Well that was a load of rubbish!
Another two points dropped against poor opposition, a point off Shels and a game more played, despite having face off against four pretty poor sides.
Leaving school on Friday afternoon I was feeling positive about the trip, my first away game of the season, getting to see me bud from Athlone, and what I expected to be a handy enough three points, even for this side, who are about as consistent as a bowl of lumpy custard.
We got into the car and started the journey of about 250 kilometers, from the real capital to the centre of the country. We coasted up the motorway, and despite being held up in the 'Birthplace of the GAA' we got through the annoyances of Templemore, Ferbane, Roscrea and Birr with no problems, getting to Athlone about three hours after we had departed.
After the usual tour around the central town of Ireland (Including passing a roundabout that had a beautiful front of daffodils on one side, and nothing but soil on the other!) we got to the ground.
By then the match had kicked off in front of a packed crowd of 294 at the Athlone Town stadium, and City had already put the ball in the net through Vinny Sullivan, though the ex-Waterford front-man was called offside. Vincent Escudé-Canadu has massively disappointed since signing his contract, but did have a speculative fall just over the bar from outside the box in the 13th minute.
Just before the half hour mark City found themselves in trouble, with Ronan Stack one-on-one with Mark McNulty, but the Ballincollig native got down well to parry the ball away. Vinny Sullivan had two headed chances which he couldn't covert, and Vincent scored another point, putting his shot over the goal-frame from close range.
McNulty hasn't been able to see a game out this season without making one major clanger from his passing, and last Friday was no different. The City netminder sliced his clearence straight to Town striker Colm Smith, who had he shwon a bit more conviction could've easily broken the deadlock before an impressing Kalen Spillane closed him down.
The half-time whistle came, and it looked like Athlone's u17 team during the warm up, with most of the lads looking like they wouldn't be out of place in a Junior Cert maths class. My buddy and I reveled in the absolute uselessness of Town's substitute goalkeeper, and play resumed.
It seemed though that whatever Tommy Dunne had said to his men had made absolutely no impact whatsoever, as City's play was just as lackadaisical and predicable as it was in the first period. Athlone shut up shop, and the Rebel Army just couldn't break their way through; and despite some stirling work in beating men done by messieurs O'Brien and Murphy on the left win, the end product was below par. I'd say maybe one dangerous cross was played in during the entirety of the second half, one which Town keeper Michael Schlingerman caught with relative ease. Athlone's big bustling back four were content to sit deep and head every cross that actually stayed in play away.
Graham Cummins fell over and earned himself a booking, and a kid boppin off the kid from up fell over an advertising board (the highlight of the game it must be said) as Dunne took of one of our most effective players in the shape of Derek O'Brien, bringing on Jamie Murphy. Also on the pitch was Timmy Kiely (Why we signed him I still can't work out) who came on for Sullivan up front, and both subs just served to weaken City's attacking strength. Murphy far too lightweight to compete with Athlone's strong back line, and Timmy Kiely? Well, he was just being Timmy Kiely, and doing a fantastic job of it I must say, credit where credit is due.
The midlands outfit never looked to be in any danger of conceding, but the same couldn't be said for City, who were gifting Athlone chance after chance with mistakes made in their own half, had the Town had a few more bodies up front they could have easily taken all three points.
We left Athlone as soon as possible in a sombre mood. Having seen both the Athlone and Mervue draw my Dad and his buddy were already sick and tired, and I can never remember a quieter trip home. I tried to catch some sleep on the way back but couldn't, and faced into another soccer marathon in my school after my first earlier on up the country. Thankfully the school one was a bit successful (though I didn't get to sleep until about half 10 that morning, having gone 28 hours and six in a car without any sleep)
It was a pain in the arse trying to write about that game last Friday, so make sure you reward me by reading next week, when we face an almighty task in trying to beat Monaghan United next week. A task we have no hope of achieving if we perform anything like we did last time out; if consistency is the key then we've locked ourselves out.
(Pictures up soon hopefully)
See ya later,
Kev
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Cocaine and Crabs!
Pictures, as ever, courtesy of Mick Ring and the kind people at Blink of an Eye Photography
(Don't worry, I'll explain the title!!)
Alas readers, I shunned my club a week ago, to attend some sort of box social happening on at the same time, and after one hell of a party and a soaking (and freezing) night up in Galway I'm glad to report I seemed to have made the right choice!
