MATCH REPORTS 2011-2012

Carlow Soccer Sunday 28 July 2011

Nationalist Premier Division

St Pat’s Boys  2

Stretford United        0

Stretford found the bigger Meadows pitch difficult to handle, producing a very disjointed performance for the visitors.

St. Pats applied early pressure and managed to break through the United defence leaving Richard Powell the United keeper to save his team blushes. On a number of occasions the Boys were caught off side by a vigilant match official who was kept on his toes by the pace of the game in the early stages. The game settled down and exchanges were evenly contested, particularly in the mid field area. Despite the Boys having the greater possession, Stretford showed more hunger for the game particularly in defence and the mid field sectors. St. Pat’s best chance of the half came on 20 minutes when Jason Carroll broke through to go one on one with the United keeper, but Powell brought off a great save, one of a few in the half. Stretford managed to create a couple of half chance, but the best opportunity of a goal came mid-way when Darren Costelloe set up Barry McDaniels who failed to finish. When it looked that the half would end scoreless, the Boys took the lead on 42 minutes. Under pressure the United keeper picked up a back pass, from the resulting indirect free kick just six yards out, Mark Hutchinson drilled the ball through a goal line packed with defenders, neatly into the left hand corner. The half ended with St. Pat’s leading 1-0.

The second half saw a much better composed Boys side and was in control of the exchanges for most of the forty five minutes. In the first quarter Stretford remained in contention and then the lost their keeper, Powell through injury to be replaced by another experienced keeper, Sean Maher. United missed a good opportunity of equalising when a through ball from Colin Darcy found Kevin McLoughlin only for McLoughlin to send a good scoring chance over the cross bar. Again Stretford was guilty of missing chances when Darren Costello and D J Wall combined to set up Barry McDaniels, but he fluffed his attempted shot on goal. St. Pats doubled their advantage on 68 minutes, Greg Sykvla won the ball in midfield to set up new signing, Willie Kavanagh, ex Crettyard, to score. The last half hour was totally dominated by the Boys with advance after advance on the United goal, only for Sean Maher to bring off a string of one on one saves for Stretford. During that period not alone did Stretford run out of steam, but Pat Purcell’s coaching and management of the Boys came to the fore, running out comfortable winners.

Jamie Cooney at midfield and defence, John O’Neill centre back and Jonathan Moore also in midfield had excellent performances for St. Pat’s Boys. Best for Stretford United were Mick Doyle in defence, Colin Darcy, Darren Costello in midfield and Barry McDaniels up front.

 Parkville United        4

Castle Rangers          3

Parkville bounced back from Friday evening’s setback against St Pats to take the points in this seven goal encounter in Tullow on Sunday morning.

Parkville got going early and were a goal up inside five minutes, Tommy Byrne doing the hard work down the left to set up Padraig Murphy. Castle responded well and were level 10 minutes later, Mikey Byrne with a fine individual effort. Ten minutes later Parkville were back in front, this time Padraig Murphy setting up Tommy Byrne. On 35 minutes Parkville caught Castle on the break and Owen Coleman ran through to make it 3-1. Parkville grabbed a fourth on the stroke of half time, Tommy Byrne with his second of the match to leave Castle with a mountain to climb in the second half.

The second period started quietly but Castle began getting on top and were rewarded for their efforts on 75 minutes, Daryl Hayden setting up Mikey Byrne to pull one back, and Byrne set up the grandstand finish when he completed his hat trick with five minutes to go. Parkville held out in a nervous finish to secure the points thanks to the efforts of Colm Kenny, Kevin Griffin and Owen Coleman while Cailín Canning, Alan Butler and Mikey Byrne were best for Rangers.

 Crettyard United       4

Kilree Celtic   1

Champions Crettyard have shown they won't be giving up their title without a fight, following up their 5-0 midweek victory over Nurney with this convincing win over Kilree. The home side applied the pressure from the start and were 2-0 up after 17 minutes, Brendan Fox with both goals after been set up by Phil Neenan and Jimmy Dunne. Kilree defended well and kept out Crettyard until half time, mainly due to the efforts of Liam Walsh in the goal. Kilree came out for the second half and were much more positive in their approach and pulled a goal back on 55 minutes, Anthony Dermody setting up Blain Dwyer to score. Kilree spurned a couple of chances to level and paid the price, Crettyard scoring on 80 minutes Mark Fox applying the finishing touch to brother Brendan’s cross and on 90 minutes through Dwayne Buggy to wrap up the points.

Best for the home side were Phil Neenan, Jimmy Dunne and Brendan Fox while John Monaghan, Anthony Dermody and Micko Salter tried hard for Kilree

 New Oak Boys           3

Bagenalstown FC      0

New Oak got their first win of the season with this win over Bagenalstown, who were perhaps feeling the effects of their Friday evening local derby with Kilree.

