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Game 3: Balaga 7 – Rosies 2

FC Balaga Tongo Jingle Jangle to the top of the table.

Before the game they lay in second place 2 points behind league leaders Rosies. But on possibly maybe one of the greatest days in the clubs history, Balaga Tongo head the league (albeit on goal difference) after a thriller at Garryduff. With Browne out due to illness, skeptics thought Balaga's attack would be blunted, but with Webz, Parker, O' Driscoll and J.D. untouchable all evening there was nothing to worry about on this occasion.

The first half got under way with a now familiar formation of 3 at the back, 2 midfielders and a lone striker. Rosies played a similar formation and the start of the match was a tight contest.

Phillie O'Driscoll broke the deadlock though after Parker put him through on the right and O'Driscoll calmly finished past the keepers near post. A second was not too long afterwards, a long ball from at the time left back Duggan found its way to Webz who was able to make space for himself and get his shot away. The precise effort flew past Rosies keeper.

With much better work rate, organisation and positioning from Deano, Broderick, Duggan and O'Callaghan, and inspired by a great goalkeeping display by Damo, particularly the awesome flying punch he did, the Balaga defence kept the Rosies attacks at bay.

Parker then had a great opportunity to make it 3 but his shot was blocked by the Rosies keeper. O'Driscoll had the ball in the back of Rosies net for a third time as the half was coming to a close, the goal was ruled due to a poor throw in decision.

Webz'z Delight after he puts in his 1st of the night.

With a record attendance of 7 in the terraces, the crowd were rowdy at times, but it must be said the best support seen at a Balaga game to date drove the team on as Webz claimed his second early in the second half, after a neat setup from Parker who at the heart of Balagas midfield with O'Driscoll was playing one two triangles and creating chances all night.

It wasn't all one way traffic in the second half though, with a lapse of concentration in defence Rosies got one back as their striker poked the ball past Damo. Balaga replied in kind though, Webz won a corner on the right and his powerful ball played to the near post was deflected in by a defender or keeper or some kind of player. 4-1 and after the ref gave him the goal a hat-trick for Webz. Then came Balagas 5th, after more terrific work from Duggan in midfield, O'Callaghan got his name on the scoresheet striding through some tackles and blasting a shot into the bottom right.

Some great running by wing backs Deano and Broderick kept Rosies on the back foot. Deano was intent on keeping pressure (and getting some assists as he did in previous seasons) on the Rosies defence with his long throw ins. Broderick was mad to add to his seasons tally and maybe should of when he had a clear chance but decided to play the ball square to Webz and the keeper was able to get the ball away.

Webz did manage to add a 4th for himself, after what was probably the best move of the match, O'Driscoll found himself deep in Balagas half surrounded with Rosies players, he spotted the run of Duggan and palyed a neat back heal into the space, Duggan picked up the ball, quickly moved forward and layed off the ball to webz who finished calmly.

Rosies then got a surprise 2nd consolation goal as Damo handled the ball outside the small area. A quick taken free kick caught the keeper and defenders off guard as they struggled to get back in positions quick enough, and the ball crept in at the near post. Damo showed his class though when he made some astounding saves. On one occasion saving a certain goal, reaching and scooping the ball around his post.

More neat play by Balaga saw John Duggan get caught on the edge of the Rosies area. He called callzies on the resulting free and fired a low rocket past the wall and into the net. 7-2 and a goal to cap a great performance.

In the closing minutes O'Callaghan came on in midfield after Duggan had to come off with a bad case of sandy eye, and in the last few seconds Parker showed his super vision to pick out O'Callaghans run on the right wing, who played the ball to webz for his 5th but as this was going on the ref had blown the final whistle. The goal wouldn't count, and Balaga couldn't complain on a night that saw them reach their highest ever league position.

In a press conference with himself this morning, captain O'Callaghan praised the work rate of his defence.

"The lads were brilliant last night, there was very little messing around with the ball at the back. Deano and Kev were solid out liiike. John, Phil and Parker were class, they defended when needed and some of the attacking play was sick. What can i say about the Kennedys, i think its the best form i have seen them in, Webz with 4 goals was outstanding and and i think it could of been a different story had Damo not kept out the chances that he kept out."

Seven FC kept the pressure on Balaga with a 3-0 win over the Upsetters, moving them second ahead of Rosies. With Balagas previous two opponents Ma Dulleas beating World Class FC 4-2 and Manning Park beating Balagas next opponent Sevin Sinners, 5-2. These results mean that after the 3rd round of games the table is looking very close.

Hopefully Balaga will have influential attacking player Rory Browne back for the game against Sevin Sinners, and the team wish him well in his recovery. Although Sevin Sinners have just 1 point from their first 3 games Balaga will not be taking anything for granted as they hope to consolidate their position at the top.

Game 2: Balaga 3 – World Class 3

Week 2 of the footie.ie Wednesday league saw FC Balaga Tongo face much tougher opposition in the form of World Class FC. Another miserable night, weather wise, was on the cards but this new look Tongo team appears to be made of tougher stuff than previous seasons, and nowadays rain doesn’t appear to be the Achilles heel it once was for the African/Irish outfit.

A packed house of 4 fans turned up for the match, Balaga’s biggest crowd of the season so far were not disappointed. Tongo’s new captain and agent extraordinaire Tom O’C played a 3-2-1 formation which saw Damo K in goals, a back 3 of Kevin B, John D, and Deano. The midfield 2 of Phil O’D and Rory B, with the loan striker and joint top scorer Parker up front. Tom O’C again decided to start himself on the bench along with Webz, who wasn’t the may west.

