Clonakilty AFC. Rovers enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win with two goals in either half. David Casey and Padraigh Cronin gave Rovers a half time 2-0 lead. Casey grabbed his second of the game thanks to a ferocious 30 yard screamer early in the second half. Nathan Wycherley completed the scoring for Bay although Clonakilty AFC managed a late consolation in the final minute of the game.
SuperValu U12 League
Bay Rovers opened their account for the season in U12 Group1 with a hard fought away win at Drinagh Rangers on Saturday morning. Two first half goals from Darren Cronin and Donal Casey secured the points for Rovers. Kevin Dullea, Don O'Driscoll and Seamus Murphy impressed for Drinagh. Donal Casey, Ayrton O'Shea, Mark Hines and Anthony Hanley were the pick of Bay Rovers performers.
SUPERVALU WEST CORK SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE - TEAM OF THE WEEK
Dunmanway Town U12 - Debut victory in U12 Group 2
SUPERVALU WEST CORK SCHOOLBOYS LEAGUE- PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tadgh O'Mahony - Ballydehob U14, for his superb individual hat-trick against Clonakilty AFC Youths U14
SUPERVALU WCSL WEEKEND RESULTS
Saturday 15th of September
U12 Group 1
Drinagh Rangers 0 Bay Rovers 2
U12 Group 2
Dunmanway Town 6 Clonakilty AFC Youths 0
U14 League
Clonakilty AFC Youths 0 Ballydehob 5
Clonakilty AFC 1 Bay Rovers 4
Drinagh Rangers 2 Togher Celtic 2
Harbour United 0 Skibbereen 6
Lyre Rovers 6 Riverside Athletic 0
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details
Friday, September 14, 2007
WCSL - Weekend Preview
West Cork Schoolboys League - Weekend Preview
History was made in Ballyvackey last Wednesday evening when Ardfield U12s played their first ever match in the West Cork Schoolboys league. Clonakilty AFC were the hosts in an U12 Group 1 league fixture.
A large crowd was in attendance on a sun-kissed evening in Clonakilty to witness Ardfield making their debut in the U12 grade. Despite a promising start from the visitors it was Clonakilty AFC who capitalised on their early chances. The hosts grabbed a fortuitous lead in the opening minutes thanks to an own goal.
Jack Cowhig found the net from the edge of the penalty area 5 minutes later and AFC had a commanding 2-0 lead. Ardfield continued to surge forward and fought their way back into the match. The visitors should have opened their account for the season midway through the half but Jack Butler agonisingly rattled the upright from the penalty spot.
Clon's Jack O'Mahony began to stamp his authority on the game with an impressive first half display which yielded a stunning hat trick. Sean White added another not long before the break to guarantee all 3 points for Clonakilty. Ardfield never gave up but in truth, the game was over as a contest by half time. The second half petered out with AFC firmly in control.
Clonakilty AFC ran out deserving winners in the end and look a side more than capable of making the U12 play-offs this season. Jack O’Mahony, Sean White, Cian Crowley, Jack Cowhig and Paul Harte were the pick of Clon’s best players. Ardfield have a lot of hard work ahead of them but much to look forward to in the coming season. Dylan O’Sullivan, Jack Hurley, Jack Butler, Oisin Hayes and Aaron Hayes all impressed in Ardfield’s debut in U12 Group 1.
Clonakilty AFC: Niall McCarthy, Alan Creedon, Brian Chan, Ciam Crowley, David O'Mahony, Eoin Ryan, Sean White, Jack Cullinane, Jack O'Mahony, Jack Cowjih, Paul Harte, Cian O'Callaghan, Joe White, Paul O'Regan, Phillip Piollet, Rob McCarthy, Alex Gibbons, Keenan Zee, Killian Fitzgerald, Joshua Bradley, David Daly and Marcus Bateson.
Ardfield: Dylan O'Sullivan, Geoffry Schumacher, Jack Hurley, Aidan Aherne, Ewan Courtney, Shaun Goggin, Aaron Hayes, Fintan McKahey, Sean O'Connor, Jack Butler, Oisin Hayes, Ann Meaney, Peter Walsh, Brian Lombard, Cian McPeake and Connor Ryan.
Weekend Preview
There are two U12 fixtures to be completed tomorrow. Dunmanway Town U12’s make their debut at home to Clonakilty AFC U12 Youths in Dunmanway at 12:30. Drinagh Rangers U12 entertain Bay Rovers U12 in Drinagh with an 11am kick off.
The second round of fixtures in the West Cork Schoolboys U14 league are down for decision tomorrow. Drinagh Rangers entertain Togher Celtic in Canon Crowley Park at 12:30. Drinagh won the U14 double last season but face a determined Togher side fresh off a 3-1 opening day victory at home to Clonakilty AFC Youths.
There is a double-header in Ballyvackey where Clonakilty AFC entertain Bay Rovers and Clonakilty AFC Youths are set to clash with Ballydehob. The two Clon sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes a fortnight ago with AFC Youths going down 3-1 away to Togher and Clonakilty AFC winning 5-1 in Ballydehob. Martin Scally, Tadgh Casey, Gearoid Barry and Brian Hodnett were all on target in the win over Ballydehob. Bunratty go into the game on the heels of an impressive 3-0 in Kealkil where Sean Kelleher and Josh Lenz-Lipitch were amongst the goals.
Harbour United face Skibbereen in Rosscarbery at noon and Lyre Rovers clash with Riverside Athletic in the in Knockskeagh at 11:30am.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 15th of September
U12 Group 1
Drinagh Rangers U12 v Bay Rovers U12 in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 11:00
U12 Group 2
Dunmanway Town U12 v Clonakilty AFC U12Youths in Mullough Dunmanway at 12:30
U14 League
Clonakilty AFC U14 Youths vs Ballydehob U14 in Ballyvackey, Clonakilty at 11:00
Clonakilty AFC U14 v Bay Rovers U14 in Ballyvackey, Clonakilty at 12:30
Drinagh Rangers U14 v Togher Celtic U14 in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 12:30
Harbour United U14 v Skibbereen U14 in Rosscarbery at Noon
Lyre Rovers U14 v Riverside Athletic U14 in Knockskeagh Lyre at 11:30
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details
History was made in Ballyvackey last Wednesday evening when Ardfield U12s played their first ever match in the West Cork Schoolboys league. Clonakilty AFC were the hosts in an U12 Group 1 league fixture.
A large crowd was in attendance on a sun-kissed evening in Clonakilty to witness Ardfield making their debut in the U12 grade. Despite a promising start from the visitors it was Clonakilty AFC who capitalised on their early chances. The hosts grabbed a fortuitous lead in the opening minutes thanks to an own goal.
Jack Cowhig found the net from the edge of the penalty area 5 minutes later and AFC had a commanding 2-0 lead. Ardfield continued to surge forward and fought their way back into the match. The visitors should have opened their account for the season midway through the half but Jack Butler agonisingly rattled the upright from the penalty spot.
Clon's Jack O'Mahony began to stamp his authority on the game with an impressive first half display which yielded a stunning hat trick. Sean White added another not long before the break to guarantee all 3 points for Clonakilty. Ardfield never gave up but in truth, the game was over as a contest by half time. The second half petered out with AFC firmly in control.
Clonakilty AFC ran out deserving winners in the end and look a side more than capable of making the U12 play-offs this season. Jack O’Mahony, Sean White, Cian Crowley, Jack Cowhig and Paul Harte were the pick of Clon’s best players. Ardfield have a lot of hard work ahead of them but much to look forward to in the coming season. Dylan O’Sullivan, Jack Hurley, Jack Butler, Oisin Hayes and Aaron Hayes all impressed in Ardfield’s debut in U12 Group 1.
Clonakilty AFC: Niall McCarthy, Alan Creedon, Brian Chan, Ciam Crowley, David O'Mahony, Eoin Ryan, Sean White, Jack Cullinane, Jack O'Mahony, Jack Cowjih, Paul Harte, Cian O'Callaghan, Joe White, Paul O'Regan, Phillip Piollet, Rob McCarthy, Alex Gibbons, Keenan Zee, Killian Fitzgerald, Joshua Bradley, David Daly and Marcus Bateson.
Ardfield: Dylan O'Sullivan, Geoffry Schumacher, Jack Hurley, Aidan Aherne, Ewan Courtney, Shaun Goggin, Aaron Hayes, Fintan McKahey, Sean O'Connor, Jack Butler, Oisin Hayes, Ann Meaney, Peter Walsh, Brian Lombard, Cian McPeake and Connor Ryan.
Weekend Preview
There are two U12 fixtures to be completed tomorrow. Dunmanway Town U12’s make their debut at home to Clonakilty AFC U12 Youths in Dunmanway at 12:30. Drinagh Rangers U12 entertain Bay Rovers U12 in Drinagh with an 11am kick off.
The second round of fixtures in the West Cork Schoolboys U14 league are down for decision tomorrow. Drinagh Rangers entertain Togher Celtic in Canon Crowley Park at 12:30. Drinagh won the U14 double last season but face a determined Togher side fresh off a 3-1 opening day victory at home to Clonakilty AFC Youths.
There is a double-header in Ballyvackey where Clonakilty AFC entertain Bay Rovers and Clonakilty AFC Youths are set to clash with Ballydehob. The two Clon sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes a fortnight ago with AFC Youths going down 3-1 away to Togher and Clonakilty AFC winning 5-1 in Ballydehob. Martin Scally, Tadgh Casey, Gearoid Barry and Brian Hodnett were all on target in the win over Ballydehob. Bunratty go into the game on the heels of an impressive 3-0 in Kealkil where Sean Kelleher and Josh Lenz-Lipitch were amongst the goals.
Harbour United face Skibbereen in Rosscarbery at noon and Lyre Rovers clash with Riverside Athletic in the in Knockskeagh at 11:30am.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday 15th of September
U12 Group 1
Drinagh Rangers U12 v Bay Rovers U12 in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 11:00
U12 Group 2
Dunmanway Town U12 v Clonakilty AFC U12Youths in Mullough Dunmanway at 12:30
U14 League
Clonakilty AFC U14 Youths vs Ballydehob U14 in Ballyvackey, Clonakilty at 11:00
Clonakilty AFC U14 v Bay Rovers U14 in Ballyvackey, Clonakilty at 12:30
Drinagh Rangers U14 v Togher Celtic U14 in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 12:30
Harbour United U14 v Skibbereen U14 in Rosscarbery at Noon
Lyre Rovers U14 v Riverside Athletic U14 in Knockskeagh Lyre at 11:30
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details
Saturday, September 08, 2007
WCSL U12 Match Report & Roundup
COMPEITION: Under 12 Group1 West Cork Schoolboys League
TEAMS: Lyre Rovers vs. Durrus
DATE OF MATCH: 8th Sept 2007
VENUE: Lyre
FINAL SCORE: Lyre Rovers 0 Durrus 5
SCORERS: Patrick McCarthy (2) and Eoin O'Dwyer (3) - (Durrus)
Durrus recorded an impressive 5-0 win over Lyre Rovers in U12 Group1 of the West Cork Schoolboys League in Lyre on Saturday. A brace of goals from Patrick McCarthy and an outstanding hat-trick from Eoin O'Dwyer secured all 3 points for the visitors.
The game kicked off on the pristine Lyre Rovers pitch with both sides passing the ball with great skill in the opening exchanges. Peter Cronin tested Eoin McDermott in the Lyre goal with an early effort. Durrus were having the better of the early play and should have taken the lead in the 5th minute. Rover’s defender, David O’Donovan, somehow cleared a goal-bound shot off the line with an acrobatic overhead kick.
