The best result in the club's history since the fans took it over, we beat St. Pats! Through now to the League Cup semi which, if a draw favours us, could see us in the final of a major competition despite our First Division status!
I turned up to the Cross early, anticipating a big crowd for what was a national cup semi-final, against Premier opposition, on a bank holiday Monday. How wrong was I?! That day's Cork City Marathon must've had a profound effect with its traffic delays, as only 1,077 people made their way into Turners Cross, over 100 less than went to see the Mervue United game (This city really makes no sense!)
Despite the paltry crowd, we did our best to create some atmosphere inside the stadium, but it wasn't long before the stadium fell quiet, albeit momentarily. Greg O'Halloran forced to head the ball into his own net, but opposite number Paul Crowley flagged for offside. A collective sigh of relief could be heard all around the ground, still in the game!
From there City upped the work rate, desperate not to go behind. They managed to soak up the pressure, and then took the lead against the run of play 20 minutes in courtesy of a wonderstrike by Derek O'Brien. The former Pats winger took a pass from Vincent Escudé-Candau and fired a shot from the edge of the box into the top right hand corner and past the despairing dive of Chris Bennion. 1-0 City!
Escudé-Candau was the driving force behind all things good for City, playing in the pocket just behind the mid 4, a role he revelled in during the pre-season games. His distribtuion and work rate was top notch, and again he was involved in an attack that led to O'Brien scuffing his shot wide. At this stage the momentum was all with the home side, and Kalen Spillane could've doubled the lead on the half hour mark, but he could only hook a shot over the bar.
Pats then had two excellent chances to level things, first a cross-come-shot from Daryl Kavanagh forced McNulty to backtrack and brilliantly claw the ball away from the goal-line, and from the following corner Shane McFaul missed an absolute sitter on the back post. City were still the better team, and O'Brien was giving his former team the run around. He almost had his second if it wasn't for the despairing dive by Ian Bermingham who managed to clear the Tralee native's effort off the line.
That ended a truly fantastic first half of football, and the best half performance from a City side we'd seen all season, all we had to do now was try to hold onto it for the second.
Some strong words by Pete Mahon at half time. (As a matter of fact I'd say more, he never shut up moaning for the entire words!) Paul Crowley had a golden opportunity to bring his side level right at the start of the second, but he could only fire wide under pressure from an excellent McNulty. With City sitting back and inviting pressure that miss only delayed the inevitable, and on 57 minutes Seán Stewart crossed for Neil (Mary) Harney, and his header skidded of the Turners Cross turf and past the helpless City netminder.
That was the kick up the backside City needed though, and it seemed far from spur on the Dubs, it gave them a false sense of security, the hard work was done they thought, obviously forgetting who they were coming up against. Candau stretched himself to head over, as the game settled down for the first time in the match, both teams desperately attempting to conserve energy after a blitzing first hour.
The winner was scored in the 71st minute, as Candau once again ran rings around the Saints' defence before laying the ball off to Graham Cummins. He curled a shot around the despairing Bennion, the ball touching off the post (and creating that awful split second of doubt!) before nestling in the back of the net. Cue delirium on three sides of the ground, and it felt like a full Shed the way we were in voice!
Candau wanted a goal of his own, and his shot seemed destined for the top left hand corner of the net before a spectacular, diving, top-handed save by Bennion somehow managed to keep the defecit to one. From there it was a matter of holding on, and Pats applied the pressure, desperate not to be the first side out at the Quarter-Final stage. City repelled them excellently, until Mulcahy forced a diving save from McNulty, the ball fell right at the feet of Kavanagh and we were set to go to extra-time, but McNulty wasn't! The Ballincollig native sprang back up and leaped in the opposite direction to deny Kavanagh a surefire goal, before Neal Horgan managed to clear.
Relief and joy surronded Turner's Cross when Pádraig Sutton blew the full time whistle. City's unbeaten run in major competitions continues, Pats left to head back to Dublin licking their wounds after another League Cup defeat at the hands of the Leesiders!
For me, it will be the last time I'll see the inside of the Cross (and probably City) until the 24th. Hopefully a trip to Monaghan will be made (probably not though) and then it's France for three weeks on the 26th!
Until whenever really,
Corcaigh Abú! (and all of that)
Kev
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Grassy Banks
Still unbeaten!
Two close away trips, two games short on goals and two results that City will be content, but not exactly thrilled with. Starting in Limerick on the 30th May. A short spin upto the Treaty City reminded us of the privelege we have, calling Turners Cross our home. After buying our tickets out of the back of a Ford Transit, climbing over the broken turnstile, walking around to the opposite side past the abandoned flats and rows of portaloos we took our spot on the away end of the grassy knoll, cornered off from the rest of the ground. In all honesty though it made no difference, our spot was one of the best in the ground all things told as a small City crowd settled for our what'll hopefully be our only venture to Stab City.
The standard of the game matched the standard of the ground for the most part, and it wasn't until a quarter of an hour in a chance fashioned itself, Peter Hynes' shot flashing over the crossbar. As a matter of fact, it was the home side who were having the better chances, albeit on the counter. Purcell heading dangerously across the City box but the ball cleared, while Hynes again couldn't keep his effort down, this time a header. Next Mark McNulty was called into action, parrying the ever-dangerous Hynes' volley around the post before the half time whistle was blown.
So not a whole lot to warm up the crowd on what was a cold night on the West coast despite the fleeting sunlight. City had far and away the best chance of the match on 55 minutes; Vinny Sullivan working hard to win the ball of ex-City defender Brian O'Callaghan and square the ball for Shane Duggan who blasted the ball over from six yards with virtually an open goal abegging (The third open goal missed in the space of five days).
O'Callaghan then went down with what turned out to be a dislocated knee, and while the Limerick native writhed around in agony, two members of the Civil Defense (Who were providing the ambulance cover) stood arms folded as the other rushed about looking for a stretcher. Eventually one was found and he was hoisted on by Limerick netminder Barry Ryan (The pair's arms still folded behind the goal) and clapped off the pitch.
The game restarted Cork native (and former classmate) David O'Leary had a few shots on target but nothing too difficult for McNulty, before Jefferey Judge smacked the near post with a whistling shot. From there both sides resigned themselves to a point, despite Paraic Quinn's long-range effort that forced a sharp save from McNulty. All 776 leaving content with a point ahead of the FAI Cup break.
Our next away trip was even closer, as a matter of fact we didn't even have to leave the county boundary as we travelled 20 the minutes to Midleton in a FAI Cup 3rd round clash. Tests over, summer holidays on, and this time the sun was out as well as the heat! 26 degrees as we made our way out to Knockgriffin Park, which whilst modest was splendidly presented for the game. This was the Munster Senior League's side glamour game of the season, and a crowd of about 1,300 came out to see the first Cork derby involving City in the FAI Cup for quite some time.
