Tonight marks the return of the Champions League with Manchester United looking to emulate the European Cup back-to-back success of Nottingham Forest from the early 1980's and retain the trophy they won on a rainy night in Moscow back in May.
The current group format of the pre-Christmas Champions League games makes it very difficult to get excited about what still remains most prestigious trophy in club football. It won't be until the Spring when the knockout stage of the competition kicks in that world-wide TV audiences and match attendance figures will reach their respective peaks. Fans continue to vote with their feet and you can expect plenty of empty seats in Stamford Bridge tonight for the visit of Bordeaux. The additional European group matches with their ridiculous ticket prices continue to turn loyal fans away. It's bad enough having to pay increased prices for domestic league and cup matches so why fork out the extra hard earned quid for a meaningless group fixture against a side likely to feature in the latter stages of the UEFA Cup?
How long more can UEFA (or FIFA for that matter) persist with such an outdated competition structure - full of meaningless group games - that only serves to fill the coffers of the richest clubs through TV rights money? A revised structure could include two opening rounds of home and away fixtures. All the top teams would be seeded against the lowest ranked qualifiers with away goals coming into play. All the winners from the round two would then go into the hat for a straight knockout round 3 and so on all the way to the semi finals. Losers form the opening two rounds would play off for spots in the latter stages of the UEFA Cup. Can you imagine a third round pairing of Man Utd vs. Liverpool, Real Madrid vs. Barcelona or Arsenal vs. Juventus? This proposed structure would also allow for the likes of Athletico Madrid, Lyon or even Celtic to avoid the big boys until the latter stage of the competition (depending on the luck of the draw) and enjoy an extended run.
The G14 (or G3897) clubs would hardly agree to such a dangerous knockout structure on the off chance they would miss out on the extra TV money to be gained in the latter stages of the competition. How long before we have a European Super League with the richest clubs in Europe playing one another home and away in separate league. Sound far fetched? Well which would you rather watch this week: a meaningless group game between Chelsea vs. Bordeaux or a European Super League clash between Real Madrid vs. Liverpool?
The cries for bringing back the straight knock-out tournament structure are becoming louder with each passing season. The introduction of a play-off between the teams that finish 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th in the Premier League (a la the Play-Offs) to decide the final Champions League spot would also generate huge interest.
Now that really would bring in the punters…
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Premier League Weekend That Was 13-Sept-08
Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat of arch rivals Manchester United rightly grabbed all the weekend headlines from the English Premier League. Rafa Benitez’s maiden victory over Sir Alex Ferguson was well deserved yet when you factor in the enforced absences of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard (came on as sub) then it becomes downright impressive. True, Edwin Van Der Sar’s ill advised flap at a cross handed Liverpool a lucky equaliser via the shin of Wes Brown but it was little more than the Reds deserved. Having fallen behind to a sublime Carlos Tevez opener Liverpool bossed Man United all over the pitch.
Mascherano in particular was outstanding and once again the selfless running of converted winger, Kuyt, inspired the hosts to a surprise win where Ryan Babel grabbed a late winner in front of the Kop. Ferguson was surprisingly frank in his assessment of his side’s abject defending after the match and his mood will not have been helped by the stupid dismissal of centre-back Vidic who now misses the eagerly anticipated Chelsea lash next Sunday.
Speaking of Chelsea, the London club won the ‘clash of the cash’ encounter with Manchester City at Eastlands in the late Saturday evening kick off. Once again Deco was in inspired form, prompting his side forward from midfield and creating havoc with his inch perfect passing. City began like a house on fire and record signing Robinho rubbed salt in the Chelas fan’s wounds with a cracking opener from a free kick. Thereafter it was all Chelsea. Three unanswered goals – the best coming from Lampard after a flowing team move that Arsenal would have been proud of – clearly demonstrated to the Abu Dhabi consortium that despite success takes time irrespective of how many millions in oil money you have stashed in your bank accounts.
One other major talking point from that game was the sending-off of England Captain John Terry. The Chelsea centre back was dismissed for a rugby tackle on Brazilian striker Jo, despite Carvalho clearly standing between the City striker and the goal. Terry has since been cleared of the red card and can now line up against Man Utd in a pivotal Stamford Bridge clash next Sunday. The overturning of the Chelsea Captain’s red card is sure to add further spice to an already combustible encounter as it is the two side’s first competitive match since United lifted the Champions League at Chelsea’s expense in Moscow.
Arsenal steam rolled a completely lack-lustre Blackburn outfit 4-0 with Adebayor grabbing a hat-trick. All eyes were on England star, Theo Walcott, fresh from his hat trick heroics in Croatia mid-week. Walcott set up Robin Van Persie’s opener but faded from the game after a bright start. Paul Ince has been tipped as a possible replacement for sacked Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan but his new look Blackburn side are still missing the determination and ‘difficult to beat’ tag that was the hallmark of the side under Mark Hughes. If Arsenal can maintain their current scintillating form then there is no reason to think they cannot challenge for the title this season.
As for the Toon Army this past weekend represented a new low in what is turning out to be a season to forget for the St. James Park club. Current owner Mike Ashley has ceded to the angry fans protestations and agreed to sell the club. Hull City took full advantage with a 2-1 win at the weekend as Phil Brown’s side continue to defy the odds and pick up points in their first ever season in the top flight. Things surely can’t get any worse for Newcastle but a new manager is needed and fast to avoid a season long relegation battle.
The other main headline grabber from the weekend was Spurs’ 2-0 reversal at home to a rejuvenated Aston Villa meaning Juande Ramos’ side have now endured their worst ever start to a Premier League season. All the confidence gained from a successful pre-season with victories over Celtic and AS Roma has been wiped away since the departures of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. The North London side desperately need a win to help kick start their season before it is too late. As for Villa, credit must go to manager Martin O’Neill who has created a young, vibrant side full of running and more than capable of breaking into the top 6 this season.
Mascherano in particular was outstanding and once again the selfless running of converted winger, Kuyt, inspired the hosts to a surprise win where Ryan Babel grabbed a late winner in front of the Kop. Ferguson was surprisingly frank in his assessment of his side’s abject defending after the match and his mood will not have been helped by the stupid dismissal of centre-back Vidic who now misses the eagerly anticipated Chelsea lash next Sunday.
Speaking of Chelsea, the London club won the ‘clash of the cash’ encounter with Manchester City at Eastlands in the late Saturday evening kick off. Once again Deco was in inspired form, prompting his side forward from midfield and creating havoc with his inch perfect passing. City began like a house on fire and record signing Robinho rubbed salt in the Chelas fan’s wounds with a cracking opener from a free kick. Thereafter it was all Chelsea. Three unanswered goals – the best coming from Lampard after a flowing team move that Arsenal would have been proud of – clearly demonstrated to the Abu Dhabi consortium that despite success takes time irrespective of how many millions in oil money you have stashed in your bank accounts.
One other major talking point from that game was the sending-off of England Captain John Terry. The Chelsea centre back was dismissed for a rugby tackle on Brazilian striker Jo, despite Carvalho clearly standing between the City striker and the goal. Terry has since been cleared of the red card and can now line up against Man Utd in a pivotal Stamford Bridge clash next Sunday. The overturning of the Chelsea Captain’s red card is sure to add further spice to an already combustible encounter as it is the two side’s first competitive match since United lifted the Champions League at Chelsea’s expense in Moscow.
Arsenal steam rolled a completely lack-lustre Blackburn outfit 4-0 with Adebayor grabbing a hat-trick. All eyes were on England star, Theo Walcott, fresh from his hat trick heroics in Croatia mid-week. Walcott set up Robin Van Persie’s opener but faded from the game after a bright start. Paul Ince has been tipped as a possible replacement for sacked Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan but his new look Blackburn side are still missing the determination and ‘difficult to beat’ tag that was the hallmark of the side under Mark Hughes. If Arsenal can maintain their current scintillating form then there is no reason to think they cannot challenge for the title this season.
As for the Toon Army this past weekend represented a new low in what is turning out to be a season to forget for the St. James Park club. Current owner Mike Ashley has ceded to the angry fans protestations and agreed to sell the club. Hull City took full advantage with a 2-1 win at the weekend as Phil Brown’s side continue to defy the odds and pick up points in their first ever season in the top flight. Things surely can’t get any worse for Newcastle but a new manager is needed and fast to avoid a season long relegation battle.
The other main headline grabber from the weekend was Spurs’ 2-0 reversal at home to a rejuvenated Aston Villa meaning Juande Ramos’ side have now endured their worst ever start to a Premier League season. All the confidence gained from a successful pre-season with victories over Celtic and AS Roma has been wiped away since the departures of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. The North London side desperately need a win to help kick start their season before it is too late. As for Villa, credit must go to manager Martin O’Neill who has created a young, vibrant side full of running and more than capable of breaking into the top 6 this season.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
WCSL 2007-08 U16 League Review
Riverside Athletic made it two U16 League title wins on the trot following the most dramatic of conclusions to the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U16 League season. The Balineen based club came back from the dead to snatch the league crown from the grasp of Togher Celtic in a pulsating finale on the final day of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs.
National Cups
The early stages of the SuperValu WCSL U16 season began with 6 West Cork clubs entering the SFAI National Cup tournament. Four teams fell at the first hurdle with Cobh Ramblers proving too strong for Skibbereen (7-1), Leeds accounting for Bay Rovers (3-0) and Castleview receiving a walkover from Clonakilty AFC. The only two West Cork clubs to progress from the Preliminary Round were Drinagh Rangers who overcame the challenge of Buttevant 4-1 thanks to goals from Jamie Walsh, Daniel Hayes, Paul Crowley and Shane Connolly. Bunratty United defeated Togher Celtic in a West Cork derby following a pulsating encounter and a penalty shoot-out to progress to the first round proper. Sean Deasy and Dan O’Sullivan scored for Togher and Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan netted for Bunratty. At 7-7 in the shootout Daniel Hickey saved for United before Michael Bailey made sure of the win with the decisive spot kick. Disappointingly neither Drinagh nor Bunratty were able to field teams in the first round, handing Ballincollig and Cobh Ramblers walkovers and an automatic passage into the second round.
SuperValu U16 League
Togher Celtic topped the SuperValu U16 League table at the end of the regular season, remaining unbeaten with 7 wins and 2 draws from their campaign. Togher’s Cian O’Mahony and Declan Coughlan proved a lethal strike-force combining to score over 15 goals. Drinagh Rangers finished second (also remaining undefeated) with Gavin Connolly topping their goal-scoring charts. Reigning Champions Riverside Athletic finished third with Bunratty United securing the fourth and final play-off spot. There was disappointment for Skibbereen who just missed out on a place in the play-offs by a mere 2 points. Lyre Rovers enjoyed an indifferent League campaign but still managed to secure the U16 Shield trophy before the end of the season. Clonakilty AFC, Bay Rovers, Leeside and Harbour United rarely challenged the front-runners and will hope to improve on their lowly league positions for the upcoming 2008-09 campaign.
The Play-Offs
The first round of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs exploded into life on April the 19th with an amazing 11 goals in the opening games. Cian O'Mahony grabbed a last minute winner for Togher Celtic after an absolutely pulsating game with Bunratty United in Town Park, Schull. Togher came back from 2-0 down to score twice in the final 5 minutes and win a dramatic encounter 3-2. Gavin McEntaggart broke the deadlock in the 17th minute to put Bunratty 1-0 ahead. Declan Coughlan curled in a terrific effort to tie the scores until Bunratty retook the lead in the 45th minute when Simian Lipitch pounced from 6 yards. Cian O’Mahony made no mistake with a super strike from the edge of the box following a mix-up in the Bunratty defence to level the game. O’Mahony then raced clear of a static defence and sent an unstoppable shot into the net to win a pulsating encounter. On the same afternoon it finished honours even between Riverside Athletic and Drinagh Rangers following a 6-goal thriller in the West End Balineen. Michael Dineen opened the scoring only for Riverside to equalise early in the second half with Michael O'Driscoll netting. Athletic went 3-1 ahead thanks to a fine Brian McCarthy effort and then a second from the in-form O'Driscoll. The home side looked to have the points wrapped up until Drinagh dramatically fought back to score twice in the last 5 minutes. Derek Crowley netted with a tremendous long range free kick and Gavin Connolly stabbed home in injury time to steal a precious point. Round 2 of the SuperValu Play-Offs saw Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic each record crucial home victories. Bunratty emerged with a hard fought 2-0 victory after a tough encounter with Drinagh Rangers thanks to efforts from Gavin MacEntaggart and Sean Evans. Riverside were made to work even harder for their 3-1 home win over Togher Celtic with John Daly, Rory Baggott and Neville Maybury each finding the net in an exciting match. Cian O’Mahony replied for Celtic
Final Day Drama
The final day of a remarkable SuperValu U16 League season took place on Saturday the 10th of May. Riverside entertained Bunratty United while Togher welcomed Drinagh Rangers. Athletic knew that a victory over fellow title-rivals Bunratty would secure a second consecutive Championship. Anything less would allow Togher back into the equation provided they defeated Drinagh in their final match. Things seemed to be going Togher’s way as they easily accounted for out of sorts Drinagh Rangers 5-1. A commanding performance from the home side culminated in a superb Cian O'Mahony hat-trick along with further efforts from David Collins and Dan O'Sullivan. Daniel Hayes was Rangers solitary scorer. In Balineen Athletic found themselves 3-0 down with only 25 minutes remaining having been played off the park by a quite superb Bunratty United performance. What followed next was by far the most remarkable comeback in the 2007-08 Schoolboys League season. The hosts pulled a goal back through a Rory Baggott penalty but the drama wasn't finished there and when Jason Collins bundled the ball over the line 5 minutes later there was only a solitary goal between the sides. Bunratty were under constant pressure now as Riverside pushed everyone forward. Unbelievably Rory Baggott levelled the game at 3-3 with a thundering volley right on full time. Deep into injury time Baggott stepped forward to curl a marvellous effort into the net to complete his hat trick and win the SuperValu U16 League title for an ecstatic Riverside Athletic. It proved to be a final day full of heartbreak for both Bunratty and Togher but for the second season in a row Riverside Athletic stand proudly at the summit of the SuperValu U16 League.
National Cups
The early stages of the SuperValu WCSL U16 season began with 6 West Cork clubs entering the SFAI National Cup tournament. Four teams fell at the first hurdle with Cobh Ramblers proving too strong for Skibbereen (7-1), Leeds accounting for Bay Rovers (3-0) and Castleview receiving a walkover from Clonakilty AFC. The only two West Cork clubs to progress from the Preliminary Round were Drinagh Rangers who overcame the challenge of Buttevant 4-1 thanks to goals from Jamie Walsh, Daniel Hayes, Paul Crowley and Shane Connolly. Bunratty United defeated Togher Celtic in a West Cork derby following a pulsating encounter and a penalty shoot-out to progress to the first round proper. Sean Deasy and Dan O’Sullivan scored for Togher and Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan netted for Bunratty. At 7-7 in the shootout Daniel Hickey saved for United before Michael Bailey made sure of the win with the decisive spot kick. Disappointingly neither Drinagh nor Bunratty were able to field teams in the first round, handing Ballincollig and Cobh Ramblers walkovers and an automatic passage into the second round.
SuperValu U16 League
Togher Celtic topped the SuperValu U16 League table at the end of the regular season, remaining unbeaten with 7 wins and 2 draws from their campaign. Togher’s Cian O’Mahony and Declan Coughlan proved a lethal strike-force combining to score over 15 goals. Drinagh Rangers finished second (also remaining undefeated) with Gavin Connolly topping their goal-scoring charts. Reigning Champions Riverside Athletic finished third with Bunratty United securing the fourth and final play-off spot. There was disappointment for Skibbereen who just missed out on a place in the play-offs by a mere 2 points. Lyre Rovers enjoyed an indifferent League campaign but still managed to secure the U16 Shield trophy before the end of the season. Clonakilty AFC, Bay Rovers, Leeside and Harbour United rarely challenged the front-runners and will hope to improve on their lowly league positions for the upcoming 2008-09 campaign.
The Play-Offs
The first round of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs exploded into life on April the 19th with an amazing 11 goals in the opening games. Cian O'Mahony grabbed a last minute winner for Togher Celtic after an absolutely pulsating game with Bunratty United in Town Park, Schull. Togher came back from 2-0 down to score twice in the final 5 minutes and win a dramatic encounter 3-2. Gavin McEntaggart broke the deadlock in the 17th minute to put Bunratty 1-0 ahead. Declan Coughlan curled in a terrific effort to tie the scores until Bunratty retook the lead in the 45th minute when Simian Lipitch pounced from 6 yards. Cian O’Mahony made no mistake with a super strike from the edge of the box following a mix-up in the Bunratty defence to level the game. O’Mahony then raced clear of a static defence and sent an unstoppable shot into the net to win a pulsating encounter. On the same afternoon it finished honours even between Riverside Athletic and Drinagh Rangers following a 6-goal thriller in the West End Balineen. Michael Dineen opened the scoring only for Riverside to equalise early in the second half with Michael O'Driscoll netting. Athletic went 3-1 ahead thanks to a fine Brian McCarthy effort and then a second from the in-form O'Driscoll. The home side looked to have the points wrapped up until Drinagh dramatically fought back to score twice in the last 5 minutes. Derek Crowley netted with a tremendous long range free kick and Gavin Connolly stabbed home in injury time to steal a precious point. Round 2 of the SuperValu Play-Offs saw Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic each record crucial home victories. Bunratty emerged with a hard fought 2-0 victory after a tough encounter with Drinagh Rangers thanks to efforts from Gavin MacEntaggart and Sean Evans. Riverside were made to work even harder for their 3-1 home win over Togher Celtic with John Daly, Rory Baggott and Neville Maybury each finding the net in an exciting match. Cian O’Mahony replied for Celtic
Final Day Drama
The final day of a remarkable SuperValu U16 League season took place on Saturday the 10th of May. Riverside entertained Bunratty United while Togher welcomed Drinagh Rangers. Athletic knew that a victory over fellow title-rivals Bunratty would secure a second consecutive Championship. Anything less would allow Togher back into the equation provided they defeated Drinagh in their final match. Things seemed to be going Togher’s way as they easily accounted for out of sorts Drinagh Rangers 5-1. A commanding performance from the home side culminated in a superb Cian O'Mahony hat-trick along with further efforts from David Collins and Dan O'Sullivan. Daniel Hayes was Rangers solitary scorer. In Balineen Athletic found themselves 3-0 down with only 25 minutes remaining having been played off the park by a quite superb Bunratty United performance. What followed next was by far the most remarkable comeback in the 2007-08 Schoolboys League season. The hosts pulled a goal back through a Rory Baggott penalty but the drama wasn't finished there and when Jason Collins bundled the ball over the line 5 minutes later there was only a solitary goal between the sides. Bunratty were under constant pressure now as Riverside pushed everyone forward. Unbelievably Rory Baggott levelled the game at 3-3 with a thundering volley right on full time. Deep into injury time Baggott stepped forward to curl a marvellous effort into the net to complete his hat trick and win the SuperValu U16 League title for an ecstatic Riverside Athletic. It proved to be a final day full of heartbreak for both Bunratty and Togher but for the second season in a row Riverside Athletic stand proudly at the summit of the SuperValu U16 League.
WCSL 2007-08 U14 League Review
Lyre Rovers rounded off a terrific year for the Knockskeagh club by defeating Togher Celtic 4-1 in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 10th of May to lift the SuperValu U14 League title.
SuperValu U14 League
The WCSL U14 League kicked off back in September with 11 clubs vying for the SuperValu U14 League title. The top four ranked clubs then moved forward to the SuperValu Play-Offs to decide the eventual Champions in a round-robin tournament. Skibbereen topped the league table at the end of March with 9 wins and 1 draw after an extraordinary season. Lyre Rovers finished only 4 points behind the Baltimore Road club with Bunratty United and Togher Celtic rounding off the Play-Off berths. Riverside Athletic and Bay Rovers were disappointed to miss the play-offs by only a single point despite each club enjoying decent league campaigns. Drinagh Rangers finished a disappointing 7th for the Cannon Crowley Park club who had won the U14 double the season before. Rangers still managed to enjoy a decent run in the SFAI National Cup and deservedly lifted the SuperValu U14 Shield in May. Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths and newcomers Ballydehob found the going tough and finished in the bottom half of the league while Harbour United folded only a few weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
One of the highlights of the 2007-08 campaign turned out to be both Skibbereen and Drinagh Rangers U14’s remarkable run in the SFAI National Cup. In September’s Preliminary Round Greenwood knocked out a gallant Ballydehob (3-0), Ardmore defeated Clonakilty AFC and Ringmahon accounted for Togher Celtic. The WCSL enjoyed opening round success with Drinagh overcoming the challenge of Springfield Ramblers (4-1), Skibbereen travelling to Inishvilla and winning a 5 goal thriller (3-2), while Bay Rovers and Bunratty United accounted for Glounthaune United (3-1) and Castleview (4-1) respectively.