Durrus’s early pressure finally told when the visitors broke the deadlock after 7 minutes. Eoin McDermott did well to parry a rasping shot from Jonathan Lennon. The Lyre defence reacted quickest but an attempted clearance rebounded off Patrick McCarthy who made no mistake from 10 yards. 1-0 to Durrus and they were good value for that lead.
To their credit, Lyre fought back and began to ask questions of the Durrus defence with a series of counter-attacks. Stephen Pyburn was twice called into action to save long range efforts from Lyre’s Robert McCarthy and Mark Shorten. The intense heat was proving a factor and both sides were glad of a short water break.
A mazy dribble from the excellent Jonathan Lennon found Brian O’Regan in space. The Durrus midfielder unleashed a rocket that was superbly saved by Eoin McDermott. Mark Shorten sent a fantastic shot agonisingly wide of the Durrus upright as the home side continued to press for an equaliser. Durrus responded and only a brilliant double save from McDermott denied the visitors a second goal.
There was little to choose between the two sides as an entertaining opening period drew to a close. Durrus were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Lyre penalty area in the final minute of the first half. Eoin O'Dwyer stepped up and curled a delicate strike over the wall and into the top corner of the net to put Durrus 2-0 up at the interval.
Durrus enjoyed the majority of possession after the break as the home side visibly tired in the intense heat. The visitors made it 3-0 in the 12th minute of the second half when a long clearance from Stephen O'Driscoll fell to the feet of Eoin O'Dwyer. The Durrus striker thumped home with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area to put the result beyond any doubt.
The hosts were relying on the counter-attack but could find no way past a resolute Durrus defence, expertly marshalled by Stephen O’Driscoll. Lyre conceded a fourth goal in the 21st minute of the second half. Eoin O'Dwyer gave McDermott no chance with an exquisite volley to complete an impressive hat trick.
Both coaches took the opportunity to introduce a host of substitutions towards the end of the game. Despite being under constant pressure the Lyre Rovers players kept battling away, never shirking a tackle in a one-sided second half. Killian Griffin had Lyre’s best opportunity late in the game but Stephen Pyburn denied the Rovers striker with a brave stop. Durrus added a fifth in the final minute of the match when Patrick McCarthy grabbed his second of the game with a thunderbolt shot from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.
Eoin O’Dwyer capped a man of the match performance with a fine hat trick and was a handful for the Rovers defence all afternoon. There were also excellent individual displays from Patrick McCarthy, Greg Sullivan, Paul Carroll, Stephen O’Driscoll and Peter Cronin. Eoin McDermott had a fine game between the sticks for Lyre and could not be faulted for any of the Durrus goals. Mark Shorten, Robert McCarthy, David O’Donovan and Cathal Nyhan stood out for Lyre Rovers.
Lyre Rovers: Eoin McDermott, Sean Woods, Oliver Hayes, Jason Helen, David O'Donovan, Paul Carroll, Robert McCarthy, Daniel O'Regan, Cathal Nyhan, Mark Shorten, Niall O'Halloran, James Clancy, Darren Santry, Sean Beechinor, Killian Griffin, Ross O'Connor and Damien Gorman.
Durrus: Stephen Pyburn, Greg Sullivan, Stephen O'Driscoll, Patrick McCarthy, David Rowell, Jonathan Lennon, Brian O'Regan, Damien Collins, Darragh Whooley, Peter Cronin, Eoin O'Dwyer, Sean Flynn, Gavin Johnston, Michael O'Driscoll, Mark Johnston and Jack O'Driscoll.
Referee: Martin Coakley (WCSL)
West Cork Schoolboys League – Weekend Roundup
Only four fixtures were completed in the West Cork Schoolboys League over the weekend as a host of cancellations played havoc with the original fixture list.
U12 Group1
The Lyre Rovers and Durrus game was the only U12 Group1 fixture completed on Saturday. The other re-scheduled opening Group1 games will take place this evening and tomorrow. Drinagh Rangers host Bay Rovers in Cannon Crowley Park in Drinagh tonight with a 6:45pm kick off. Clonakilty AFC play host to Ardfield in Ballyvackey - Clonakilty tomorrow night with a 6:30pm start.
U12 Group2
Harbour United U12 were no match for Bunratty United U12 in Schull on Saturday morning. Goals from Conor O’Driscoll, Cathal Newman, Fionn Hurley, Andrew McNeilagh, Arron Barry and Clodagh O’Callaghan earned Bunratty all 3 points in a one-sided affair. Harbour replied with two efforts of their own but it was too little too late. Bunratty United have a fine squad of players and will certainly be one of the teams to watch at U12 level this season.
Match of the day took place in Togher where Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic played out a pulsating 3-3 draw. Athletic began the match short a host of first team players and were 2-0 down at the interval thanks to efforts from Niall Crowley and Kenneth Lynch. Riverside fought back valiantly and tied the game at 2-2 with goals from Rory O’Connor and Jack O’Callaghan. Togher re-took the lead with only 10 minutes remaining when Rioan Hayden found the net. Chris McCarthy was on hand to tap-in for the visitors in the final minute and earn Athletic a dramatic 3-3 draw. For Riverside, Gavin O’Leary, Kevin O’Neill and Rory O’Connor each put in fine displays. Aidan O’Donovan, Jake Inglis and Neill Crowley were the pick of Togher’s best performers. Both sides will be looking to build on their encouraging opening day performances in an effort to reach the end of season play-offs.
Togher Celtic: Jamie Reardon, Thomas Daly, Ronan O'Callaghan, Aidan O'Donovan, Stephen Connolly, Kenneth Lynch, Jake Inglis, James Coughlan, Shane Crowley, Eoin Murray, Neill Crowley, Rioan Hayden, Stephen O'Leary, Denis Kelleher and Patrick O'Riordan.
Riverside Athletic: Gavin O'Leary, Kevin O'Neill, Rory O'Connor, Sean Jackson, Billy O'Brien, Brendan White, Jack Callaghan, Chris McCarthy, Kevin Murphy and Jason Jordan.
Dunmanway Town and Clonakilty AFC Youths first appearance at U12 level this season has been put back until next Saturday the 15th of Sept in Mullough, Dunmanway.
U16
There was only one match completed in the West Cork Schoolboys U16 League on Saturday. Harbour United travelled to Canon Crowley Park to take on Drinagh Rangers. The home side recorded an emphatic victory with Samuel Ross (3), Jamie Walsh, Michael Dineen and Brian Hurley amongst the goals. Best for Drinagh included Brian Hurley, Derek Crowley, Shane Connolly and Samuel Ross. Based on this performance Rangers are sure to be one of the sides competing for the U16 title at the end of the season.
The scheduled matches between Bay Rovers and Leeside, Togher Celtic and Clonakilty AFC, Lyre Rovers and Skibbereen and Bunratty United v Riverside Athletic were all postponed earlier in the week.
WCSL Results - Sat 8th Sept 2007
U12 Group1
Lyre Rovers 0 Durrus 5
U12 Group2
Bunratty United 9 Harbour United 2
Togher Celtic 3 Riverside Athletic 3
U16 League
Drinagh Rangers 8 Harbour United 0
WCSL FIXTURES (Midweek)
Tue 11th Sept
U12 Group1
Drinagh Rangers vs Bay Rovers in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 6:45pm
Wed 12th Sept
Clonakilty AFC vs Ardfield in Ballyvackey Clonakilty at 6:30pm
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
TEAMS: Lyre Rovers vs. Durrus
DATE OF MATCH: 8th Sept 2007
VENUE: Lyre
FINAL SCORE: Lyre Rovers 0 Durrus 5
SCORERS: Patrick McCarthy (2) and Eoin O'Dwyer (3) - (Durrus)
Durrus recorded an impressive 5-0 win over Lyre Rovers in U12 Group1 of the West Cork Schoolboys League in Lyre on Saturday. A brace of goals from Patrick McCarthy and an outstanding hat-trick from Eoin O'Dwyer secured all 3 points for the visitors.
The game kicked off on the pristine Lyre Rovers pitch with both sides passing the ball with great skill in the opening exchanges. Peter Cronin tested Eoin McDermott in the Lyre goal with an early effort. Durrus were having the better of the early play and should have taken the lead in the 5th minute. Rover’s defender, David O’Donovan, somehow cleared a goal-bound shot off the line with an acrobatic overhead kick.
Durrus’s early pressure finally told when the visitors broke the deadlock after 7 minutes. Eoin McDermott did well to parry a rasping shot from Jonathan Lennon. The Lyre defence reacted quickest but an attempted clearance rebounded off Patrick McCarthy who made no mistake from 10 yards. 1-0 to Durrus and they were good value for that lead.
To their credit, Lyre fought back and began to ask questions of the Durrus defence with a series of counter-attacks. Stephen Pyburn was twice called into action to save long range efforts from Lyre’s Robert McCarthy and Mark Shorten. The intense heat was proving a factor and both sides were glad of a short water break.
A mazy dribble from the excellent Jonathan Lennon found Brian O’Regan in space. The Durrus midfielder unleashed a rocket that was superbly saved by Eoin McDermott. Mark Shorten sent a fantastic shot agonisingly wide of the Durrus upright as the home side continued to press for an equaliser. Durrus responded and only a brilliant double save from McDermott denied the visitors a second goal.
There was little to choose between the two sides as an entertaining opening period drew to a close. Durrus were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Lyre penalty area in the final minute of the first half. Eoin O'Dwyer stepped up and curled a delicate strike over the wall and into the top corner of the net to put Durrus 2-0 up at the interval.
Durrus enjoyed the majority of possession after the break as the home side visibly tired in the intense heat. The visitors made it 3-0 in the 12th minute of the second half when a long clearance from Stephen O'Driscoll fell to the feet of Eoin O'Dwyer. The Durrus striker thumped home with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area to put the result beyond any doubt.
The hosts were relying on the counter-attack but could find no way past a resolute Durrus defence, expertly marshalled by Stephen O’Driscoll. Lyre conceded a fourth goal in the 21st minute of the second half. Eoin O'Dwyer gave McDermott no chance with an exquisite volley to complete an impressive hat trick.
Both coaches took the opportunity to introduce a host of substitutions towards the end of the game. Despite being under constant pressure the Lyre Rovers players kept battling away, never shirking a tackle in a one-sided second half. Killian Griffin had Lyre’s best opportunity late in the game but Stephen Pyburn denied the Rovers striker with a brave stop. Durrus added a fifth in the final minute of the match when Patrick McCarthy grabbed his second of the game with a thunderbolt shot from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.
Eoin O’Dwyer capped a man of the match performance with a fine hat trick and was a handful for the Rovers defence all afternoon. There were also excellent individual displays from Patrick McCarthy, Greg Sullivan, Paul Carroll, Stephen O’Driscoll and Peter Cronin. Eoin McDermott had a fine game between the sticks for Lyre and could not be faulted for any of the Durrus goals. Mark Shorten, Robert McCarthy, David O’Donovan and Cathal Nyhan stood out for Lyre Rovers.
Lyre Rovers: Eoin McDermott, Sean Woods, Oliver Hayes, Jason Helen, David O'Donovan, Paul Carroll, Robert McCarthy, Daniel O'Regan, Cathal Nyhan, Mark Shorten, Niall O'Halloran, James Clancy, Darren Santry, Sean Beechinor, Killian Griffin, Ross O'Connor and Damien Gorman.
Durrus: Stephen Pyburn, Greg Sullivan, Stephen O'Driscoll, Patrick McCarthy, David Rowell, Jonathan Lennon, Brian O'Regan, Damien Collins, Darragh Whooley, Peter Cronin, Eoin O'Dwyer, Sean Flynn, Gavin Johnston, Michael O'Driscoll, Mark Johnston and Jack O'Driscoll.