After a bizarre rendition of 'Amhrán na bhFiann' by the local brass band the game began, and was about as big on chances as Limerick four days previous, and the majority of the time the ball was in the air. This suited Midleton, who were soaking up the pressure well. Vincent Escudé-Candau seeing his shot wide before Midleton 'keeper Jason Green was counting his lucky stars after he misjudged a Derek O'Brien throw, but thankfully for him the ball carried over his head and over the bar from the bounce off a rock-hard yet pristene pitch. It was the Non-League side that had the best chance of the first half, when Kalen Spillane was caught from a high ball, but Andrew Knowles couldn't capatilise, blasting the ball over the bar.
Half-time saw the various sucessful underage squads paraded at half time (A nice touch) and our first sight of Paul Deasy since his departure from the club last year (Only making the bench it seems). City started to create chances in the second half, and relieved pressure by scoring in the 53rd minute. Graham Cummins converting a penalty he had won after being hauled down in the box. Vinny Sullivan doubled the advantage a few minutes later, when his excellent snapshot from the edge of the box caught Green off guard and curled into the corner of the net.
Deasy came on soon after, and supplied a dangerous ball in from a free-kick on the right, which McNulty spilled, but Stephen O'Leary smacked the bar from the rebound. Then Green had t produce his best to deny Cummins with a flying save to his left. But the East Cork outfit were all out of gas, and exited the competition after a valiant display; and on the way home the thermometer read 18 degrees despite it being 10 at night! The only Cork side left in the competition now are Youghal, who face Bray Wanderers at home on the 5th June.
For City, the bank-holiday Monday plays host to our biggest challenge, and arguably our biggest game of the season to date. A home League Cup Quarter Final clash with St. Patrick's Athletic.
Until then,
Arrividerci!
Kev
Two close away trips, two games short on goals and two results that City will be content, but not exactly thrilled with. Starting in Limerick on the 30th May. A short spin upto the Treaty City reminded us of the privelege we have, calling Turners Cross our home. After buying our tickets out of the back of a Ford Transit, climbing over the broken turnstile, walking around to the opposite side past the abandoned flats and rows of portaloos we took our spot on the away end of the grassy knoll, cornered off from the rest of the ground. In all honesty though it made no difference, our spot was one of the best in the ground all things told as a small City crowd settled for our what'll hopefully be our only venture to Stab City.
The standard of the game matched the standard of the ground for the most part, and it wasn't until a quarter of an hour in a chance fashioned itself, Peter Hynes' shot flashing over the crossbar. As a matter of fact, it was the home side who were having the better chances, albeit on the counter. Purcell heading dangerously across the City box but the ball cleared, while Hynes again couldn't keep his effort down, this time a header. Next Mark McNulty was called into action, parrying the ever-dangerous Hynes' volley around the post before the half time whistle was blown.
So not a whole lot to warm up the crowd on what was a cold night on the West coast despite the fleeting sunlight. City had far and away the best chance of the match on 55 minutes; Vinny Sullivan working hard to win the ball of ex-City defender Brian O'Callaghan and square the ball for Shane Duggan who blasted the ball over from six yards with virtually an open goal abegging (The third open goal missed in the space of five days).
O'Callaghan then went down with what turned out to be a dislocated knee, and while the Limerick native writhed around in agony, two members of the Civil Defense (Who were providing the ambulance cover) stood arms folded as the other rushed about looking for a stretcher. Eventually one was found and he was hoisted on by Limerick netminder Barry Ryan (The pair's arms still folded behind the goal) and clapped off the pitch.
The game restarted Cork native (and former classmate) David O'Leary had a few shots on target but nothing too difficult for McNulty, before Jefferey Judge smacked the near post with a whistling shot. From there both sides resigned themselves to a point, despite Paraic Quinn's long-range effort that forced a sharp save from McNulty. All 776 leaving content with a point ahead of the FAI Cup break.
Our next away trip was even closer, as a matter of fact we didn't even have to leave the county boundary as we travelled 20 the minutes to Midleton in a FAI Cup 3rd round clash. Tests over, summer holidays on, and this time the sun was out as well as the heat! 26 degrees as we made our way out to Knockgriffin Park, which whilst modest was splendidly presented for the game. This was the Munster Senior League's side glamour game of the season, and a crowd of about 1,300 came out to see the first Cork derby involving City in the FAI Cup for quite some time.
After a bizarre rendition of 'Amhrán na bhFiann' by the local brass band the game began, and was about as big on chances as Limerick four days previous, and the majority of the time the ball was in the air. This suited Midleton, who were soaking up the pressure well. Vincent Escudé-Candau seeing his shot wide before Midleton 'keeper Jason Green was counting his lucky stars after he misjudged a Derek O'Brien throw, but thankfully for him the ball carried over his head and over the bar from the bounce off a rock-hard yet pristene pitch. It was the Non-League side that had the best chance of the first half, when Kalen Spillane was caught from a high ball, but Andrew Knowles couldn't capatilise, blasting the ball over the bar.
Half-time saw the various sucessful underage squads paraded at half time (A nice touch) and our first sight of Paul Deasy since his departure from the club last year (Only making the bench it seems). City started to create chances in the second half, and relieved pressure by scoring in the 53rd minute. Graham Cummins converting a penalty he had won after being hauled down in the box. Vinny Sullivan doubled the advantage a few minutes later, when his excellent snapshot from the edge of the box caught Green off guard and curled into the corner of the net.
Deasy came on soon after, and supplied a dangerous ball in from a free-kick on the right, which McNulty spilled, but Stephen O'Leary smacked the bar from the rebound. Then Green had t produce his best to deny Cummins with a flying save to his left. But the East Cork outfit were all out of gas, and exited the competition after a valiant display; and on the way home the thermometer read 18 degrees despite it being 10 at night! The only Cork side left in the competition now are Youghal, who face Bray Wanderers at home on the 5th June.
For City, the bank-holiday Monday plays host to our biggest challenge, and arguably our biggest game of the season to date. A home League Cup Quarter Final clash with St. Patrick's Athletic.
Until then,
Arrividerci!
Kev
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Beating Youths!
Pictures courtesy of Tony Tobin and Mick Ring of Blink of an Eye Photography
So another 6 points from 6, albeit hard grafted, against two teams who will be in and around the bottom come the end of the season. That being said, the unbeaten run continues, and confidence is at a high heading into an important phase of the season leading upto the mid-season break.