Kilreen Celtic brought an end to Bunratty United’s run on October 20th following a 4-2 victory in Schull. Bay Rovers were also eliminated at the first round stage with Rockmount scoring 4 times without reply in Kealkil. It was left to Skibbereen and Drinagh to fly the flag for West Cork with the Baltimore Road side recording an emphatic 7-0 win away to Ardmore and Drinagh picking up a memorable 2-1 victory away to Greenwood. Round 3 of the SFAI National cup saw Skibbereen continue their marvellous run with a 6-0 demolition of Buttevant. Drinagh Rangers were finally knocked out after 3-1 defeat to Corinthian Boys in Cannon Crowley Park. Skibbereen’s extraordinary odyssey in the National Cup finally came to halt on the 15th of December when the visiting Ballincollig proved too strong for an under-strength West Cork outfit (4-1). Overall, the West Cork Schoolboys League sides proved more than a match for most CSL opposition throughout the early rounds of the U14 National Cup. The collective 2007-08 performances are hugely encouraging heading into the upcoming 2008-09 National Cup competitions.
SuperValu U14 Play-Offs
Lyre Rovers entertained Bunratty United in the opening match of the SuperValu U14 Play-Offs on April 12th. The host produced a blistering display to upset the favourites from Schull (5-2). Kevin Cormican and Eoin Hartnett each weighed in with braces while Ethan Draper added a fifth for the home side. Eddie Goggin replied with two goals for a depleted Bunratty. Togher Celtic repeated the same 5-2 score-line at home to Skibbereen a week later in Togher. Mark Quinn notched a hat-trick with Daniel Twomey and David O’Brien completing the scoring in a memorable win for Celtic. A shell-shocked Skibbereen’s goals came from Dan MacEoin and Kevin Davis.
The second round of U14 Play-Off fixtures took place on Saturday the 26th of April with Lyre and Togher repeating their opening day heroics. Lyre Rovers defeated Skibbereen 4-2 in a six goal thriller in Knockskeagh. The match turned out to be one of the games of the season at U14 level with two fully committed sides playing superb football throughout and each contributing to a magnificent spectacle. Kevin Davis beat John Leahy to a long ball into the Lyre penalty area and headed into the net for an early 1-0 Skibbereen lead. James Hayes levelled for the hosts before expertly chipping the Skibbereen goalkeeper from the tightest of angles to put the home side 2-1 up at the interval. Ethan Draper sent an unstoppable 25 free-kick into the top corner of the net for a remarkable goal and a 3-1 lead five minutes after the break. Dan MacEoin brought it back to 3-2 before James Hayes grabbed his hat-trick to end an exciting encounter. On the same day Togher travelled to Schull and came away with all 3 points in a pulsating 2-1 victory over Bunratty United. Gavin McEntaggart put Bunratty 1-0 ahead but Shane Cotter equalised and Maurice Murphy won the game with a late header to setup a home clash with Lyre Rovers to decide the outcome of the U14 League title.
Togher and Lyre played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Togher on the 5th of May. The result meant the two sides would have to square up once again to decide the U14 title as both teams finished level on points joint-top of the SuperValu U14 Play-Off table. Daniel Twomey put Togher ahead only for Ethan Draper to equalise from the penalty spot just before half time in what turned out to be a tense match.
SuperValu U14 Decider
Rovers finally got their hands on the coveted league trophy following a well deserved 4-1 victory over Togher in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 11th of May. Togher grabbed the lead against the run of play with the lively Mark Quinn netting. Rovers demonstrated their undoubted talent and resolve to fight back and score 4 times to secure the U14 league crown. James Hayes (2), Scott Sheehan and Kevin Cormican each netted to bring the SuperValu U14 League title to Knockskeagh for the first time in the club’s history.
SuperValu U14 League
The WCSL U14 League kicked off back in September with 11 clubs vying for the SuperValu U14 League title. The top four ranked clubs then moved forward to the SuperValu Play-Offs to decide the eventual Champions in a round-robin tournament. Skibbereen topped the league table at the end of March with 9 wins and 1 draw after an extraordinary season. Lyre Rovers finished only 4 points behind the Baltimore Road club with Bunratty United and Togher Celtic rounding off the Play-Off berths. Riverside Athletic and Bay Rovers were disappointed to miss the play-offs by only a single point despite each club enjoying decent league campaigns. Drinagh Rangers finished a disappointing 7th for the Cannon Crowley Park club who had won the U14 double the season before. Rangers still managed to enjoy a decent run in the SFAI National Cup and deservedly lifted the SuperValu U14 Shield in May. Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths and newcomers Ballydehob found the going tough and finished in the bottom half of the league while Harbour United folded only a few weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
One of the highlights of the 2007-08 campaign turned out to be both Skibbereen and Drinagh Rangers U14’s remarkable run in the SFAI National Cup. In September’s Preliminary Round Greenwood knocked out a gallant Ballydehob (3-0), Ardmore defeated Clonakilty AFC and Ringmahon accounted for Togher Celtic. The WCSL enjoyed opening round success with Drinagh overcoming the challenge of Springfield Ramblers (4-1), Skibbereen travelling to Inishvilla and winning a 5 goal thriller (3-2), while Bay Rovers and Bunratty United accounted for Glounthaune United (3-1) and Castleview (4-1) respectively.
Kilreen Celtic brought an end to Bunratty United’s run on October 20th following a 4-2 victory in Schull. Bay Rovers were also eliminated at the first round stage with Rockmount scoring 4 times without reply in Kealkil. It was left to Skibbereen and Drinagh to fly the flag for West Cork with the Baltimore Road side recording an emphatic 7-0 win away to Ardmore and Drinagh picking up a memorable 2-1 victory away to Greenwood. Round 3 of the SFAI National cup saw Skibbereen continue their marvellous run with a 6-0 demolition of Buttevant. Drinagh Rangers were finally knocked out after 3-1 defeat to Corinthian Boys in Cannon Crowley Park. Skibbereen’s extraordinary odyssey in the National Cup finally came to halt on the 15th of December when the visiting Ballincollig proved too strong for an under-strength West Cork outfit (4-1). Overall, the West Cork Schoolboys League sides proved more than a match for most CSL opposition throughout the early rounds of the U14 National Cup. The collective 2007-08 performances are hugely encouraging heading into the upcoming 2008-09 National Cup competitions.
SuperValu U14 Play-Offs
Lyre Rovers entertained Bunratty United in the opening match of the SuperValu U14 Play-Offs on April 12th. The host produced a blistering display to upset the favourites from Schull (5-2). Kevin Cormican and Eoin Hartnett each weighed in with braces while Ethan Draper added a fifth for the home side. Eddie Goggin replied with two goals for a depleted Bunratty. Togher Celtic repeated the same 5-2 score-line at home to Skibbereen a week later in Togher. Mark Quinn notched a hat-trick with Daniel Twomey and David O’Brien completing the scoring in a memorable win for Celtic. A shell-shocked Skibbereen’s goals came from Dan MacEoin and Kevin Davis.
The second round of U14 Play-Off fixtures took place on Saturday the 26th of April with Lyre and Togher repeating their opening day heroics. Lyre Rovers defeated Skibbereen 4-2 in a six goal thriller in Knockskeagh. The match turned out to be one of the games of the season at U14 level with two fully committed sides playing superb football throughout and each contributing to a magnificent spectacle. Kevin Davis beat John Leahy to a long ball into the Lyre penalty area and headed into the net for an early 1-0 Skibbereen lead. James Hayes levelled for the hosts before expertly chipping the Skibbereen goalkeeper from the tightest of angles to put the home side 2-1 up at the interval. Ethan Draper sent an unstoppable 25 free-kick into the top corner of the net for a remarkable goal and a 3-1 lead five minutes after the break. Dan MacEoin brought it back to 3-2 before James Hayes grabbed his hat-trick to end an exciting encounter. On the same day Togher travelled to Schull and came away with all 3 points in a pulsating 2-1 victory over Bunratty United. Gavin McEntaggart put Bunratty 1-0 ahead but Shane Cotter equalised and Maurice Murphy won the game with a late header to setup a home clash with Lyre Rovers to decide the outcome of the U14 League title.
Togher and Lyre played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Togher on the 5th of May. The result meant the two sides would have to square up once again to decide the U14 title as both teams finished level on points joint-top of the SuperValu U14 Play-Off table. Daniel Twomey put Togher ahead only for Ethan Draper to equalise from the penalty spot just before half time in what turned out to be a tense match.
SuperValu U14 Decider
Rovers finally got their hands on the coveted league trophy following a well deserved 4-1 victory over Togher in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 11th of May. Togher grabbed the lead against the run of play with the lively Mark Quinn netting. Rovers demonstrated their undoubted talent and resolve to fight back and score 4 times to secure the U14 league crown. James Hayes (2), Scott Sheehan and Kevin Cormican each netted to bring the SuperValu U14 League title to Knockskeagh for the first time in the club’s history.
WCSL U12 League 2007-08 Review
Clonakilty AFC deservedly lifted the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U12 crown after topping a second play-off ‘group of death’ ahead of Skibbereen and Bunratty United.
SuperValu U12 League
The 2007-08 SuperValu U12 league season saw fourteen teams split into two groups with the top two ranked sides in each group progressing to the SuperValu U12 Play-Offs to decide the destination of the league title. Clonakilty AFC dominated Group1, topping the table with 10 wins from their 12 matches and qualifying for the play-offs in confident fashion. The battle for the second play-off berth was surprisingly won by Leeside who edged out the much-fancied Durrus by two points. Durrus recovered from the disappointment of missing the play-offs to eventually win the U12 Shield tournament by the end of the season. Lyre Rovers, Bay Rovers and Drinagh Rangers each enjoyed decent runs in Group1 but were never consistent enough to mount a serious challenge. Ardfield - playing at U12 level for the first time - found the going extremely tough but battled courageously in every game and proved a credit to their club. U12 Group2 transpired as expected with both Bunratty United and Skibbereen qualifying for the play-offs but not before league debutantes, Dunmanway Town, came mightily close to forcing their way into the top two. The Mullough club topped the table for much of the season but crucially ran out of steam towards the end of the group. Third place is still a remarkable result in Dunmanway’s inaugural season. Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic failed to mount a sustained challenge and finished mid-table. Clonakilty Youths were outclassed in many of their games while Harbour United folded only two weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
The early stages of the West Cork Schoolboys U12 League season saw no less than six clubs enter the Preliminary rounds of the SFAI National Cup competition. Clonakilty AFC fell at the first hurdle at home to Corinthian Boys ‘A’ 5-3 in an eight goal thriller. The five remaining WCSL clubs fared much better with Durrus defeating Park United 4-1 and Bunratty United knocking out Everton 4-0. Drinagh Rangers accounted for Togher 3-1 in an all WCSL tie with goals from Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan earning the home side a deserved victory. Skibbereen recorded the most impressive preliminary round triumph of all the West Cork sides, travelling to Cork and knocking out Crosshaven 4-3. The first round of SFAI matches took place in October with Skibbereen and Bunratty each recording notable wins. Skibb knocked out Rockmount in the Baltimore Road 4-1 after a fantastic team display. Bunratty travelled to Midleton and won a ten goal extravaganza 6-4 in Knockgriffin. Conor O'Driscoll scored 4 and Arron Barry grabbed a brace for the Schull side. Macroom ended Drinagh’s cup run in Cannon Crowley Park 3-1 while Durrus failed to field a team for the trip to Springfield Ramblers who were subsequently awarded a walkover.
Mayfield United ended Bunratty United’s interest in the competition in Town Park, Schull in November. The city side proved too strong for an under-strength United and ran out 5-3 winners. On the same day Skibbereen progressed to the last four of the Cork section following a superb 4-2 victory at home to Riverstown. Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy and Owen Collins found the net for Skibb in a famous win. The Baltimore Road club’s National Cup journey was finally ended by a star-studded Lakewood U12 outfit in December following a 3-2 defeat. Late goals from Sean Deasy and Stephen McCarthy proved immaterial but Skibb’s SFAI National Cup run turned out to be one of the highlights of a tremendous season for the West Cork club.
SuperValu U12 Play-Offs
The SuperValu U12 Play-Offs kicked off in April with Bunratty United edging Clonakilty AFC 3-2 following an ill-tempered affair in Town Park, Scull. Skibbereen proved too strong for Leeside in the opening round winning 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from the prolific Stephen McCarthy and a late effort from Mark Collins. The Inchigeela side were effectively knocked out of the Play-Offs following a 9-1 drubbing away to Bunratty in May with the mercurial Conor O’Driscoll weighing in with 4 of Bunratty’s total. Clonakilty AFC recovered from their defeat to Bunratty to overpower a disappointing Skibbereen side 5-2 in Ballyvackey. Jack O'Mahony notched a hat-trick while Jack Cowhig and Eoin Ryan completed the scoring for Clon. The final round of play-off fixtures saw Bunratty ravel to the Baltimore Road knowing a draw would be enough to capture the league title. Skibbereen had other ideas and ran out 8-4 winners after a tremendous game. Owen Collins (3), Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy (2 Pens) and Sean O'Donovan found the net for Skibb while Conor O'Driscoll (3) and Josh Pickett responded for a shell-shocked United. Clonakilty AFC’s expected win at home to Leeside (5-2) meant there was a three way tie for the U12 League Championship so another play-off group was needed to decide a winner from Clon AFC, Skibb and Bunratty.
SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders
Bunratty United and Skibbereen share thee points in the opening match of the SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders in Town Park Schull. A Fionn Hurley penalty cancelled out a Stephen McCarthy effort in a tight affair. Three days later Clonakilty AFC gained revenge over Bunratty United for their 5-2 defeat in the play-offs to record a hard fought 2-1 victory before a huge crowd in Ballyvackey. A last minute goal from Jack O’Mahony effectively knocked Bunratty out of the title race and set up a winner take all encounter with Skibbereen on the 19th of May. The destination of the title was finally decided following a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Baltimore Road Ground with Clon AFC grabbing a point away to Skibb to secure the U12 Championship. Goals from Eoin Ryan and a brace from Jack Cowhig brought the league crown back to Clonakilty following an unforgettable season for the Ballyvackey-based club.
SuperValu U12 League
The 2007-08 SuperValu U12 league season saw fourteen teams split into two groups with the top two ranked sides in each group progressing to the SuperValu U12 Play-Offs to decide the destination of the league title. Clonakilty AFC dominated Group1, topping the table with 10 wins from their 12 matches and qualifying for the play-offs in confident fashion. The battle for the second play-off berth was surprisingly won by Leeside who edged out the much-fancied Durrus by two points. Durrus recovered from the disappointment of missing the play-offs to eventually win the U12 Shield tournament by the end of the season. Lyre Rovers, Bay Rovers and Drinagh Rangers each enjoyed decent runs in Group1 but were never consistent enough to mount a serious challenge. Ardfield - playing at U12 level for the first time - found the going extremely tough but battled courageously in every game and proved a credit to their club. U12 Group2 transpired as expected with both Bunratty United and Skibbereen qualifying for the play-offs but not before league debutantes, Dunmanway Town, came mightily close to forcing their way into the top two. The Mullough club topped the table for much of the season but crucially ran out of steam towards the end of the group. Third place is still a remarkable result in Dunmanway’s inaugural season. Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic failed to mount a sustained challenge and finished mid-table. Clonakilty Youths were outclassed in many of their games while Harbour United folded only two weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
The early stages of the West Cork Schoolboys U12 League season saw no less than six clubs enter the Preliminary rounds of the SFAI National Cup competition. Clonakilty AFC fell at the first hurdle at home to Corinthian Boys ‘A’ 5-3 in an eight goal thriller. The five remaining WCSL clubs fared much better with Durrus defeating Park United 4-1 and Bunratty United knocking out Everton 4-0. Drinagh Rangers accounted for Togher 3-1 in an all WCSL tie with goals from Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan earning the home side a deserved victory. Skibbereen recorded the most impressive preliminary round triumph of all the West Cork sides, travelling to Cork and knocking out Crosshaven 4-3. The first round of SFAI matches took place in October with Skibbereen and Bunratty each recording notable wins. Skibb knocked out Rockmount in the Baltimore Road 4-1 after a fantastic team display. Bunratty travelled to Midleton and won a ten goal extravaganza 6-4 in Knockgriffin. Conor O'Driscoll scored 4 and Arron Barry grabbed a brace for the Schull side. Macroom ended Drinagh’s cup run in Cannon Crowley Park 3-1 while Durrus failed to field a team for the trip to Springfield Ramblers who were subsequently awarded a walkover.
Mayfield United ended Bunratty United’s interest in the competition in Town Park, Schull in November. The city side proved too strong for an under-strength United and ran out 5-3 winners. On the same day Skibbereen progressed to the last four of the Cork section following a superb 4-2 victory at home to Riverstown. Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy and Owen Collins found the net for Skibb in a famous win. The Baltimore Road club’s National Cup journey was finally ended by a star-studded Lakewood U12 outfit in December following a 3-2 defeat. Late goals from Sean Deasy and Stephen McCarthy proved immaterial but Skibb’s SFAI National Cup run turned out to be one of the highlights of a tremendous season for the West Cork club.
SuperValu U12 Play-Offs
The SuperValu U12 Play-Offs kicked off in April with Bunratty United edging Clonakilty AFC 3-2 following an ill-tempered affair in Town Park, Scull. Skibbereen proved too strong for Leeside in the opening round winning 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from the prolific Stephen McCarthy and a late effort from Mark Collins. The Inchigeela side were effectively knocked out of the Play-Offs following a 9-1 drubbing away to Bunratty in May with the mercurial Conor O’Driscoll weighing in with 4 of Bunratty’s total. Clonakilty AFC recovered from their defeat to Bunratty to overpower a disappointing Skibbereen side 5-2 in Ballyvackey. Jack O'Mahony notched a hat-trick while Jack Cowhig and Eoin Ryan completed the scoring for Clon. The final round of play-off fixtures saw Bunratty ravel to the Baltimore Road knowing a draw would be enough to capture the league title. Skibbereen had other ideas and ran out 8-4 winners after a tremendous game. Owen Collins (3), Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy (2 Pens) and Sean O'Donovan found the net for Skibb while Conor O'Driscoll (3) and Josh Pickett responded for a shell-shocked United. Clonakilty AFC’s expected win at home to Leeside (5-2) meant there was a three way tie for the U12 League Championship so another play-off group was needed to decide a winner from Clon AFC, Skibb and Bunratty.
SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders
Bunratty United and Skibbereen share thee points in the opening match of the SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders in Town Park Schull. A Fionn Hurley penalty cancelled out a Stephen McCarthy effort in a tight affair. Three days later Clonakilty AFC gained revenge over Bunratty United for their 5-2 defeat in the play-offs to record a hard fought 2-1 victory before a huge crowd in Ballyvackey. A last minute goal from Jack O’Mahony effectively knocked Bunratty out of the title race and set up a winner take all encounter with Skibbereen on the 19th of May. The destination of the title was finally decided following a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Baltimore Road Ground with Clon AFC grabbing a point away to Skibb to secure the U12 Championship. Goals from Eoin Ryan and a brace from Jack Cowhig brought the league crown back to Clonakilty following an unforgettable season for the Ballyvackey-based club.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Premier League Weekend That Was - Aug 23-24-25
After two rounds of the new Premier League season only title-contenders Liverpool and Chelsea can look back with a degree of satisfaction having maintained their 100% starts. Neither side had it easy this past weekend though thanks to the Herculean efforts of Middlesbrough and Wigan respectively.
Gareth Southgate's Boro bossed Liverpool all over the Anfield pitch for much of their Saturday afternoon encounter and took a deserved lead through the revitalised Mido (his second goal in as many games). The subsequent fight back from the home side represents a clear sign that Benitez's side may well have overcome their inconsistent home form which has blighted their title challenges in recent years. True, Carragher's leveller took a wicked deflection but Gerrard's winner was an effort of sheer class in front of an exultant Kop. You make our own luck in the Premier League and Benitez can take heart from the fact while Liverpool have failed to impress in their opening two matches they still have maximum points on the board. Should Middlesbrough continue to build on their excellent opening fortnight - utilising a more attack minded philosophy - then a top 10 finish or better is not beyond them this term.