Referee: Martin Coakley (WCSL)
West Cork Schoolboys League – Weekend Roundup
Only four fixtures were completed in the West Cork Schoolboys League over the weekend as a host of cancellations played havoc with the original fixture list.
U12 Group1
The Lyre Rovers and Durrus game was the only U12 Group1 fixture completed on Saturday. The other re-scheduled opening Group1 games will take place this evening and tomorrow. Drinagh Rangers host Bay Rovers in Cannon Crowley Park in Drinagh tonight with a 6:45pm kick off. Clonakilty AFC play host to Ardfield in Ballyvackey - Clonakilty tomorrow night with a 6:30pm start.
U12 Group2
Harbour United U12 were no match for Bunratty United U12 in Schull on Saturday morning. Goals from Conor O’Driscoll, Cathal Newman, Fionn Hurley, Andrew McNeilagh, Arron Barry and Clodagh O’Callaghan earned Bunratty all 3 points in a one-sided affair. Harbour replied with two efforts of their own but it was too little too late. Bunratty United have a fine squad of players and will certainly be one of the teams to watch at U12 level this season.
Match of the day took place in Togher where Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic played out a pulsating 3-3 draw. Athletic began the match short a host of first team players and were 2-0 down at the interval thanks to efforts from Niall Crowley and Kenneth Lynch. Riverside fought back valiantly and tied the game at 2-2 with goals from Rory O’Connor and Jack O’Callaghan. Togher re-took the lead with only 10 minutes remaining when Rioan Hayden found the net. Chris McCarthy was on hand to tap-in for the visitors in the final minute and earn Athletic a dramatic 3-3 draw. For Riverside, Gavin O’Leary, Kevin O’Neill and Rory O’Connor each put in fine displays. Aidan O’Donovan, Jake Inglis and Neill Crowley were the pick of Togher’s best performers. Both sides will be looking to build on their encouraging opening day performances in an effort to reach the end of season play-offs.
Togher Celtic: Jamie Reardon, Thomas Daly, Ronan O'Callaghan, Aidan O'Donovan, Stephen Connolly, Kenneth Lynch, Jake Inglis, James Coughlan, Shane Crowley, Eoin Murray, Neill Crowley, Rioan Hayden, Stephen O'Leary, Denis Kelleher and Patrick O'Riordan.
Riverside Athletic: Gavin O'Leary, Kevin O'Neill, Rory O'Connor, Sean Jackson, Billy O'Brien, Brendan White, Jack Callaghan, Chris McCarthy, Kevin Murphy and Jason Jordan.
Dunmanway Town and Clonakilty AFC Youths first appearance at U12 level this season has been put back until next Saturday the 15th of Sept in Mullough, Dunmanway.
U16
There was only one match completed in the West Cork Schoolboys U16 League on Saturday. Harbour United travelled to Canon Crowley Park to take on Drinagh Rangers. The home side recorded an emphatic victory with Samuel Ross (3), Jamie Walsh, Michael Dineen and Brian Hurley amongst the goals. Best for Drinagh included Brian Hurley, Derek Crowley, Shane Connolly and Samuel Ross. Based on this performance Rangers are sure to be one of the sides competing for the U16 title at the end of the season.
The scheduled matches between Bay Rovers and Leeside, Togher Celtic and Clonakilty AFC, Lyre Rovers and Skibbereen and Bunratty United v Riverside Athletic were all postponed earlier in the week.
WCSL Results - Sat 8th Sept 2007
U12 Group1
Lyre Rovers 0 Durrus 5
U12 Group2
Bunratty United 9 Harbour United 2
Togher Celtic 3 Riverside Athletic 3
U16 League
Drinagh Rangers 8 Harbour United 0
WCSL FIXTURES (Midweek)
Tue 11th Sept
U12 Group1
Drinagh Rangers vs Bay Rovers in Cannon Crowley Park Drinagh at 6:45pm
Wed 12th Sept
Clonakilty AFC vs Ardfield in Ballyvackey Clonakilty at 6:30pm
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
Friday, August 31, 2007
West Cork Schoolboys League - U14 League Weekend Preview
The 2007 - 2008 West Cork Schoolboys League kicks-off tomorrow with the opening day of the U14 league. Eleven clubs begin their quest to win the coveted W.C.S.L U14 league title: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
The format for this season’s U14 league sees each side play one another once, guaranteeing a minimum of ten league fixtures. The top four ranked teams at the end of the regular season progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions. Drinagh Rangers dominated the 06-07 season by winning both U14 league and cup competitions.
U14 League debutantes, Ballydehob, are at home Clonakilty AFC in Rathvane with a noon kick off. Harbour United take on Riverside Athletic in their first game at U14 level at 12:30 tomorrow. Both Ballydehob and Harbour will need to pick up points as quickly possible if they are to establish themselves at U14 level this season. Clonakilty have entered two teams in the U14 league this year (AFC and AFC Youths). AFC struggled at U14 level last season but managed to reach the U14 Shield semi-finals where they lost 4-1 to eventual winners, Lyre Rovers.
Bay Rovers entertain Bunratty United in Kealkil at noon. Bunratty topped U14 Group B last season but struggled in the play-offs where they failed to win a game. United will be hoping for a positive start but Bay Rovers are never an easy prospect at home. United will start as favourites after their positive showing in the league last season. Bay Rovers are still very much an unknown quantity but a good start to the season could see them challenging for a place in the play-offs.
Togher Celtic and Clonakilty AFC Youths meet in Togher at 12:30. The home side were the surprise package of last season’s league. Celtic topped U14 Group A and finished 3rd overall in the play-offs. Togher followed up their league success by going all the way to the U14 Cup final only to be defeated 4-1 by double winners Drinagh Rangers. Togher Celtic met Clonakilty AFC twice last season in U14 Group A and won easily on both occasions. The homes side will be expecting all three points tomorrow.
The highly anticipated clash between current U14 League champions, Drinagh Rangers and Skibbereen has been postponed. Drinagh have decided to take a cancellation and the fixture will be re-scheduled at a later date. Skibb finished runners-up in the U14 play-offs to Drinagh last season and will be one of the favourites to de-throne the reigning Champions this time around. Drinagh Rangers first defence of their U14 title will now be at home to Togher Celtic on September the 15th. Skibbereen open their league campaign on the same day against Harbour United. Last season's U14 Shield winners, Lyre Rovers, have a bye this weekend. Rovers are at home to Riverside Athletic U14 in their first league game on September the 15th.
U14 WCSL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday 1st Sept 2007
Ballydehob vs. Clonakilty AFC
at Noon in Rathvane, Ballydehob
Bay Rovers vs. Bunratty United
at Noon in Lisheens, Kealkil
Riverside Athletic vs. Harbour United
at 12:30 - venue to be confirmed
Skibbereen vs. Drinagh Rangers
POSTPONED - Drinagh taking cancellation
Togher Celtic vs. Clonakilty AFC Youths
at 12:30 in Togher
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
The format for this season’s U14 league sees each side play one another once, guaranteeing a minimum of ten league fixtures. The top four ranked teams at the end of the regular season progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions. Drinagh Rangers dominated the 06-07 season by winning both U14 league and cup competitions.
U14 League debutantes, Ballydehob, are at home Clonakilty AFC in Rathvane with a noon kick off. Harbour United take on Riverside Athletic in their first game at U14 level at 12:30 tomorrow. Both Ballydehob and Harbour will need to pick up points as quickly possible if they are to establish themselves at U14 level this season. Clonakilty have entered two teams in the U14 league this year (AFC and AFC Youths). AFC struggled at U14 level last season but managed to reach the U14 Shield semi-finals where they lost 4-1 to eventual winners, Lyre Rovers.
Bay Rovers entertain Bunratty United in Kealkil at noon. Bunratty topped U14 Group B last season but struggled in the play-offs where they failed to win a game. United will be hoping for a positive start but Bay Rovers are never an easy prospect at home. United will start as favourites after their positive showing in the league last season. Bay Rovers are still very much an unknown quantity but a good start to the season could see them challenging for a place in the play-offs.
Togher Celtic and Clonakilty AFC Youths meet in Togher at 12:30. The home side were the surprise package of last season’s league. Celtic topped U14 Group A and finished 3rd overall in the play-offs. Togher followed up their league success by going all the way to the U14 Cup final only to be defeated 4-1 by double winners Drinagh Rangers. Togher Celtic met Clonakilty AFC twice last season in U14 Group A and won easily on both occasions. The homes side will be expecting all three points tomorrow.
The highly anticipated clash between current U14 League champions, Drinagh Rangers and Skibbereen has been postponed. Drinagh have decided to take a cancellation and the fixture will be re-scheduled at a later date. Skibb finished runners-up in the U14 play-offs to Drinagh last season and will be one of the favourites to de-throne the reigning Champions this time around. Drinagh Rangers first defence of their U14 title will now be at home to Togher Celtic on September the 15th. Skibbereen open their league campaign on the same day against Harbour United. Last season's U14 Shield winners, Lyre Rovers, have a bye this weekend. Rovers are at home to Riverside Athletic U14 in their first league game on September the 15th.
U14 WCSL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday 1st Sept 2007
Ballydehob vs. Clonakilty AFC
at Noon in Rathvane, Ballydehob
Bay Rovers vs. Bunratty United
at Noon in Lisheens, Kealkil
Riverside Athletic vs. Harbour United
at 12:30 - venue to be confirmed
Skibbereen vs. Drinagh Rangers
POSTPONED - Drinagh taking cancellation
Togher Celtic vs. Clonakilty AFC Youths
at 12:30 in Togher
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
West Cork Schoolboys League – Season Preview 2007-08
The West Cork Schoolboys League returns on Saturday the 1st of September with a bumper list of Under14 league fixtures kicking off the new season. 2006-2007 proved to be a huge success as a result of the league's tremendous performance in the annual Kennedy Cup tournament. Thanks to the Herculean efforts of James Walsh's side the West Cork Schoolboys League is now ranked as the 7th best under-age soccer league in the country.
The new season sees 14 clubs fielding over 35 teams at 3 different age groups: U12, U14 and U16. The Schoolboys league is indebted to the dedicated service provided by the West Cork League Referee’s who are present every Saturday to officiate at the various league and cup matches. Many of the West Cork based clubs have entered the National Cup competitions with fixtures scheduled to be completed over the coming weeks.
New W.C.S.L Web Site
The 2007-2008 season sees the launch of a brand new web site dedicated to the West Cork Schoolboys League. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com. The W.C.S. L. web site will display up-to-date fixtures, results and league tables for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues. The site includes an historical section reviewing past seasons. There is a gallery section containing photos from Schoolboy league and cup matches since 2005 and a feedback form to send in match reports, club news or general queries. Each club will have its own dedicated page on the web site updated with club news, fixtures and results throughout the season. A new Kennedy Cup section has also been included chronicling the West Cork side’s participation in the prestigious tournament in recent years.
W.C.S.L. Meeting
The Schoolboys League held its first meeting of the new season in the Arch Bar, Dunmanway, on the 14th of August. There was a very encouraging turnout with delegates from each competing club in attendance, including representatives from four new clubs: Ardfield, Ballydehob, Dunmanway Town and Harbour United. Ardfield and Dunmanway Town are each entering teams in the U12 league. Ballydehob will compete at Under 14 while Harbour United plan to enter teams at U12, U14 and U16 level. The following committee members were returned to their posts for the coming season: Paddy McCarthy - Chairman, Don Hurley - Fixtures Secretary, Danny Peters - Treasurer, Andrew Martin - Secretary, Martin Henwood - Registrar and Ger McCarthy - Public Relations Officer.