First it was off to Wexford on the Friday before last, to start the second series of games in the 2011 season. After all the drama of last week, this trip promised to be very tame in comparison. This week, it was just me and the paps, Mr. Donie Forde unable to join us with the arrival of Queenie herself to Cork (and as a side note never have I felt such pride in our city and its people) The drive to Wexford was as quick as I ever remember it, we got out of Mahon handy enough despite the traffic restrictions around the city centre, and with the new Waterford bypass we flew past Hendo's (former) crowd, and were early enough to miss the traffic in New Ross.
After a heart-attack inducing 'Breakfast Bap' and chips with cheese, garlic and bacon it was off to the Wexford Youths complex. Last year we waited around 20 minutes in the rain to get tickets for City's final game of the season, and it seems that Wallace has gotten his house in order (Oh the irony) in the mean-time. The sun shone over Ferrycarrig Park, but offered little heat as a swirling wind ensured another cold evening in the sunny South-East. The crowd was sparse at best, and the travelling contingent made up around half of the total in the ground.
City hit the front foot early on, and carved out their first chance 10 minutes in, Greg through on goal but denied by last year's Youths player of the season Packie Holden in goals. He was there again to deny Davin O'Neill five minutes later, and O'Neill shot over the bar soon after as the Leesiders began to dominate. Cummins, Sullivan, Duggan, O'Halloran and O'Neill all had chances after the half hour mark but City just could not get the breakthrough. It was looking like one of those games just before halftime, when a corner bounced around the Youths box but not one of about five City players could find the finishing touch, as Wexford clung on for their dear lives.
Having battered our opponents and not been able to score, we started to worry at half-time. Surely with our luck it was the Youths that would take the lead. And, well, they did! Mark McNulty made a fantastic save from a Dean Broaders free-kick to continue his fantastic run in the last few matches, but from the rebound Michael Mullen teed up Craig Wall whose shot whistled into the City net. An unthinkable lead earned, and Youths on the way to their first win of the season.
That is for about 20 minutes, when a questionable City goal restored a well-deserved parity. Cummins took out Holden in the air from a cross (With intention to play the ball in my opinion) and the ball sat up for Vinny Sullivan, and the ex-Waterford striker powered his first competitive goal on the half-volley. The Rebel Army continued to threaten, pushing for a winner, with Gearóid Morrissey controlling play, and making mince meat of Broaders on the left hand side.
And there were no complaints when the winner came, Morrissey bursting through the middle and firing an inch-perfect shot underneath Holden and into the bottom left-hand corner. It was no more than City deserved, though coming 5 minutes from time Youths fans still felt agrieved, especially considering the circumstances surronding the first. But it was a good sign from a City side that probably would've lost the same game this time last year.
After that it was Mervue at home, thanks to the combined failings of the FAI and the MFA, kick-off was at a ridiculous 6:30 on a Thursday afternoon. On a Thursd
ay due to the Wales v Northern Ireland, Carling 'Nations Cup' wooden spoon (!!!) decider, and at half six because the floodlights at Turners Cross hadn't been sorted out despite having been broken for the best part of a fortnight. Both the Derrynane and St. Annes end closed because of the lack of numbers. (City lost an estimated 800 off the gate, while the official attendance for the Wales/NI game was 529, you can't spell FAIlure without....)
Despite that we did our best to create some atmosphere, and City once again absolutely dominated right from the very start. Graham Cummins could've dug a hole and hid himself away after firing over from about 2 yards out, how he managed to do it nobody will know, not least himself! Cummins was the divisions top scorer last year though, and soon made amends, poking home a finish f
rom inside the box to score his 8th league goal so far this season. Then it became the Eoin Martin slapstick show, first the Mervue 'keeper fell over trying to clear his lines, only a last ditch tackle denying O'Neill from an almost certain goal. Then he dropped a long ball right to the feet of Davin, but again he couldn't convert (Another player who was having a shocker funnily enough) Graham Cummins almost profited from Martin's blunders twice, and twice had the ball in the back of the net. Only to be ruled out for first an inexplicable handball, and then offside. 'Lets pretend we scored a goal!' belted out from the shed. Nothing dampening our spirits despite all that was going against us.
It needed a shocker to ensure City's left winger would get his name on the scoreboard. O'Neill completely scuffing his shot, but somehow the ball inexplicably bounced over Martin and into the back of the net. At this point Martin had the confidence of a cow in a slaughter house, and any e
ffort near the netminder had a chance of going in. By half time City had the game wrapped up, Danny Murphy crossing for Morrissey who showed Cummins how to do it by tapping the ball home from 3 yards.
The second half was un-remarkable, besides Cummins completely mishitting the ball from 6 yards with an open goal abegging, and lest I forget the handbags between Johnny Glynn and Tommy Dunne which saw the former sent to the stands for added time.
Next Monday it's off to stab city (Limerick, pardon me!) in hope of another three points over Munster neighbours, or at least to keep the unbeaten run going, 14 now since the pre-season loss against Sligo in Musgrave. (We'll choose to forget about Carrick United!)
Adieu,
Kev
So another 6 points from 6, albeit hard grafted, against two teams who will be in and around the bottom come the end of the season. That being said, the unbeaten run continues, and confidence is at a high heading into an important phase of the season leading upto the mid-season break.
First it was off to Wexford on the Friday before last, to start the second series of games in the 2011 season. After all the drama of last week, this trip promised to be very tame in comparison. This week, it was just me and the paps, Mr. Donie Forde unable to join us with the arrival of Queenie herself to Cork (and as a side note never have I felt such pride in our city and its people) The drive to Wexford was as quick as I ever remember it, we got out of Mahon handy enough despite the traffic restrictions around the city centre, and with the new Waterford bypass we flew past Hendo's (former) crowd, and were early enough to miss the traffic in New Ross.
After a heart-attack inducing 'Breakfast Bap' and chips with cheese, garlic and bacon it was off to the Wexford Youths complex. Last year we waited around 20 minutes in the rain to get tickets for City's final game of the season, and it seems that Wallace has gotten his house in order (Oh the irony) in the mean-time. The sun shone over Ferrycarrig Park, but offered little heat as a swirling wind ensured another cold evening in the sunny South-East. The crowd was sparse at best, and the travelling contingent made up around half of the total in the ground.
City hit the front foot early on, and carved out their first chance 10 minutes in, Greg through on goal but denied by last year's Youths player of the season Packie Holden in goals. He was there again to deny Davin O'Neill five minutes later, and O'Neill shot over the bar soon after as the Leesiders began to dominate. Cummins, Sullivan, Duggan, O'Halloran and O'Neill all had chances after the half hour mark but City just could not get the breakthrough. It was looking like one of those games just before halftime, when a corner bounced around the Youths box but not one of about five City players could find the finishing touch, as Wexford clung on for their dear lives.