So following that apparently abysmal performance in the completely un-sheltered Fahy's Field we were looking to make back lost points against Limerick, a side fancied for promotion this sea
son, and a side to whom we lost on both occasions we hosted them last season. Revenge was needed.
Looking at the gate on the way in it seemed that another big crowd was due, and as I made may way into an unusually full Shed I knew that City had to start well to harness the power of said extra numbers. An awkward time of translation between new French signing Vincent Escudé-Canadu and another City fan (5th Year French baby!) served as my awkward turtle/tree/dead fox moment of the day before the game ensued. With the Lims being both local and promotion rivals, and throw into that the intoxicating cocktail of ('junkee') 'keeper Barry Ryan, the atmosphere was set to be electric!
The game started slowly, with an under-strength Limerick suffocating the Rebel Army and quietening the home support who were boisterous at kick-off time. Limerick front man Peter Hynes had an early shot that never really tested Mark McNulty in the City net, but that really was the highlight of the action during a stale opening 15 minutes.
The game burst into life in the 18th minute though, when débutant Derek O'Brien showed City fans what's to come. The ex-Galway winger sprinted down the left wing
, skinned Lims right back Garbhan Broughall, cut inside, and sent a thunderous effort across Ryan's body, which the shotstopper could only get a foot onto, and the ball looped into the net. The previously slumbering City fans woke with a jolt (myself included!!) and made sure their dominance was known 'One team in Munster, there's only one team in Munster!' After that the game settled down once again, and despite both teams best efforts, goalmouth action was limited at best, neither Ryan nor McNulty under serious pressure at any point.
Half time came, and out stepped Dave 'Barack Obama' Alton to try and win himself a 42" plasma screen TV by hitting the crossbar from the edge of the box. Needless to say; under a chorus of jeers and abuse, the man who seems to win every competition did just that, expertly chipping the ball onto what can only be described as the top of the post. Enjoy the TV lad!
With that out of the way it was time for the second half, and it was then the fans really got going! Ryan stepped out in front of the City faithful, soaking up his usual abuse, and then the still un-named City 'Cheetah' mascot did his best to help matters by snorting the goal-line (and thus putting him down in City folklore) as another hated 'keeper endured his 45 minutes in front of the Shed!
O'Brien pulled up soon after the break, but that didn't stop Tommy Dunne's team seizing the early momentum, with Gearóid Morrissey and Davin O'Neill both missing relatively simple efforts to double their side's advantage. First, a cross into the box found the ball at Morrissey's feet, the Mahon native unable to convert a chance that seemed sim
pler to score. Then O'Neill (who had a poor game by anyone's standards) rose to meet an inch-perfect Vinny Sullivan cross, but could only balloon his header over the bar and into the stand.
Ryan started to lose his patience, and proceeded to engage with some words with one member of the City faithful, riling up an already electric home support (especially one fella who seemed to have a Barry Ryan vendetta, at one point talking about crabs in his bag or something (yes that's the title explination!)). As the football deteriorated the crowd just seemed to be getting louder and louder; but they had their hearts in their mouths less than 10 minutes from time. A retreating City were caught on the counter, and Jeffery Judge had a glorious chance to steal a point from the game, but he sent his close-range header agonizingly wide.
So last week's dejected (and wet) City faithful were this week delighted (and dry!) and it seems that if Tommy Dunne's men can find some consistency, promotion is a very attainable target.
A mention also goes to David O'Leary (Pictured with Shane Duggan), former classmate, football friend (yes I said it!) and all 'round top man, who was playing with Limerick on the night.
Next week I won't be bunking off an away trip, and a slightly belated (but possibly bumper) edition from Athlone will be up!
Till then,
Kev
(Don't worry, I'll explain the title!!)
Alas readers, I shunned my club a week ago, to attend some sort of box social happening on at the same time, and after one hell of a party and a soaking (and freezing) night up in Galway I'm glad to report I seemed to have made the right choice!
So following that apparently abysmal performance in the completely un-sheltered Fahy's Field we were looking to make back lost points against Limerick, a side fancied for promotion this sea
son, and a side to whom we lost on both occasions we hosted them last season. Revenge was needed.Looking at the gate on the way in it seemed that another big crowd was due, and as I made may way into an unusually full Shed I knew that City had to start well to harness the power of said extra numbers. An awkward time of translation between new French signing Vincent Escudé-Canadu and another City fan (5th Year French baby!) served as my awkward turtle/tree/dead fox moment of the day before the game ensued. With the Lims being both local and promotion rivals, and throw into that the intoxicating cocktail of ('junkee') 'keeper Barry Ryan, the atmosphere was set to be electric!