Chairman, Paddy McCarthy, addressed the club delegates and welcomed everyone back for another year, especially the representatives of new clubs joining for the 07-08 season. Paddy congratulated the Kennedy Cup squad on their efforts in the 2007 tournament. The Chairman warned delegates that fines will be imposed if pitches are not up to scratch or adequate first aid kits, water bottles and footballs are not present at each game this season. WCSL Secretary, Andrew Martin handed out F.A.I. Player Registration Forms, Sudden Cardiac Death Screening Questionnaires and Play Transfer Forms and booklets to each club delegate. It was also decided that every club must have a representative at each of the W.C.S.L meetings on the first Tuesday of every month for the coming season. Representatives cannot be existing committee members. 9pm Tuesday night is the deadline for cancelling a weekend fixture at U12, U14 or U16 level.
Fixtures Secretary, Don Hurley, presided over the draws for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues for the 2007 -2008 season. The U12 and U16 fixtures will be played on the same Saturday with U14 league fixtures taking place on the alternate weekends. The U14 league begins on Saturday, the 1st of September and the U12 and U16 schoolboy leagues kick off the following Saturday, September the 8th.
U12 League
The 2007-2008 U12 League will be split into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) made up of 7 teams in each group. Each team will play one another twice, home and away, giving a minimum of 12 league fixtures for each club. The Play-Off format for the U12 league has changed this season with the winner of Group1 playing the runner-up of Group2 and the Winner of Group2 playing the runner-up of Group1 in two (knock-out) semi finals for a place in the U12 League final.
Bantry Gunners capped off a remarkable season to deservedly claim the 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U12 League title. The Gunners finished the season unbeaten in both the league and play-offs. Skibbereen lifted the U12 Shield trophy after defeating Drinagh Rangers in the final and Riverside Athletic completed the U12 honours list by claiming the U12 Cup with a 3-1 victory over Leeside in the decider.
Bantry Gunners underage club have decided to link up with neighbours Bay Rovers for the forthcoming 2007 – 2008 season. The two clubs decided to join forces so as to be able to put forward a stronger challenge in both the West Cork Schoolboys U12 and U14 Leagues. Rovers will now expect to emerge from U12 Group 1 with the addition of the ex-Bantry Gunners players to an already talented squad. Leeside and Durrus are likely to be the sides doing battle with Bay for the two play-off spots. Drinagh Rangers, Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers struggled for long periods last season but the U12 Shield and U12 Cup competitions offer the best hope of silverware this time around. League debutantes Ardfield complete the U12 Group1 line-up.
Dunmanway Town and Harbour United have been handed a tough draw in U12 Group2. The newcomers have been drawn alongside current U12 Cup holders, Riverside Athletic and 06-07 U12 Shield winners Skibbereen. Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths and Togher Celtic complete the Group2 line-up. Skibb missed the play-offs by a single point last season and will be determined to emerge from Group2 this time around. Togher Celtic, Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic should also be in contention in what is regularly one of the most entertaining age groups in the West Cork Schoolboys League.
U12 Group 1: Ardfield, Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Durrus, Leeside and Lyre Rovers.
U12 Group 2 Teams: Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Dunmanway Town, Harbour United, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U14 League
The 2007 – 2008 U14 League will be run as a regular competition this season (unlike last year when there were two separate groups) with 11 teams taking part. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing a minimum of 10 league fixtures (5 home and 5 away). The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular league season will progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions.
Drinagh Rangers dominated the 2006 - 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U14 League by securing an extraordinary league and Cup double. Lyre Rovers claimed the third U14 trophy, the U14 Shield, after a thrilling 4-3 final win over Riverside Athletic. Drinagh remained unbeaten throughout the play-offs and were worthy winners of both U14 league and cup titles.
Possible contenders for the U14 league crown this coming season include Skibbereen, Bunratty United, Togher Celtic and Bay Rovers. Skibb finished runners-up in the play-offs last season and will be one of the favourites to make the end of season playoffs. Togher Celtic managed to reach the U14 Cup final and finish 3rd overall in the play-offs. Drinagh Rangers face the arduous task of attempting to win back to back U14 leagues. It is going to take a massive effort by the reigning champions to retain the title.
Clonakilty AFC are entering two sides at U14 level this season: Clon AFC and Clon AFC Youths. The Clon teams along with Lyre Rovers and Riverside Athletic will each be hoping to figure in the play-offs for the league title at the end of the season. U14 newcomers Ballydehob and Harbour United will have to hit the ground running in what is one of the most competitive of all the schoolboy leagues. Both sides will be have to pick up as many points - as quickly as possible - if they are to keep pace with the established teams in the U14 grade.
U14 Teams: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U16 League
The U16 League will be run as a single league this year with 10 teams competing. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing 5 home and 5 away fixtures. The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular season will progress to a round-robin tournament (Play-Offs) to decide the U16 league title.
Riverside Athletic defied the odds to win the 2006-2007 Schoolboys U16 League Championship. Athletic left it late in each of the play-off games but were rewarded for their attacking efforts with consecutive victories over Skibbereen, Togher Celtic and Bunratty United. Bay Rovers retained the West Cork Schoolboys U16 Shield and Skibbereen won the U16 Cup with a 2-0 victory over Togher Celtic in the Cup Final. Clonakilty AFC enjoyed a magnificent run in the U16 National Cup and represented the West Cork Schoolboys League with great distinction.
The race for the 07-08 U16 league title is certain to be a close one. Champions, Riverside Athletic, will have their work cut out in defending the title they won is such dramatic fashion at the end of last season. Last season’s U16 Cup winners, Skibbereen, will be anxious to bounce back from their poor run in the play-offs which saw them claim a meagre 3 points from a possible 9. U16 League runners-up, Togher Celtic, will hope to go one better this season and another play-off spot looks likely. Clubs with an outside chance of making the play-offs include Drinagh Rangers, Bunratty United and Shield winners, Bay Rovers. Clonakilty AFC, Leeside and Lyre Rovers will start the season as rank outsiders, each hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing performances in the U16 league.
U16 Teams: Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Leeside, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic
Kennedy Cup
The U13 West Cork Schoolboys League representative side achieved their second highest finish ever in the 2007 Kennedy Cup. The Kennedy Cup competition is an opportunity for all the various leagues affiliated with the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland to display their talent at youth level. 7th overall is a remarkable achievement considering West Cork is one of the smallest leagues represented at the annual competition. One of the highlights of the tournament included the awarding of the "UMBRO Team of the day” to West Cork for winning Group 3. UMBRO presented the W.C.S.L with 6 new footballs and a new team kit-bag to reward their incredible achievement.
The 2007 squad were a credit to the Schoolboys League and gave a great account of the W.C.S.L. at the tournament. Gearoid Barry, Sean Evans, Daniel Twomey, Kevin Davis, Rudi Henwood and Dan MacEoin were just some of the talented players who excelled during the competition. The back-room staff comprising of coaches James Walsh, Conor Uhl and Martin White, along with Martin Henwood (Registrar) and Paddy McCarthy (Chairman) deserve immense credit for preparing and looking after the squad. The West Cork selection will enter next years Kennedy Cup tournament with one of their highest rankings ever (7th). West Cork will now be one of the eight group seeds in the first round draw, thus increasing their chances of making the knock-out stages.
The Evening Echo will continue its support of the West Cork Schoolboys League with the most comprehensive coverage of the 2007 / 2008 season. Match reports, weekend previews, fixtures, results and roundups will regularly appear in the Echo throughout the season.
The new West Cork Schoolboys League season promises to be another fascinating, entertaining and unpredictable roller-coaster ride. There is much to look forward to with more and more talented players emerging at U12, U14 and U16 level each year. Good luck to each of the West Cork clubs and their respective coaches, players, parents and supporters.
The new season sees 14 clubs fielding over 35 teams at 3 different age groups: U12, U14 and U16. The Schoolboys league is indebted to the dedicated service provided by the West Cork League Referee’s who are present every Saturday to officiate at the various league and cup matches. Many of the West Cork based clubs have entered the National Cup competitions with fixtures scheduled to be completed over the coming weeks.
New W.C.S.L Web Site
The 2007-2008 season sees the launch of a brand new web site dedicated to the West Cork Schoolboys League. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com. The W.C.S. L. web site will display up-to-date fixtures, results and league tables for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues. The site includes an historical section reviewing past seasons. There is a gallery section containing photos from Schoolboy league and cup matches since 2005 and a feedback form to send in match reports, club news or general queries. Each club will have its own dedicated page on the web site updated with club news, fixtures and results throughout the season. A new Kennedy Cup section has also been included chronicling the West Cork side’s participation in the prestigious tournament in recent years.
W.C.S.L. Meeting
The Schoolboys League held its first meeting of the new season in the Arch Bar, Dunmanway, on the 14th of August. There was a very encouraging turnout with delegates from each competing club in attendance, including representatives from four new clubs: Ardfield, Ballydehob, Dunmanway Town and Harbour United. Ardfield and Dunmanway Town are each entering teams in the U12 league. Ballydehob will compete at Under 14 while Harbour United plan to enter teams at U12, U14 and U16 level. The following committee members were returned to their posts for the coming season: Paddy McCarthy - Chairman, Don Hurley - Fixtures Secretary, Danny Peters - Treasurer, Andrew Martin - Secretary, Martin Henwood - Registrar and Ger McCarthy - Public Relations Officer.
Chairman, Paddy McCarthy, addressed the club delegates and welcomed everyone back for another year, especially the representatives of new clubs joining for the 07-08 season. Paddy congratulated the Kennedy Cup squad on their efforts in the 2007 tournament. The Chairman warned delegates that fines will be imposed if pitches are not up to scratch or adequate first aid kits, water bottles and footballs are not present at each game this season. WCSL Secretary, Andrew Martin handed out F.A.I. Player Registration Forms, Sudden Cardiac Death Screening Questionnaires and Play Transfer Forms and booklets to each club delegate. It was also decided that every club must have a representative at each of the W.C.S.L meetings on the first Tuesday of every month for the coming season. Representatives cannot be existing committee members. 9pm Tuesday night is the deadline for cancelling a weekend fixture at U12, U14 or U16 level.
Fixtures Secretary, Don Hurley, presided over the draws for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues for the 2007 -2008 season. The U12 and U16 fixtures will be played on the same Saturday with U14 league fixtures taking place on the alternate weekends. The U14 league begins on Saturday, the 1st of September and the U12 and U16 schoolboy leagues kick off the following Saturday, September the 8th.
U12 League
The 2007-2008 U12 League will be split into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) made up of 7 teams in each group. Each team will play one another twice, home and away, giving a minimum of 12 league fixtures for each club. The Play-Off format for the U12 league has changed this season with the winner of Group1 playing the runner-up of Group2 and the Winner of Group2 playing the runner-up of Group1 in two (knock-out) semi finals for a place in the U12 League final.
Bantry Gunners capped off a remarkable season to deservedly claim the 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U12 League title. The Gunners finished the season unbeaten in both the league and play-offs. Skibbereen lifted the U12 Shield trophy after defeating Drinagh Rangers in the final and Riverside Athletic completed the U12 honours list by claiming the U12 Cup with a 3-1 victory over Leeside in the decider.