When Wigan conceded an early goal to a beautifully flighted Deco free kick in the Sunday lunchtime kick off you would have expected the floodgates to open. Not so, Athletic didn't allow their heads to drop and put in a terrific performance which warranted at least a point. Palacios, Heskey and Bramble were the pick of Wigan's best players yet the Londoners held out for a hard earned 3 points. Chelsea have demonstrated two sides to the title credentials in the opening weekends of the new season. The 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth displayed their vast array of attacking talent in both midfield and attack while Sunday's 1-0 win at Wigan - whilst nowhere near as impressive as the weekend before - suggests they will give up few goals on their travels this campaign with a rock solid defence in front of the impressive Cech.
Arsenal came a cropper at Craven Cottage losing 1-0 to Roy Hodgson's new look side. Worryingly for the Gunners, even before falling behind, they looked a shadow of the side who easily won 3-0 at the same venue at the start of the year. Denilson and Eboue in midfield simply didn't work demonstrating Arsenal's over-reliance on the influence of the absent Fabregas. A new midfielder is simply a must-buy for Wenger before the transfer window is slammed shut with Xabi Alonso muted as a possible target. Even ex-Gunner Lee Dixon felt compelled to launch a scathing attack on Captain William Gallas and the current Arsenal side on Match of the Day2 on Sunday night. The former right back wasn't alone in his criticisms with Kenny Sansom also having a go on Setanta Sports News. Both are stunned at the perceived lack of leadership out on the pitch when Arsenal fall behind and they each see the North London giants falling further behind their title rivals unless a new change of attitude appears in the coming weeks.
The other North London Premier League club, Spurs, are in a sorry state following their second defeat in as many games on Saturday. Sunderland were good value for their 2-1 win at the Lane thanks to a late Cisse debut goal. Juande Ramos left want away striker Dimitar Berbatov out of the starting squad altogether citing the fact the Bulgarian wasn’t psychologically ready for the game. This statement generated thousands of column inches in the British tabloids over the weekend and the sooner the striker leaves for Manchester United the better. Thankfully there was at least one voice of reason amongst the utter drivel spouted form most of the key personnel at White Hart Lane following the defeat. England international and Spurs centre back Jonathan Woodgate told it like it is when he responded with a curt ‘bullsh*t’ to the question that the reason Spurs lost at the weekend due to the whole on-going Berbatov saga affecting the players. Such remarks need to be backed up by increased levels of performance as Spurs next assignment is a daunting away trip to Stamford Bridge.
Man United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Portsmouth in the Monday night game. A deflected Darren Fletcher effort earned the Red Devils their first win on the South Coast in three years. Sir Alex Ferguson's relief at seeing his side collect their first win of the season was palpable: “We played some excellent football tonight. This is a difficult place to come, so it is a bonus to come here and win”. With difficult away trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks 3 points was necessary and thanks to the magnificent Paul Scholes United edged the win. Elsewhere Hull City made it 4 points of out 6 thanks to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. A patchwork Everton were still too much for a hugely disappointing West Brom and Man City got their season back on track with Stephen Ireland impressing in a 3-0 rout of West ham following their 4-2 defeat away to Villa on the opening day. Stoke grabbed all the headlines following a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to an out of sorts Aston Villa. Tony Pulis' side will prove to be no pushover for any visiting side in the intimidating Britannia Stadium this season. Striker Ricardo Fuller looks a good signing culminating in his second goal in as many games on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate's Boro bossed Liverpool all over the Anfield pitch for much of their Saturday afternoon encounter and took a deserved lead through the revitalised Mido (his second goal in as many games). The subsequent fight back from the home side represents a clear sign that Benitez's side may well have overcome their inconsistent home form which has blighted their title challenges in recent years. True, Carragher's leveller took a wicked deflection but Gerrard's winner was an effort of sheer class in front of an exultant Kop. You make our own luck in the Premier League and Benitez can take heart from the fact while Liverpool have failed to impress in their opening two matches they still have maximum points on the board. Should Middlesbrough continue to build on their excellent opening fortnight - utilising a more attack minded philosophy - then a top 10 finish or better is not beyond them this term.
When Wigan conceded an early goal to a beautifully flighted Deco free kick in the Sunday lunchtime kick off you would have expected the floodgates to open. Not so, Athletic didn't allow their heads to drop and put in a terrific performance which warranted at least a point. Palacios, Heskey and Bramble were the pick of Wigan's best players yet the Londoners held out for a hard earned 3 points. Chelsea have demonstrated two sides to the title credentials in the opening weekends of the new season. The 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth displayed their vast array of attacking talent in both midfield and attack while Sunday's 1-0 win at Wigan - whilst nowhere near as impressive as the weekend before - suggests they will give up few goals on their travels this campaign with a rock solid defence in front of the impressive Cech.
Arsenal came a cropper at Craven Cottage losing 1-0 to Roy Hodgson's new look side. Worryingly for the Gunners, even before falling behind, they looked a shadow of the side who easily won 3-0 at the same venue at the start of the year. Denilson and Eboue in midfield simply didn't work demonstrating Arsenal's over-reliance on the influence of the absent Fabregas. A new midfielder is simply a must-buy for Wenger before the transfer window is slammed shut with Xabi Alonso muted as a possible target. Even ex-Gunner Lee Dixon felt compelled to launch a scathing attack on Captain William Gallas and the current Arsenal side on Match of the Day2 on Sunday night. The former right back wasn't alone in his criticisms with Kenny Sansom also having a go on Setanta Sports News. Both are stunned at the perceived lack of leadership out on the pitch when Arsenal fall behind and they each see the North London giants falling further behind their title rivals unless a new change of attitude appears in the coming weeks.
The other North London Premier League club, Spurs, are in a sorry state following their second defeat in as many games on Saturday. Sunderland were good value for their 2-1 win at the Lane thanks to a late Cisse debut goal. Juande Ramos left want away striker Dimitar Berbatov out of the starting squad altogether citing the fact the Bulgarian wasn’t psychologically ready for the game. This statement generated thousands of column inches in the British tabloids over the weekend and the sooner the striker leaves for Manchester United the better. Thankfully there was at least one voice of reason amongst the utter drivel spouted form most of the key personnel at White Hart Lane following the defeat. England international and Spurs centre back Jonathan Woodgate told it like it is when he responded with a curt ‘bullsh*t’ to the question that the reason Spurs lost at the weekend due to the whole on-going Berbatov saga affecting the players. Such remarks need to be backed up by increased levels of performance as Spurs next assignment is a daunting away trip to Stamford Bridge.
Man United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Portsmouth in the Monday night game. A deflected Darren Fletcher effort earned the Red Devils their first win on the South Coast in three years. Sir Alex Ferguson's relief at seeing his side collect their first win of the season was palpable: “We played some excellent football tonight. This is a difficult place to come, so it is a bonus to come here and win”. With difficult away trips to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks 3 points was necessary and thanks to the magnificent Paul Scholes United edged the win. Elsewhere Hull City made it 4 points of out 6 thanks to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. A patchwork Everton were still too much for a hugely disappointing West Brom and Man City got their season back on track with Stephen Ireland impressing in a 3-0 rout of West ham following their 4-2 defeat away to Villa on the opening day. Stoke grabbed all the headlines following a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to an out of sorts Aston Villa. Tony Pulis' side will prove to be no pushover for any visiting side in the intimidating Britannia Stadium this season. Striker Ricardo Fuller looks a good signing culminating in his second goal in as many games on Saturday.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Premier League Weekend That Was - Aug 17-18
The Premier League is back with a bang following a weekend of terrific goals, shoddy defending, huge crowds and no shortage of talking points. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea each enjoyed expected victories but an under strength Manchester United were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Chelsea put in the most impressive performance of the opening weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of a seemingly un-interested Portsmouth. Ballack, Lampard and Deco dove-tailed superbly in midfield in a dominant first 45 minutes which yielded three goals without reply. Phil Scolari was naturally pleased with his side's performance but made it clear in each of his media interviews afterwards that the 3 points was all that concerned him. It seemed an unusual yet direct response to Mr. Abramovich apparent demand for 'beautiful football' every week from his expensively assembled Chelsea side. Scolari's biggest challenge will involve keeping all of his highly paid stars happy for the remainder of the season. Regular first team players Drogba and Essien are on the verge of returning from injury which will pose an interesting selection headache for the Brazilian. Should Chelsea pull off a major transfer coup before the September 1st deadline (persistent Robinho and Kaka rumours refuse to go away) then the Blues will possess the most potent midfield in the Premier League and justify their tags as favourites to lift the title this term.
Manchester United looked a pale shadow of the all-conquering Premier and Champions League winning side of last season following a dull 1-1 draw at home to the Magpies. Shay Given made a string of world class saves but in truth shorn of the talents of Ronaldo and Tevez United never looked like clicking into top gear. The Red Devils had to rely on a fine Darren Fletcher finish to cancel out a Martins header two minutes before to secure a point. Sir Alex Ferguson will be well aware while it is only the first game of the season it is two points dropped and at home. United's squad looked stretched to the limit and the imminent arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Spurs can't happen soon enough. Poor results from a horrendous looking fixture list in the upcoming weeks (away to Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea) means United could well fall further behind their title main title rivals so early in the campaign.
The new look Spanish-Irish strike force of Torres and Keane at will need another couple of matches to gel following Liverpool's hard-earned 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Keane's main contribution was to inadvertently divert a goal bound effort from his strike partner. The Irish Captain looked none too pleased at being called ashore by Benitez but will have to get used to that scenario - such is the Spanish manager's penchant for squad rotation. It is a very different scenario from his previous four seasons at White Hart Lane where Keane was regularly the first name on the team sheet. Liverpool looked a far better side when Alonso was introduced and it was he who provided the pass for Torres to convert the only goal and one piece of true quality in the Stadium of Light. Roy Keane's Sunderland side has been bolstered by the additions of Tainio, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Diouf during the close season. The Black Cats should have enough quality to avoid a relegation scrap this season but will have to pick up points against the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Spurs to meet the demands of their manager and "progress on to the next level" in the Premier League.
Spurs 2-1 loss at the Riverside represented one of the most disappointing results of the weekend from a club tipped by many to challenge the top four this season. Dos Santos flitted in and out of the game, Modric was completely anonymous and Darren Bent a pale shadow of the free-scoring striker from pre-season. Spurs lack of cover in defence was cruelly exposed with makeshift right back Zokora and centre back Michael Dawson at fault for both Middlesbrough goals. It could turn out to be another season of false promise at White Hart Lane if Juande Ramos fails to replace both Keane and Berbatov before the transfer window shuts. A couple of new defenders wouldn't go amiss either with the injury prone Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate unlikely to be fit enough to feature in every league game.
Final word on the weekend must go to Hull who recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory at home to Fulham in their first ever Premier League game at a packed KC Stadium. Phil Brown is a highly respected coach having served for many years under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Brown has bought wisely during the close season and the acquisition of Giovanni from Manchester City could yet prove a master-stroke. There are tougher challenges ahead for the Tigers but 3 points from the opening day is a welcome return when you consider Derby County failed to manage a single win last season.
Chelsea put in the most impressive performance of the opening weekend with a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of a seemingly un-interested Portsmouth. Ballack, Lampard and Deco dove-tailed superbly in midfield in a dominant first 45 minutes which yielded three goals without reply. Phil Scolari was naturally pleased with his side's performance but made it clear in each of his media interviews afterwards that the 3 points was all that concerned him. It seemed an unusual yet direct response to Mr. Abramovich apparent demand for 'beautiful football' every week from his expensively assembled Chelsea side. Scolari's biggest challenge will involve keeping all of his highly paid stars happy for the remainder of the season. Regular first team players Drogba and Essien are on the verge of returning from injury which will pose an interesting selection headache for the Brazilian. Should Chelsea pull off a major transfer coup before the September 1st deadline (persistent Robinho and Kaka rumours refuse to go away) then the Blues will possess the most potent midfield in the Premier League and justify their tags as favourites to lift the title this term.
Manchester United looked a pale shadow of the all-conquering Premier and Champions League winning side of last season following a dull 1-1 draw at home to the Magpies. Shay Given made a string of world class saves but in truth shorn of the talents of Ronaldo and Tevez United never looked like clicking into top gear. The Red Devils had to rely on a fine Darren Fletcher finish to cancel out a Martins header two minutes before to secure a point. Sir Alex Ferguson will be well aware while it is only the first game of the season it is two points dropped and at home. United's squad looked stretched to the limit and the imminent arrival of Dimitar Berbatov from Spurs can't happen soon enough. Poor results from a horrendous looking fixture list in the upcoming weeks (away to Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea) means United could well fall further behind their title main title rivals so early in the campaign.
The new look Spanish-Irish strike force of Torres and Keane at will need another couple of matches to gel following Liverpool's hard-earned 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Keane's main contribution was to inadvertently divert a goal bound effort from his strike partner. The Irish Captain looked none too pleased at being called ashore by Benitez but will have to get used to that scenario - such is the Spanish manager's penchant for squad rotation. It is a very different scenario from his previous four seasons at White Hart Lane where Keane was regularly the first name on the team sheet. Liverpool looked a far better side when Alonso was introduced and it was he who provided the pass for Torres to convert the only goal and one piece of true quality in the Stadium of Light. Roy Keane's Sunderland side has been bolstered by the additions of Tainio, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Diouf during the close season. The Black Cats should have enough quality to avoid a relegation scrap this season but will have to pick up points against the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Spurs to meet the demands of their manager and "progress on to the next level" in the Premier League.
Spurs 2-1 loss at the Riverside represented one of the most disappointing results of the weekend from a club tipped by many to challenge the top four this season. Dos Santos flitted in and out of the game, Modric was completely anonymous and Darren Bent a pale shadow of the free-scoring striker from pre-season. Spurs lack of cover in defence was cruelly exposed with makeshift right back Zokora and centre back Michael Dawson at fault for both Middlesbrough goals. It could turn out to be another season of false promise at White Hart Lane if Juande Ramos fails to replace both Keane and Berbatov before the transfer window shuts. A couple of new defenders wouldn't go amiss either with the injury prone Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate unlikely to be fit enough to feature in every league game.
Final word on the weekend must go to Hull who recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory at home to Fulham in their first ever Premier League game at a packed KC Stadium. Phil Brown is a highly respected coach having served for many years under Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Brown has bought wisely during the close season and the acquisition of Giovanni from Manchester City could yet prove a master-stroke. There are tougher challenges ahead for the Tigers but 3 points from the opening day is a welcome return when you consider Derby County failed to manage a single win last season.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
West Cork Schoolobys U14 Cup 2007-08 Review
Skibbereen were crowned 2007-2008 West Cork Schoolboys U14 Cup winners following a 2-0 Cup final victory over Lyre Rovers before a huge crowd in Mullough, Dunmanway earlier this season.
The draw for the WCSL U14 cup created two first round ties between Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers as well as a local derby pitting Ballydehob against Bunratty United. The winners of the Clon AFC / Lyre encounter were drawn away to Togher Celtic in the quarter finals with Clonakilty Youths vs. Skibbereen, Riverside Athletic vs. Bay Rovers and Drinagh Rangers vs. the winners of the Ballydehob / Bunratty United first round tie completing the line-up. Skibbereen, Lyre Rovers and Bunratty United began their respective cup campaigns in style with comprehensive victories away from home on the 5th of January. Bunratty United clashed with local rivals Ballydehob in Rathravane in a first round tie and brushed the host's aside 7-1. The visitors were 4-1 up at the break and added three additional goals in a dominant second half to book a place in the last eight. Sean Evans was the best player on view and grabbed a hat-trick following a terrific individual display. Brendan Goggin added another two and further efforts from Adam Collins and Eddie Goggin completed an excellent afternoon's work for the visitors. Tadgh O'Mahony netted a consolation effort late on for the home side.
A brace of goals from Ethan Draper and a fine effort from Gearoid Barry earned Lyre Rovers a hard fought 3-1 victory away to Clonakilty AFC in the first round of the U14 Cup on the same day. Rovers were pushed all the way by a gallant Clonakilty side in an absorbing cup tie in which Tadgh Casey starred and scored the goal of the game with an incredible long range volley for the losers. The other U14 Cup tie played on the 5th of January saw Skibbereen record a one-sided 8-0 victory away to Clonakilty Youths in Ballyvackey to book a semi-final berth. Shane Hourihan broke the deadlock, Kevin Davis notched a brace and Dan MacEoin headed in from a corner to leave Skibb four up at the interval. The visitors continued their domination in the second half thanks to further goals from Rudi Henwood, Brendan O'Dwyer and two from Dan MacEoin to march into the final four in great confidence.
The three remaining quarter finals were completed back in February. On Saturday the 2nd Togher Celtic and Lyre Rovers played out a five goal thriller in Togher. Rovers came from 2-0 down to knock Celtic out in an enthralling quarter final tie. Mark Quinn put the hosts 1-0 ahead with a converted spot-kick. Daniel Twomey doubled Togher’s lead direct from a corner and it seemed Lyre were on their way out. To their credit, Rovers re-grouped and lead by the inspirational Kevin Cormican somehow fought back to clinch the unlikeliest of victories. James Hayes reduced the deficit and then Cormican slid in to equalise. Ethan Draper grabbed a winner soon afterwards and Lyre were through to the semi finals. The other quarter final tie played on the 2nd of Feb between Bay Rovers and Riverside matched the Lyre / Togher encounter for excitement and drama. A pulsating cup tie ended 3-3 after extra time so penalties were needed to decide the outcome. Alex Karkalas was the hero for Bay Rovers, saving the penultimate penalty and then Tom O’Sullivan netted to win the shootout 6-5 and send the Kealkil side into the last four. Bunratty completed the semi final line-up by knocking out the U14 Cup holders, Drinagh Rangers 2-0 on the 16th of February. The match turned out to be one of the games of the season at U14 level with both sides serving up a magnificent spectacle. The game finished scoreless so extra time was needed to separate the sides. Adam Collins converted a superb individual effort to break the deadlock and then Eddie Goggin made it 2-0 shortly afterwards to send Bunratty through to the semi finals.
March the 1st was the date for both U14 Cup semi finals and Skibbereen kicked off proceedings with a one-sided victory away to Bay Rovers. The Baltimore Road club completely outclassed a disappointing Rovers side with Brendan O'Dwyer (2), Rudi Henwood and Kevin Davis all scoring for the visitors. The day belonged to Skibb Captain, Dan MacEoin, who netted an astonishing 5 times to send his side through to the final. The second semi proved a much closer affair with Lyre knocking out the much-fancied Bunratty after a tremendous 2-1 victory in Knockskeagh. James Hayes sprung the United offside trap to put the hosts 1-0 up. Bunratty fought back and deservedly equalised through a cracking Eddie Goggin effort. Kevin Cormican crossed and Scott Sheehan slid in to bury the ball into the net to make it 2-1 late on and Lyre were in the final.
The U14 Cup final took place on the 22nd of March and the top two ranked sides in the U14 division served up a wonderful match befitting such a prestigious occasion. Lyre Rovers dominated possession but lead by their inspirational Captain, Dan MacEoin, the Baltimore Road club demonstrated their undoubted class. Skibb scored twice in the second half to claim the U14 Cup trophy for the first time in a decade. Dan MacEoin curled a free kick into the penalty area for Jason Minihane to guide a fantastic header to put Skibb 1-0 ahead. MacEoin converted a re-taken 50th minute penalty to seal a memorable victory.
SuperValu WCSL U14 Cup 2007-08 Results:
1st Round: Ballydehob 1 Bunratty United 7, Clonakilty AFC 1 Lyre Rovers 3.
Quarter Finals: Togher Celtic 2 Lyre Rovers 3, Clonakilty Youths 0 Skibbereen 8, Riverside Athletic 3 Bay Rovers 3 * aet Bay won 6-5 on penalties, Drinagh Rangers 0 Bunratty United 2.
Semi Finals: Lyre Rovers 2 Bunratty United 1, Bay Rovers 0 Skibbereen 9.
U14 Cup Final: Lyre Rovers 0 Skibbereen 2.