The game started slowly, with an under-strength Limerick suffocating the Rebel Army and quietening the home support who were boisterous at kick-off time. Limerick front man Peter Hynes had an early shot that never really tested Mark McNulty in the City net, but that really was the highlight of the action during a stale opening 15 minutes.
The game burst into life in the 18th minute though, when débutant Derek O'Brien showed City fans what's to come. The ex-Galway winger sprinted down the left wing
, skinned Lims right back Garbhan Broughall, cut inside, and sent a thunderous effort across Ryan's body, which the shotstopper could only get a foot onto, and the ball looped into the net. The previously slumbering City fans woke with a jolt (myself included!!) and made sure their dominance was known 'One team in Munster, there's only one team in Munster!' After that the game settled down once again, and despite both teams best efforts, goalmouth action was limited at best, neither Ryan nor McNulty under serious pressure at any point.Half time came, and out stepped Dave 'Barack Obama' Alton to try and win himself a 42" plasma screen TV by hitting the crossbar from the edge of the box. Needless to say; under a chorus of jeers and abuse, the man who seems to win every competition did just that, expertly chipping the ball onto what can only be described as the top of the post. Enjoy the TV lad!
With that out of the way it was time for the second half, and it was then the fans really got going! Ryan stepped out in front of the City faithful, soaking up his usual abuse, and then the still un-named City 'Cheetah' mascot did his best to help matters by snorting the goal-line (and thus putting him down in City folklore) as another hated 'keeper endured his 45 minutes in front of the Shed!
O'Brien pulled up soon after the break, but that didn't stop Tommy Dunne's team seizing the early momentum, with Gearóid Morrissey and Davin O'Neill both missing relatively simple efforts to double their side's advantage. First, a cross into the box found the ball at Morrissey's feet, the Mahon native unable to convert a chance that seemed sim
pler to score. Then O'Neill (who had a poor game by anyone's standards) rose to meet an inch-perfect Vinny Sullivan cross, but could only balloon his header over the bar and into the stand.Ryan started to lose his patience, and proceeded to engage with some words with one member of the City faithful, riling up an already electric home support (especially one fella who seemed to have a Barry Ryan vendetta, at one point talking about crabs in his bag or something (yes that's the title explination!)). As the football deteriorated the crowd just seemed to be getting louder and louder; but they had their hearts in their mouths less than 10 minutes from time. A retreating City were caught on the counter, and Jeffery Judge had a glorious chance to steal a point from the game, but he sent his close-range header agonizingly wide.
So last week's dejected (and wet) City faithful were this week delighted (and dry!) and it seems that if Tommy Dunne's men can find some consistency, promotion is a very attainable target.
A mention also goes to David O'Leary (Pictured with Shane Duggan), former classmate, football friend (yes I said it!) and all 'round top man, who was playing with Limerick on the night.
Next week I won't be bunking off an away trip, and a slightly belated (but possibly bumper) edition from Athlone will be up!
Till then,
Kev
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Succesing Supporters - Post-Match Analysis
So about two weeks ago I brought you a list of candidates for Election '11 (Plus Michael D and Dermot Looney who I just had to include!) and their affiliations to the League of Ireland. The votes were cast, the ballots counted and tomorrow the 31st Dáil sits for the first time. Time to see how our candidates got on!
Mick Wallace (Independent) - Wexford - Wexford Youths - Elected First Count
Wallace surprised everyone else, and probably even himself by receiving a colossal 13,329 first preferences, surpassing the quota by 739, and amassing a 17.6% share of the first preferences. Having only decided to run three weeks earlier, and handing in an applic
ation just before the deadline, it appears that Wallace's need for change, image, and transparency won him the heard and minds of the Wexford people. On his official website, the Property Developer thanked the residents of the Banner County “It’s not easy to put into words what has happened,” Wallace said. “I feel a huge responsibility to the people of Wexford who have shown the courage to look for change and I do not carry it lightly. I want to say thank you to the people of Wexford, who have now given me the opportunity of bringing a new approach."