Bantry Gunners underage club have decided to link up with neighbours Bay Rovers for the forthcoming 2007 – 2008 season. The two clubs decided to join forces so as to be able to put forward a stronger challenge in both the West Cork Schoolboys U12 and U14 Leagues. Rovers will now expect to emerge from U12 Group 1 with the addition of the ex-Bantry Gunners players to an already talented squad. Leeside and Durrus are likely to be the sides doing battle with Bay for the two play-off spots. Drinagh Rangers, Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers struggled for long periods last season but the U12 Shield and U12 Cup competitions offer the best hope of silverware this time around. League debutantes Ardfield complete the U12 Group1 line-up.
Dunmanway Town and Harbour United have been handed a tough draw in U12 Group2. The newcomers have been drawn alongside current U12 Cup holders, Riverside Athletic and 06-07 U12 Shield winners Skibbereen. Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths and Togher Celtic complete the Group2 line-up. Skibb missed the play-offs by a single point last season and will be determined to emerge from Group2 this time around. Togher Celtic, Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic should also be in contention in what is regularly one of the most entertaining age groups in the West Cork Schoolboys League.
U12 Group 1: Ardfield, Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Durrus, Leeside and Lyre Rovers.
U12 Group 2 Teams: Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Dunmanway Town, Harbour United, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U14 League
The 2007 – 2008 U14 League will be run as a regular competition this season (unlike last year when there were two separate groups) with 11 teams taking part. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing a minimum of 10 league fixtures (5 home and 5 away). The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular league season will progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions.
Drinagh Rangers dominated the 2006 - 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U14 League by securing an extraordinary league and Cup double. Lyre Rovers claimed the third U14 trophy, the U14 Shield, after a thrilling 4-3 final win over Riverside Athletic. Drinagh remained unbeaten throughout the play-offs and were worthy winners of both U14 league and cup titles.
Possible contenders for the U14 league crown this coming season include Skibbereen, Bunratty United, Togher Celtic and Bay Rovers. Skibb finished runners-up in the play-offs last season and will be one of the favourites to make the end of season playoffs. Togher Celtic managed to reach the U14 Cup final and finish 3rd overall in the play-offs. Drinagh Rangers face the arduous task of attempting to win back to back U14 leagues. It is going to take a massive effort by the reigning champions to retain the title.
Clonakilty AFC are entering two sides at U14 level this season: Clon AFC and Clon AFC Youths. The Clon teams along with Lyre Rovers and Riverside Athletic will each be hoping to figure in the play-offs for the league title at the end of the season. U14 newcomers Ballydehob and Harbour United will have to hit the ground running in what is one of the most competitive of all the schoolboy leagues. Both sides will be have to pick up as many points - as quickly as possible - if they are to keep pace with the established teams in the U14 grade.
U14 Teams: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U16 League
The U16 League will be run as a single league this year with 10 teams competing. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing 5 home and 5 away fixtures. The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular season will progress to a round-robin tournament (Play-Offs) to decide the U16 league title.
Riverside Athletic defied the odds to win the 2006-2007 Schoolboys U16 League Championship. Athletic left it late in each of the play-off games but were rewarded for their attacking efforts with consecutive victories over Skibbereen, Togher Celtic and Bunratty United. Bay Rovers retained the West Cork Schoolboys U16 Shield and Skibbereen won the U16 Cup with a 2-0 victory over Togher Celtic in the Cup Final. Clonakilty AFC enjoyed a magnificent run in the U16 National Cup and represented the West Cork Schoolboys League with great distinction.
The race for the 07-08 U16 league title is certain to be a close one. Champions, Riverside Athletic, will have their work cut out in defending the title they won is such dramatic fashion at the end of last season. Last season’s U16 Cup winners, Skibbereen, will be anxious to bounce back from their poor run in the play-offs which saw them claim a meagre 3 points from a possible 9. U16 League runners-up, Togher Celtic, will hope to go one better this season and another play-off spot looks likely. Clubs with an outside chance of making the play-offs include Drinagh Rangers, Bunratty United and Shield winners, Bay Rovers. Clonakilty AFC, Leeside and Lyre Rovers will start the season as rank outsiders, each hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing performances in the U16 league.
U16 Teams: Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Leeside, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic
Kennedy Cup
The U13 West Cork Schoolboys League representative side achieved their second highest finish ever in the 2007 Kennedy Cup. The Kennedy Cup competition is an opportunity for all the various leagues affiliated with the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland to display their talent at youth level. 7th overall is a remarkable achievement considering West Cork is one of the smallest leagues represented at the annual competition. One of the highlights of the tournament included the awarding of the "UMBRO Team of the day” to West Cork for winning Group 3. UMBRO presented the W.C.S.L with 6 new footballs and a new team kit-bag to reward their incredible achievement.
The 2007 squad were a credit to the Schoolboys League and gave a great account of the W.C.S.L. at the tournament. Gearoid Barry, Sean Evans, Daniel Twomey, Kevin Davis, Rudi Henwood and Dan MacEoin were just some of the talented players who excelled during the competition. The back-room staff comprising of coaches James Walsh, Conor Uhl and Martin White, along with Martin Henwood (Registrar) and Paddy McCarthy (Chairman) deserve immense credit for preparing and looking after the squad. The West Cork selection will enter next years Kennedy Cup tournament with one of their highest rankings ever (7th). West Cork will now be one of the eight group seeds in the first round draw, thus increasing their chances of making the knock-out stages.
The Evening Echo will continue its support of the West Cork Schoolboys League with the most comprehensive coverage of the 2007 / 2008 season. Match reports, weekend previews, fixtures, results and roundups will regularly appear in the Echo throughout the season.
The new West Cork Schoolboys League season promises to be another fascinating, entertaining and unpredictable roller-coaster ride. There is much to look forward to with more and more talented players emerging at U12, U14 and U16 level each year. Good luck to each of the West Cork clubs and their respective coaches, players, parents and supporters.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Countdown to the Barclays Premier League
Another Barclays Premier League is nearly upon us after a pre-season of incredible spending and no shortage of drama (take a bow Mr. Tevez). The 2007-2008 promises another frantic race for the coveted League title with the usual suspects Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal each spending heavily to make sure they are in the driving seat once again for the top four Champions League positions.
Manchester United have spent big on Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Carlos Tevez to help bolster their impressive squad in an effort to retain their Premiership title. The real strength of Sir Alex Ferguson's side lies in their ability to counter attack at pace and with frightening speed. Just look at their potential options up front: Rooney, Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez and the proven goal-scoring ability of Scholes and Giggs. There will be very few defences able to cope with such attacking prowess.
Despite all that, Chelsea are still my tip to win back the title because even without all of Man United's attacking options Jose Mourinho has gelled together a formidable unit that can grind out results even when playing well below-par. It is a commendable achievement to have instilled such a disciplined team-ethic and winning mentality in a squad full of millionaires like Mourinho has done. Cech, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard and Drogba are the best 'back-bone' of any of the title contenders. Add to that the pace of Malouda, the skill of Joe Cole as well as talented new recruits such as Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Pizzaro and you have a cocktail of serious talent hungry for success.
That is the key to Chelsea this season is hunger. The fact United have taken the title from them is the key motivational tool Mourinho should use to inspire his side to win back the Premier League. Injuries are the big worry for the self-proclaimed chosen one though. Any long term absence of Drogba or Terry will seriously hinder Chelsea's title aspirations. The African Cup in January will also take the likes of Drogba, Essien and Obi Mikel out of the first team for up to a month. Chelsea will look to their new recruits to fill the void until Easter when the title chase will begin in earnest.
Much of the pre-season talk about Arsenal naturally centred on the acrimonious departures of key first team players Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg. Arsene Wenger has not spent much this summer but still managed to bring in Eduardo and Bakari Sagna to supplement the loss of two of his former talismanic players. Arsenal are not tipped to challenge for the title this season even by many of their own fans. This might not be a bad thing though and it could take a lot of the pressure off the younger players in their squad. Any team containing Van Persie, Fabregas, Toure and Lehmann should be expecting to make at least one of the Champions League positions. Should United or Chelsea slip up this season Arsenal have the raw talent to make a serious title challenge.
The big draw back with the Gunners is their insistence on playing beautiful football up to their opponent’s penalty area and then infuriatingly trying to walk the ball into the net. Arsene Wenger must marry the pretty approach play by his young charges with a more ruthless streak in front of goal. Arsenal must also learn to win tight games 1-0 like they once did with remarkable regularity back in their title winning days and then they will be serious title contenders.
Liverpool are the coming season’s great unknown. Rafael Benitez no longer has the excuse of not being able to match the ‘other big three’ in terms of spending as he has splashed out well over €30 million in transfer fees during the close season. The arrivals of Babel, Vorinin, Benayoun and especially Torres show the reds are potentially serious title candidates this season. Benitez knows that Liverpool will have to hit the ground running and away wins at Villa and Sunderland are expected in the first month.
It will be interesting to see the placement of Steven Gerrard in the reds midfield this season as Benitez seemed to favour the Alonso / Sissoko axis for long periods of last year’s campaign. If Liverpool can get the best out of their new signings and keep Gerrard fit for the majority of the season then there is every chance they can improve on last year’s points tally. However, should early results not match heightened expectations then Benitez may face his first back-lash from the Kop since his arrival at Anfield.
Of the clubs chasing the top four Tottenham Hotspur look the best placed to squeeze into a Champions League qualifying berth. The arrival of Darren Bent means Martin Jol now has four international strikers to choose from but also to keep happy. Blackburn have been steadily improving under the watchful of eye of Mark Hughes over the past three seasons. The signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern will form an exciting partnership with Benni McCarthy who had a tremendous 06-07 season for the Ewood Park club. New manager’s such as Roy Keane at Sunderland, Sam Allardyce at Newcastle and Sven Goran Eriksson at Manchester City will keep the tabloid headline writers busy as the season progresses.
One thing is for certain with this year’s Premier League, it is going to be another roller-coaster of adrenalin, 100mph football with no shortage of thrills and spills.
Let battle commence…
Predicted final Premier League Table for 2007 -2008:
01 Chelsea
02 Man Utd
03 Arsenal
04 Liverpool
-----------
05 Tottenham
06 Everton
-----------
07 Blackburn
08 Aston Villa
09 Newcastle
10 Reading
11 Man City
12 Portsmouth
13 West Ham
14 Bolton
15 Fulham
16 Sunderland
17 Birmingham
-------------
18 Middlesbrough
19 Wigan
20 Derby
Manchester United have spent big on Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Carlos Tevez to help bolster their impressive squad in an effort to retain their Premiership title. The real strength of Sir Alex Ferguson's side lies in their ability to counter attack at pace and with frightening speed. Just look at their potential options up front: Rooney, Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez and the proven goal-scoring ability of Scholes and Giggs. There will be very few defences able to cope with such attacking prowess.
Despite all that, Chelsea are still my tip to win back the title because even without all of Man United's attacking options Jose Mourinho has gelled together a formidable unit that can grind out results even when playing well below-par. It is a commendable achievement to have instilled such a disciplined team-ethic and winning mentality in a squad full of millionaires like Mourinho has done. Cech, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard and Drogba are the best 'back-bone' of any of the title contenders. Add to that the pace of Malouda, the skill of Joe Cole as well as talented new recruits such as Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Pizzaro and you have a cocktail of serious talent hungry for success.
That is the key to Chelsea this season is hunger. The fact United have taken the title from them is the key motivational tool Mourinho should use to inspire his side to win back the Premier League. Injuries are the big worry for the self-proclaimed chosen one though. Any long term absence of Drogba or Terry will seriously hinder Chelsea's title aspirations. The African Cup in January will also take the likes of Drogba, Essien and Obi Mikel out of the first team for up to a month. Chelsea will look to their new recruits to fill the void until Easter when the title chase will begin in earnest.