Having battered our opponents and not been able to score, we started to worry at half-time. Surely with our luck it was the Youths that would take the lead. And, well, they did! Mark McNulty made a fantastic save from a Dean Broaders free-kick to continue his fantastic run in the last few matches, but from the rebound Michael Mullen teed up Craig Wall whose shot whistled into the City net. An unthinkable lead earned, and Youths on the way to their first win of the season.
That is for about 20 minutes, when a questionable City goal restored a well-deserved parity. Cummins took out Holden in the air from a cross (With intention to play the ball in my opinion) and the ball sat up for Vinny Sullivan, and the ex-Waterford striker powered his first competitive goal on the half-volley. The Rebel Army continued to threaten, pushing for a winner, with Gearóid Morrissey controlling play, and making mince meat of Broaders on the left hand side.
And there were no complaints when the winner came, Morrissey bursting through the middle and firing an inch-perfect shot underneath Holden and into the bottom left-hand corner. It was no more than City deserved, though coming 5 minutes from time Youths fans still felt agrieved, especially considering the circumstances surronding the first. But it was a good sign from a City side that probably would've lost the same game this time last year.
After that it was Mervue at home, thanks to the combined failings of the FAI and the MFA, kick-off was at a ridiculous 6:30 on a Thursday afternoon. On a Thursd
ay due to the Wales v Northern Ireland, Carling 'Nations Cup' wooden spoon (!!!) decider, and at half six because the floodlights at Turners Cross hadn't been sorted out despite having been broken for the best part of a fortnight. Both the Derrynane and St. Annes end closed because of the lack of numbers. (City lost an estimated 800 off the gate, while the official attendance for the Wales/NI game was 529, you can't spell FAIlure without....)Despite that we did our best to create some atmosphere, and City once again absolutely dominated right from the very start. Graham Cummins could've dug a hole and hid himself away after firing over from about 2 yards out, how he managed to do it nobody will know, not least himself! Cummins was the divisions top scorer last year though, and soon made amends, poking home a finish f
rom inside the box to score his 8th league goal so far this season. Then it became the Eoin Martin slapstick show, first the Mervue 'keeper fell over trying to clear his lines, only a last ditch tackle denying O'Neill from an almost certain goal. Then he dropped a long ball right to the feet of Davin, but again he couldn't convert (Another player who was having a shocker funnily enough) Graham Cummins almost profited from Martin's blunders twice, and twice had the ball in the back of the net. Only to be ruled out for first an inexplicable handball, and then offside. 'Lets pretend we scored a goal!' belted out from the shed. Nothing dampening our spirits despite all that was going against us.It needed a shocker to ensure City's left winger would get his name on the scoreboard. O'Neill completely scuffing his shot, but somehow the ball inexplicably bounced over Martin and into the back of the net. At this point Martin had the confidence of a cow in a slaughter house, and any e
ffort near the netminder had a chance of going in. By half time City had the game wrapped up, Danny Murphy crossing for Morrissey who showed Cummins how to do it by tapping the ball home from 3 yards.The second half was un-remarkable, besides Cummins completely mishitting the ball from 6 yards with an open goal abegging, and lest I forget the handbags between Johnny Glynn and Tommy Dunne which saw the former sent to the stands for added time.
Next Monday it's off to stab city (Limerick, pardon me!) in hope of another three points over Munster neighbours, or at least to keep the unbeaten run going, 14 now since the pre-season loss against Sligo in Musgrave. (We'll choose to forget about Carrick United!)
Adieu,
Kev
Monday, May 16, 2011
Fucking Lino!
Well it's been some fortnight!
It started last Friday week at home to Longford Town, where we faced a Town outfit that were third in the table, and featured Keith Gillespie among their ranks!
City got off to the worst possible start in the 6th minute, Austin Skelly silencing the relatively small home support early on. James McCarthy helpless underneath the looping shot in his first competitve start for the club.
Longford seemed happy to rely on the long ball, and relied on Keith Gillespie's set pieces as their attacking threat, while City grew from their slow start, and Graham Cummins headed over about a quarter of an hour in. But still Longford stayed tight at the back, and frustrated both the home players, and home support, who were expecting a lot better before the game. It seemed that a lot of the City players were in awe of the ex-Manchester United midfielder Gillespie, standing off a man who last played his club football with Glentoran.
The Leesiders finished the half strongly though, with Town 'keeper Paul Hunt at his absolute best to deny City their equalizer. First, Shane Duggan's vicious shot was excellently tipped around the post, before Davin O'Neill was denied twice in the space of the netminders heroics before the half.
The resumption of the second brought much of the same, with City on top of a Longford side clearly playing for a draw. Paul Hunt was amongst a number of players employing time wasting antics to try and kill any momentum the Rebel Army had. With around 20 minutes left, City worked a nice move down the right hand side, the ball ended up at the feet of Gearóid Morrissey. Jaque Morely had other ideas, he hacked down the Mahon native from behind, taking absolutely none of the ball right in front of the linesman's nose. But nothing giving from the referee's 'assistant', which was a regular theme in the last fortnight (But more of that later).
Morrissey was very lively, and had a shot saved five minutes from time. But evetually City got the equaliser they wholeheartedly deserved, and it came from an unlikely source! A fantastic out-swinging cross to the back post by Gavin Kavanagh, and it was 20 year-old Jamie Murphy who eventually stuck the ball away from close range. Cue mad celebrations from the City faithful, and the relief palpable in keeping our unbeaten record, as well as not losing ground on a current title rival.
That Sunday, we secured our promotion with a 7-2 win in Cobh, and will be playing our football in the Premier division next season!
Anywho, back to Cork City matters and the following Friday we headed off to Dublin for another top-of-the-table clash, this time against the old enemy, Shelbourne! For the first time this season, it was the FORAS Chariot (A 30 seater in this case) to see me up and back safely. Chariot isn't a very apt name though, a cramped and swealtering bus wasn't the nicest way to travel to a game, though a City quiz racked our brains and provided entertainment for a few hours. The pre-match pint couldn't have come quick enough, and after watching a bit of egg-chasing and generally chewing fat before we made for Tolka.
A big crowd ammassed in the City end, and a fantastic atmosphere greeted the lads as they took to the pitch. They started very strongly, and Cummins flashed a volley wide early on. Lorcan Fitzgerald had a great chance to opening the scoring against the run of play though, but couldn't connect 6 yards out from an open goal. The Rebel Army took the lead just beyond the half hour mark, a cross to the back post was headed back into the path of Graham Cummins, who applied the simplest of finishes, sparking an explosion of noise from the away end, first blood City.
Shels could've easily hit back straight after though, a through ball over the top was taken town by Philly Hughes, clearly with his arm, though the linesman on the near side refused to flag, and only an excellent stop from McNulty remained parity, before the half-time whistle rang.