Cllr. Jonathan O'Brien (Sinn Féin) - Cork North Central - Cork City FC - Elected Eighth Count
Another man elected first in his constituency was Jonathan O'Brien, albeit on the 8th count. The former FORAS Board of Ma
nagement member received the highest amount of first preferences, but it took the transfer votes from Socialist Party member Mick Barry to guarantee him a place in the Dáil, and a place in history. O'Brien became the first Sinn Féin candidate to be elected in Cork since Michael Collins in 1922. Jonathan's son, Ryan, is currently kit manager at City.
Cllr. Patrick Nulty (Labour) - West Dublin CC - Bohemians - Not Elected
Our final candidate discussed was Patrick Nulty, who's an avid Bohemians fan. Unfortunately Nulty only received 2686 first preferences, a 6.3% share. Despite picking up a number of transfers off party colleague Joan Burton (Who got in on the first count) it wasn't enough to see the Dublin 15 native through to the Oireachtas. Speaking after the election on his blog, Nulty said that a number of residents contacted him enquiring as to where their polling cards went. “Many people were unsure if they could still vote and we in the Dublin West Labour Party set get information to the public that they could still vote with ID. Thankfully many people did exercise their right to vote in a record turnout but nevertheless we need answers as to why such a huge area of Dublin 15 did not get polling cards”
Others
There were a number of Shamrock Rovers fans contesting the four seats on offer in Dublin South-West. Former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte lead the way, with a grand total of 12,867 first preferences (27.4%). The two Fianna Fáil representatives failed to get in though, and lost their seats, in what was a crippling election for the party. Both Charlie O'Connor and Conor Lenihan devastated by the loss of their long-term seats in the Dáil. Another LOI fan-turned-politician who missed out on election was Sinn Féin candidate Larry O'Toole. The avid Bohemians fan still has his place on the Dublin City Council to fall back on, but will be disappointed to be the highest candidate not to be voted, albeit by a deficit of almost 2,500 votes, as he received far more first preferences then eventual electorate Seán Kenny.
So all in all not a hugely unsuccessful election for LOI fans; three candidates elected, two first in their constituency. With many forecasting a long and successful period for the 31st Dáil, LOI fans will be hoping their league gets a voice within the principal chamber of the Oireachtas.
Mick Wallace (Independent) - Wexford - Wexford Youths - Elected First Count
Wallace surprised everyone else, and probably even himself by receiving a colossal 13,329 first preferences, surpassing the quota by 739, and amassing a 17.6% share of the first preferences. Having only decided to run three weeks earlier, and handing in an applic
ation just before the deadline, it appears that Wallace's need for change, image, and transparency won him the heard and minds of the Wexford people. On his official website, the Property Developer thanked the residents of the Banner County “It’s not easy to put into words what has happened,” Wallace said. “I feel a huge responsibility to the people of Wexford who have shown the courage to look for change and I do not carry it lightly. I want to say thank you to the people of Wexford, who have now given me the opportunity of bringing a new approach."Cllr. Jonathan O'Brien (Sinn Féin) - Cork North Central - Cork City FC - Elected Eighth Count
Another man elected first in his constituency was Jonathan O'Brien, albeit on the 8th count. The former FORAS Board of Ma
nagement member received the highest amount of first preferences, but it took the transfer votes from Socialist Party member Mick Barry to guarantee him a place in the Dáil, and a place in history. O'Brien became the first Sinn Féin candidate to be elected in Cork since Michael Collins in 1922. Jonathan's son, Ryan, is currently kit manager at City.Cllr. Patrick Nulty (Labour) - West Dublin CC - Bohemians - Not Elected
Our final candidate discussed was Patrick Nulty, who's an avid Bohemians fan. Unfortunately Nulty only received 2686 first preferences, a 6.3% share. Despite picking up a number of transfers off party colleague Joan Burton (Who got in on the first count) it wasn't enough to see the Dublin 15 native through to the Oireachtas. Speaking after the election on his blog, Nulty said that a number of residents contacted him enquiring as to where their polling cards went. “Many people were unsure if they could still vote and we in the Dublin West Labour Party set get information to the public that they could still vote with ID. Thankfully many people did exercise their right to vote in a record turnout but nevertheless we need answers as to why such a huge area of Dublin 15 did not get polling cards”
Others
There were a number of Shamrock Rovers fans contesting the four seats on offer in Dublin South-West. Former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte lead the way, with a grand total of 12,867 first preferences (27.4%). The two Fianna Fáil representatives failed to get in though, and lost their seats, in what was a crippling election for the party. Both Charlie O'Connor and Conor Lenihan devastated by the loss of their long-term seats in the Dáil. Another LOI fan-turned-politician who missed out on election was Sinn Féin candidate Larry O'Toole. The avid Bohemians fan still has his place on the Dublin City Council to fall back on, but will be disappointed to be the highest candidate not to be voted, albeit by a deficit of almost 2,500 votes, as he received far more first preferences then eventual electorate Seán Kenny.