The draw for the WCSL U14 cup created two first round ties between Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers as well as a local derby pitting Ballydehob against Bunratty United. The winners of the Clon AFC / Lyre encounter were drawn away to Togher Celtic in the quarter finals with Clonakilty Youths vs. Skibbereen, Riverside Athletic vs. Bay Rovers and Drinagh Rangers vs. the winners of the Ballydehob / Bunratty United first round tie completing the line-up. Skibbereen, Lyre Rovers and Bunratty United began their respective cup campaigns in style with comprehensive victories away from home on the 5th of January. Bunratty United clashed with local rivals Ballydehob in Rathravane in a first round tie and brushed the host's aside 7-1. The visitors were 4-1 up at the break and added three additional goals in a dominant second half to book a place in the last eight. Sean Evans was the best player on view and grabbed a hat-trick following a terrific individual display. Brendan Goggin added another two and further efforts from Adam Collins and Eddie Goggin completed an excellent afternoon's work for the visitors. Tadgh O'Mahony netted a consolation effort late on for the home side.
A brace of goals from Ethan Draper and a fine effort from Gearoid Barry earned Lyre Rovers a hard fought 3-1 victory away to Clonakilty AFC in the first round of the U14 Cup on the same day. Rovers were pushed all the way by a gallant Clonakilty side in an absorbing cup tie in which Tadgh Casey starred and scored the goal of the game with an incredible long range volley for the losers. The other U14 Cup tie played on the 5th of January saw Skibbereen record a one-sided 8-0 victory away to Clonakilty Youths in Ballyvackey to book a semi-final berth. Shane Hourihan broke the deadlock, Kevin Davis notched a brace and Dan MacEoin headed in from a corner to leave Skibb four up at the interval. The visitors continued their domination in the second half thanks to further goals from Rudi Henwood, Brendan O'Dwyer and two from Dan MacEoin to march into the final four in great confidence.
The three remaining quarter finals were completed back in February. On Saturday the 2nd Togher Celtic and Lyre Rovers played out a five goal thriller in Togher. Rovers came from 2-0 down to knock Celtic out in an enthralling quarter final tie. Mark Quinn put the hosts 1-0 ahead with a converted spot-kick. Daniel Twomey doubled Togher’s lead direct from a corner and it seemed Lyre were on their way out. To their credit, Rovers re-grouped and lead by the inspirational Kevin Cormican somehow fought back to clinch the unlikeliest of victories. James Hayes reduced the deficit and then Cormican slid in to equalise. Ethan Draper grabbed a winner soon afterwards and Lyre were through to the semi finals. The other quarter final tie played on the 2nd of Feb between Bay Rovers and Riverside matched the Lyre / Togher encounter for excitement and drama. A pulsating cup tie ended 3-3 after extra time so penalties were needed to decide the outcome. Alex Karkalas was the hero for Bay Rovers, saving the penultimate penalty and then Tom O’Sullivan netted to win the shootout 6-5 and send the Kealkil side into the last four. Bunratty completed the semi final line-up by knocking out the U14 Cup holders, Drinagh Rangers 2-0 on the 16th of February. The match turned out to be one of the games of the season at U14 level with both sides serving up a magnificent spectacle. The game finished scoreless so extra time was needed to separate the sides. Adam Collins converted a superb individual effort to break the deadlock and then Eddie Goggin made it 2-0 shortly afterwards to send Bunratty through to the semi finals.
March the 1st was the date for both U14 Cup semi finals and Skibbereen kicked off proceedings with a one-sided victory away to Bay Rovers. The Baltimore Road club completely outclassed a disappointing Rovers side with Brendan O'Dwyer (2), Rudi Henwood and Kevin Davis all scoring for the visitors. The day belonged to Skibb Captain, Dan MacEoin, who netted an astonishing 5 times to send his side through to the final. The second semi proved a much closer affair with Lyre knocking out the much-fancied Bunratty after a tremendous 2-1 victory in Knockskeagh. James Hayes sprung the United offside trap to put the hosts 1-0 up. Bunratty fought back and deservedly equalised through a cracking Eddie Goggin effort. Kevin Cormican crossed and Scott Sheehan slid in to bury the ball into the net to make it 2-1 late on and Lyre were in the final.
The U14 Cup final took place on the 22nd of March and the top two ranked sides in the U14 division served up a wonderful match befitting such a prestigious occasion. Lyre Rovers dominated possession but lead by their inspirational Captain, Dan MacEoin, the Baltimore Road club demonstrated their undoubted class. Skibb scored twice in the second half to claim the U14 Cup trophy for the first time in a decade. Dan MacEoin curled a free kick into the penalty area for Jason Minihane to guide a fantastic header to put Skibb 1-0 ahead. MacEoin converted a re-taken 50th minute penalty to seal a memorable victory.
SuperValu WCSL U14 Cup 2007-08 Results:
1st Round: Ballydehob 1 Bunratty United 7, Clonakilty AFC 1 Lyre Rovers 3.
Quarter Finals: Togher Celtic 2 Lyre Rovers 3, Clonakilty Youths 0 Skibbereen 8, Riverside Athletic 3 Bay Rovers 3 * aet Bay won 6-5 on penalties, Drinagh Rangers 0 Bunratty United 2.
Semi Finals: Lyre Rovers 2 Bunratty United 1, Bay Rovers 0 Skibbereen 9.
U14 Cup Final: Lyre Rovers 0 Skibbereen 2.
West Cork Schoolobys U16 Cup 2007-08 Review
Togher Celtic made up for the heartbreak of missing out on the U16 league title by deservedly lifting the 2007-08 West Cork Schoolboys U16 Cup following a hard fought 1-0 final victory over Skibbereen.
10 teams entered the Cup competition with Bay Rovers and Bunratty United drawn together in the only opening round fixture. Lyre Rovers would meet the winners in the quarter finals with Clonakilty AFC vs. Leeside, Skibbereen vs. Drinagh Rangers and Riverside Athletic vs. Togher Celtic completing the draw. The inclement weather at the beginning of the year played havoc with the fixture list until the tournament ended on the 5th of April with Skibb and Togher meeting in the showpiece final in Mullough.
The U16 Cup began on the 12th of January with a quarter final between Skibb and Drinagh Rangers the only fixture to survive a weekend of horrendous weather. What a cup tie it turned out to be with extra time failing to split two evenly matched sides. The weather was atrocious throughout with a gale force wind and driving rain making attractive football difficult until Skibb broke the deadlock just before the break when Darragh Leonard netted to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Rangers used the wind to good effect in the second period with Gavin Connolly netting from 15 yards to level the tie at 1-1. Drinagh made it 2-1 shortly afterwards when Connolly set up Brian Hurley to score. Skibbereen pushed every player forward in search of a goal and were rewarded with a dramatic equaliser deep into injury time. Jonathan Davis reacted quickest after a goalmouth scramble to stab the ball home and take the game into extra time. There was no further scoring in the additional period so penalties were required to decide the outcome. The shoot-out went to sudden death (5-5) before Danny O'Donovan converted to put the home side 6-5 ahead. Donnagh McCarthy saved Drinagh's next spot kick to send the Skibbereen team into the semi finals.
Bunratty United knocked out Bay Rovers 5-1 in a re-arranged first round tie in Kealkil on the 26th of January. Goals from Jack Twomey, Cormac Wholley, Eddie Goggin and a brace from Sean Evans earned United their place in the quarter finals. Alan Thomas scored Rovers solitary goal. On the same afternoon Togher Celtic travelled to Balineen to face Riverside Athletic in a local derby. Celtic were pushed all the way by the eventual League winners but emerged with a 2-0 win to qualify for the semi finals. Strikes in either half from Fin Collins and David Collins booked Togher’s place in the final four. Leeside caused a minor upset when the Inchigeela outfit knocked Clonakilty AFC out of the Cup with a well deserved 4-2 quarter final victory in Ballyvackey. The visitors hit the front after 19 minutes when Ben Shorten crossed for Sean O’Leary to steal in and finish confidently from 10 yards. Cian Dineen made it 2-0 when the Leeside midfielder sprinted clear of the Clon defence and slotted home. Clon refused to lie down and pulled one back through Conor McKahey after a frantic goalmouth scramble. The Inchigeela side were not to be denied and extended their lead on the hour mark when Kevin Manning netted. The visitors made sure of the victory late in the game when David Hourihane raced clear and slipped the ball into the net. There was still time for a late consolation from Clonakilty when Eoin Feen scored with an incredible 30 yard lob. Bunratty United travelled to Knockskeagh and defeated Lyre Rovers 3-1 in the last of the quarter final ties. The visitors took an early lead through a Jack Twomey penalty and doubled their advantage shortly before the break with another Twomey effort. Lyre fought back valiantly and pulled one back with a long range Ethan Draper free kick until Bunratty pounced to seal their victory in the dying seconds through a Sonny O'Regan effort.
Skibbereen defeated Leeside 2-0 to qualify for the U16 Cup final in a wind-swept Baltimore road on the 8th of March. Leeside goalkeeper, Shane Galvin, put in a man of the match display with a string of world class saves but couldn’t prevent the cup holders from progressing. An own goal and a late Ger Minihane effort propelled Skibbereen into the final despite an un-inspiring performance. Togher Celtic defeated Bunratty United 4-1 in the second semi final in Togher on the 22nd of March. Celtic’s Diarmuid O'Brien scored the only goal of the first half. Fintan Collins added a second on the hour mark but Bunratty United responded well and pulled a goal back 5 minutes later. The Togher defence held firm and Celtic made sure of the victory with two late goals from Declan Coughlan and Brian O'Sullivan to seal a memorable win.
The WCSL U16 Cup final took place on the 5th of April on the immaculate playing surface in Mullough, Dunmanway between (holders) Skibbereen and Togher Celtic. A solitary strike from ace marksman, Declan Coughlan, won the coveted trophy for Togher after an open, entertaining encounter. In the 22nd minute Cian O'Mahony's superb run and cross was met by a fantastic first-time volley from the in-rushing Coughlan who gave the Skibb goalkeeper no chance with a stunning finish. It was a goal worthy of winning any cup final and despite a gallant fight-back from Skibbereen Togher Celtic eventually ran out deserving winners to claim the SuperValu WCSL U16 Cup for the 2007-08 campaign.
SuperValu WCSL U16 Cup 2007-08 Results:
1st Round: Bay Rovers 1 Bunratty United 5.
Quarter Finals: Clonakilty AFC 2 Leeside 4, Skibbereen 2 Drinagh Rangers 2 (aet Skibb won 6-5 on penalties), Riverside Athletic 0 Togher Celtic 2, Lyre Rovers 1 Bunratty United 3.
Semi Finals: Togher Celtic 4 Bunratty United 1, Skibbereen 2 Leeside 0.
U16 Cup Final: Togher Celtic 1 Skibbereen 0.
10 teams entered the Cup competition with Bay Rovers and Bunratty United drawn together in the only opening round fixture. Lyre Rovers would meet the winners in the quarter finals with Clonakilty AFC vs. Leeside, Skibbereen vs. Drinagh Rangers and Riverside Athletic vs. Togher Celtic completing the draw. The inclement weather at the beginning of the year played havoc with the fixture list until the tournament ended on the 5th of April with Skibb and Togher meeting in the showpiece final in Mullough.
The U16 Cup began on the 12th of January with a quarter final between Skibb and Drinagh Rangers the only fixture to survive a weekend of horrendous weather. What a cup tie it turned out to be with extra time failing to split two evenly matched sides. The weather was atrocious throughout with a gale force wind and driving rain making attractive football difficult until Skibb broke the deadlock just before the break when Darragh Leonard netted to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Rangers used the wind to good effect in the second period with Gavin Connolly netting from 15 yards to level the tie at 1-1. Drinagh made it 2-1 shortly afterwards when Connolly set up Brian Hurley to score. Skibbereen pushed every player forward in search of a goal and were rewarded with a dramatic equaliser deep into injury time. Jonathan Davis reacted quickest after a goalmouth scramble to stab the ball home and take the game into extra time. There was no further scoring in the additional period so penalties were required to decide the outcome. The shoot-out went to sudden death (5-5) before Danny O'Donovan converted to put the home side 6-5 ahead. Donnagh McCarthy saved Drinagh's next spot kick to send the Skibbereen team into the semi finals.
Bunratty United knocked out Bay Rovers 5-1 in a re-arranged first round tie in Kealkil on the 26th of January. Goals from Jack Twomey, Cormac Wholley, Eddie Goggin and a brace from Sean Evans earned United their place in the quarter finals. Alan Thomas scored Rovers solitary goal. On the same afternoon Togher Celtic travelled to Balineen to face Riverside Athletic in a local derby. Celtic were pushed all the way by the eventual League winners but emerged with a 2-0 win to qualify for the semi finals. Strikes in either half from Fin Collins and David Collins booked Togher’s place in the final four. Leeside caused a minor upset when the Inchigeela outfit knocked Clonakilty AFC out of the Cup with a well deserved 4-2 quarter final victory in Ballyvackey. The visitors hit the front after 19 minutes when Ben Shorten crossed for Sean O’Leary to steal in and finish confidently from 10 yards. Cian Dineen made it 2-0 when the Leeside midfielder sprinted clear of the Clon defence and slotted home. Clon refused to lie down and pulled one back through Conor McKahey after a frantic goalmouth scramble. The Inchigeela side were not to be denied and extended their lead on the hour mark when Kevin Manning netted. The visitors made sure of the victory late in the game when David Hourihane raced clear and slipped the ball into the net. There was still time for a late consolation from Clonakilty when Eoin Feen scored with an incredible 30 yard lob. Bunratty United travelled to Knockskeagh and defeated Lyre Rovers 3-1 in the last of the quarter final ties. The visitors took an early lead through a Jack Twomey penalty and doubled their advantage shortly before the break with another Twomey effort. Lyre fought back valiantly and pulled one back with a long range Ethan Draper free kick until Bunratty pounced to seal their victory in the dying seconds through a Sonny O'Regan effort.
Skibbereen defeated Leeside 2-0 to qualify for the U16 Cup final in a wind-swept Baltimore road on the 8th of March. Leeside goalkeeper, Shane Galvin, put in a man of the match display with a string of world class saves but couldn’t prevent the cup holders from progressing. An own goal and a late Ger Minihane effort propelled Skibbereen into the final despite an un-inspiring performance. Togher Celtic defeated Bunratty United 4-1 in the second semi final in Togher on the 22nd of March. Celtic’s Diarmuid O'Brien scored the only goal of the first half. Fintan Collins added a second on the hour mark but Bunratty United responded well and pulled a goal back 5 minutes later. The Togher defence held firm and Celtic made sure of the victory with two late goals from Declan Coughlan and Brian O'Sullivan to seal a memorable win.
The WCSL U16 Cup final took place on the 5th of April on the immaculate playing surface in Mullough, Dunmanway between (holders) Skibbereen and Togher Celtic. A solitary strike from ace marksman, Declan Coughlan, won the coveted trophy for Togher after an open, entertaining encounter. In the 22nd minute Cian O'Mahony's superb run and cross was met by a fantastic first-time volley from the in-rushing Coughlan who gave the Skibb goalkeeper no chance with a stunning finish. It was a goal worthy of winning any cup final and despite a gallant fight-back from Skibbereen Togher Celtic eventually ran out deserving winners to claim the SuperValu WCSL U16 Cup for the 2007-08 campaign.
SuperValu WCSL U16 Cup 2007-08 Results:
1st Round: Bay Rovers 1 Bunratty United 5.
Quarter Finals: Clonakilty AFC 2 Leeside 4, Skibbereen 2 Drinagh Rangers 2 (aet Skibb won 6-5 on penalties), Riverside Athletic 0 Togher Celtic 2, Lyre Rovers 1 Bunratty United 3.
Semi Finals: Togher Celtic 4 Bunratty United 1, Skibbereen 2 Leeside 0.
U16 Cup Final: Togher Celtic 1 Skibbereen 0.
West Cork Schoolobys U12 League 2007-08 Review
Clonakilty AFC deservedly lifted the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U12 crown after topping a second play-off ‘group of death’ ahead of Skibbereen and Bunratty United.
SuperValu U12 League
The 2007-08 SuperValu U12 league season saw fourteen teams split into two groups with the top two ranked sides in each group progressing to the SuperValu U12 Play-Offs to decide the destination of the league title. Clonakilty AFC dominated Group1, topping the table with 10 wins from their 12 matches and qualifying for the play-offs in confident fashion. The battle for the second play-off berth was surprisingly won by Leeside who edged out the much-fancied Durrus by two points. Durrus recovered from the disappointment of missing the play-offs to eventually win the U12 Shield tournament by the end of the season. Lyre Rovers, Bay Rovers and Drinagh Rangers each enjoyed decent runs in Group1 but were never consistent enough to mount a serious challenge. Ardfield - playing at U12 level for the first time - found the going extremely tough but battled courageously in every game and proved a credit to their club. U12 Group2 transpired as expected with both Bunratty United and Skibbereen qualifying for the play-offs but not before league debutantes, Dunmanway Town, came mightily close to forcing their way into the top two. The Mullough club topped the table for much of the season but crucially ran out of steam towards the end of the group. Third place is still a remarkable result in Dunmanway’s inaugural season. Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic failed to mount a sustained challenge and finished mid-table. Clonakilty Youths were outclassed in many of their games while Harbour United folded only two weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
The early stages of the West Cork Schoolboys U12 League season saw no less than six clubs enter the Preliminary rounds of the SFAI National Cup competition. Clonakilty AFC fell at the first hurdle at home to Corinthian Boys ‘A’ 5-3 in an eight goal thriller. The five remaining WCSL clubs fared much better with Durrus defeating Park United 4-1 and Bunratty United knocking out Everton 4-0. Drinagh Rangers accounted for Togher 3-1 in an all WCSL tie with goals from Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan earning the home side a deserved victory. Skibbereen recorded the most impressive preliminary round triumph of all the West Cork sides, travelling to Cork and knocking out Crosshaven 4-3. The first round of SFAI matches took place in October with Skibbereen and Bunratty each recording notable wins. Skibb knocked out Rockmount in the Baltimore Road 4-1 after a fantastic team display. Bunratty travelled to Midleton and won a ten goal extravaganza 6-4 in Knockgriffin. Conor O'Driscoll scored 4 and Arron Barry grabbed a brace for the Schull side. Macroom ended Drinagh’s cup run in Cannon Crowley Park 3-1 while Durrus failed to field a team for the trip to Springfield Ramblers who were subsequently awarded a walkover.
Mayfield United ended Bunratty United’s interest in the competition in Town Park, Schull in November. The city side proved too strong for an under-strength United and ran out 5-3 winners. On the same day Skibbereen progressed to the last four of the Cork section following a superb 4-2 victory at home to Riverstown. Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy and Owen Collins found the net for Skibb in a famous win. The Baltimore Road club’s National Cup journey was finally ended by a star-studded Lakewood U12 outfit in December following a 3-2 defeat. Late goals from Sean Deasy and Stephen McCarthy proved immaterial but Skibb’s SFAI National Cup run turned out to be one of the highlights of a tremendous season for the West Cork club.
SuperValu U12 Play-Offs
The SuperValu U12 Play-Offs kicked off in April with Bunratty United edging Clonakilty AFC 3-2 following an ill-tempered affair in Town Park, Scull. Skibbereen proved too strong for Leeside in the opening round winning 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from the prolific Stephen McCarthy and a late effort from Mark Collins. The Inchigeela side were effectively knocked out of the Play-Offs following a 9-1 drubbing away to Bunratty in May with the mercurial Conor O’Driscoll weighing in with 4 of Bunratty’s total. Clonakilty AFC recovered from their defeat to Bunratty to overpower a disappointing Skibbereen side 5-2 in Ballyvackey. Jack O'Mahony notched a hat-trick while Jack Cowhig and Eoin Ryan completed the scoring for Clon. The final round of play-off fixtures saw Bunratty ravel to the Baltimore Road knowing a draw would be enough to capture the league title. Skibbereen had other ideas and ran out 8-4 winners after a tremendous game. Owen Collins (3), Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy (2 Pens) and Sean O'Donovan found the net for Skibb while Conor O'Driscoll (3) and Josh Pickett responded for a shell-shocked United. Clonakilty AFC’s expected win at home to Leeside (5-2) meant there was a three way tie for the U12 League Championship so another play-off group was needed to decide a winner from Clon AFC, Skibb and Bunratty.
SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders
Bunratty United and Skibbereen share thee points in the opening match of the SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders in Town Park Schull. A Fionn Hurley penalty cancelled out a Stephen McCarthy effort in a tight affair. Three days later Clonakilty AFC gained revenge over Bunratty United for their 5-2 defeat in the play-offs to record a hard fought 2-1 victory before a huge crowd in Ballyvackey. A last minute goal from Jack O’Mahony effectively knocked Bunratty out of the title race and set up a winner take all encounter with Skibbereen on the 19th of May. The destination of the title was finally decided following a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Baltimore Road Ground with Clon AFC grabbing a point away to Skibb to secure the U12 Championship. Goals from Eoin Ryan and a brace from Jack Cowhig brought the league crown back to Clonakilty following an unforgettable season for the Ballyvackey-based club.
SuperValu U12 League
The 2007-08 SuperValu U12 league season saw fourteen teams split into two groups with the top two ranked sides in each group progressing to the SuperValu U12 Play-Offs to decide the destination of the league title. Clonakilty AFC dominated Group1, topping the table with 10 wins from their 12 matches and qualifying for the play-offs in confident fashion. The battle for the second play-off berth was surprisingly won by Leeside who edged out the much-fancied Durrus by two points. Durrus recovered from the disappointment of missing the play-offs to eventually win the U12 Shield tournament by the end of the season. Lyre Rovers, Bay Rovers and Drinagh Rangers each enjoyed decent runs in Group1 but were never consistent enough to mount a serious challenge. Ardfield - playing at U12 level for the first time - found the going extremely tough but battled courageously in every game and proved a credit to their club. U12 Group2 transpired as expected with both Bunratty United and Skibbereen qualifying for the play-offs but not before league debutantes, Dunmanway Town, came mightily close to forcing their way into the top two. The Mullough club topped the table for much of the season but crucially ran out of steam towards the end of the group. Third place is still a remarkable result in Dunmanway’s inaugural season. Riverside Athletic and Togher Celtic failed to mount a sustained challenge and finished mid-table. Clonakilty Youths were outclassed in many of their games while Harbour United folded only two weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
The early stages of the West Cork Schoolboys U12 League season saw no less than six clubs enter the Preliminary rounds of the SFAI National Cup competition. Clonakilty AFC fell at the first hurdle at home to Corinthian Boys ‘A’ 5-3 in an eight goal thriller. The five remaining WCSL clubs fared much better with Durrus defeating Park United 4-1 and Bunratty United knocking out Everton 4-0. Drinagh Rangers accounted for Togher 3-1 in an all WCSL tie with goals from Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan earning the home side a deserved victory. Skibbereen recorded the most impressive preliminary round triumph of all the West Cork sides, travelling to Cork and knocking out Crosshaven 4-3. The first round of SFAI matches took place in October with Skibbereen and Bunratty each recording notable wins. Skibb knocked out Rockmount in the Baltimore Road 4-1 after a fantastic team display. Bunratty travelled to Midleton and won a ten goal extravaganza 6-4 in Knockgriffin. Conor O'Driscoll scored 4 and Arron Barry grabbed a brace for the Schull side. Macroom ended Drinagh’s cup run in Cannon Crowley Park 3-1 while Durrus failed to field a team for the trip to Springfield Ramblers who were subsequently awarded a walkover.
Mayfield United ended Bunratty United’s interest in the competition in Town Park, Schull in November. The city side proved too strong for an under-strength United and ran out 5-3 winners. On the same day Skibbereen progressed to the last four of the Cork section following a superb 4-2 victory at home to Riverstown. Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy and Owen Collins found the net for Skibb in a famous win. The Baltimore Road club’s National Cup journey was finally ended by a star-studded Lakewood U12 outfit in December following a 3-2 defeat. Late goals from Sean Deasy and Stephen McCarthy proved immaterial but Skibb’s SFAI National Cup run turned out to be one of the highlights of a tremendous season for the West Cork club.
SuperValu U12 Play-Offs
The SuperValu U12 Play-Offs kicked off in April with Bunratty United edging Clonakilty AFC 3-2 following an ill-tempered affair in Town Park, Scull. Skibbereen proved too strong for Leeside in the opening round winning 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from the prolific Stephen McCarthy and a late effort from Mark Collins. The Inchigeela side were effectively knocked out of the Play-Offs following a 9-1 drubbing away to Bunratty in May with the mercurial Conor O’Driscoll weighing in with 4 of Bunratty’s total. Clonakilty AFC recovered from their defeat to Bunratty to overpower a disappointing Skibbereen side 5-2 in Ballyvackey. Jack O'Mahony notched a hat-trick while Jack Cowhig and Eoin Ryan completed the scoring for Clon. The final round of play-off fixtures saw Bunratty ravel to the Baltimore Road knowing a draw would be enough to capture the league title. Skibbereen had other ideas and ran out 8-4 winners after a tremendous game. Owen Collins (3), Stephen McCarthy (2), Sean Deasy (2 Pens) and Sean O'Donovan found the net for Skibb while Conor O'Driscoll (3) and Josh Pickett responded for a shell-shocked United. Clonakilty AFC’s expected win at home to Leeside (5-2) meant there was a three way tie for the U12 League Championship so another play-off group was needed to decide a winner from Clon AFC, Skibb and Bunratty.
SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders
Bunratty United and Skibbereen share thee points in the opening match of the SuperValu U12 Play-Off Deciders in Town Park Schull. A Fionn Hurley penalty cancelled out a Stephen McCarthy effort in a tight affair. Three days later Clonakilty AFC gained revenge over Bunratty United for their 5-2 defeat in the play-offs to record a hard fought 2-1 victory before a huge crowd in Ballyvackey. A last minute goal from Jack O’Mahony effectively knocked Bunratty out of the title race and set up a winner take all encounter with Skibbereen on the 19th of May. The destination of the title was finally decided following a pulsating 3-3 draw in the Baltimore Road Ground with Clon AFC grabbing a point away to Skibb to secure the U12 Championship. Goals from Eoin Ryan and a brace from Jack Cowhig brought the league crown back to Clonakilty following an unforgettable season for the Ballyvackey-based club.
WCSL 2007-08 U14 League Review
Lyre Rovers rounded off a terrific year for the Knockskeagh club by defeating Togher Celtic 4-1 in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 10th of May to lift the SuperValu U14 League title.
SuperValu U14 League
The WCSL U14 League kicked off back in September with 11 clubs vying for the SuperValu U14 League title. The top four ranked clubs then moved forward to the SuperValu Play-Offs to decide the eventual Champions in a round-robin tournament. Skibbereen topped the league table at the end of March with 9 wins and 1 draw after an extraordinary season. Lyre Rovers finished only 4 points behind the Baltimore Road club with Bunratty United and Togher Celtic rounding off the Play-Off berths. Riverside Athletic and Bay Rovers were disappointed to miss the play-offs by only a single point despite each club enjoying decent league campaigns. Drinagh Rangers finished a disappointing 7th for the Cannon Crowley Park club who had won the U14 double the season before. Rangers still managed to enjoy a decent run in the SFAI National Cup and deservedly lifted the SuperValu U14 Shield in May. Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths and newcomers Ballydehob found the going tough and finished in the bottom half of the league while Harbour United folded only a few weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
One of the highlights of the 2007-08 campaign turned out to be both Skibbereen and Drinagh Rangers U14’s remarkable run in the SFAI National Cup. In September’s Preliminary Round Greenwood knocked out a gallant Ballydehob (3-0), Ardmore defeated Clonakilty AFC and Ringmahon accounted for Togher Celtic. The WCSL enjoyed opening round success with Drinagh overcoming the challenge of Springfield Ramblers (4-1), Skibbereen travelling to Inishvilla and winning a 5 goal thriller (3-2), while Bay Rovers and Bunratty United accounted for Glounthaune United (3-1) and Castleview (4-1) respectively.
Kilreen Celtic brought an end to Bunratty United’s run on October 20th following a 4-2 victory in Schull. Bay Rovers were also eliminated at the first round stage with Rockmount scoring 4 times without reply in Kealkil. It was left to Skibbereen and Drinagh to fly the flag for West Cork with the Baltimore Road side recording an emphatic 7-0 win away to Ardmore and Drinagh picking up a memorable 2-1 victory away to Greenwood. Round 3 of the SFAI National cup saw Skibbereen continue their marvellous run with a 6-0 demolition of Buttevant. Drinagh Rangers were finally knocked out after 3-1 defeat to Corinthian Boys in Cannon Crowley Park. Skibbereen’s extraordinary odyssey in the National Cup finally came to halt on the 15th of December when the visiting Ballincollig proved too strong for an under-strength West Cork outfit (4-1). Overall, the West Cork Schoolboys League sides proved more than a match for most CSL opposition throughout the early rounds of the U14 National Cup. The collective 2007-08 performances are hugely encouraging heading into the upcoming 2008-09 National Cup competitions.
SuperValu U14 Play-Offs
Lyre Rovers entertained Bunratty United in the opening match of the SuperValu U14 Play-Offs on April 12th. The host produced a blistering display to upset the favourites from Schull (5-2). Kevin Cormican and Eoin Hartnett each weighed in with braces while Ethan Draper added a fifth for the home side. Eddie Goggin replied with two goals for a depleted Bunratty. Togher Celtic repeated the same 5-2 score-line at home to Skibbereen a week later in Togher. Mark Quinn notched a hat-trick with Daniel Twomey and David O’Brien completing the scoring in a memorable win for Celtic. A shell-shocked Skibbereen’s goals came from Dan MacEoin and Kevin Davis.
The second round of U14 Play-Off fixtures took place on Saturday the 26th of April with Lyre and Togher repeating their opening day heroics. Lyre Rovers defeated Skibbereen 4-2 in a six goal thriller in Knockskeagh. The match turned out to be one of the games of the season at U14 level with two fully committed sides playing superb football throughout and each contributing to a magnificent spectacle. Kevin Davis beat John Leahy to a long ball into the Lyre penalty area and headed into the net for an early 1-0 Skibbereen lead. James Hayes levelled for the hosts before expertly chipping the Skibbereen goalkeeper from the tightest of angles to put the home side 2-1 up at the interval. Ethan Draper sent an unstoppable 25 free-kick into the top corner of the net for a remarkable goal and a 3-1 lead five minutes after the break. Dan MacEoin brought it back to 3-2 before James Hayes grabbed his hat-trick to end an exciting encounter. On the same day Togher travelled to Schull and came away with all 3 points in a pulsating 2-1 victory over Bunratty United. Gavin McEntaggart put Bunratty 1-0 ahead but Shane Cotter equalised and Maurice Murphy won the game with a late header to setup a home clash with Lyre Rovers to decide the outcome of the U14 League title.
Togher and Lyre played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Togher on the 5th of May. The result meant the two sides would have to square up once again to decide the U14 title as both teams finished level on points joint-top of the SuperValu U14 Play-Off table. Daniel Twomey put Togher ahead only for Ethan Draper to equalise from the penalty spot just before half time in what turned out to be a tense match.
SuperValu U14 Decider
Rovers finally got their hands on the coveted league trophy following a well deserved 4-1 victory over Togher in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 11th of May. Togher grabbed the lead against the run of play with the lively Mark Quinn netting. Rovers demonstrated their undoubted talent and resolve to fight back and score 4 times to secure the U14 league crown. James Hayes (2), Scott Sheehan and Kevin Cormican each netted to bring the SuperValu U14 League title to Knockskeagh for the first time in the club’s history.
SuperValu U14 League
The WCSL U14 League kicked off back in September with 11 clubs vying for the SuperValu U14 League title. The top four ranked clubs then moved forward to the SuperValu Play-Offs to decide the eventual Champions in a round-robin tournament. Skibbereen topped the league table at the end of March with 9 wins and 1 draw after an extraordinary season. Lyre Rovers finished only 4 points behind the Baltimore Road club with Bunratty United and Togher Celtic rounding off the Play-Off berths. Riverside Athletic and Bay Rovers were disappointed to miss the play-offs by only a single point despite each club enjoying decent league campaigns. Drinagh Rangers finished a disappointing 7th for the Cannon Crowley Park club who had won the U14 double the season before. Rangers still managed to enjoy a decent run in the SFAI National Cup and deservedly lifted the SuperValu U14 Shield in May. Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths and newcomers Ballydehob found the going tough and finished in the bottom half of the league while Harbour United folded only a few weeks into the season.
SFAI National Cups
One of the highlights of the 2007-08 campaign turned out to be both Skibbereen and Drinagh Rangers U14’s remarkable run in the SFAI National Cup. In September’s Preliminary Round Greenwood knocked out a gallant Ballydehob (3-0), Ardmore defeated Clonakilty AFC and Ringmahon accounted for Togher Celtic. The WCSL enjoyed opening round success with Drinagh overcoming the challenge of Springfield Ramblers (4-1), Skibbereen travelling to Inishvilla and winning a 5 goal thriller (3-2), while Bay Rovers and Bunratty United accounted for Glounthaune United (3-1) and Castleview (4-1) respectively.
Kilreen Celtic brought an end to Bunratty United’s run on October 20th following a 4-2 victory in Schull. Bay Rovers were also eliminated at the first round stage with Rockmount scoring 4 times without reply in Kealkil. It was left to Skibbereen and Drinagh to fly the flag for West Cork with the Baltimore Road side recording an emphatic 7-0 win away to Ardmore and Drinagh picking up a memorable 2-1 victory away to Greenwood. Round 3 of the SFAI National cup saw Skibbereen continue their marvellous run with a 6-0 demolition of Buttevant. Drinagh Rangers were finally knocked out after 3-1 defeat to Corinthian Boys in Cannon Crowley Park. Skibbereen’s extraordinary odyssey in the National Cup finally came to halt on the 15th of December when the visiting Ballincollig proved too strong for an under-strength West Cork outfit (4-1). Overall, the West Cork Schoolboys League sides proved more than a match for most CSL opposition throughout the early rounds of the U14 National Cup. The collective 2007-08 performances are hugely encouraging heading into the upcoming 2008-09 National Cup competitions.
SuperValu U14 Play-Offs
Lyre Rovers entertained Bunratty United in the opening match of the SuperValu U14 Play-Offs on April 12th. The host produced a blistering display to upset the favourites from Schull (5-2). Kevin Cormican and Eoin Hartnett each weighed in with braces while Ethan Draper added a fifth for the home side. Eddie Goggin replied with two goals for a depleted Bunratty. Togher Celtic repeated the same 5-2 score-line at home to Skibbereen a week later in Togher. Mark Quinn notched a hat-trick with Daniel Twomey and David O’Brien completing the scoring in a memorable win for Celtic. A shell-shocked Skibbereen’s goals came from Dan MacEoin and Kevin Davis.
The second round of U14 Play-Off fixtures took place on Saturday the 26th of April with Lyre and Togher repeating their opening day heroics. Lyre Rovers defeated Skibbereen 4-2 in a six goal thriller in Knockskeagh. The match turned out to be one of the games of the season at U14 level with two fully committed sides playing superb football throughout and each contributing to a magnificent spectacle. Kevin Davis beat John Leahy to a long ball into the Lyre penalty area and headed into the net for an early 1-0 Skibbereen lead. James Hayes levelled for the hosts before expertly chipping the Skibbereen goalkeeper from the tightest of angles to put the home side 2-1 up at the interval. Ethan Draper sent an unstoppable 25 free-kick into the top corner of the net for a remarkable goal and a 3-1 lead five minutes after the break. Dan MacEoin brought it back to 3-2 before James Hayes grabbed his hat-trick to end an exciting encounter. On the same day Togher travelled to Schull and came away with all 3 points in a pulsating 2-1 victory over Bunratty United. Gavin McEntaggart put Bunratty 1-0 ahead but Shane Cotter equalised and Maurice Murphy won the game with a late header to setup a home clash with Lyre Rovers to decide the outcome of the U14 League title.
Togher and Lyre played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Togher on the 5th of May. The result meant the two sides would have to square up once again to decide the U14 title as both teams finished level on points joint-top of the SuperValu U14 Play-Off table. Daniel Twomey put Togher ahead only for Ethan Draper to equalise from the penalty spot just before half time in what turned out to be a tense match.
SuperValu U14 Decider
Rovers finally got their hands on the coveted league trophy following a well deserved 4-1 victory over Togher in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 11th of May. Togher grabbed the lead against the run of play with the lively Mark Quinn netting. Rovers demonstrated their undoubted talent and resolve to fight back and score 4 times to secure the U14 league crown. James Hayes (2), Scott Sheehan and Kevin Cormican each netted to bring the SuperValu U14 League title to Knockskeagh for the first time in the club’s history.
SFAI - WCSL Futsal Tournament in Clonakilty
The FAI in conjunction with the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League ran the first ever one-day FUTSAL mini-tournament in the Clonakilty Sports Complex Astro Pitch recently.
The idea of the tournament was to promote the game of FUTSAL (non-contact, mini-football, encouraging close control and skill) in a 7-a-side competition. The Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC and Riverside Athletic clubs sent representative teams to take part in the inaugural event for the West Cork region. FAI Regional Development Officer, Ray Claffey, structured the day’s events once the number of confirmed entries had arrived at the superb Clonakilty Astro turf venue.
WHAT IS FUTSAL?
Futsal is the official FIFA and UEFA version of indoor 5 a side football and indeed the only internationally recognised small sided game. The word “Futsal” comes from the Portuguese phrase “futebol de salao” or the Spanish, “futbol de sala” which basically means indoor football. The main feature of the game is the ball which is a size 4 slightly weighted leather ball with restricted bounce rather than the fluffy, bouncy, yellow ball traditional to the indoor game in Ireland.
The FAI launched the country’s first ever Futsal Development Programme back in December of last year, which set out a method to improve the technical skills of young players throughout the country. The new programme (part of the FAI Technical Development Plan) was launched by UEFA President and former French International star, Michel Platini. According to the FAI website: “The main aim of the Programme is to establish Futsal as the preferred version of five-a-side football in Ireland and to increase and sustain participation at all ages and ability levels by promoting and developing the game as a complementary format of football within the football family. The game allows players to improve their technical skills as it requires quick thinking and rapid decision making facilitating the development of overall football intelligence.”
There was a surprise in store for each of the young participants who attended the mini-tournament in the Clonakilty Sports Complex when Cork City stars, Colin O'Brien and Mick Devine arrived to present Certificates and pose for photographs. Colin O'Brien and Ray Claffey took time at the end of the competition to conduct a lively questions and answers session with the attending players discussing the merits of FUTSAL.
Every player who attended the tournament expressed their satisfaction with the event and offered encouraging feedback to the organisers. The mini-tournament turned out to be such a resounding success that the West Cork Schoolboys League - with the help of the FAI - hope to arrange further FUTSAL events during the forthcoming 2008-2009 season.
FUTSAL SQUADS
Bay Rovers: Ayrton O'Shea, Mark Hine, Joe Murphy, Shane Delaney, Donal Casey and Darren Cronin.
Clonakilty AFC: Fergus Jayes, Patrick McCarthy, Mark Crowley, Damien O'Brien, Daniel Kelleher, Stephen Madden, Colm O'Donovan, Jack McCarthy and Daniel Lane.
Riverside Athletic: Jack O'Callaghan, Shane O'Driscoll, Finghin O'Driscoll, Ray O'Connor, Kevin O'Neill, Mark Kingston, Sean Jackson and Gavin O'Leary.
The idea of the tournament was to promote the game of FUTSAL (non-contact, mini-football, encouraging close control and skill) in a 7-a-side competition. The Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC and Riverside Athletic clubs sent representative teams to take part in the inaugural event for the West Cork region. FAI Regional Development Officer, Ray Claffey, structured the day’s events once the number of confirmed entries had arrived at the superb Clonakilty Astro turf venue.
WHAT IS FUTSAL?
Futsal is the official FIFA and UEFA version of indoor 5 a side football and indeed the only internationally recognised small sided game. The word “Futsal” comes from the Portuguese phrase “futebol de salao” or the Spanish, “futbol de sala” which basically means indoor football. The main feature of the game is the ball which is a size 4 slightly weighted leather ball with restricted bounce rather than the fluffy, bouncy, yellow ball traditional to the indoor game in Ireland.
The FAI launched the country’s first ever Futsal Development Programme back in December of last year, which set out a method to improve the technical skills of young players throughout the country. The new programme (part of the FAI Technical Development Plan) was launched by UEFA President and former French International star, Michel Platini. According to the FAI website: “The main aim of the Programme is to establish Futsal as the preferred version of five-a-side football in Ireland and to increase and sustain participation at all ages and ability levels by promoting and developing the game as a complementary format of football within the football family. The game allows players to improve their technical skills as it requires quick thinking and rapid decision making facilitating the development of overall football intelligence.”