Obviously what Tommy Dunne said at half-time did not have the desired effect, as City went from having an intent to win, to being petrified of losing their lead. And invarably, they did. After prolonged Shels pressure they got the equalizer they deserved. Karl Bermingham's shot was saved but not held by Nults, and the former Waterford striker was on hand to convert at the second attempt. That didn't silence the away crowd, though neither did it snap the away side out of their daze. Barry Clancy inches away from applying a finish to Hughes' cross. Meanwhile the lino on the near side was continuing his good start, his arm up and down like a German porn star, virtually foaming at the mouth everytime he had the chance to give an offside against the Corkies.
The Rebel Army clawed their way back into the game though, and Kalen Spillane headed just over, before Vincent Escudé-Candadu came on for Vinny Sullivan and had a long range effort well tipped over by Dean Delany in the Shels net. Then the Frenchman was set off by Greg O'Halloran after winning the ball in the centre of the park, but under pressure he couldn't apply the finishing touch, rolling the ball wide of the post. Then it was the linesmans turn to steal the show again, Shane Duggan chopped down from behind, again, right under the lino's nose, but nothing giving. Four points in two games stolen from us, I sure hope Karma repays us come the end of the season!
As regards the incident outside the ground, I won't comment until the Garda investigation has been completed, but needless to say the lack of Garda presence following the game as we walked over the broken glass under darkness was a little un-nerving on the way back to the bus. The bus trip was a sombre one, with all thoughts with the young lad, and the bus driver playing the radio at full blast and going bi-polar on the lights. A long and difficult day was completed in the knowledge that a decent point was picked up, and the hope that one of our own's injuries aren't too serious.
On a sidenote, congratulations to the Youths who won the FAI Youth Cup Final 4-1 against Killarney Celtic, and the home fans who gave the lads the support they deserved. An excellent game (Danny Morrissey's goal in particular a highlight) and a bright future ahead of these lads!
Next week it's off to Wexford, and congratulations for reading this!
Until next week,
Kev
It started last Friday week at home to Longford Town, where we faced a Town outfit that were third in the table, and featured Keith Gillespie among their ranks!
City got off to the worst possible start in the 6th minute, Austin Skelly silencing the relatively small home support early on. James McCarthy helpless underneath the looping shot in his first competitve start for the club.
Longford seemed happy to rely on the long ball, and relied on Keith Gillespie's set pieces as their attacking threat, while City grew from their slow start, and Graham Cummins headed over about a quarter of an hour in. But still Longford stayed tight at the back, and frustrated both the home players, and home support, who were expecting a lot better before the game. It seemed that a lot of the City players were in awe of the ex-Manchester United midfielder Gillespie, standing off a man who last played his club football with Glentoran.
The Leesiders finished the half strongly though, with Town 'keeper Paul Hunt at his absolute best to deny City their equalizer. First, Shane Duggan's vicious shot was excellently tipped around the post, before Davin O'Neill was denied twice in the space of the netminders heroics before the half.
The resumption of the second brought much of the same, with City on top of a Longford side clearly playing for a draw. Paul Hunt was amongst a number of players employing time wasting antics to try and kill any momentum the Rebel Army had. With around 20 minutes left, City worked a nice move down the right hand side, the ball ended up at the feet of Gearóid Morrissey. Jaque Morely had other ideas, he hacked down the Mahon native from behind, taking absolutely none of the ball right in front of the linesman's nose. But nothing giving from the referee's 'assistant', which was a regular theme in the last fortnight (But more of that later).
Morrissey was very lively, and had a shot saved five minutes from time. But evetually City got the equaliser they wholeheartedly deserved, and it came from an unlikely source! A fantastic out-swinging cross to the back post by Gavin Kavanagh, and it was 20 year-old Jamie Murphy who eventually stuck the ball away from close range. Cue mad celebrations from the City faithful, and the relief palpable in keeping our unbeaten record, as well as not losing ground on a current title rival.
That Sunday, we secured our promotion with a 7-2 win in Cobh, and will be playing our football in the Premier division next season!
Anywho, back to Cork City matters and the following Friday we headed off to Dublin for another top-of-the-table clash, this time against the old enemy, Shelbourne! For the first time this season, it was the FORAS Chariot (A 30 seater in this case) to see me up and back safely. Chariot isn't a very apt name though, a cramped and swealtering bus wasn't the nicest way to travel to a game, though a City quiz racked our brains and provided entertainment for a few hours. The pre-match pint couldn't have come quick enough, and after watching a bit of egg-chasing and generally chewing fat before we made for Tolka.
A big crowd ammassed in the City end, and a fantastic atmosphere greeted the lads as they took to the pitch. They started very strongly, and Cummins flashed a volley wide early on. Lorcan Fitzgerald had a great chance to opening the scoring against the run of play though, but couldn't connect 6 yards out from an open goal. The Rebel Army took the lead just beyond the half hour mark, a cross to the back post was headed back into the path of Graham Cummins, who applied the simplest of finishes, sparking an explosion of noise from the away end, first blood City.
Shels could've easily hit back straight after though, a through ball over the top was taken town by Philly Hughes, clearly with his arm, though the linesman on the near side refused to flag, and only an excellent stop from McNulty remained parity, before the half-time whistle rang.
Obviously what Tommy Dunne said at half-time did not have the desired effect, as City went from having an intent to win, to being petrified of losing their lead. And invarably, they did. After prolonged Shels pressure they got the equalizer they deserved. Karl Bermingham's shot was saved but not held by Nults, and the former Waterford striker was on hand to convert at the second attempt. That didn't silence the away crowd, though neither did it snap the away side out of their daze. Barry Clancy inches away from applying a finish to Hughes' cross. Meanwhile the lino on the near side was continuing his good start, his arm up and down like a German porn star, virtually foaming at the mouth everytime he had the chance to give an offside against the Corkies.
The Rebel Army clawed their way back into the game though, and Kalen Spillane headed just over, before Vincent Escudé-Candadu came on for Vinny Sullivan and had a long range effort well tipped over by Dean Delany in the Shels net. Then the Frenchman was set off by Greg O'Halloran after winning the ball in the centre of the park, but under pressure he couldn't apply the finishing touch, rolling the ball wide of the post. Then it was the linesmans turn to steal the show again, Shane Duggan chopped down from behind, again, right under the lino's nose, but nothing giving. Four points in two games stolen from us, I sure hope Karma repays us come the end of the season!
As regards the incident outside the ground, I won't comment until the Garda investigation has been completed, but needless to say the lack of Garda presence following the game as we walked over the broken glass under darkness was a little un-nerving on the way back to the bus. The bus trip was a sombre one, with all thoughts with the young lad, and the bus driver playing the radio at full blast and going bi-polar on the lights. A long and difficult day was completed in the knowledge that a decent point was picked up, and the hope that one of our own's injuries aren't too serious.