So all in all not a hugely unsuccessful election for LOI fans; three candidates elected, two first in their constituency. With many forecasting a long and successful period for the 31st Dáil, LOI fans will be hoping their league gets a voice within the principal chamber of the Oireachtas.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Opening Day Drama!
Pictures courtesy of Mick Ring and Blink of an Eye Photography
So I didn't get around to updating this over the week with the Bohs game, I was busy, and there was some really good football on the tele, wanna fight about it?!
It really wasn't that interesting anyways. Davin and Vincent had fantastic games, the former scoring a peach of a goal to beat 2009 League champions Bohemians. The current Bohs side isn't a scratch on the team beaten almost two years ago by the same player in Dalyer. The menacing strikeforce of Glen Crowe and Jason Byrne replaced by two players that looked like they were more at home in the classroom than at a League of Ireland game, and that showed. It capped off a decent pre-season for the Rebel Army and saw them in good stead for their second crack at the whip for promotion.
Walking past the Wexford team bus I couldn't help but notice Mick Wallace's head plastered on the side, his pot-noodlesque hair even more distinct when blown up 4x. Anywho, courtesy of an anonymous tipster yours truly found himself with a free season ticket for this year, and my smug face could have been seen all around Cork as I strode in the gate and took my seat for the first game after a short interview with John O'Sullivan (Which can be heard here). [/more shameless advertising]
The tie was being billed as the battle of the TD's. On the City side we had Jonathan O'Brien, a born and bred Norrie, as well as a member of Sinn Féin for as long as I can remember. On the youths side was Mick Wallace, a man who made his name for wearing pink; the result was never in doubt really.
In front of a bumper crowd City started the brighter, and Graham Cummins should have put the Leesiders ahead early on, but Youths player of the season last season Packie Holden got across his goal well to smother last season's top scorer and deflect the ball wide. Wexford didn't seem to have much football in them, and relied on a long ball game supplemented with some kicking, scratching and diving to see them through.
Cummins was lucky not to be reprimanded, when he lashed out at Martin Kehoe, taking the young defender's legs out from underneath him. Kehoe landed awkwardly and went off for treatment on his shoulder, Cummins counting himself fortunate not to be spotted by either referee Stuart Templeman or his assistant. Holden was called into action, getting a strong hand on Vinny Sullivans volley to turn the ball over. City had the lions share of possession, and were well on top of a disappointing Wexford side; Davin O'Neills indecision with the goal begging saw that ball being cleared. The Graham Cummins somehow managed to head the ball wide when it seemed easier to score as City piled on the pressure.
It was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken though, and it was Vinny Sullivan that provided it. Some good patient build up saw the ex-Waterford man with the ball at his feet in the Wexford penalty area, and his chip across Holden was too good, nestling into the corner of the net. 1-0 City and the first goal of the 2011 league campaign, hopefully a few more to follow!
S
ullivan then should have made his hat-trick within the opening five minutes of the second half. Less than a minute after kick-off he latched onto a Morrissey through ball, touched the ball beyond the onrushing Youths 'keeper, but the ball bounced agonizingly left and wide. Then, a fine cross found Sullivan completely unmarked, six yards out from goal, but City's number nine got it all wrong and headed the bar over the bar. A sense of un-ease started to build up around the ground, temporarily alleviated by the presence of Cork City's new mascot, a cheetah, or a leper or something. Whatever he was he was proving to be a big hit with both young and old fans alike, and proving that the club aren't going to rest on their laurels, certainly not concerning the match-day experience!
Soon the chances started to dry up, and the game turned a bit nasty. The bad blood from Cummins' challenge re-surfaced, as the two sides started to exhibit the ugly side of our beautiful game. A weak referee in the shape of Templeman did nothing to help matters, and following what seemed an innocuous enough challenge, youngster Kalen Spillane saw his second yellow and was soon down the tunnel. It mattered little to the game though, as City saw out the last few minutes, with tempers rising once more following the game. What people in the GAA business call, 'handbags'.