Much of the pre-season talk about Arsenal naturally centred on the acrimonious departures of key first team players Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg. Arsene Wenger has not spent much this summer but still managed to bring in Eduardo and Bakari Sagna to supplement the loss of two of his former talismanic players. Arsenal are not tipped to challenge for the title this season even by many of their own fans. This might not be a bad thing though and it could take a lot of the pressure off the younger players in their squad. Any team containing Van Persie, Fabregas, Toure and Lehmann should be expecting to make at least one of the Champions League positions. Should United or Chelsea slip up this season Arsenal have the raw talent to make a serious title challenge.
The big draw back with the Gunners is their insistence on playing beautiful football up to their opponent’s penalty area and then infuriatingly trying to walk the ball into the net. Arsene Wenger must marry the pretty approach play by his young charges with a more ruthless streak in front of goal. Arsenal must also learn to win tight games 1-0 like they once did with remarkable regularity back in their title winning days and then they will be serious title contenders.
Liverpool are the coming season’s great unknown. Rafael Benitez no longer has the excuse of not being able to match the ‘other big three’ in terms of spending as he has splashed out well over €30 million in transfer fees during the close season. The arrivals of Babel, Vorinin, Benayoun and especially Torres show the reds are potentially serious title candidates this season. Benitez knows that Liverpool will have to hit the ground running and away wins at Villa and Sunderland are expected in the first month.
It will be interesting to see the placement of Steven Gerrard in the reds midfield this season as Benitez seemed to favour the Alonso / Sissoko axis for long periods of last year’s campaign. If Liverpool can get the best out of their new signings and keep Gerrard fit for the majority of the season then there is every chance they can improve on last year’s points tally. However, should early results not match heightened expectations then Benitez may face his first back-lash from the Kop since his arrival at Anfield.
Of the clubs chasing the top four Tottenham Hotspur look the best placed to squeeze into a Champions League qualifying berth. The arrival of Darren Bent means Martin Jol now has four international strikers to choose from but also to keep happy. Blackburn have been steadily improving under the watchful of eye of Mark Hughes over the past three seasons. The signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern will form an exciting partnership with Benni McCarthy who had a tremendous 06-07 season for the Ewood Park club. New manager’s such as Roy Keane at Sunderland, Sam Allardyce at Newcastle and Sven Goran Eriksson at Manchester City will keep the tabloid headline writers busy as the season progresses.
One thing is for certain with this year’s Premier League, it is going to be another roller-coaster of adrenalin, 100mph football with no shortage of thrills and spills.
Let battle commence…
Predicted final Premier League Table for 2007 -2008:
01 Chelsea
02 Man Utd
03 Arsenal
04 Liverpool
-----------
05 Tottenham
06 Everton
-----------
07 Blackburn
08 Aston Villa
09 Newcastle
10 Reading
11 Man City
12 Portsmouth
13 West Ham
14 Bolton
15 Fulham
16 Sunderland
17 Birmingham
-------------
18 Middlesbrough
19 Wigan
20 Derby
Saturday, July 07, 2007
West Cork Schoolboys League - Weekend Preview
There are six West Cork Schoolboys League fixtures scheduled to be decided tomorrow with clubs in both the U12 and U16 leagues beginning new 2007-08 campaigns.
U16 League
This weekend's U16 fixture list has been decimated due to a host of cancellations. The involvement of many West Cork Schoolboys League U16 players in various GAA championship matches has meant most clubs are unable to field full squads this weekend. The scheduled matches between Togher Celtic U16 vs. Clonakilty AFC U16, Lyre Rovers U16 vs. Skibbereen U16 and Bunratty United U16 vs. Riverside Athletic U16 have all been postponed.
Harbour United travel to Canon Crowley Park to take on Drinagh Rangers. This match marks Harbour United's first involvement at U16 level in the Schoolboys league. The debutantes will be anxious to make a good impression in their first outing but will face tough opposition in Drinagh Rangers. Anything other than a Drinagh win would be a surprise. Bay Rovers and Leeside meet in Kealkil tomorrow. Bay enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 win when the two sides met in the league last season and another home win is expected tomorrow.
U12 League
Clonakilty AFC begin their U12 league campaign at home to Ardfield in a U12 Group1 fixture with a noon kick-off in Ballyvackey tomorrow. The match represents Ardfield's debut in the Schoolboys League U12 age-group. Clonakilty struggled at U12 level last season but are hoping for better fortune this year. Expect an open encounter between two attacking sides.
Lyre Rovers entertain Durrus in U12 Group1 in Knockskeagh, Lyre tomorrow. The two sides are no strangers to one another having met three times in league and cup action last season. Durrus took maximum points in the league with a 5-0 win back in September and a walkover in April. Lyre gained revenge in a shock U12 first round Cup victory in January. Shane O'Donovan was the hero for Rovers on that occasion with a brace of goals to send Lyre into the quarter finals. Durrus recovered to make the U12 Play-Offs and were unlucky to finish 3rd overall with two draws and a narrow loss in the play-off group. Tomorrow’s visitors to Lyre are expected to be one of the teams challenging for the U12 league title this season so an away victory is the probable outcome.
Bunratty United are at home to Harbour United at 11:30am in Town Park Schull in U12 Group2 tomorrow. Harbour’s first ever league game at U12 level promises to be a tough encounter against a Bunratty side who managed to reach the semi-finals of the U12 Shield and Cup competitions last season.
The meeting of Togher Celtic and Riverside Athletic in U12 Group2 could turn out to be the match of the day in the Schoolboys league programme. Athletic won the U12 Cup last season and finished runners-up in the league to eventual Champions, Bantry Gunners. Togher Celtic enjoyed a solid season last term, but will need to be at their best to have any hope of taking points off Riverside tomorrow.
WCSL LEAGUE FIXTURES- Saturday 8th Sept 2007
U16 League
Bay Rovers vs. Leeside at 2:30pm in Kealkil
Drinagh Rangers vs. Harbour United at 2:30pm in Cannon Crowley Park, Drinagh
Togher Celtic vs. Clonakilty AFC - Postponed - Clonakilty AFC U16 taking cancellation
Lyre Rovers vs. Skibbereen - Postponed - Skibbereen U16 taking cancellation
Bunratty United vs. Riverside Athletic - Postponed - Riverside Athletic U16 taking cancellation
U12 Group1
Clonakilty AFC vs. Ardfield at noon in Ballyvackey
Lyre Rovers vs. Durrus at 1pm in Lyre
U12 Group2
Bunratty United vs. Harbour United at 11:30am in Town Park Schull
Togher Celtic vs. Riverside Athletic at 1pm in Togher
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
U16 League
This weekend's U16 fixture list has been decimated due to a host of cancellations. The involvement of many West Cork Schoolboys League U16 players in various GAA championship matches has meant most clubs are unable to field full squads this weekend. The scheduled matches between Togher Celtic U16 vs. Clonakilty AFC U16, Lyre Rovers U16 vs. Skibbereen U16 and Bunratty United U16 vs. Riverside Athletic U16 have all been postponed.
Harbour United travel to Canon Crowley Park to take on Drinagh Rangers. This match marks Harbour United's first involvement at U16 level in the Schoolboys league. The debutantes will be anxious to make a good impression in their first outing but will face tough opposition in Drinagh Rangers. Anything other than a Drinagh win would be a surprise. Bay Rovers and Leeside meet in Kealkil tomorrow. Bay enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 win when the two sides met in the league last season and another home win is expected tomorrow.
U12 League
Clonakilty AFC begin their U12 league campaign at home to Ardfield in a U12 Group1 fixture with a noon kick-off in Ballyvackey tomorrow. The match represents Ardfield's debut in the Schoolboys League U12 age-group. Clonakilty struggled at U12 level last season but are hoping for better fortune this year. Expect an open encounter between two attacking sides.
Lyre Rovers entertain Durrus in U12 Group1 in Knockskeagh, Lyre tomorrow. The two sides are no strangers to one another having met three times in league and cup action last season. Durrus took maximum points in the league with a 5-0 win back in September and a walkover in April. Lyre gained revenge in a shock U12 first round Cup victory in January. Shane O'Donovan was the hero for Rovers on that occasion with a brace of goals to send Lyre into the quarter finals. Durrus recovered to make the U12 Play-Offs and were unlucky to finish 3rd overall with two draws and a narrow loss in the play-off group. Tomorrow’s visitors to Lyre are expected to be one of the teams challenging for the U12 league title this season so an away victory is the probable outcome.
Bunratty United are at home to Harbour United at 11:30am in Town Park Schull in U12 Group2 tomorrow. Harbour’s first ever league game at U12 level promises to be a tough encounter against a Bunratty side who managed to reach the semi-finals of the U12 Shield and Cup competitions last season.
The meeting of Togher Celtic and Riverside Athletic in U12 Group2 could turn out to be the match of the day in the Schoolboys league programme. Athletic won the U12 Cup last season and finished runners-up in the league to eventual Champions, Bantry Gunners. Togher Celtic enjoyed a solid season last term, but will need to be at their best to have any hope of taking points off Riverside tomorrow.
WCSL LEAGUE FIXTURES- Saturday 8th Sept 2007
U16 League
Bay Rovers vs. Leeside at 2:30pm in Kealkil
Drinagh Rangers vs. Harbour United at 2:30pm in Cannon Crowley Park, Drinagh
Togher Celtic vs. Clonakilty AFC - Postponed - Clonakilty AFC U16 taking cancellation
Lyre Rovers vs. Skibbereen - Postponed - Skibbereen U16 taking cancellation
Bunratty United vs. Riverside Athletic - Postponed - Riverside Athletic U16 taking cancellation
U12 Group1
Clonakilty AFC vs. Ardfield at noon in Ballyvackey
Lyre Rovers vs. Durrus at 1pm in Lyre
U12 Group2
Bunratty United vs. Harbour United at 11:30am in Town Park Schull
Togher Celtic vs. Riverside Athletic at 1pm in Togher
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
FALSE DAWN NUMBER 1,974?
Tottenham Hotspur have spent big during the close season and have invested over £30 million on two new players, Darren Bent and Gareth Bale, to help bolster their young squad. Manager, Martin Jol, insists that Spurs have a fantastic chance to break into the 'top four' and qualify for the lucrative Champions League next season. "If one club falls out of the top four, Liverpool or Arsenal, why shouldn't we take up that position, why not?
Jol's optimism is well founded considering Tottenham have finished 'best of the rest' - in fifth place - in each of the previous two seasons in the Premiership. A successful run in last season's UEFA Cup was also encouraging as well runs in the Carling Cup (semi finalists) and FA Cups (quarter finalists).
The addition of Bale, in particular, is crucial, as Spurs have been crying out for a natural left-footer on the wing, which will add much needed balance to their midfield. Bale is unproven at Premiership level, but has impressed in recent Welsh internationals with both his crossing and dead ball skills.
The arrival of Darren Bent has sparked much debate about the somewhat excessive price-tag of £16.5 million which accompanied the former Charlton striker. Bent is a proven goal-scorer in the Premiership with 37 goals in 68 Premier League games. Jol is unlikely to have bought Bent to warm the subs bench for the season but the England striker will have to continue his form of the last two years to have any hope of deposing either Dimitar Berbatov or Robbie Keane in the Spurs first team. The move is seen as somewhat of a gamble for Jol considering Bent’s price tag has smashed the previous Spurs transfer record. Tottenham's previous biggest transfer was the £11m paid for Sergei Rebrov from Dynamo Kiev in the summer of 2000, but Spurs fans would probably prefer not to dwell on that…
The signs are positive though as Jol invested heavily in Berbatov a year ago this summer and what a superb signing he turned out to be. The Dutchman was willing to spend big for the Bulgarian when other English clubs seemed disinterested and Jol obviously saw enough quality in Berbatov to know he would score goals in the Premiership.