On a sidenote, congratulations to the Youths who won the FAI Youth Cup Final 4-1 against Killarney Celtic, and the home fans who gave the lads the support they deserved. An excellent game (Danny Morrissey's goal in particular a highlight) and a bright future ahead of these lads!
Next week it's off to Wexford, and congratulations for reading this!
Until next week,
Kev
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A Good-Friday Goalfest
Pictures courtesy of Tony Tobin!
What's with all the goals?
Five in our first five, and now 17 from eight! 10 goals in our last two, and Graham Cummins jumping to the top of the goalscoring charts. The latest molesting was of Salthill Devon on Good Friday 5-1.
We set off from
Cork at half 10, to make it up to the middle of fucking nowhere (Sorry, I mean the Drom field) on time. We'd been through the rigmarole of getting lost in Galway's network of roundabouts that are more complex then a DNA sample. So, this time, armed with a set of Google Maps directions, we set out on the road to nowhere, somewhere between Galway and Oughterard. On arrival in the Drom complex I got out of the car, eager to stretch my legs, and looking to busy myself to pass the hour before the game kicked off.
What's with all the goals?
Five in our first five, and now 17 from eight! 10 goals in our last two, and Graham Cummins jumping to the top of the goalscoring charts. The latest molesting was of Salthill Devon on Good Friday 5-1.
We set off from
Cork at half 10, to make it up to the middle of fucking nowhere (Sorry, I mean the Drom field) on time. We'd been through the rigmarole of getting lost in Galway's network of roundabouts that are more complex then a DNA sample. So, this time, armed with a set of Google Maps directions, we set out on the road to nowhere, somewhere between Galway and Oughterard. On arrival in the Drom complex I got out of the car, eager to stretch my legs, and looking to busy myself to pass the hour before the game kicked off.After a few minutes milling about, I found myself being asked to help out the pre-match preparations, and no sooner was I putting on my scarf then I was in the away dressing room, chatting to the referee, a few minutes before kick-off, glamorous!
Anywho, I took my rightful place back on the sideline, (Or balcony to be more exact) hoping to see City pick up another win in a ground where they had things by no mean their own way last season. The match started slowly, and with it City, who despite the lions share of possession were put under the kosh by a much-improved Devon side. As a guesstimation I'd say there was about 30 Salthill fans, who were dwarfed by the excellent traveling support.
City gradually got themselves back into the game, and Danny Murphy hit the crossbar from a free-kick as the momentum changed towards the home team. The game will still very much in the balance coming up to the h
alf, before two quickfire away goals changed the game completely. First Greg O'Halloran was on hand at the back post to eventually bundle home a cross from the left five minutes before the interval, and then almost immediately after Shane Duggan was dragged down inside the area, and after a fight between Graham Cummins and Davin O'Neill as to who would take the penalty, the latter made no mistake from the spot, firing past Salthill's young 'keeper to leave an unexpected gap at the half-time break!
The wind whipped up on the commencement of the second half, and our isolated location exaggerated as we huddled over the warm tea from the clubhouse. Once again it was Salthill that started the better, Etanda Nkololo proving to be a handful down the left hand side for the Devon, who were now battling a stiffening wind, as well as the injustice of the two goal deficit. Despite their best efforts though, no clear cut chances were presenting themselves for a side that had only scored twice all season. The game was put out of reach just before the hour mark, when Cummins ran onto a through ball and expertly flicked it beyond the onrushing Bernard Power in the Salthill net, 3-0, and surely three points!
That didn't deter the Devon though, and after some poor defending Mark McNulty mistimed a tackle on Brian Gaffney, and despite there being two men on the line,
the Ballincollig native was given his marching orders from Kevin O'Regan, who was showing all the signs of a ref on début. The fantastically named Ciprian Straut stuck the ball beyond sub 'keeper James McCarthy, and a glimmer of hope was opened for the home side; a glimmer that lasted all of about five minutes. Before O'Regan awarded the third penalty of the night, and Cummins this time got his opportunity to score from the spot and his 5th in two games. It wasn't quite over though, and just before the end Davin O'Neill ghosted in at the back post to tap in his 4th of the season thus far.
So it was back to the warm car as quickly as possible, and time to head home (in daylight!) following another successful away trip with the Rebel Army. With Monaghan and Shels winning, it means we top the league by a point going into our bye week. Next Monday we face a trip to Wexford; to take on the Youths for a place in the League Cup Quarter-Final, but sadly I won't be making the trip, so it won't be until Friday week I'll next have a post, where City take on Longford Town, who are having an impressive season so far!
Until then,
Adieu,
Kev
Anywho, I took my rightful place back on the sideline, (Or balcony to be more exact) hoping to see City pick up another win in a ground where they had things by no mean their own way last season. The match started slowly, and with it City, who despite the lions share of possession were put under the kosh by a much-improved Devon side. As a guesstimation I'd say there was about 30 Salthill fans, who were dwarfed by the excellent traveling support.
City gradually got themselves back into the game, and Danny Murphy hit the crossbar from a free-kick as the momentum changed towards the home team. The game will still very much in the balance coming up to the h
alf, before two quickfire away goals changed the game completely. First Greg O'Halloran was on hand at the back post to eventually bundle home a cross from the left five minutes before the interval, and then almost immediately after Shane Duggan was dragged down inside the area, and after a fight between Graham Cummins and Davin O'Neill as to who would take the penalty, the latter made no mistake from the spot, firing past Salthill's young 'keeper to leave an unexpected gap at the half-time break!The wind whipped up on the commencement of the second half, and our isolated location exaggerated as we huddled over the warm tea from the clubhouse. Once again it was Salthill that started the better, Etanda Nkololo proving to be a handful down the left hand side for the Devon, who were now battling a stiffening wind, as well as the injustice of the two goal deficit. Despite their best efforts though, no clear cut chances were presenting themselves for a side that had only scored twice all season. The game was put out of reach just before the hour mark, when Cummins ran onto a through ball and expertly flicked it beyond the onrushing Bernard Power in the Salthill net, 3-0, and surely three points!
That didn't deter the Devon though, and after some poor defending Mark McNulty mistimed a tackle on Brian Gaffney, and despite there being two men on the line,
the Ballincollig native was given his marching orders from Kevin O'Regan, who was showing all the signs of a ref on début. The fantastically named Ciprian Straut stuck the ball beyond sub 'keeper James McCarthy, and a glimmer of hope was opened for the home side; a glimmer that lasted all of about five minutes. Before O'Regan awarded the third penalty of the night, and Cummins this time got his opportunity to score from the spot and his 5th in two games. It wasn't quite over though, and just before the end Davin O'Neill ghosted in at the back post to tap in his 4th of the season thus far.So it was back to the warm car as quickly as possible, and time to head home (in daylight!) following another successful away trip with the Rebel Army. With Monaghan and Shels winning, it means we top the league by a point going into our bye week. Next Monday we face a trip to Wexford; to take on the Youths for a place in the League Cup Quarter-Final, but sadly I won't be making the trip, so it won't be until Friday week I'll next have a post, where City take on Longford Town, who are having an impressive season so far!