There was a surprise in store for each of the young participants who attended the mini-tournament in the Clonakilty Sports Complex when Cork City stars, Colin O'Brien and Mick Devine arrived to present Certificates and pose for photographs. Colin O'Brien and Ray Claffey took time at the end of the competition to conduct a lively questions and answers session with the attending players discussing the merits of FUTSAL.
Every player who attended the tournament expressed their satisfaction with the event and offered encouraging feedback to the organisers. The mini-tournament turned out to be such a resounding success that the West Cork Schoolboys League - with the help of the FAI - hope to arrange further FUTSAL events during the forthcoming 2008-2009 season.
FUTSAL SQUADS
Bay Rovers: Ayrton O'Shea, Mark Hine, Joe Murphy, Shane Delaney, Donal Casey and Darren Cronin.
Clonakilty AFC: Fergus Jayes, Patrick McCarthy, Mark Crowley, Damien O'Brien, Daniel Kelleher, Stephen Madden, Colm O'Donovan, Jack McCarthy and Daniel Lane.
Riverside Athletic: Jack O'Callaghan, Shane O'Driscoll, Finghin O'Driscoll, Ray O'Connor, Kevin O'Neill, Mark Kingston, Sean Jackson and Gavin O'Leary.
WCSL 2007-08 U16 League Review
Riverside Athletic made it two U16 League title wins on the trot following the most dramatic of conclusions to the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U16 League season. The Balineen based club came back from the dead to snatch the league crown from the grasp of Togher Celtic in a pulsating finale on the final day of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs.
National Cups
The early stages of the SuperValu WCSL U16 season began with 6 West Cork clubs entering the SFAI National Cup tournament. Four teams fell at the first hurdle with Cobh Ramblers proving too strong for Skibbereen (7-1), Leeds accounting for Bay Rovers (3-0) and Castleview receiving a walkover from Clonakilty AFC. The only two West Cork clubs to progress from the Preliminary Round were Drinagh Rangers who overcame the challenge of Buttevant 4-1 thanks to goals from Jamie Walsh, Daniel Hayes, Paul Crowley and Shane Connolly. Bunratty United defeated Togher Celtic in a West Cork derby following a pulsating encounter and a penalty shoot-out to progress to the first round proper. Sean Deasy and Dan O’Sullivan scored for Togher and Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan netted for Bunratty. At 7-7 in the shootout Daniel Hickey saved for United before Michael Bailey made sure of the win with the decisive spot kick. Disappointingly neither Drinagh nor Bunratty were able to field teams in the first round, handing Ballincollig and Cobh Ramblers walkovers and an automatic passage into the second round.
SuperValu U16 League
Togher Celtic topped the SuperValu U16 League table at the end of the regular season, remaining unbeaten with 7 wins and 2 draws from their campaign. Togher’s Cian O’Mahony and Declan Coughlan proved a lethal strike-force combining to score over 15 goals. Drinagh Rangers finished second (also remaining undefeated) with Gavin Connolly topping their goal-scoring charts. Reigning Champions Riverside Athletic finished third with Bunratty United securing the fourth and final play-off spot. There was disappointment for Skibbereen who just missed out on a place in the play-offs by a mere 2 points. Lyre Rovers enjoyed an indifferent League campaign but still managed to secure the U16 Shield trophy before the end of the season. Clonakilty AFC, Bay Rovers, Leeside and Harbour United rarely challenged the front-runners and will hope to improve on their lowly league positions for the upcoming 2008-09 campaign.
The Play-Offs
The first round of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs exploded into life on April the 19th with an amazing 11 goals in the opening games. Cian O'Mahony grabbed a last minute winner for Togher Celtic after an absolutely pulsating game with Bunratty United in Town Park, Schull. Togher came back from 2-0 down to score twice in the final 5 minutes and win a dramatic encounter 3-2. Gavin McEntaggart broke the deadlock in the 17th minute to put Bunratty 1-0 ahead. Declan Coughlan curled in a terrific effort to tie the scores until Bunratty retook the lead in the 45th minute when Simian Lipitch pounced from 6 yards. Cian O’Mahony made no mistake with a super strike from the edge of the box following a mix-up in the Bunratty defence to level the game. O’Mahony then raced clear of a static defence and sent an unstoppable shot into the net to win a pulsating encounter. On the same afternoon it finished honours even between Riverside Athletic and Drinagh Rangers following a 6-goal thriller in the West End Balineen. Michael Dineen opened the scoring only for Riverside to equalise early in the second half with Michael O'Driscoll netting. Athletic went 3-1 ahead thanks to a fine Brian McCarthy effort and then a second from the in-form O'Driscoll. The home side looked to have the points wrapped up until Drinagh dramatically fought back to score twice in the last 5 minutes. Derek Crowley netted with a tremendous long range free kick and Gavin Connolly stabbed home in injury time to steal a precious point. Round 2 of the SuperValu Play-Offs saw Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic each record crucial home victories. Bunratty emerged with a hard fought 2-0 victory after a tough encounter with Drinagh Rangers thanks to efforts from Gavin MacEntaggart and Sean Evans. Riverside were made to work even harder for their 3-1 home win over Togher Celtic with John Daly, Rory Baggott and Neville Maybury each finding the net in an exciting match. Cian O’Mahony replied for Celtic
Final Day Drama
The final day of a remarkable SuperValu U16 League season took place on Saturday the 10th of May. Riverside entertained Bunratty United while Togher welcomed Drinagh Rangers. Athletic knew that a victory over fellow title-rivals Bunratty would secure a second consecutive Championship. Anything less would allow Togher back into the equation provided they defeated Drinagh in their final match. Things seemed to be going Togher’s way as they easily accounted for out of sorts Drinagh Rangers 5-1. A commanding performance from the home side culminated in a superb Cian O'Mahony hat-trick along with further efforts from David Collins and Dan O'Sullivan. Daniel Hayes was Rangers solitary scorer. In Balineen Athletic found themselves 3-0 down with only 25 minutes remaining having been played off the park by a quite superb Bunratty United performance. What followed next was by far the most remarkable comeback in the 2007-08 Schoolboys League season. The hosts pulled a goal back through a Rory Baggott penalty but the drama wasn't finished there and when Jason Collins bundled the ball over the line 5 minutes later there was only a solitary goal between the sides. Bunratty were under constant pressure now as Riverside pushed everyone forward. Unbelievably Rory Baggott levelled the game at 3-3 with a thundering volley right on full time. Deep into injury time Baggott stepped forward to curl a marvellous effort into the net to complete his hat trick and win the SuperValu U16 League title for an ecstatic Riverside Athletic. It proved to be a final day full of heartbreak for both Bunratty and Togher but for the second season in a row Riverside Athletic stand proudly at the summit of the SuperValu U16 League.
National Cups
The early stages of the SuperValu WCSL U16 season began with 6 West Cork clubs entering the SFAI National Cup tournament. Four teams fell at the first hurdle with Cobh Ramblers proving too strong for Skibbereen (7-1), Leeds accounting for Bay Rovers (3-0) and Castleview receiving a walkover from Clonakilty AFC. The only two West Cork clubs to progress from the Preliminary Round were Drinagh Rangers who overcame the challenge of Buttevant 4-1 thanks to goals from Jamie Walsh, Daniel Hayes, Paul Crowley and Shane Connolly. Bunratty United defeated Togher Celtic in a West Cork derby following a pulsating encounter and a penalty shoot-out to progress to the first round proper. Sean Deasy and Dan O’Sullivan scored for Togher and Jack Twomey and Ger O’Callaghan netted for Bunratty. At 7-7 in the shootout Daniel Hickey saved for United before Michael Bailey made sure of the win with the decisive spot kick. Disappointingly neither Drinagh nor Bunratty were able to field teams in the first round, handing Ballincollig and Cobh Ramblers walkovers and an automatic passage into the second round.
SuperValu U16 League
Togher Celtic topped the SuperValu U16 League table at the end of the regular season, remaining unbeaten with 7 wins and 2 draws from their campaign. Togher’s Cian O’Mahony and Declan Coughlan proved a lethal strike-force combining to score over 15 goals. Drinagh Rangers finished second (also remaining undefeated) with Gavin Connolly topping their goal-scoring charts. Reigning Champions Riverside Athletic finished third with Bunratty United securing the fourth and final play-off spot. There was disappointment for Skibbereen who just missed out on a place in the play-offs by a mere 2 points. Lyre Rovers enjoyed an indifferent League campaign but still managed to secure the U16 Shield trophy before the end of the season. Clonakilty AFC, Bay Rovers, Leeside and Harbour United rarely challenged the front-runners and will hope to improve on their lowly league positions for the upcoming 2008-09 campaign.
The Play-Offs
The first round of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs exploded into life on April the 19th with an amazing 11 goals in the opening games. Cian O'Mahony grabbed a last minute winner for Togher Celtic after an absolutely pulsating game with Bunratty United in Town Park, Schull. Togher came back from 2-0 down to score twice in the final 5 minutes and win a dramatic encounter 3-2. Gavin McEntaggart broke the deadlock in the 17th minute to put Bunratty 1-0 ahead. Declan Coughlan curled in a terrific effort to tie the scores until Bunratty retook the lead in the 45th minute when Simian Lipitch pounced from 6 yards. Cian O’Mahony made no mistake with a super strike from the edge of the box following a mix-up in the Bunratty defence to level the game. O’Mahony then raced clear of a static defence and sent an unstoppable shot into the net to win a pulsating encounter. On the same afternoon it finished honours even between Riverside Athletic and Drinagh Rangers following a 6-goal thriller in the West End Balineen. Michael Dineen opened the scoring only for Riverside to equalise early in the second half with Michael O'Driscoll netting. Athletic went 3-1 ahead thanks to a fine Brian McCarthy effort and then a second from the in-form O'Driscoll. The home side looked to have the points wrapped up until Drinagh dramatically fought back to score twice in the last 5 minutes. Derek Crowley netted with a tremendous long range free kick and Gavin Connolly stabbed home in injury time to steal a precious point. Round 2 of the SuperValu Play-Offs saw Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic each record crucial home victories. Bunratty emerged with a hard fought 2-0 victory after a tough encounter with Drinagh Rangers thanks to efforts from Gavin MacEntaggart and Sean Evans. Riverside were made to work even harder for their 3-1 home win over Togher Celtic with John Daly, Rory Baggott and Neville Maybury each finding the net in an exciting match. Cian O’Mahony replied for Celtic
Final Day Drama
The final day of a remarkable SuperValu U16 League season took place on Saturday the 10th of May. Riverside entertained Bunratty United while Togher welcomed Drinagh Rangers. Athletic knew that a victory over fellow title-rivals Bunratty would secure a second consecutive Championship. Anything less would allow Togher back into the equation provided they defeated Drinagh in their final match. Things seemed to be going Togher’s way as they easily accounted for out of sorts Drinagh Rangers 5-1. A commanding performance from the home side culminated in a superb Cian O'Mahony hat-trick along with further efforts from David Collins and Dan O'Sullivan. Daniel Hayes was Rangers solitary scorer. In Balineen Athletic found themselves 3-0 down with only 25 minutes remaining having been played off the park by a quite superb Bunratty United performance. What followed next was by far the most remarkable comeback in the 2007-08 Schoolboys League season. The hosts pulled a goal back through a Rory Baggott penalty but the drama wasn't finished there and when Jason Collins bundled the ball over the line 5 minutes later there was only a solitary goal between the sides. Bunratty were under constant pressure now as Riverside pushed everyone forward. Unbelievably Rory Baggott levelled the game at 3-3 with a thundering volley right on full time. Deep into injury time Baggott stepped forward to curl a marvellous effort into the net to complete his hat trick and win the SuperValu U16 League title for an ecstatic Riverside Athletic. It proved to be a final day full of heartbreak for both Bunratty and Togher but for the second season in a row Riverside Athletic stand proudly at the summit of the SuperValu U16 League.
West Cork Schoolboys League Kennedy Cup 2008 Review
The West Cork Schoolboys League Under13 representative side completed their involvement in this season’s SFAI UMBRO Kennedy Cup tournament with back to back wins over the Carlow and North Tipperary Schoolboys Leagues in Limerick last week.
It brought a positive end to a frustrating week for the West Cork outfit who never earned the results their attractive football deserved. Drawn in Group7 along with the North Eastern Counties (NEC), Longford and Galway Schoolboy Leagues, West Cork opened their account with a well deserved draw against NEC on the 9th of June. A tight opening half ended scoreless with little to choose between the sides. The WCSL broke the deadlock a quarter of an hour into the second period with a well constructed goal. Tadgh O’Mahony found the net with a neat finish following good approach play from Conor O’Neill. West Cork failed to capitalise on their lead and allowed NEC to equalise only five minutes after hitting the front. A mix-up in defence allowed an NEC striker to pounce on some hesitant defending to chip Liam Cahalane and tie the score at 1-1. Despite both sides creating a host of chances the game eventually ended in a draw.
The second round of Group7 matches on the 10th of June produced some surprising results. NEC defeated the much fancied Galway and West Cork lost 2-0 to a spirited Longford performance. The WCSL spurned a great opportunity to take the lead during a dominant opening half when Gavin O’Shea saw his penalty brilliantly saved by the Longford goalkeeper. The Leinster side rallied to score twice and take all 3 points following a determined second half display despite West Cork dominating possession for long periods. The early morning results meant WCSL needed to defeat Galway in their final evening Group7 fixture to have any chance of making the Kennedy Cup quarter finals. Alas, the Connacht and top-ranked side in the group proved too strong and emerged with a 2-1 victory. Galway raced into an early 2-0 lead to leave their opponents with a mountain to climb. West Cork put in a terrific second half performance and deservedly pulled a goal back through Gavin O’Shea spot-kick but it proved too little too late.
West Cork emerged from a string of disappointing results in Group7 to face West Waterford / East Cork in the knockout phase of the competition on Wednesday the 11th of June with the two sides clashing in the quarter final of the Kennedy Trophy. WWEC took control of the game early on and enjoyed a 2-0 lead going into the second half. West Cork fought back with another cracking second half performance and took the game to penalties following goals from Conor O’Neill and Ian Falvey. WWEC eventually emerged with the victory following a tense 4-3 shootout to send the WCSL into the Trophy Play-Offs and end their last hope of any silverware. Carlow provided the opposition on the 12th of June in the first of the Kennedy Trophy play-offs. A single Kevin Davis strike earned West Cork their first victory of the tournament and the relief was evident at the final whistle. The WCSL saved their best performance of the week for their final fixture against North Tipperary Schoolboys. Connor O’Driscoll put the WCSL 1-0 ahead in the second minute with a fine effort. North Tipp levelled just before the interval only for O’Driscoll to round the goalkeeper and restore West Cork's advantage early in the second period. The Bunratty United striker completed his hat-trick with a fantastic individual effort midway through the second half to put West Cork 3-1 ahead. North Tipp demonstrated admirable battling qualities to reduce the deficit to a single goal until Kevin Davis made sure of the win in the dying moments of the game and earn West Cork a deserved 4-2 victory.
Some of the individual players who stood out during the competition for West Cork included Adam Collins (Bunratty United) who impressed in his central midfield role in each of the games. Brendan O’Dwyer (Skibbereen) and Martin Scally (Clonakilty AFC) were the pick of the defenders while Kevin Davis (Skibbereen) and Tadgh O’Mahony (Ballydehob) played starring roles in midfield. Conor O’Neill (Riverside Athletic) made a telling contribution when introduced as an impact substitute and found the net during the West Waterford/East Cork game. Conor O’Driscoll (Bunratty United) demonstrated his undoubted skills with a superb hat-trick against North Tipperary and worked tirelessly throughout the tournament in his lone striker’s role.
Finishing 29th overall in the Kennedy Cup tournament is a disappointing result for the West Cork Schoolboys League but the squad can hold their heads high having responded to a poor start to play some of the most attractive football in the tournament. It still proved to be a very enjoyable week for the West Cork squad and mentors who will be back again next year determined to improve on this season’s performance. Coach Martin Henwood best summed up the tournament from a West Cork perspective: “Nerves showed in our opening games but once the side grew in confidence we displayed our true potential and played some excellent football”.
2008 SFAI UMBRO Kennedy Cup Results:
Monday 9th June, Group 7: West Cork 1 NEC 1. Tuesday 10th June, Group 7: West Cork 0 Longford 2, Galway 2 West Cork 1. Wednesday 11th June, Kennedy Trophy Quarter Final: WWEC 2 West Cork 2 (WWEC won 4-3 on penalties). Thursday 12th June, Kennedy Trophy Play-Offs: West Cork 1 Carlow 0, West Cork 4 North Tipperary 2.
West Cork squad for 2008 SFAI UMBRO Kennedy Cup: Liam Cahalane, Alfie Hyland (Drinagh Rangers), Martin Scally, Ian Falvey (Clonakilty AFC), Daniel Nyhan (Lyre Rovers), Conor O’Neill, Niall Kelleher (Riverside Athletic), Tadgh O’Mahony, Bosko Minihane (Ballydehob), Gavin O’Shea , Stephen Casey, Ciaran McElhinney (Bay Rovers), Conor O’Driscoll , Adam Collins (Bunratty United), Stephen O’Driscoll (Togher Celtic), Brendan O’Dwyer, Kevin Davis, Daniel Rowell, Brian Leonard and Sean Deasy (Skibbereen). Coaches: Martin Henwood, Conor Uhl and Paddy McCarthy.
It brought a positive end to a frustrating week for the West Cork outfit who never earned the results their attractive football deserved. Drawn in Group7 along with the North Eastern Counties (NEC), Longford and Galway Schoolboy Leagues, West Cork opened their account with a well deserved draw against NEC on the 9th of June. A tight opening half ended scoreless with little to choose between the sides. The WCSL broke the deadlock a quarter of an hour into the second period with a well constructed goal. Tadgh O’Mahony found the net with a neat finish following good approach play from Conor O’Neill. West Cork failed to capitalise on their lead and allowed NEC to equalise only five minutes after hitting the front. A mix-up in defence allowed an NEC striker to pounce on some hesitant defending to chip Liam Cahalane and tie the score at 1-1. Despite both sides creating a host of chances the game eventually ended in a draw.
The second round of Group7 matches on the 10th of June produced some surprising results. NEC defeated the much fancied Galway and West Cork lost 2-0 to a spirited Longford performance. The WCSL spurned a great opportunity to take the lead during a dominant opening half when Gavin O’Shea saw his penalty brilliantly saved by the Longford goalkeeper. The Leinster side rallied to score twice and take all 3 points following a determined second half display despite West Cork dominating possession for long periods. The early morning results meant WCSL needed to defeat Galway in their final evening Group7 fixture to have any chance of making the Kennedy Cup quarter finals. Alas, the Connacht and top-ranked side in the group proved too strong and emerged with a 2-1 victory. Galway raced into an early 2-0 lead to leave their opponents with a mountain to climb. West Cork put in a terrific second half performance and deservedly pulled a goal back through Gavin O’Shea spot-kick but it proved too little too late.
West Cork emerged from a string of disappointing results in Group7 to face West Waterford / East Cork in the knockout phase of the competition on Wednesday the 11th of June with the two sides clashing in the quarter final of the Kennedy Trophy. WWEC took control of the game early on and enjoyed a 2-0 lead going into the second half. West Cork fought back with another cracking second half performance and took the game to penalties following goals from Conor O’Neill and Ian Falvey. WWEC eventually emerged with the victory following a tense 4-3 shootout to send the WCSL into the Trophy Play-Offs and end their last hope of any silverware. Carlow provided the opposition on the 12th of June in the first of the Kennedy Trophy play-offs. A single Kevin Davis strike earned West Cork their first victory of the tournament and the relief was evident at the final whistle. The WCSL saved their best performance of the week for their final fixture against North Tipperary Schoolboys. Connor O’Driscoll put the WCSL 1-0 ahead in the second minute with a fine effort. North Tipp levelled just before the interval only for O’Driscoll to round the goalkeeper and restore West Cork's advantage early in the second period. The Bunratty United striker completed his hat-trick with a fantastic individual effort midway through the second half to put West Cork 3-1 ahead. North Tipp demonstrated admirable battling qualities to reduce the deficit to a single goal until Kevin Davis made sure of the win in the dying moments of the game and earn West Cork a deserved 4-2 victory.
Some of the individual players who stood out during the competition for West Cork included Adam Collins (Bunratty United) who impressed in his central midfield role in each of the games. Brendan O’Dwyer (Skibbereen) and Martin Scally (Clonakilty AFC) were the pick of the defenders while Kevin Davis (Skibbereen) and Tadgh O’Mahony (Ballydehob) played starring roles in midfield. Conor O’Neill (Riverside Athletic) made a telling contribution when introduced as an impact substitute and found the net during the West Waterford/East Cork game. Conor O’Driscoll (Bunratty United) demonstrated his undoubted skills with a superb hat-trick against North Tipperary and worked tirelessly throughout the tournament in his lone striker’s role.