Despite the late unpleasantness and a plethora of missed chances, City managed to take all three points from their first game back; and with two draws in the other two games it sees City finish the day on top of the league! Next up is an away trip to Mervue United and my virst ever visit to Fahy's field; how many new fans will be returning to the 'Cross for the Rebel Army's next game against Limerick will yet to be seen. Pictures will follow as soon as I get 'em and stuffs!
'Till next weekend,
Kev
So I didn't get around to updating this over the week with the Bohs game, I was busy, and there was some really good football on the tele, wanna fight about it?!
It really wasn't that interesting anyways. Davin and Vincent had fantastic games, the former scoring a peach of a goal to beat 2009 League champions Bohemians. The current Bohs side isn't a scratch on the team beaten almost two years ago by the same player in Dalyer. The menacing strikeforce of Glen Crowe and Jason Byrne replaced by two players that looked like they were more at home in the classroom than at a League of Ireland game, and that showed. It capped off a decent pre-season for the Rebel Army and saw them in good stead for their second crack at the whip for promotion.
Walking past the Wexford team bus I couldn't help but notice Mick Wallace's head plastered on the side, his pot-noodlesque hair even more distinct when blown up 4x. Anywho, courtesy of an anonymous tipster yours truly found himself with a free season ticket for this year, and my smug face could have been seen all around Cork as I strode in the gate and took my seat for the first game after a short interview with John O'Sullivan (Which can be heard here). [/more shameless advertising]The tie was being billed as the battle of the TD's. On the City side we had Jonathan O'Brien, a born and bred Norrie, as well as a member of Sinn Féin for as long as I can remember. On the youths side was Mick Wallace, a man who made his name for wearing pink; the result was never in doubt really.
In front of a bumper crowd City started the brighter, and Graham Cummins should have put the Leesiders ahead early on, but Youths player of the season last season Packie Holden got across his goal well to smother last season's top scorer and deflect the ball wide. Wexford didn't seem to have much football in them, and relied on a long ball game supplemented with some kicking, scratching and diving to see them through.
Cummins was lucky not to be reprimanded, when he lashed out at Martin Kehoe, taking the young defender's legs out from underneath him. Kehoe landed awkwardly and went off for treatment on his shoulder, Cummins counting himself fortunate not to be spotted by either referee Stuart Templeman or his assistant. Holden was called into action, getting a strong hand on Vinny Sullivans volley to turn the ball over. City had the lions share of possession, and were well on top of a disappointing Wexford side; Davin O'Neills indecision with the goal begging saw that ball being cleared. The Graham Cummins somehow managed to head the ball wide when it seemed easier to score as City piled on the pressure.It was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken though, and it was Vinny Sullivan that provided it. Some good patient build up saw the ex-Waterford man with the ball at his feet in the Wexford penalty area, and his chip across Holden was too good, nestling into the corner of the net. 1-0 City and the first goal of the 2011 league campaign, hopefully a few more to follow!
S
ullivan then should have made his hat-trick within the opening five minutes of the second half. Less than a minute after kick-off he latched onto a Morrissey through ball, touched the ball beyond the onrushing Youths 'keeper, but the ball bounced agonizingly left and wide. Then, a fine cross found Sullivan completely unmarked, six yards out from goal, but City's number nine got it all wrong and headed the bar over the bar. A sense of un-ease started to build up around the ground, temporarily alleviated by the presence of Cork City's new mascot, a cheetah, or a leper or something. Whatever he was he was proving to be a big hit with both young and old fans alike, and proving that the club aren't going to rest on their laurels, certainly not concerning the match-day experience!Soon the chances started to dry up, and the game turned a bit nasty. The bad blood from Cummins' challenge re-surfaced, as the two sides started to exhibit the ugly side of our beautiful game. A weak referee in the shape of Templeman did nothing to help matters, and following what seemed an innocuous enough challenge, youngster Kalen Spillane saw his second yellow and was soon down the tunnel. It mattered little to the game though, as City saw out the last few minutes, with tempers rising once more following the game. What people in the GAA business call, 'handbags'.
Despite the late unpleasantness and a plethora of missed chances, City managed to take all three points from their first game back; and with two draws in the other two games it sees City finish the day on top of the league! Next up is an away trip to Mervue United and my virst ever visit to Fahy's field; how many new fans will be returning to the 'Cross for the Rebel Army's next game against Limerick will yet to be seen. Pictures will follow as soon as I get 'em and stuffs!
'Till next weekend,
Kev
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