Until then,
Adieu,
Kev
Saturday, April 16, 2011
We Are Going Up!
Pictures courtesy of Mick Ring and Blink of An Eye Photography
What a bloody night!
Promotion, a 5-0 win, and an encounter with one of Ireland's most famous goalkeepers capping off a fantastic start to the Easter holidays. Before heading off to the Cross, there was the small matter of taking my own side one massive step closer in our premier promotion bid. A late winner saw us beat this years champions and means we only need one more point from our last game to go up.
Anywho, after the late dramatics I got back to the dressing room and immediately checked my phone to see four texts reliably informing me that Graham Cummins had already bagged himself a brace. Happy days! I talked one of the lads into giving me a lift and so made it out just before the half, and besides an uncomfortable save by Mark McNulty, I saw little action by the time half-time was called. The game commenced at a slow pace, Finn Harps had little to offer, and seriously lacked any sort of firepower up front, which goes a long way to explaining why they haven't managed to pick up a win thus far in the 2011 campaign, while City were cruizing in second gear, clearly saving their energy for the following week's trip to Salthill.
The game re-woke in the 65th minute though, through a goal from an unexpected source. Davin O'Neill had been absolutely annonymous in the game up to that point, but scored an absolute peach, when he cut in from the left hand side and curled an Henry-esque shot across the helpless Ciarán Gallagher and into the far corner of the net. From there City forgot about saving themselves, and put the sword to a completely out-of-sorts Harps. Vinny Sullivan had a rasping shot blocked, and Gearóid Morrissey saw his effort go wide. But it was third time lucky for City, and it was Vincent Escudé-Canadu's turn to score his first goal for City.
Morrissey turned provider and played a sublime ball through the Harps backline to an onrushing Canadu, and the Frenchman showed composure in abundance, slotting the ball though Gallagher's legs and into the Harps net for the fourth time. Then it was five! Davin O'Neill felt agrieved after having been brought down in the box and given nothing in return, but ref John Grimes relented a few seconds later after Cummins had his legs taken away from him. The man himself converted to complete his hat-trick, the first one by a man in City colours since Roy O'Donovan! (Or so I'm told, I can't remember it's been that long!)
A nasty collision between Timmy Kiely and 'keeper Gallagher saw the Harps netminder with a nasty headache, but a free-out by the compassionate Grimes. And on his full time whistle the Shed sung proudly in City's biggest competitive win since June 2008 against Cobh Ramblers! As previously mentioned (if you were paying attention) we're all off to Salthill on Good Friday, and that's where the next post will be set (but not from, can't afford a laptop, recession like!)
Le semaine prochain,
Kev
What a bloody night!
Promotion, a 5-0 win, and an encounter with one of Ireland's most famous goalkeepers capping off a fantastic start to the Easter holidays. Before heading off to the Cross, there was the small matter of taking my own side one massive step closer in our premier promotion bid. A late winner saw us beat this years champions and means we only need one more point from our last game to go up.
Anywho, after the late dramatics I got back to the dressing room and immediately checked my phone to see four texts reliably informing me that Graham Cummins had already bagged himself a brace. Happy days! I talked one of the lads into giving me a lift and so made it out just before the half, and besides an uncomfortable save by Mark McNulty, I saw little action by the time half-time was called. The game commenced at a slow pace, Finn Harps had little to offer, and seriously lacked any sort of firepower up front, which goes a long way to explaining why they haven't managed to pick up a win thus far in the 2011 campaign, while City were cruizing in second gear, clearly saving their energy for the following week's trip to Salthill.The game re-woke in the 65th minute though, through a goal from an unexpected source. Davin O'Neill had been absolutely annonymous in the game up to that point, but scored an absolute peach, when he cut in from the left hand side and curled an Henry-esque shot across the helpless Ciarán Gallagher and into the far corner of the net. From there City forgot about saving themselves, and put the sword to a completely out-of-sorts Harps. Vinny Sullivan had a rasping shot blocked, and Gearóid Morrissey saw his effort go wide. But it was third time lucky for City, and it was Vincent Escudé-Canadu's turn to score his first goal for City.
Morrissey turned provider and played a sublime ball through the Harps backline to an onrushing Canadu, and the Frenchman showed composure in abundance, slotting the ball though Gallagher's legs and into the Harps net for the fourth time. Then it was five! Davin O'Neill felt agrieved after having been brought down in the box and given nothing in return, but ref John Grimes relented a few seconds later after Cummins had his legs taken away from him. The man himself converted to complete his hat-trick, the first one by a man in City colours since Roy O'Donovan! (Or so I'm told, I can't remember it's been that long!)A nasty collision between Timmy Kiely and 'keeper Gallagher saw the Harps netminder with a nasty headache, but a free-out by the compassionate Grimes. And on his full time whistle the Shed sung proudly in City's biggest competitive win since June 2008 against Cobh Ramblers! As previously mentioned (if you were paying attention) we're all off to Salthill on Good Friday, and that's where the next post will be set (but not from, can't afford a laptop, recession like!)
Le semaine prochain,
Kev
Saturday, April 9, 2011
We're Gonna Win 2-1!
Best away trip since we left the Premier!
Good travelling crowd, fantastic atmosphere, and a combeack win against our table and local rivals! Some fantastic performances (Morrissey) coupled with some more poor ones (Davin and Greg) but we got the win, and we're top of the table! We left for what's probably the closest away trip of the season at about half four, but it wasn't until five we had cleared the traffic at Cork's biggest traffic jam (Mahon Point + the Jack Lynch Tunnell) and were on our way to Munster's smallest city (Just thought I'd get that dig in there) A short stop in Dungarvan, and an hour and a half later we reached the RSC.
Having escaped the frisking I endured last season I made my way inside the ground, and felt suitably dressed in my shorts as the early April sun was starting to set over the 'sunny South-East'. I, along with about 300 fellow City fans geared ourselves up for City's third match against promotion rivals in four, and warmed up our vocal chords as the teams came out. A loss would've seen the side possibly drop to 6th, while a win could see us go top, albeit temporarily. While the stand opposite that housed the home contingent was barely half empty. Needless to say our compempt was left to be known. The game started slowly, neither side wanting to give anything away early, and chances were limited to a few speculative free-kicks.