Finishing 29th overall in the Kennedy Cup tournament is a disappointing result for the West Cork Schoolboys League but the squad can hold their heads high having responded to a poor start to play some of the most attractive football in the tournament. It still proved to be a very enjoyable week for the West Cork squad and mentors who will be back again next year determined to improve on this season’s performance. Coach Martin Henwood best summed up the tournament from a West Cork perspective: “Nerves showed in our opening games but once the side grew in confidence we displayed our true potential and played some excellent football”.
2008 SFAI UMBRO Kennedy Cup Results:
Monday 9th June, Group 7: West Cork 1 NEC 1. Tuesday 10th June, Group 7: West Cork 0 Longford 2, Galway 2 West Cork 1. Wednesday 11th June, Kennedy Trophy Quarter Final: WWEC 2 West Cork 2 (WWEC won 4-3 on penalties). Thursday 12th June, Kennedy Trophy Play-Offs: West Cork 1 Carlow 0, West Cork 4 North Tipperary 2.
West Cork squad for 2008 SFAI UMBRO Kennedy Cup: Liam Cahalane, Alfie Hyland (Drinagh Rangers), Martin Scally, Ian Falvey (Clonakilty AFC), Daniel Nyhan (Lyre Rovers), Conor O’Neill, Niall Kelleher (Riverside Athletic), Tadgh O’Mahony, Bosko Minihane (Ballydehob), Gavin O’Shea , Stephen Casey, Ciaran McElhinney (Bay Rovers), Conor O’Driscoll , Adam Collins (Bunratty United), Stephen O’Driscoll (Togher Celtic), Brendan O’Dwyer, Kevin Davis, Daniel Rowell, Brian Leonard and Sean Deasy (Skibbereen). Coaches: Martin Henwood, Conor Uhl and Paddy McCarthy.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Desperate Liverpool
Who does Rafa Benitez think he is? In the space of two months both he and Liverpool FC (quite openly) have courted the services of two high-profile players in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry and now Spurs' Robbie Keane. Not content with unsettling both players Benitez has also placed initial somewhat derisory offers on the table for both individuals well below their respective club's valuations.
Martin O'Neill and Aston Villa quite rightly value their club captain, Barry, at £18m +. Considering Michael Carrick left Spurs for Manchester United for the same amount surely Benitez understands that the going rate for an English international midfield player is unlikely to be below that amount. Still Liverpool have gone ahead on at least two seperate occasions and offered less than that amount and have had the gall to complain when Villa rebuffed their approaches. Now they are preparing a final offer of £17m. Still £1m below the minimum amount Villa has quoted for their talismanic midfielder. The situation with Spurs and Keane is similar. The Tottenham Captain has been openly courted by Benitez but only if Spurs' will take Peter Crouch as a make-weight in the deal.
Bill Shankly was one of the greatest manager's ever to grace the English (or World) game. He ran his beloved club with a determination to succeed above all else and his strong will rubbed off on his players and set the foundation for over 20 years' of domestic and European success. News from the Anfield Boardroom rarely made the papers and the Liverpool club was a model for all others on how to conduct your business properly and where possible, in private. It proved quite effective. Over the past 5-6 years this philosophy has all changed and I find it sad to see what was once a great club now reduced to squabbling in the media with American owners taking cheap shots at one another in an attempt top grab control of the Anfield club.
Throughout the recent turbulent times Benitez was a voice of reassuring calm and professionalism in delivering a Champions League in the midst of the club's seemingly constant internal squabbling. His club's latest attempt to entice the captains of two other clubs to Anfield but failing to meet even the minimum transfer amount smacks of desperation. Liverpool fans won't like it but Man U, Chelsea and even Arsenal can now outbid them when it comes to attracting the top talent.
The Spanish Coach would do well to heed the warning signs that have been present at Anfield over the past two Premiership campaigns namely that Liverpool are moving closer to fifth rather than third place in the League table after yet another failed attempt to challenge the top three. If Liverpool are not careful it won't be long before clubs coming knocking on their own door offering their star players the opportunity to play Champions League football.
Martin O'Neill and Aston Villa quite rightly value their club captain, Barry, at £18m +. Considering Michael Carrick left Spurs for Manchester United for the same amount surely Benitez understands that the going rate for an English international midfield player is unlikely to be below that amount. Still Liverpool have gone ahead on at least two seperate occasions and offered less than that amount and have had the gall to complain when Villa rebuffed their approaches. Now they are preparing a final offer of £17m. Still £1m below the minimum amount Villa has quoted for their talismanic midfielder. The situation with Spurs and Keane is similar. The Tottenham Captain has been openly courted by Benitez but only if Spurs' will take Peter Crouch as a make-weight in the deal.
Bill Shankly was one of the greatest manager's ever to grace the English (or World) game. He ran his beloved club with a determination to succeed above all else and his strong will rubbed off on his players and set the foundation for over 20 years' of domestic and European success. News from the Anfield Boardroom rarely made the papers and the Liverpool club was a model for all others on how to conduct your business properly and where possible, in private. It proved quite effective. Over the past 5-6 years this philosophy has all changed and I find it sad to see what was once a great club now reduced to squabbling in the media with American owners taking cheap shots at one another in an attempt top grab control of the Anfield club.
Throughout the recent turbulent times Benitez was a voice of reassuring calm and professionalism in delivering a Champions League in the midst of the club's seemingly constant internal squabbling. His club's latest attempt to entice the captains of two other clubs to Anfield but failing to meet even the minimum transfer amount smacks of desperation. Liverpool fans won't like it but Man U, Chelsea and even Arsenal can now outbid them when it comes to attracting the top talent.
The Spanish Coach would do well to heed the warning signs that have been present at Anfield over the past two Premiership campaigns namely that Liverpool are moving closer to fifth rather than third place in the League table after yet another failed attempt to challenge the top three. If Liverpool are not careful it won't be long before clubs coming knocking on their own door offering their star players the opportunity to play Champions League football.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
5 Future Stars of the West Cork Schoolboys League
Ger McCarthy, profiles five players from this season’s SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U12 League, highlighting each player’s potential as a star of the future. Whilst every U12 team in the SuperValu League possess numerous talented individuals within their squad, this article focuses on five players in particular whose performances stood out this season.
The first is a prolific goal-scorer who has terrorised defences all over West Cork this season. The second is the quickest player over 10 yards in the U12 league. The third and fourth are the most prodigious talents for the respective sides and the fifth is one of the most accomplished defenders at his age-grade.
Some of the most gifted young footballers in the West Cork region are currently playing in the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U12 league. Five players in particular have lit up the league with their inspirational performances this term. The FAI deserves some credit for their increasing presence at grass-roots level in the West Cork area. Having laid the basic foundations for the future development of Irish football with the publication of the Technical Development Plan in 2004, the FAI has since developed specific strategic plans for Emerging Talent. Their Emerging Talent programme has been a resounding success this year, gathering some of the best underage players in Clonakilty for weekly specialist training in an effort to both improve and enhance their undoubted talents.
Name: Conor O'Driscoll
Club: Bunratty United U12
Position: Striker
Conor O'Driscoll finished top scorer in this season’s SuperValu WCSL U12 League following a remarkable return of over 30 goals for Bunratty United. The prolific striker netted over 20 league, 7 National Cup and 6 U12 Cup strikes for Bunratty in a memorable campaign. The young striker capped off a tremendous year by being called into the WCSL U13 representative side for this summer's Kennedy Cup tournament in Limerick. Blessed with lightning pace and a devastating burst of speed, O'Driscoll has terrorised every defence he has come across this year. One of the Bunratty striker’s most memorable performances occurred in Town Park Schull, back in February, when he came off the bench to inspire an unlikely victory over Riverside Athletic. The Balineen club were leading 2-1 and looking comfortable until the introduction of O'Driscoll. Despite suffering from a heavy cold the talismanic striker scored an amazing five times and proved the difference in a remarkable 7-2 turnaround. O’Driscoll’s Man of the Match performance - including a tremendous hat trick - inspired Bunratty United to a West Cork Schoolboys U12 Cup final victory over Bay Rovers back April.
Name: Stephen McCarthy
Club: Skibbereen U12
Position: Striker
Stephen McCarthy is another hugely gifted player who looks set to spearhead Skibbereen to further success in the coming seasons. McCarthy amassed over 20 goals this term as part of an enormously talented Skibbereen U12 squad. The Baltimore Road club enjoyed a remarkable run in the SFAI National Cup earlier this season gaining notable victories over Corinthian Boys, Rockmount and Riverstown before finally succumbing to Lakewood in the Round 4 of the Cork section. McCarthy was by far Skibbereen’s best player during that run, scoring 5 goals and displaying his undisputed class in leading the Skibbereen forward line against more illustrious opposition. Stephen possesses devastating pace over 10 yards and showed his eye for goal despite being man-marked for much of Skibbereen’s National Cup campaign. Skibb finished runners-up in the SuperValu U12 League to Clonakilty AFC with McCarthy the pick of their players during the play-offs.
Name: Jack O'Mahony
Club: Clonakilty AFC U12
Position: Midfielder
Jack O'Mahony was one of the main driving forces behind Clonakilty AFC’s dramatic SuperValu U12 League title win this season. Son of the legendary former Clonakilty and Cork Inter-county Senior football star, Eoin O’Mahony, Jack demonstrated his seemingly boundless energy with a succession of all action displays in a tremendous season. A true box to box midfielder, O’Mahony was just one part of an immensely talented AFC squad that saw off the challenge of both Skibb and Bunratty to capture the U12 league. The central midfielder has also weighed in with his fair share of goals in a free scoring side, netting regularly throughout the campaign. The current crop of Clonakilty AFC U12’s have every chance of winning additional silverware in the coming years with Jack O’Mahony an integral part of any future success.
Name: Don O'Driscoll
Club: Drinagh Rangers U12
Position: Midfielder
Don O’Driscoll was Drinagh Rangers U12’s best player of the 2007-08 campaign. Ask any opposing manager who they thought the best player on the Drinagh team was and most Saturday’s the same answer was given: Don O’Driscoll. The young midfielder is remarkably comfortable on the ball and possesses a natural instinctive ability to find a team mate whenever in possession. Whilst not a prolific goal-scorer, O’Driscoll still contributes with a host of assists and his continuing development marks him down as a player of the future for the Cannon Crowley Park club. Drinagh failed to make the end of season U12 play-offs but will look forward to 2008-09 with renewed hope. The club have a history of producing a long line of exceptional underage talent with the emergence of Don O’Driscoll this term further proof of a bright future.
Name: Jack Hurley
Club: Ardfield U12
Position: Centre Back
2007-08 was Ardfield's first season in the SuperValu WCSL U12 League and they found the going tough to say the least. Despite a succession of defeats there were many encouraging team performances. Without a doubt their most consistent player during the 07-08 campaign was their inspirational team captain, Jack Hurley. Hurley (who has yet to turn twelve years of age) consistently demonstrated his strength and total dedication to his defensive duties in the centre of Ardfield’s defence. The Carrigroe club’s young captain caught the eye of many an opposing manager during the season with a succession of superb displays. Hurley is deceptively quick, an excellent tackler and composed in possession. The Carrigroe club will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years with Jack Hurley excelling in the heart of their defence.
The first is a prolific goal-scorer who has terrorised defences all over West Cork this season. The second is the quickest player over 10 yards in the U12 league. The third and fourth are the most prodigious talents for the respective sides and the fifth is one of the most accomplished defenders at his age-grade.
Some of the most gifted young footballers in the West Cork region are currently playing in the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U12 league. Five players in particular have lit up the league with their inspirational performances this term. The FAI deserves some credit for their increasing presence at grass-roots level in the West Cork area. Having laid the basic foundations for the future development of Irish football with the publication of the Technical Development Plan in 2004, the FAI has since developed specific strategic plans for Emerging Talent. Their Emerging Talent programme has been a resounding success this year, gathering some of the best underage players in Clonakilty for weekly specialist training in an effort to both improve and enhance their undoubted talents.
Name: Conor O'Driscoll
Club: Bunratty United U12
Position: Striker
Conor O'Driscoll finished top scorer in this season’s SuperValu WCSL U12 League following a remarkable return of over 30 goals for Bunratty United. The prolific striker netted over 20 league, 7 National Cup and 6 U12 Cup strikes for Bunratty in a memorable campaign. The young striker capped off a tremendous year by being called into the WCSL U13 representative side for this summer's Kennedy Cup tournament in Limerick. Blessed with lightning pace and a devastating burst of speed, O'Driscoll has terrorised every defence he has come across this year. One of the Bunratty striker’s most memorable performances occurred in Town Park Schull, back in February, when he came off the bench to inspire an unlikely victory over Riverside Athletic. The Balineen club were leading 2-1 and looking comfortable until the introduction of O'Driscoll. Despite suffering from a heavy cold the talismanic striker scored an amazing five times and proved the difference in a remarkable 7-2 turnaround. O’Driscoll’s Man of the Match performance - including a tremendous hat trick - inspired Bunratty United to a West Cork Schoolboys U12 Cup final victory over Bay Rovers back April.
Name: Stephen McCarthy
Club: Skibbereen U12
Position: Striker
Stephen McCarthy is another hugely gifted player who looks set to spearhead Skibbereen to further success in the coming seasons. McCarthy amassed over 20 goals this term as part of an enormously talented Skibbereen U12 squad. The Baltimore Road club enjoyed a remarkable run in the SFAI National Cup earlier this season gaining notable victories over Corinthian Boys, Rockmount and Riverstown before finally succumbing to Lakewood in the Round 4 of the Cork section. McCarthy was by far Skibbereen’s best player during that run, scoring 5 goals and displaying his undisputed class in leading the Skibbereen forward line against more illustrious opposition. Stephen possesses devastating pace over 10 yards and showed his eye for goal despite being man-marked for much of Skibbereen’s National Cup campaign. Skibb finished runners-up in the SuperValu U12 League to Clonakilty AFC with McCarthy the pick of their players during the play-offs.
Name: Jack O'Mahony
Club: Clonakilty AFC U12
Position: Midfielder
Jack O'Mahony was one of the main driving forces behind Clonakilty AFC’s dramatic SuperValu U12 League title win this season. Son of the legendary former Clonakilty and Cork Inter-county Senior football star, Eoin O’Mahony, Jack demonstrated his seemingly boundless energy with a succession of all action displays in a tremendous season. A true box to box midfielder, O’Mahony was just one part of an immensely talented AFC squad that saw off the challenge of both Skibb and Bunratty to capture the U12 league. The central midfielder has also weighed in with his fair share of goals in a free scoring side, netting regularly throughout the campaign. The current crop of Clonakilty AFC U12’s have every chance of winning additional silverware in the coming years with Jack O’Mahony an integral part of any future success.
Name: Don O'Driscoll
Club: Drinagh Rangers U12
Position: Midfielder
Don O’Driscoll was Drinagh Rangers U12’s best player of the 2007-08 campaign. Ask any opposing manager who they thought the best player on the Drinagh team was and most Saturday’s the same answer was given: Don O’Driscoll. The young midfielder is remarkably comfortable on the ball and possesses a natural instinctive ability to find a team mate whenever in possession. Whilst not a prolific goal-scorer, O’Driscoll still contributes with a host of assists and his continuing development marks him down as a player of the future for the Cannon Crowley Park club. Drinagh failed to make the end of season U12 play-offs but will look forward to 2008-09 with renewed hope. The club have a history of producing a long line of exceptional underage talent with the emergence of Don O’Driscoll this term further proof of a bright future.
Name: Jack Hurley
Club: Ardfield U12
Position: Centre Back
2007-08 was Ardfield's first season in the SuperValu WCSL U12 League and they found the going tough to say the least. Despite a succession of defeats there were many encouraging team performances. Without a doubt their most consistent player during the 07-08 campaign was their inspirational team captain, Jack Hurley. Hurley (who has yet to turn twelve years of age) consistently demonstrated his strength and total dedication to his defensive duties in the centre of Ardfield’s defence. The Carrigroe club’s young captain caught the eye of many an opposing manager during the season with a succession of superb displays. Hurley is deceptively quick, an excellent tackler and composed in possession. The Carrigroe club will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years with Jack Hurley excelling in the heart of their defence.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Trapattoni Takes Over
A one all draw with Serbia marked the beginning of Giovanni Trapattoni’s reign as new manager of the Republic of Ireland last week. Ger McCarthy looks back on the Croke Park encounter, the opening two months of new Irish manager’s reign and outlines what lies ahead for the boys in green in the coming months.
A late Andy Keogh volley earned the Republic of Ireland and debut manager Giovanni Trapattoni a deserved 1-1 draw at home to Serbia in Cork Park last Saturday night. The opening match of the Italian’s new regime failed to produce a much needed victory and Ireland have now failed to register a competitive win since defeating Denmark 4-0 in Aarhus back in August 2007. The new Irish manager announced an initial 40-man preliminary squad in April. This was eventually whittled down to 28 players ahead of a two-week warm-weather training camp in Portugal. Notable absentees from the squad included Shay Given, Lee Carsley, Kevin Kilbane, Steven Reid and Joey O’Brien through injury while John O'Shea and Richard Dunne each had prior club commitments. Robbie Keane's non-attendance was known well in advance although there was some confusion as to the actual reasons behind the Irish Captain's absence. Rumours of stag parties in Las Vegas proved false although the Spurs striker returned in time for the Serbian encounter but failed to clarify his whereabouts during the two week camp.
On the training pitch Trapattoni’s boundless energy and obvious enthusiasm appeared to rub off on the players, especially the newcomers who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience. “I know the famous players – I want to know the young players. And I will learn a lot about them over the next two weeks”. Ireland played two warm up games against lower league Portuguese opposition as part of their two week excursion. A disappointing 1-1 draw with Portimonese was followed by a flattering 3-1 victory over Lagos. Neither of the matches inspired much confidence in the media yet the performances of Glenn Whelan, Andy Keogh and Sean Scannell were encouraging. "His enthusiasm on the pitch is amazing, he has so much energy and that reflects on the players"- Robbie Keane. The Irish backroom staff worked their squad hard on the basics such as corner-kicks, free-kicks and throw-ins. "The first days there was a little bit of nervousness but every day my players improve, they have belief in themselves," noted the Italian. The most important element of the get-together was for Trapattoni to get the philosophy of how he wants to play across to his players. By the end of the fortnight the Italian stated “I'm satisfied that we have put in place the different foundations we need to challenge”.
KEOGH STRIKES
Trapattoni received a rapturous welcome from the home fans before his Croke Park debut last Saturday night. Expectations were high ahead of the first serious fixture since taking over the Irish job in which two new caps: Glenn Whelan and Damien Delaney were each handed their first international starts. The opening half proved a disappointment with neither side in the ascendancy. Ireland went close with a Robbie Keane effort that was hacked off the line but in truth the first 45 minutes proved largely forgettable. Ireland switched their formation to 4-3-3 with the introduction of Daryl Murphy for Keane in the second period. Trapattoni looked outraged at the concession of the opening goal with 20 minutes left and rightly so. Paul Mc Shane was the culprit for attempting to play offside but failing to legislate for the remainder of the Irish back four who were 10 yards behind him. Pantelic gave the returning Dean Kiely no chance with the simplest of finishes. It was a comical goal to concede and exactly the type of stupid defensive error Trapattoni must eradicate as soon as possible. On a more positive note the Irish fought back valiantly and netted a deserved equaliser right at the death. Damien Delany’s throw found the head of Murphy who flicked on for the impressive Andy Keogh to arrow an unstoppable volley high into the net. Trapattoni offered an honest assessment after the game: “The second half…I think we lost a little bit of concentration to concede the goal. We didn’t deserve to lose the game. It was a beautiful and good reaction by our team. I think that the team looked in order. It was important to have the mentality we showed and I hope and dream we can go far with that mentality.” Trapattoni has now clearly stated that Ireland will need to take something from every game irrespective of the opposition.