Jol is quoted at saying: "Darren's strength is his stamina. Normally players will make runs three or four times in 45 minutes, he will do it all the time and if you manage to play balls behind the defence, he will be there. That's what I like about him. He has pace, he links play well and can see a pass - he can exploit the space and play as well. He knows Spurs is the place to be and that's something to be proud of."
The perennial worry for Spurs supporters is the lack of investment in the recurring problem area, the defence. Without Ledley King for much of last season Spurs defence looked porous and were it not for the heroics of Michael Dawson, they may well have missed out on fifth place finish. Paul Robinson had an average year by his own high standards while Chimbonda, Lee and Rocha struggled for much of the campaign. Rumours of the possible purchases of both Curtis Davies (West Brom) and Younes Kabul (Auxerre) have been muted and the arrival of either would be welcome.
Irrespective of who Tottenham manage to bring in before the start of the season the team will have to gel quickly and hit the ground running for the big kick off on the 11th of August away to Sunderland. So poor was Spurs away form last season that they failed to win away from home until after Christmas. A repeat of that poor run of form will certainly prevent the White Hart Lane club from breaking into the top four next season.
Long suffering Spurs fans have been through enough false dawns before, but as with every pre-season, hope springs eternal.
If Bale can provide the ammunition, Berbatov Bent, and Keane score the goals and a couple of new quality defenders are introduced then who knows, maybe Champions League football will arrive at White Hart Lane for the 2008 / 2009 season?
Jol's optimism is well founded considering Tottenham have finished 'best of the rest' - in fifth place - in each of the previous two seasons in the Premiership. A successful run in last season's UEFA Cup was also encouraging as well runs in the Carling Cup (semi finalists) and FA Cups (quarter finalists).
The addition of Bale, in particular, is crucial, as Spurs have been crying out for a natural left-footer on the wing, which will add much needed balance to their midfield. Bale is unproven at Premiership level, but has impressed in recent Welsh internationals with both his crossing and dead ball skills.
The arrival of Darren Bent has sparked much debate about the somewhat excessive price-tag of £16.5 million which accompanied the former Charlton striker. Bent is a proven goal-scorer in the Premiership with 37 goals in 68 Premier League games. Jol is unlikely to have bought Bent to warm the subs bench for the season but the England striker will have to continue his form of the last two years to have any hope of deposing either Dimitar Berbatov or Robbie Keane in the Spurs first team. The move is seen as somewhat of a gamble for Jol considering Bent’s price tag has smashed the previous Spurs transfer record. Tottenham's previous biggest transfer was the £11m paid for Sergei Rebrov from Dynamo Kiev in the summer of 2000, but Spurs fans would probably prefer not to dwell on that…
The signs are positive though as Jol invested heavily in Berbatov a year ago this summer and what a superb signing he turned out to be. The Dutchman was willing to spend big for the Bulgarian when other English clubs seemed disinterested and Jol obviously saw enough quality in Berbatov to know he would score goals in the Premiership.
Jol is quoted at saying: "Darren's strength is his stamina. Normally players will make runs three or four times in 45 minutes, he will do it all the time and if you manage to play balls behind the defence, he will be there. That's what I like about him. He has pace, he links play well and can see a pass - he can exploit the space and play as well. He knows Spurs is the place to be and that's something to be proud of."
The perennial worry for Spurs supporters is the lack of investment in the recurring problem area, the defence. Without Ledley King for much of last season Spurs defence looked porous and were it not for the heroics of Michael Dawson, they may well have missed out on fifth place finish. Paul Robinson had an average year by his own high standards while Chimbonda, Lee and Rocha struggled for much of the campaign. Rumours of the possible purchases of both Curtis Davies (West Brom) and Younes Kabul (Auxerre) have been muted and the arrival of either would be welcome.
Irrespective of who Tottenham manage to bring in before the start of the season the team will have to gel quickly and hit the ground running for the big kick off on the 11th of August away to Sunderland. So poor was Spurs away form last season that they failed to win away from home until after Christmas. A repeat of that poor run of form will certainly prevent the White Hart Lane club from breaking into the top four next season.
Long suffering Spurs fans have been through enough false dawns before, but as with every pre-season, hope springs eternal.
If Bale can provide the ammunition, Berbatov Bent, and Keane score the goals and a couple of new quality defenders are introduced then who knows, maybe Champions League football will arrive at White Hart Lane for the 2008 / 2009 season?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
VA VA GLOOM...
The departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona is certainly a sad day for Premiership and Arsenal fans all over the globe. There is no denying the Frenchman's contribution to the Gunners over the past eight seasons: 2 Premierships, 3 FA Cups in a career spanning 364 games and a record 226 goals.
Henry cast doubts on his future at the Emirates stadium back on the 8th of June in an interview with American Sports broadcaster ESPN. Henry admitted he was "devastated" by Vice-chairman David Dein's departure during the interview. He
said: "I was devastated when Mr. Dein left the club. I don't know what happened and I don't want to know. As I have said many times, at the moment I am an Arsenal player. But everyone knows that a lot of stuff has happened at the club recently that wasn't supposed to happen”.
It was clearly apparent after the interview that the likelihood of a transfer to Barcelona or one of the the Italian giants AC or Inter Milan looked a serious possibility...
Why should David Dein's departure from the boardroom be such a cause of concern to Henry? There is no doubting the close relationship that existed between the Dein family and Henry and subsequently Arsene Wenger. Dein's son, Darren, is 'personal advisor' to Henry and was also his best man when he got married. Henry told ESPN: "The bosses have been unsettled and a lot of players at the club have now become unsettled."
If Henry was understandably upset at Dein's departure, why use it as an excuse to undermine Arsene Wenger and all the other young players remaining at the club for whom he expressed such 'love'? Are suggested replacements such as Michael Owen or Nicholas Anelka likely to sign for Arsenal now following those comments which suggest Wenger might not even be at the club much longer? How do comments like that help his former mentor who rescued Henry from relative obscurity at Juventus and converted into one of the best strikers in Europe?.
His final season in the Premiership was plagued by injury and the sight of Henry struggling to run during the Champions League exit to PSV Eindhoven was a sad exit from Europe's premier competition. There was also the disappointing Champions League final display against Barcelona when Henry spurned two excellent chances and Arsenal eventually lost out. Arsenal fans will choose to remember his virtuoso performances in the Champions League against Roma and Inter Milan as well as his probably his best ever goal in an Arsenal jersey, the flick up and volley over Fabien Barthez's head against Man Utd in the Premiership.
It will be fascinating to watch Henry in the Primera Liga next season as Barcelona look to retain the title from arch-rivals, Real Madrid. What will be even more fascinating is how Henry fits into the culture of one of the biggest club's on the planet.
At the Emirates, Henry was always the number one name on team sheet, whereas at the Nou Camp he will be jostling for position and more importantly influence with the likes of Eto'o, Ronaldiniho, Messi and Gudjohnsen.
Thierry Henry should be remembered for being one of the finest players ever to grace the Premiership. Few other individuals - apart from Roy Keane - have had such a defining influence on one single club. However, the Frenchman's recent comments about David Dein's departure form the boardroom sound more like an excuse now rather than a legitimate reason for bringing an end to his long association with the North London club.
Henry cast doubts on his future at the Emirates stadium back on the 8th of June in an interview with American Sports broadcaster ESPN. Henry admitted he was "devastated" by Vice-chairman David Dein's departure during the interview. He
said: "I was devastated when Mr. Dein left the club. I don't know what happened and I don't want to know. As I have said many times, at the moment I am an Arsenal player. But everyone knows that a lot of stuff has happened at the club recently that wasn't supposed to happen”.
It was clearly apparent after the interview that the likelihood of a transfer to Barcelona or one of the the Italian giants AC or Inter Milan looked a serious possibility...
Why should David Dein's departure from the boardroom be such a cause of concern to Henry? There is no doubting the close relationship that existed between the Dein family and Henry and subsequently Arsene Wenger. Dein's son, Darren, is 'personal advisor' to Henry and was also his best man when he got married. Henry told ESPN: "The bosses have been unsettled and a lot of players at the club have now become unsettled."
If Henry was understandably upset at Dein's departure, why use it as an excuse to undermine Arsene Wenger and all the other young players remaining at the club for whom he expressed such 'love'? Are suggested replacements such as Michael Owen or Nicholas Anelka likely to sign for Arsenal now following those comments which suggest Wenger might not even be at the club much longer? How do comments like that help his former mentor who rescued Henry from relative obscurity at Juventus and converted into one of the best strikers in Europe?.
His final season in the Premiership was plagued by injury and the sight of Henry struggling to run during the Champions League exit to PSV Eindhoven was a sad exit from Europe's premier competition. There was also the disappointing Champions League final display against Barcelona when Henry spurned two excellent chances and Arsenal eventually lost out. Arsenal fans will choose to remember his virtuoso performances in the Champions League against Roma and Inter Milan as well as his probably his best ever goal in an Arsenal jersey, the flick up and volley over Fabien Barthez's head against Man Utd in the Premiership.
It will be fascinating to watch Henry in the Primera Liga next season as Barcelona look to retain the title from arch-rivals, Real Madrid. What will be even more fascinating is how Henry fits into the culture of one of the biggest club's on the planet.
At the Emirates, Henry was always the number one name on team sheet, whereas at the Nou Camp he will be jostling for position and more importantly influence with the likes of Eto'o, Ronaldiniho, Messi and Gudjohnsen.
Thierry Henry should be remembered for being one of the finest players ever to grace the Premiership. Few other individuals - apart from Roy Keane - have had such a defining influence on one single club. However, the Frenchman's recent comments about David Dein's departure form the boardroom sound more like an excuse now rather than a legitimate reason for bringing an end to his long association with the North London club.
Monday, April 16, 2007
SEMI FINAL DRAMA BECKONS
This season’s Champions League final in Athens is set to contain at least one Premiership club after Chelsea and Liverpool were drawn to face each other in the semi finals. Manchester United will face AC Milan in the other semi meaning the possibility of an all English European Cup final is still very much alive. All four of the remaining teams would make worthy champions but only one club can emerge with the trophy.
Manchester United vs. AC Milan
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side are still hunting their own domestic double as well as the Champions League. The 7-1 demolition of Roma in the quarter finals will have sent a warning out around Europe that - if given time and space to play - they are a side to be feared. Roma had no answer to United’s all out attacking policy and threw in the towel once they fell 3-0 behind.
With Ronaldo, Rooney and Carrick currently in scintillating form, there is no reason to suggest they cannot overcome the challenge of Milan. If United can repeat their high tempo performances of previous rounds then they have every chance of progressing.
However, Milan will not concede 7 goals home or away to Manchester United or anyone else for that matter and will mark Ronaldo and Rooney a lot tighter than Roma did. Injuries and tiredness could yet work against United before the Champions League final date with so many tough domestic assignments still to overcome. AC Milan knocked out an impressive Bayern Munich side with the help of outstanding performances from Kaka, Seedorf and Inzaghi in the quarter finals. The Italians success of recent years has been based on their legendary rugged defence and quick fire counter attacking. What a fitting end it would be to a remarkable career to see Paolo Maldini lifting the European Cup at the end of a remarkable career.
The emergence of Kaka as the best playmaker and passer in both Serie A and the Champions League has transformed Milan’s season. Kaka’s brilliance coupled with the experience and talent of Andreas Pirlo are by far the best central midfield pairing left in the competition.