But City lost Derek O'Brien early in the game again, with what seemed to be a re-occurance of his hamstring injury that's plagued his time here so far. Despite the lack of on-the-pitch action, the City end was rocking, not a moment of silence from the best fans in the division by a long long way. Both sides swapped chances, but the majority of the opening 30 minutes saw posession spurned on a pitch that hand more ruts than a country road.
The City fans were temporarily silenced five minutes from the half though, when Paul Murphy's free-kick from outside the box took a deflection off a City wall that split badly, and flew into a stranded McNulty's right hand corner. The 20 or so Waterford 'Ultras' in the corner reminded us they still existed with a bit of jumping and a hyperactive drummer. 'We're gonna win 2-1' we sung out, and they went back to being quiet.
And they were even quieter than usual just before the half, when once again Tommy Dunne's men showed their resiliance by killing a half-time lead United thought they had. Cummins played a perfect through ball to Greg, and he scored one of his best goals by smashing an unstoppable drive underneath Kevin Burns' helpless right arm. 'We're gonna win 2-1'
Half time.
City held onto the late momentum and started the second half the better. Kalen Spillane headed wide, followed by an impressive Gearóid Morrissey who shot his free-kick just to the right of the Waterford upright. But the Blues regained the upperhand after, and were very unlucky not to regain the lead, Willie John Kiely's shot smashing off the underside of the crossbar with McNulty (Donned in purple this time) well beaten. Cross after cross rained into the City box, and Gavin Kavanagh's woeful backpass almost saw Murphy double his tally, but McNulty was alert to the danger and smothered the Wexford native's attempted flick.
This time it was City's time to score against the run of play. Some clever work by Davin O'Neill (Probably the only time he didn't lose the ball or pass it backwards) down the left hand side saw the ball at Greg's feet, and he slid in an excellent ball for Shane Duggan to smash into the net, capping off what was probably the game's best move. 'We know you don't believe us, we're gonna win 2-1!'
Waterford huffed and puffed to get the equaliser, and had a number of spurned corners. But City held on, and recorded a huge win before what could be considered an easy run of games. The next big obstacle for the Rebel Army is Shelbourne away in the last game of the first series, and if they can beat the Dubs they should have gone the entire first series without losing a game. Still though, there's plenty to improve on. Morrissey is badly wasted out on the right, while Davin hasn't put down a good compepetitive game in a City jersey since the opening day of the 2010 season. Greg is playing poorly (Despite two game changing moments) and we still have this horrible habit of trying to ping 40 yard through balls, that either go out for goal kicks or get mopped up by the keeper.
Having said that, we've managed to take seven points from nine of title rivals so far and are still nowhere near hitting our full stride. We should get promoted at a canter if we can really click. Next week City host Finn Harps in a game we should really be winning if we want to be playing Premier football in 2012.
Until then,
Arrividerci!
Kev
Good travelling crowd, fantastic atmosphere, and a combeack win against our table and local rivals! Some fantastic performances (Morrissey) coupled with some more poor ones (Davin and Greg) but we got the win, and we're top of the table! We left for what's probably the closest away trip of the season at about half four, but it wasn't until five we had cleared the traffic at Cork's biggest traffic jam (Mahon Point + the Jack Lynch Tunnell) and were on our way to Munster's smallest city (Just thought I'd get that dig in there) A short stop in Dungarvan, and an hour and a half later we reached the RSC.
Having escaped the frisking I endured last season I made my way inside the ground, and felt suitably dressed in my shorts as the early April sun was starting to set over the 'sunny South-East'. I, along with about 300 fellow City fans geared ourselves up for City's third match against promotion rivals in four, and warmed up our vocal chords as the teams came out. A loss would've seen the side possibly drop to 6th, while a win could see us go top, albeit temporarily. While the stand opposite that housed the home contingent was barely half empty. Needless to say our compempt was left to be known. The game started slowly, neither side wanting to give anything away early, and chances were limited to a few speculative free-kicks.
But City lost Derek O'Brien early in the game again, with what seemed to be a re-occurance of his hamstring injury that's plagued his time here so far. Despite the lack of on-the-pitch action, the City end was rocking, not a moment of silence from the best fans in the division by a long long way. Both sides swapped chances, but the majority of the opening 30 minutes saw posession spurned on a pitch that hand more ruts than a country road.
The City fans were temporarily silenced five minutes from the half though, when Paul Murphy's free-kick from outside the box took a deflection off a City wall that split badly, and flew into a stranded McNulty's right hand corner. The 20 or so Waterford 'Ultras' in the corner reminded us they still existed with a bit of jumping and a hyperactive drummer. 'We're gonna win 2-1' we sung out, and they went back to being quiet.
And they were even quieter than usual just before the half, when once again Tommy Dunne's men showed their resiliance by killing a half-time lead United thought they had. Cummins played a perfect through ball to Greg, and he scored one of his best goals by smashing an unstoppable drive underneath Kevin Burns' helpless right arm. 'We're gonna win 2-1'
Half time.
City held onto the late momentum and started the second half the better. Kalen Spillane headed wide, followed by an impressive Gearóid Morrissey who shot his free-kick just to the right of the Waterford upright. But the Blues regained the upperhand after, and were very unlucky not to regain the lead, Willie John Kiely's shot smashing off the underside of the crossbar with McNulty (Donned in purple this time) well beaten. Cross after cross rained into the City box, and Gavin Kavanagh's woeful backpass almost saw Murphy double his tally, but McNulty was alert to the danger and smothered the Wexford native's attempted flick.
This time it was City's time to score against the run of play. Some clever work by Davin O'Neill (Probably the only time he didn't lose the ball or pass it backwards) down the left hand side saw the ball at Greg's feet, and he slid in an excellent ball for Shane Duggan to smash into the net, capping off what was probably the game's best move. 'We know you don't believe us, we're gonna win 2-1!'
Waterford huffed and puffed to get the equaliser, and had a number of spurned corners. But City held on, and recorded a huge win before what could be considered an easy run of games. The next big obstacle for the Rebel Army is Shelbourne away in the last game of the first series, and if they can beat the Dubs they should have gone the entire first series without losing a game. Still though, there's plenty to improve on. Morrissey is badly wasted out on the right, while Davin hasn't put down a good compepetitive game in a City jersey since the opening day of the 2010 season. Greg is playing poorly (Despite two game changing moments) and we still have this horrible habit of trying to ping 40 yard through balls, that either go out for goal kicks or get mopped up by the keeper.
Having said that, we've managed to take seven points from nine of title rivals so far and are still nowhere near hitting our full stride. We should get promoted at a canter if we can really click. Next week City host Finn Harps in a game we should really be winning if we want to be playing Premier football in 2012.
Until then,
Arrividerci!
Kev
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