Town started well and had their first chance on 14 minutes, a well-placed Alan Salter shooting over. Five minutes later the Bagenalstown support agonised again as a Trevor Nolan effort came back off the crossbar. New Oak scored on 25 minutes to take the lead which they held till half time. Bagenalstown applied the early pressure in the second period and when Danny Darcy set up Trevor Nolan on 60 minutes, Town thought they had a goal only for the woodwork to rescue New oak again. Bagenalstown were getting on top but the final pass was letting them down and they paid the price when the home side scored on 70 and 85 minutes to seal the points. Best for Bagenalstown were Andy Townsend, Ciaran Lee and Brian Murphy

Herald Striker Division One

Palatine Celtic            2

St Fiacc's        4

Palatine playing their first home game at the new grounds at the V.E.C where they went down to two late goals from Fiacc's.

The game opened with Fiacc's looking much the sharper outfit as they dominated the opening quarter without making any impression in front of the Pal goal. Celtic settled to their task and before half time Graham Kelly and Sean Kane forced good saves from the Saints keeper as the half ended scoreless.

Fiacc's again took control of affairs early in the second half and this time they were rewarded with goals. The opening goal came when Conor Byrne found Matthew Power and he squared for Daniel Nolan to slot home. The Saint's went 2-0 up when Matthew Power was tripped in the area and Power stepped up to put away the spot kick. Pal then staged a rally and Graham Kelly got a goal back when he converted a penalty on 72 minutes. Ten minutes later the sides were level when John Kenny blasted home from the edge of the area. In the dying minutes however Fiacc's snatched victory with goals from Jamie Parr and Stephen Dowling for a deserved win. Impressive for Fiacc's were Jamie Parr, Daniel Nolan and Stephen Dowling.

 New Oak Boys           5

Burrin Celtic  1

A storming second half display saw Boys run in five goals to run out easy winners at the Burrin Road venue.

The Ballon side got off to a good start and after ten minutes took the lead when they were awarded a penalty and Karl Nolan was successful from the spot to put Celtic ahead. The visitors held the lead until half time against an underperforming boy’s side.

The second half however saw the Town side take complete control helped by the introduction of subs Dale Lacy and Willie Doran. Simon Doyle had the side’s level on 53 minutes, before Lacy set up Simon Doyle again who made no mistake to put Boys 2-1 up. Two brilliant individual efforts from Daniel Pereira put New Oak 4-1 up and out of sight from a game Celtic. To add to the visitor’s agony a defensive mix up let in Willie Doran for goal five on 84 minutes to complete the scoring.

Tops for the home side were Sean Kelly, Daniel Pereira, Simon Doyle and Dale Lacy, for Celtic James Nolan, Michael McGuiness, Gary Nolan and Paul Finn were best.

 Slaney Rovers            3

Derry Rovers 0

Slaney won the battle of the Rovers in Rathvilly on Sunday to collect the points.

Slaney got off to a great start when after two minutes Dominic Byrne Put Paddy Farrell in to score and put the home side on their way. Slaney continued to hold the upper hand in a quite entertaining first half and the Derry keeper had to save well from Dominic Byrne as the home side pressed strongly. Two minutes from the break Slaney were awarded for their pressure when Michael Foley placed Kevin McCall who shot home for a 2-0 half time lead.

The second half was a scrappy enough affair with chances at either end few and far between. Kenneth Brennan in the Derry goal made a couple of excellent saves from Dominic Byrne before Slaney made the game safe a Conor O'Brien goal on 81 minutes. Derry did have one late chance to break their duck but Mark Moore in the Slaney goal saved well from Paul Kavanagh.

Starring for the winners were Jamie Walsh, Conor O'Brien and Paddy Farrell, for Derry Colm Nolan, Enda Brennan and Kevin Moran tried hard.

Whites Pharmacy Division.

Grange FC     3

Baltinglass Town       1

Grange came out on top in this one, winning 3-1 after dominating the first half before fading in the second half.

The Grange first goal was scored very early on three minutes from a corner kick from Niall Byrne that was crossed to the edge of the box to Paddy Hickey who lashed home. Grange dominated after that but it took until 25 minutes before they scored their second goal, another cross from Niall Byrne was meet by Will Brereton who scored into the far corner of the net. Grange continued to attack and they scored their third on 39 minutes when Jaime Payne shot home from a pass by Darren Butler to make it 3-0 at half time.

Baltinglass came out with a point to prove in the second half and really went at Grange. The pressure told when they won a penalty on 50 minutes with Lee Furlong taken down just inside the box and James Keane scoring the resulting penalty. This pushed Baltinglass on but they couldn’t add a second with the Grange defence defending stoutly getting blocks in and also just nicking the ball away at the vital moment to prevent a pass or through ball from finding their men. Baltinglass faded in the last ten minutes and the game fizzled out to leave Grange 3-1 winners.