Milan will be the fresher - from having less games and no league title chase to distract them - of the two teams coming into the semi final. They have the experience and knowledge of how to win in Eurpoe against quicker and younger teams, so expect them to dash the hope of Manchester United and go through to the final.
Verdict: AC Milan to go through on away goals
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
There are so many sub-plots surrounding this semi final tie, you could make a movie about it. Jose Mourinho has been battling a lengthy injury list, boardroom unrest and an impatient Russian billionaire all season and yet he has managed to guide his team to the semi finals. Chelsea are still in contention for an unlikely quadruple but rest assured, the only trophy that will save the ‘chosen one’s ‘ job is the Champions League. The importance of the returning John Terry and Joe Cole from injury cannot be over-emphasised.
Liverpool have enjoyed a decent run in the Champions League this season and had it easy in the quarter finals against one of the worst PSV sides in recent years. The Reds are out of the race for the Premiership and will have the luxury of being able to rest key players in the run up to the semi finals. However, for all Benitez’s qualities as a top tactical manager expect Chelsea to come out on top over the two legs. The main reason being, simply, revenge for the semi final defeat two seasons ago. If Mourinho is good at one thing it is getting the best out of his players when he utilises the ‘world is against us' mentality.
On paper, Liverpool looks to be the fresher side and have had the easier run to the semi finals. They have also broken their hoodoo by trouncing an under-strength Chelsea at Anfield recently. However, Chelsea will save their best performances for the Champions League for the remainder of this season.
The Chelsea players have made it clear they want their manager to stay and will do everything possible to keep him at the club next season. Winning the Champions League is probably the only way the Portuguese man will remain at the helm next season.
Verdict: Chelsea to go through 1-0
Manchester United vs. AC Milan
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side are still hunting their own domestic double as well as the Champions League. The 7-1 demolition of Roma in the quarter finals will have sent a warning out around Europe that - if given time and space to play - they are a side to be feared. Roma had no answer to United’s all out attacking policy and threw in the towel once they fell 3-0 behind.
With Ronaldo, Rooney and Carrick currently in scintillating form, there is no reason to suggest they cannot overcome the challenge of Milan. If United can repeat their high tempo performances of previous rounds then they have every chance of progressing.
However, Milan will not concede 7 goals home or away to Manchester United or anyone else for that matter and will mark Ronaldo and Rooney a lot tighter than Roma did. Injuries and tiredness could yet work against United before the Champions League final date with so many tough domestic assignments still to overcome. AC Milan knocked out an impressive Bayern Munich side with the help of outstanding performances from Kaka, Seedorf and Inzaghi in the quarter finals. The Italians success of recent years has been based on their legendary rugged defence and quick fire counter attacking. What a fitting end it would be to a remarkable career to see Paolo Maldini lifting the European Cup at the end of a remarkable career.
The emergence of Kaka as the best playmaker and passer in both Serie A and the Champions League has transformed Milan’s season. Kaka’s brilliance coupled with the experience and talent of Andreas Pirlo are by far the best central midfield pairing left in the competition.
Milan will be the fresher - from having less games and no league title chase to distract them - of the two teams coming into the semi final. They have the experience and knowledge of how to win in Eurpoe against quicker and younger teams, so expect them to dash the hope of Manchester United and go through to the final.
Verdict: AC Milan to go through on away goals
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
There are so many sub-plots surrounding this semi final tie, you could make a movie about it. Jose Mourinho has been battling a lengthy injury list, boardroom unrest and an impatient Russian billionaire all season and yet he has managed to guide his team to the semi finals. Chelsea are still in contention for an unlikely quadruple but rest assured, the only trophy that will save the ‘chosen one’s ‘ job is the Champions League. The importance of the returning John Terry and Joe Cole from injury cannot be over-emphasised.
Liverpool have enjoyed a decent run in the Champions League this season and had it easy in the quarter finals against one of the worst PSV sides in recent years. The Reds are out of the race for the Premiership and will have the luxury of being able to rest key players in the run up to the semi finals. However, for all Benitez’s qualities as a top tactical manager expect Chelsea to come out on top over the two legs. The main reason being, simply, revenge for the semi final defeat two seasons ago. If Mourinho is good at one thing it is getting the best out of his players when he utilises the ‘world is against us' mentality.
On paper, Liverpool looks to be the fresher side and have had the easier run to the semi finals. They have also broken their hoodoo by trouncing an under-strength Chelsea at Anfield recently. However, Chelsea will save their best performances for the Champions League for the remainder of this season.
The Chelsea players have made it clear they want their manager to stay and will do everything possible to keep him at the club next season. Winning the Champions League is probably the only way the Portuguese man will remain at the helm next season.
Verdict: Chelsea to go through 1-0
CROKER NIGHTS
Strange...
I sat in a half-empty Croke Park shortly before the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia trying to anticipate what the atmosphere would be like later in the evening. The previous Saturday had been a big disappointment both on and off the pitch with the non-event that was the 1-0 win over the Welsh. So would tonight be any different? Would the fans turn out in their droves at GAA HQ for the second time in a few days to cheer on a team short on confidence, ideas and hope?
The answer was a resounding yes.
The atmosphere generated was amongst the best I have ever experienced at a Soccer International, Rugby International or GAA Championship match. The singing began long before kick-off with "Stand Up For the Boys in Green". To a man, the crowd arose and belted out the song over and over until the two teams strode onto the pitch.
The singing continued throughout the game with familiar chants like "Come on ye boys in green" and "Ole, Ole" surfacing any time the tempo dropped during an entertaining game. The Irish team responded with a superb all round team performance that yielded a 1-0 victory.
So what were the good, the bad and the ugly memories from that Euro qualifier?
The Good
##########
Damien Duff
There is nothing to gladden the heart more of the most pessimistic Irish soccer fan than the sight of Damien Duff in full flight. It has been many years since Duff has had such a positive impact in an Irish International. This point is best emphasised in the fact that Slovakia doubled-up on the marking of Duff in the second period but failed to dampen his impact or enthusiasm.
Paul Mc Shane and Richard Dunne
Mc Shane and Dunne excelled at centre back. True, Mc Shane almost gave a penalty away late in the game but apart from that, neither he nor Dunne put a foot wrong. Whilst Mc Shane took the majority of the plaudits in the media the following day, Richard Dunne put in his most consistent 90 minute performance in an Irish jersey. Their partnership bodes well for the future.
Renewed Hope
Steve Staunton cut a relieved and happy figure in his media interviews and after match press conference. Moreover, why wouldn't he. 6 points in 5 days and the Germans defeat of the Czechs means the Republic of Ireland are still in with a realistic shout of qualifying for the 2008 tournament. If the players can repeat the level of performance demonstrated against the Slovaks in the two (crucial) away games in September then who knows where Staunton's side could yet achieve.
The Bad
##########
Aidan McGeady
The Celtic striker/ winger repeatedly cut in from the right wing and gave the ball away on far too many occasions. His substitution came mid-way through the second half and should have occurred long before then. His replacement, Stephen hunt, made more of an impact in his first 5 minutes after his introduction than McGeady did in the whole of first half time. Hunt simply must start the next two Irish qualifiers.
Steve Finnan and John O'Shea
I do not understand the logic behind playing both Steve Finnan and John O'Shea out of position in the two full back roles. Finnan in particular cut a forlorn figure for much of the game and his body language alone suggested he does not enjoy the left back position. His performance at right back for Liverpool in their recent Champions League win in Eindhoven is surely enough to convince Staunton that this is his best position. O'Shea did well at right back, but the Waterford man is happier on the left side as his performances for Manchester United have suggested this season.
The Ugly
##########
Mexican Waves
The kid's section in the Hogan stand were guilty for trying to start this annoying wave throughout the second half. Thankfully there was no repeat of the previous Saturday when the Mexican Wave ended up being more enjoyable spectacle than the match was.
So on a night that began with much trepidation, the outcome resulted in a complete mood swing and renewed hope amongst the thousands of Irish fans spilling out onto Jones’s road into the cold Dublin night. Chants of "Come on Ye Boy's In Green" resonated for miles from delighted Irish soccer supporters.
Hard to believe an international match at the same venue the previous Saturday could have generated such pessimism.
Thank God football fans aren't fickle...
I sat in a half-empty Croke Park shortly before the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia trying to anticipate what the atmosphere would be like later in the evening. The previous Saturday had been a big disappointment both on and off the pitch with the non-event that was the 1-0 win over the Welsh. So would tonight be any different? Would the fans turn out in their droves at GAA HQ for the second time in a few days to cheer on a team short on confidence, ideas and hope?
The answer was a resounding yes.
The atmosphere generated was amongst the best I have ever experienced at a Soccer International, Rugby International or GAA Championship match. The singing began long before kick-off with "Stand Up For the Boys in Green". To a man, the crowd arose and belted out the song over and over until the two teams strode onto the pitch.
The singing continued throughout the game with familiar chants like "Come on ye boys in green" and "Ole, Ole" surfacing any time the tempo dropped during an entertaining game. The Irish team responded with a superb all round team performance that yielded a 1-0 victory.
So what were the good, the bad and the ugly memories from that Euro qualifier?
The Good
##########
Damien Duff
There is nothing to gladden the heart more of the most pessimistic Irish soccer fan than the sight of Damien Duff in full flight. It has been many years since Duff has had such a positive impact in an Irish International. This point is best emphasised in the fact that Slovakia doubled-up on the marking of Duff in the second period but failed to dampen his impact or enthusiasm.
Paul Mc Shane and Richard Dunne
Mc Shane and Dunne excelled at centre back. True, Mc Shane almost gave a penalty away late in the game but apart from that, neither he nor Dunne put a foot wrong. Whilst Mc Shane took the majority of the plaudits in the media the following day, Richard Dunne put in his most consistent 90 minute performance in an Irish jersey. Their partnership bodes well for the future.
Renewed Hope
Steve Staunton cut a relieved and happy figure in his media interviews and after match press conference. Moreover, why wouldn't he. 6 points in 5 days and the Germans defeat of the Czechs means the Republic of Ireland are still in with a realistic shout of qualifying for the 2008 tournament. If the players can repeat the level of performance demonstrated against the Slovaks in the two (crucial) away games in September then who knows where Staunton's side could yet achieve.
The Bad
##########
Aidan McGeady
The Celtic striker/ winger repeatedly cut in from the right wing and gave the ball away on far too many occasions. His substitution came mid-way through the second half and should have occurred long before then. His replacement, Stephen hunt, made more of an impact in his first 5 minutes after his introduction than McGeady did in the whole of first half time. Hunt simply must start the next two Irish qualifiers.
Steve Finnan and John O'Shea
I do not understand the logic behind playing both Steve Finnan and John O'Shea out of position in the two full back roles. Finnan in particular cut a forlorn figure for much of the game and his body language alone suggested he does not enjoy the left back position. His performance at right back for Liverpool in their recent Champions League win in Eindhoven is surely enough to convince Staunton that this is his best position. O'Shea did well at right back, but the Waterford man is happier on the left side as his performances for Manchester United have suggested this season.
The Ugly
##########
Mexican Waves
The kid's section in the Hogan stand were guilty for trying to start this annoying wave throughout the second half. Thankfully there was no repeat of the previous Saturday when the Mexican Wave ended up being more enjoyable spectacle than the match was.
So on a night that began with much trepidation, the outcome resulted in a complete mood swing and renewed hope amongst the thousands of Irish fans spilling out onto Jones’s road into the cold Dublin night. Chants of "Come on Ye Boy's In Green" resonated for miles from delighted Irish soccer supporters.
Hard to believe an international match at the same venue the previous Saturday could have generated such pessimism.
Thank God football fans aren't fickle...
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