A LOOK AHEAD
The Italian’s confident performance in communicating with the Irish press and media over the past two months has proven a welcome contrast to the “I’m the Gaffer” mutterings of previous incumbent, Steve Staunton. The decision to invite Trapattoni and Tardelli to the televised Ford FAI Cup draw proved a master-stroke. Both Italians came across as genial characters with a genuine interest in the domestic scene. The reaction of the Irish bench to scoring a late equaliser on Saturday night was also significant. Marco Tardelli did his best impression of his 1982 World Cup winning goal celebration by racing out to embrace his manager. A beaming Trapattoni waved a finger in the direction of his bench seemingly indicating that the genesis for Keogh’s set-piece equaliser came from the training pitch in Portugal. Even Liam Brady managed to crack a smile! If his new squad show half the energy and enthusiasm for success that the new Irish backroom staff obviously does then Ireland has every chance of improving in the coming months. What is vital to future success is adopting the winning mentality of the manager and transferring his philosophy into victories on the road to South Africa 2010.
Next on the agenda for the Republic of Ireland is another friendly international taking place in Craven Cottage against South American side, Colombia. After that The Republic will travel to Oslo on August the 20th to face Norway before the opening World Cup Qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi next September. Stephen Ireland, Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien are still missing from the current setup although Trapattoni remains confident that most if not all will return to international duty in the coming months. The 69 –year-old is correct in urging a note of caution to Irish fans ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. "I am happy with how much progress has been made, but there is still room for a lot of improvement", he stressed while also reminding supporters "I am not God."
A late Andy Keogh volley earned the Republic of Ireland and debut manager Giovanni Trapattoni a deserved 1-1 draw at home to Serbia in Cork Park last Saturday night. The opening match of the Italian’s new regime failed to produce a much needed victory and Ireland have now failed to register a competitive win since defeating Denmark 4-0 in Aarhus back in August 2007. The new Irish manager announced an initial 40-man preliminary squad in April. This was eventually whittled down to 28 players ahead of a two-week warm-weather training camp in Portugal. Notable absentees from the squad included Shay Given, Lee Carsley, Kevin Kilbane, Steven Reid and Joey O’Brien through injury while John O'Shea and Richard Dunne each had prior club commitments. Robbie Keane's non-attendance was known well in advance although there was some confusion as to the actual reasons behind the Irish Captain's absence. Rumours of stag parties in Las Vegas proved false although the Spurs striker returned in time for the Serbian encounter but failed to clarify his whereabouts during the two week camp.
On the training pitch Trapattoni’s boundless energy and obvious enthusiasm appeared to rub off on the players, especially the newcomers who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience. “I know the famous players – I want to know the young players. And I will learn a lot about them over the next two weeks”. Ireland played two warm up games against lower league Portuguese opposition as part of their two week excursion. A disappointing 1-1 draw with Portimonese was followed by a flattering 3-1 victory over Lagos. Neither of the matches inspired much confidence in the media yet the performances of Glenn Whelan, Andy Keogh and Sean Scannell were encouraging. "His enthusiasm on the pitch is amazing, he has so much energy and that reflects on the players"- Robbie Keane. The Irish backroom staff worked their squad hard on the basics such as corner-kicks, free-kicks and throw-ins. "The first days there was a little bit of nervousness but every day my players improve, they have belief in themselves," noted the Italian. The most important element of the get-together was for Trapattoni to get the philosophy of how he wants to play across to his players. By the end of the fortnight the Italian stated “I'm satisfied that we have put in place the different foundations we need to challenge”.
KEOGH STRIKES
Trapattoni received a rapturous welcome from the home fans before his Croke Park debut last Saturday night. Expectations were high ahead of the first serious fixture since taking over the Irish job in which two new caps: Glenn Whelan and Damien Delaney were each handed their first international starts. The opening half proved a disappointment with neither side in the ascendancy. Ireland went close with a Robbie Keane effort that was hacked off the line but in truth the first 45 minutes proved largely forgettable. Ireland switched their formation to 4-3-3 with the introduction of Daryl Murphy for Keane in the second period. Trapattoni looked outraged at the concession of the opening goal with 20 minutes left and rightly so. Paul Mc Shane was the culprit for attempting to play offside but failing to legislate for the remainder of the Irish back four who were 10 yards behind him. Pantelic gave the returning Dean Kiely no chance with the simplest of finishes. It was a comical goal to concede and exactly the type of stupid defensive error Trapattoni must eradicate as soon as possible. On a more positive note the Irish fought back valiantly and netted a deserved equaliser right at the death. Damien Delany’s throw found the head of Murphy who flicked on for the impressive Andy Keogh to arrow an unstoppable volley high into the net. Trapattoni offered an honest assessment after the game: “The second half…I think we lost a little bit of concentration to concede the goal. We didn’t deserve to lose the game. It was a beautiful and good reaction by our team. I think that the team looked in order. It was important to have the mentality we showed and I hope and dream we can go far with that mentality.” Trapattoni has now clearly stated that Ireland will need to take something from every game irrespective of the opposition.
A LOOK AHEAD
The Italian’s confident performance in communicating with the Irish press and media over the past two months has proven a welcome contrast to the “I’m the Gaffer” mutterings of previous incumbent, Steve Staunton. The decision to invite Trapattoni and Tardelli to the televised Ford FAI Cup draw proved a master-stroke. Both Italians came across as genial characters with a genuine interest in the domestic scene. The reaction of the Irish bench to scoring a late equaliser on Saturday night was also significant. Marco Tardelli did his best impression of his 1982 World Cup winning goal celebration by racing out to embrace his manager. A beaming Trapattoni waved a finger in the direction of his bench seemingly indicating that the genesis for Keogh’s set-piece equaliser came from the training pitch in Portugal. Even Liam Brady managed to crack a smile! If his new squad show half the energy and enthusiasm for success that the new Irish backroom staff obviously does then Ireland has every chance of improving in the coming months. What is vital to future success is adopting the winning mentality of the manager and transferring his philosophy into victories on the road to South Africa 2010.
Next on the agenda for the Republic of Ireland is another friendly international taking place in Craven Cottage against South American side, Colombia. After that The Republic will travel to Oslo on August the 20th to face Norway before the opening World Cup Qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi next September. Stephen Ireland, Steve Finnan and Andy O’Brien are still missing from the current setup although Trapattoni remains confident that most if not all will return to international duty in the coming months. The 69 –year-old is correct in urging a note of caution to Irish fans ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. "I am happy with how much progress has been made, but there is still room for a lot of improvement", he stressed while also reminding supporters "I am not God."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
POIGINIANT CHAMPIONS
Manchester United have once again been crowned Champions of Europe following a late-night gripping encounter with Chelsea in Moscow. It was no great surprise that the destination of the Champions League trophy eventually came down to a penalty shoot-out but many fans will have been surprised by the quality of the 120 minutes beforehand.
United bossed the opening half and could have easily been 3-0 ahead after half an hour. Ronaldo capped a remarkable 42-goal season with a bullet header following excellent approach play by Wes Brown and Paul Scholes. The Red Devils failed to add to their tally despite a period of intense pressure with Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick each going close. Chelsea showed their undoubted resilience by grabbing an equaliser shortly before half time with the tireless Lampard firing home from close range.
The Londoners were a different side in the second period and overran United in midfield with Lampard, and Ballack taking control in the centre of the park. Didier Drogba was having an ineffectual evening thanks to the brilliance of Vidic but demonstrated his class by thumping the Manchester upright with a spectacular 25 yard effort. The game became stretched going into the final 15 minutes with both sides visibly tiring (to be fair it was 1am Russian time). Tempers became frayed near the end and Drogba received his marching orders after a silly tap across the face of Vidic. Despite their numerical disadvantage Chelsea had the best chance of sealing victory when Lampard rattled the United crossbar late on. Giggs could well have grabbed an extra-time winner were it not for the superb defending of John Terry.
The Chelsea captain would play the pivotal role in the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Terry strode forward for the 10th and final spot-kick knowing a goal would secure Champions League glory for his side. Alas, the England defender either slipped or made a hash of his run-up and for the third time that night the upright came to the rescue of Manchester United. Memories of 1999 came flooding back when Bayern Munich absolutely pummelled the United defence with the aid of a 1-0 cushion only to hit post, crossbar and side-netting. United bounced back to score twice in injury time and snatch the most dramatic European Cup final victory in history. RTE panellist, John Giles remarked during extra-time that despite Chelsea's dominance, United's name may well be on the trophy. How right he was and when Edwin Van Der Sar flung himself to his right to deny Anelka in sudden death, the European Cup was set for its third visit to Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson looked more relieved than happy at the final whistle. Winning 31 trophies in his time as a manager with both Aberdeen and Man United cements his position in the pantheon of best British managers of all time. In my opinion his greatest achievement is putting together three different teams in his time at Old Trafford and being consistently successful with each side. Who knows, if the cap on foreign players hadn’t been in existence during the mid-90’s United may well have won at least another two Champions Leagues.
It was fitting that Sir Bobby Charlton was present to lead the United squad up to receive the trophy from Michel Platini, adding a touching poignancy to the celebrations. The Old Trafford club are still defined by that horrible crash that took the lives of so many wonderful footballers on a Munich runway 50 years ago.
The current manager and squad look set to honour the memories of that team by continuing their dominance of both the domestic and European game for many years to come.
United bossed the opening half and could have easily been 3-0 ahead after half an hour. Ronaldo capped a remarkable 42-goal season with a bullet header following excellent approach play by Wes Brown and Paul Scholes. The Red Devils failed to add to their tally despite a period of intense pressure with Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick each going close. Chelsea showed their undoubted resilience by grabbing an equaliser shortly before half time with the tireless Lampard firing home from close range.
The Londoners were a different side in the second period and overran United in midfield with Lampard, and Ballack taking control in the centre of the park. Didier Drogba was having an ineffectual evening thanks to the brilliance of Vidic but demonstrated his class by thumping the Manchester upright with a spectacular 25 yard effort. The game became stretched going into the final 15 minutes with both sides visibly tiring (to be fair it was 1am Russian time). Tempers became frayed near the end and Drogba received his marching orders after a silly tap across the face of Vidic. Despite their numerical disadvantage Chelsea had the best chance of sealing victory when Lampard rattled the United crossbar late on. Giggs could well have grabbed an extra-time winner were it not for the superb defending of John Terry.
The Chelsea captain would play the pivotal role in the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Terry strode forward for the 10th and final spot-kick knowing a goal would secure Champions League glory for his side. Alas, the England defender either slipped or made a hash of his run-up and for the third time that night the upright came to the rescue of Manchester United. Memories of 1999 came flooding back when Bayern Munich absolutely pummelled the United defence with the aid of a 1-0 cushion only to hit post, crossbar and side-netting. United bounced back to score twice in injury time and snatch the most dramatic European Cup final victory in history. RTE panellist, John Giles remarked during extra-time that despite Chelsea's dominance, United's name may well be on the trophy. How right he was and when Edwin Van Der Sar flung himself to his right to deny Anelka in sudden death, the European Cup was set for its third visit to Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson looked more relieved than happy at the final whistle. Winning 31 trophies in his time as a manager with both Aberdeen and Man United cements his position in the pantheon of best British managers of all time. In my opinion his greatest achievement is putting together three different teams in his time at Old Trafford and being consistently successful with each side. Who knows, if the cap on foreign players hadn’t been in existence during the mid-90’s United may well have won at least another two Champions Leagues.
It was fitting that Sir Bobby Charlton was present to lead the United squad up to receive the trophy from Michel Platini, adding a touching poignancy to the celebrations. The Old Trafford club are still defined by that horrible crash that took the lives of so many wonderful footballers on a Munich runway 50 years ago.
The current manager and squad look set to honour the memories of that team by continuing their dominance of both the domestic and European game for many years to come.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Domestic Bliss?
Giovanni Trapattoni’s decision to travel to the North next Tuesday to watch Pat Fenlon's Irish Under-23 side in action against their northern counterparts is a welcome development for Irish football. Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli will have a chance to scan an eye over the current cream of the crop of Irish domestic football with a squad composed completely of Eircom League players.
Hopefully the likes of Dave Mooney from Cork City and Mark Quigley from St. Pat’s will put in decent performances and demonstrate the undoubted talent currently plying their trade in the Eircom League. It is unlikely that most of the players on view would have the sufficient quality necessary to elevate themselves to the full international setup. But if stories circulating about the potential legion of withdrawals from the upcoming training camp in the Algarve are to be believed then it is quite possible one or maybe two domestic players could be called upon.
These are exciting days for Irish soccer. A new management team with an experienced and successful manager at the helm has re-ignited the public’s hopes of possibly qualifying for the World cup in South Africa in 2010. Trapattoni needs to build on the feel-good factor surrounding Irish football. A couple of encouraging performances in the upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Colombia will provide the Italian with the foundations to build for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
Hopefully the likes of Dave Mooney from Cork City and Mark Quigley from St. Pat’s will put in decent performances and demonstrate the undoubted talent currently plying their trade in the Eircom League. It is unlikely that most of the players on view would have the sufficient quality necessary to elevate themselves to the full international setup. But if stories circulating about the potential legion of withdrawals from the upcoming training camp in the Algarve are to be believed then it is quite possible one or maybe two domestic players could be called upon.
These are exciting days for Irish soccer. A new management team with an experienced and successful manager at the helm has re-ignited the public’s hopes of possibly qualifying for the World cup in South Africa in 2010. Trapattoni needs to build on the feel-good factor surrounding Irish football. A couple of encouraging performances in the upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Colombia will provide the Italian with the foundations to build for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
When Irish Eyes Aren't Smiling
Sunderland Clearout the Irish
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The potential clearout of Republic of Ireland internationals from the Sunderland first team in the upcoming months is a disappointing if hardly surprising development. The Irish players in question could find themselves out of contract and without a club with the World Cup Qualifiers fast approaching.
It’s hardly the ideal preparation for Giovanni Trapattoni either if a large portion of his probable squad will be unsure of their futures ahead of vital friendlies and a training camp in the coming weeks. The current Irish squad needs as many players as possible regularly playing in the Premier League if we are to have any hope of making South Africa in 2010.
Paul Mc Shane, Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are three individuals who could and should have done better this season with the Black Cats. Roy Keane is correct in his assessment that too many of his buys have underperformed but from an Irish point of view it is going hinder the preparations of the new manager and his staff if selected international players are not 100% focused in the coming months.
Under17’s lose two on the bounce
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The Republic of Ireland suffered their second successive defeat in the UEFA U-17 Championships campaign in Turkey yesterday when Switzerland triumphed 1-0 following an unfortunate Gavin Gunning own goal.
Manager Sean McCaffery and his players should still take heart from the Ireland have been competitive in each of their game in what has undoubtedly been a disappointing campaign thus far. The opening Group defeat to France and now the 1-0 loss at the hands of the Swiss means the Irish will be travelling home from Turkey earlier than expected.
I can’t help thinking the 10th year anniversary of Brian Kerr’s successful European campaign and its increased media coverage might have had an adverse effect on the squad. McCaffrey is an excellent manager and will no doubt continue to nurture what is a refreshingly talented age group containing quality players such as Celtic’s Richard Towell, Man United’s Robbie Brady and Ipswich’s Paul Murphy too name but a few.
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The potential clearout of Republic of Ireland internationals from the Sunderland first team in the upcoming months is a disappointing if hardly surprising development. The Irish players in question could find themselves out of contract and without a club with the World Cup Qualifiers fast approaching.
It’s hardly the ideal preparation for Giovanni Trapattoni either if a large portion of his probable squad will be unsure of their futures ahead of vital friendlies and a training camp in the coming weeks. The current Irish squad needs as many players as possible regularly playing in the Premier League if we are to have any hope of making South Africa in 2010.
Paul Mc Shane, Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller are three individuals who could and should have done better this season with the Black Cats. Roy Keane is correct in his assessment that too many of his buys have underperformed but from an Irish point of view it is going hinder the preparations of the new manager and his staff if selected international players are not 100% focused in the coming months.
Under17’s lose two on the bounce
--------------------------------
The Republic of Ireland suffered their second successive defeat in the UEFA U-17 Championships campaign in Turkey yesterday when Switzerland triumphed 1-0 following an unfortunate Gavin Gunning own goal.
Manager Sean McCaffery and his players should still take heart from the Ireland have been competitive in each of their game in what has undoubtedly been a disappointing campaign thus far. The opening Group defeat to France and now the 1-0 loss at the hands of the Swiss means the Irish will be travelling home from Turkey earlier than expected.
I can’t help thinking the 10th year anniversary of Brian Kerr’s successful European campaign and its increased media coverage might have had an adverse effect on the squad. McCaffrey is an excellent manager and will no doubt continue to nurture what is a refreshingly talented age group containing quality players such as Celtic’s Richard Towell, Man United’s Robbie Brady and Ipswich’s Paul Murphy too name but a few.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Rooney a true team player
The deployment of Wayne Rooney on the right wing for Manchester United’ 0-0 Champions League Semi Final draw in the Camp Nou last night raised many eyebrows, none more so than on the excellent (Irish) RTE television panel. John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Liam Brady each made a point of singling out Rooney for his professional, unselfish display in an unaccustomed role away from his usual strikers’ position.
It is testament to the professionalism of Rooney that he carried out his duties of closing down the likes Abidal, Xavi, Deco etc. using every last ounce of his seemingly boundless energy without so much as a complaint or shrug to the sideline. It must have been horrible for an out and out striker with his undoubted talents to go a full 90 minutes without so much as a shot on the goal but he still put in the maximum effort for the good of the team.
Now Rooney is no angel and can infuriate ABU’s everywhere with his (regular) petulant outbursts to referees, but he showed his true worth to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United last night with another committed display where he sacrificed his own personal ambitions on behalf of his team mates.
It must be incredibly frustrating for the talismanic striker to be asked to play such a withdrawn role but Rooney responded and while we may not have witnessed the usual lung-bursting runs and individual flicks of brilliance, honed on the backstreets of Merseyside, his contribution was nonetheless every bit as important.
Contrast the Rooney performance with that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Firstly, no blame should be apportioned to the Portuguese winger for missing that penalty so early on in the tie but the remainder of his ‘performance’ left a lot to be desired. For a player who is fouled so often there is no reason for all the theatrical diving and gesticulating that infuriates opposition players and fans. Win your free kick and just get on with it. Worse still, his continual reluctance to track back and help out his team again went unnoticed last night thanks to the Herculean efforts of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.
There is no doubting Ronaldo’s individual talent as anyone who can score the amount of goals that he has done in one season deserves respect. That is not the issue; it Ronaldo’s lack of professionalism in not carrying out the so-called donkey work and tracking back (a la Rooney) for the sake of his team mates that annoys the most.
Man United fans should not regard these comments as an attack on Ronaldo the player, more a comment on his attitude and professionalism to the rest of his team mates.
If Rooney can put in a 90 minute performance without throwing his arms in the air every time he is tackled, track back when he loses possession and sacrifice his attacking talents on behalf of his team then so should Ronaldo.
It is testament to the professionalism of Rooney that he carried out his duties of closing down the likes Abidal, Xavi, Deco etc. using every last ounce of his seemingly boundless energy without so much as a complaint or shrug to the sideline. It must have been horrible for an out and out striker with his undoubted talents to go a full 90 minutes without so much as a shot on the goal but he still put in the maximum effort for the good of the team.
Now Rooney is no angel and can infuriate ABU’s everywhere with his (regular) petulant outbursts to referees, but he showed his true worth to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United last night with another committed display where he sacrificed his own personal ambitions on behalf of his team mates.
It must be incredibly frustrating for the talismanic striker to be asked to play such a withdrawn role but Rooney responded and while we may not have witnessed the usual lung-bursting runs and individual flicks of brilliance, honed on the backstreets of Merseyside, his contribution was nonetheless every bit as important.
Contrast the Rooney performance with that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Firstly, no blame should be apportioned to the Portuguese winger for missing that penalty so early on in the tie but the remainder of his ‘performance’ left a lot to be desired. For a player who is fouled so often there is no reason for all the theatrical diving and gesticulating that infuriates opposition players and fans. Win your free kick and just get on with it. Worse still, his continual reluctance to track back and help out his team again went unnoticed last night thanks to the Herculean efforts of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick.
There is no doubting Ronaldo’s individual talent as anyone who can score the amount of goals that he has done in one season deserves respect. That is not the issue; it Ronaldo’s lack of professionalism in not carrying out the so-called donkey work and tracking back (a la Rooney) for the sake of his team mates that annoys the most.
Man United fans should not regard these comments as an attack on Ronaldo the player, more a comment on his attitude and professionalism to the rest of his team mates.
If Rooney can put in a 90 minute performance without throwing his arms in the air every time he is tackled, track back when he loses possession and sacrifice his attacking talents on behalf of his team then so should Ronaldo.
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