Best for Grange were Niall Byrne, Darren Butler and Chris Arguetta with David Nolan, Luke Nolan and Tom Redmond best for Baltinglass.

 Hanover Harps          4

St Joseph’s     1

A lively start to this one with end-to-end attacks and Hanover scoring first on seven minutes when Joe’s keeper dropped the ball and it was bundled home by Michael Corcoran.

Both sides kept attacking with   Joseph’s scoring next on 15 minutes with a fantastic run from Brian Pearson ended when he lashed home from just outside the box. After that Hanover finally got on top and their superiority told on 20 minutes when John Waters scored with a header from a corner kick by Niall Swan. Waters added a second on the 30 minutes, another fine header this time from a cross by Anthony McGrath and he was unlucky not to score a hat trick with another header hitting the crossbar on 35 minutes.

Joseph’s started the second half better than Hanover and got into the game but couldn’t score the second goal with fine saves from the Hanover keeper plus fantastic defending keeping them out. Their best chance on 75 minutes, hitting the post from a shot from Brian Byrne and with all their pressure the couldn’t make their superiority count finally falling to a sucker punch on 85 minutes with Graham Power firing home a goal against the run of play to finish the game off with Hanover winning 4-1.

Best for Hanover were John Waters, Tomas Kenny, Michel Corcoran and Anthony McGrath with Brian Byrne, Joe Mernagh, Brian Pearson and Andy Madden best for St Joseph’s.

 Crettyard United       4

St Mary’s       1

Crettyard took their chances in this one to come out on top.

St Mary’s gave as good as they got but couldn’t beat Adrian Brennan in the Crettyard goal. Crettyard scored on ten minutes with Kieran Delaney converting from a cross from Brendan Stynes. Their next chance fell to Julian Strain when one on one with Keeper but he shot wide.  Mary’s kept attacking but couldn’t break down the Crettyard defence. United scored again on 40 minutes with Brendan Fox converting a penalty leaving it 2-0 to Crettyard at half time.

Mary’s started the brighter in the second half but Crettyard scored again on 50 minutes, Dwayne Buggy lashing home to make it 3-0.  Mary’s finally got on top and scored the goal their play deserved on 60 minutes, Brendan Hickey converting a cross from Joe Murphy to leave the score 3-1 to Crettyard. Mary’s kept pushing forward but Adrian Brennan in the United goal denied them time after time with a string of saves that were top drawer. With their goalkeeper on top form and the defenders doing their stuff Crettyard weathered the Mary’s storm and with a rare break added insult to injury by adding a fourth goal on 85 minutes, an own goal from the Mary’s defence to leave the game 4-1 to Crettyard.

Best for Crettyard were Adrian Brennan, Paul Donnelly and Kevin Fitzpatrick with Brendan Hickey, Joe Murphy and Mick Langton best for St Mary’s.

Division Three

Grange FC     2

Village FC      4

Grange went behind by four goals within nineteen minutes of kick off with a series of defensive and goalkeeping blunders.

Village went out with all guns blazing at the start when a long throw in by John O’Brien for Eamonn Dowling to find the back of the net only after three minutes into the game. Then on ten minutes Paddy Deevy curls in a corner, brought down on the chest by O’Brien to sink it sweetly in the back of the net to make it 2-0. Grange had become star struck at this stage when just three minutes later a lovely ball in by Barry Amond sought out Paddy Deevy to make good use of it and struck it past the keeper to make it 3-0. Village came back at Grange again when on the 20 minutes David Dowling’s shot on goal and rebounded for Eamonn Dowling to rattle the back of the net for a 4-0. This must have shell shocked Grange into action as on 25 minutes Anthony Kavanagh fired over the bar from 30 yards after a great cross-field pass from Podge Bulfin. Then on 30 minutes Podge Bulfin found space inside the box and finished smartly under the advancing goalkeeper to reduce the Grange arrears. Five minutes later Grange added another, Anthony Kavanagh was fouled 30 yards out and took the free kick himself blasting the ball into the back of the net low and hard. Then just as the half ended the Grange Goalkeeper Cillian Murphy made a smart save from a header.

Village never lay down as the second half kicked off to a great start when David Dowling tried a shot from half way but only sneak over the cross bar. The visitors had created many more chances but to no avail. Grange struggled to create any 2nd half chances after the loss of Anthony Kavanagh through injury. Cillian Murphy made an excellent low save on 76 minutes low to his right hand side from point blank range.

Best for Village were in defence Paddy Dowling, John O’Brien, Eamonn Dowling, up front Barry Amond and David Dowling. Paul Clancy at midfield, Kieran "smiley" Byrne at left back, Podge Bulfin at midfield and Anthony Kavanagh on the wing performed well for Grange

 Hacketstown United  4

Vale Wanderers        3
This Division Three fixture was a very evenly fought tie by both the new comers to the division

Vale fell behind early on to a route one ball, Shane McGrath for United wasted no time in slotting home a ball from play. The visitors fought back well into a strong breeze with two goals from Jason "Jackers" Kane and Mark Lawlor. Jason Brennan was a constant threat on the right in the first half and put in a superb cross for Vale’s equaliser. Good work by Eric Brennan set up a scramble which resulted in Vale taking the lead thanks to Mark Lawlor and go into the break leading 2-1.

Hacketstown had some work to do but for the Trojan efforts of Shane McGrath in the forwards and Mark Byrne in the backs they came back into the game. McGrath scored another three goals all from play, outstanding and most definitely man of the match for Hacketstown. However the goal of the match saw a sweeping move involving five Vale players as they worked the ball out of the back line, resulting in Gavin McKenzie stroking the ball home with a cool finish. Vales man of the match was M J McAssey who covered well at the back and made telling interceptions during the second half. Best for Vale were Ronnie Devine, Kelvin Tracey, Tony McAssey & Robbie Elliott.

 Tullow Town 0

Carlow Rovers          0

Rovers began the game without their usual goalkeeper and Jason Murphy stepped up to the task of stand in keeper in what was an evenly contested game in Tullow.

The game started with Tullow on the attack and Rovers struggling to find shape which lead to a couple of early chances for the home side. The Rovers keeper made a save from a Dale Cosgrove header on five minutes, Michael ‘Ba’ Byrne was again involved for Town five minutes later in another attack on the Rovers goal. Rovers began to adapt to the game and created some chances of their own with some great play between Benny Murphy and Patrick Murphy to get the ball down the left wing and on to Eddie Brady. With Paul Stynes and Jordan Lennon holding off the Tullow advances in the middle of the field and Jason Murphy making spectacular saves in the goal, it looked like Carlow could hold off Tullow and create their own chances until Tullow broke forward and almost went ahead when Blain Cosgrove for Tullow unknowingly passed a forward header to an offside player who buried it but thanks to great judgement from the referee Carlow were still very much in the game. Martin Doran had a shot for Town that hit off the woodwork late in the half.

This seemed to be the wakeup call Carlow needed and in the second half they came out on the attack with Eddie Brady valiantly trying to take every ball in the opponents half and build an attack. Tullow also had their chances through Dale Cosgrove and ‘Ba’ Byrne on 52 and 59 minutes, with Cosgrove missing from four yards. Carlow's best chance came on 60 minutes when the captain Paul Stynes had his thirty yard shot deflected onto the crossbar and Carlow failed to create from the rebound. Tullow pressed hard in the closing minutes with chances from ‘Ba’ Byrne, Frankie Nolan and Dale Cosgrove, but Carlow’s defence showed their worth with Damien Byrne Shane Mahon and Duane Ayers combining under pressure to remove the threat from Tullow and get the ball out to their midfield. The stand in goalkeeper looked to be anything but a backup in the goal and was quick to sweep up any ball that was loose in his area.

Paul Stynes Jordan Lennon and Jason Murphy played well for Carlow while Tullow had an overall good team performance with their defence doing particularly well.

 Parkville United        1

Nurney Villa  1

Following some good opening play from both sides, Parkville drew first blood in this rather even affair in Tullow on Sunday morning.

Just ten minutes in from a long goal kick from the Parkville keeper, Andrew O’Brien, the Nurney defence allowed the ball to bounce, failing to clear their lines and the Parkville striker Matt Decaux ran on to coolly slot the ball home. Ten minutes later Decaux fluffed his attempt when he was through on goal. Both teams had several shots on goal in the following twenty minutes but none causing much trouble to either keeper. Nurney did have a ball come back of the crossbar after a well delivered corner from Jamie Lawlor caused panic in the Parkville penalty area. On thirty five minutes following some great interplay between Joe Byrne and John Townsend Jnr down the right flank the latter was brought down in the box by United’s Eddie Nolan and a penalty was awarded to Nurney. Robert Fitzpatrick scored the spot kick, calmly placing the ball down the centre of the goal with the Parkville keeper sent diving to the right hand side.

In the second half both sides remained very evenly matched and both had periods of dominance. Either team had chances to take all three points from this game but in Nurney’s case the final ball let them down on a few occasions. Parkville created two good chances late on but were thwarted by two very good saves from Nurney keeper Chris Kearney. In truth both sides deserved a point on the day and it would have been harsh on either side to take nothing from such an even contest.

Playing well for Nurney today were Simon Nevin, David Fitzpatrick & Thomas Murphy. Impressive for Parkville were Stephen Deery, Keith Slye and Eddie Nolan.