A slow and cagey start by both teams eventually opened up after a goal from the well organized World Class FC. It didn’t last long however as a goal from Parker assisted by Rory levelled matters. The actual move and the goal weren’t seen by this reporter though. Midway through the first half WC were awarded a free kick after Damo made a vital save but was outside the box. A snappy free and a deflection of John D saw a hapless Damo watch the ball fly past him for 2-1 to WCFC. John was to make amends though shortly afterwards though as he scored from a clever pass by Webz. Balaga could count themselves lucky to be still in it at half time as WC were clearly the better team. Passes were misplaced and some dodgy decisions in the back line didn’t help Balaga’s confidence. A couple of handy saves by Damo saw the score stay at 2-2 as the half time whistle was blown.

Half time team talks sometimes change games and this was no exception. A new looking Tongo came out the second half and had a string of chances early on but WC had a organized back 3 with a particularly good keeper who kept the scores level. But it was again WC who took the lead after catching Balaga on the break. A long ball up field caught Kevin B flat footed and outpaced by the WC striker who coolly slotted the ball past Damo to make it 3-2. World Class decided to put the game past Balaga and started to push further forward allowing Balaga to catch them on a break of their own for a second on the night from Parker. Once more set up by Rory with a square pass for Parker to tap in for 3-3.

A fine game by last week’s AWOL player Deano, along with other defenders John, Tom and Kevin, and some good interplay by the midfield and forward line of Webz, Phil, Rory and Parker proves that better times are ahead for the Tongo team as they still try to get to know one another’s game. But 4 points from 2 games is better than previous seasons total tally and promotion orr the championship are defiantly possibilities.

Other results saw Rosies scrap a win over Balaga's last opponents Ma Dulleas 5-4. Seven are level on points with Balaga after a 2-1 victory over Manning Park while Upsetters picked up their first 3 points with a 3-1 victory over Sevin Sinners.

Player Profile - Blake

Week 1 of Balaga Player profile past and present focuses on former Balaga goalkeeper and midfielder Blake Shine. More to follow...

New Kit Surprise

Before the season began, club members held discussions on the possibility of Balaga turning out in new kit for 2009. In the past Balaga have only worn the green of Irish jerseys. But change was needed. Ivory Coast Orange aswell as other world football jerseys were discussed as options. The idea faded away as it was decided to stick to the Irish Jerseys.

But management kept the idea alive and asked Phil O' Driscoll to put his sporting goods connections to use and look into the possibility of getting custom FC Balaga Tongo jerseys which would have the official crest designed by Kevin Broderick. O'Callaghan and O'Driscoll made the decision to go with plain black jerseys. Once the squad was together and numbers were settled the order was made, with the jerseys due just before Balaga's first game.

O'Driscoll unviels the new kit

But O' Driscoll had also ordered training tops for the team. The jerseys and tops came as a great surprise for the squad as they gathered at Garryduff in their Ireland jerseys before their first match.The New FC Balaga Tongo Training Top

Game 1: Balaga 9 - Ma dulleas 3

New signings prove their worth as Balaga move top of the league after first game.

Balaga started off with a cautious team. Damo was between the sticks, Kevin Broderick, John Duggan and Phil O' Driscoll in defence, Stephen Parker and Rory Browne in midfield, and Webz up front... Captain Tom O' Callaghan started on the sideline, while Graham Deane was nowhere to be seen.

Browne's tidy finish from some early scrappy play got Balaga off the mark first. Then O'Driscoll showed great skill to dribble through Ma's defence and put a beautiful strike through the back of the net. O'Callaghan's low long range effort took a slight deflection and nestled in the bottom corner to make it 3. The fourth came from an attacking throw in, O'Callaghan spotted a fantastic run by Broderick behind Ma's defence, his throw to the centre of the box was met by Broderick. His header from yards out was unstoppable.

Not much was known of the opposition Ma Dulleas, except that its a pub in Balleypheane. But they provided stern opposition in the first half, scoring 3 goals. Although these may have to go down as poor defending on Balagas behalf Damo Kennedy was strong for Balaga on a night when the weather was horrific for goalkeepers.

In the second half it was a different story defencively, with Duggan more comfortable in his new team, Damo solid, and both Broderick and O'Callaghan battling at the back. Balaga would not concede another goal.

But it is was O'Driscoll, Browne, Parker and Webz, who will get the plaudits. Some awesome movement and quick play resulted in 2 second half goals for Parker who was fed by O'Driscoll. The second was sublime as the pair shared 4 passes before Parker slotted home easily. Then it was Webz's turn. With Browne creating great space for himself on the right he created 3 consecutive chances for webz who was able to slot home 2 and just missed out on his Hat-Trick. Duggan moving into midfield towards the end finished the game off as he passed a rebound into the net from 3 yards out after Webz had a shot saved.

Graham Deane arrived late but did not play. He is sure to be on time for next weeks game with World Class FC though and will be needed as Balaga face their next challenge.

Elsewhere in the league Manning Park Rovers showed they're class with a 6-1 win over the upsetters. Rosies got a close 1-0 win over World Class FC while Seven FC and Sevin Sinners drew 2-2.

The Big 2009 Preview

Hopes are high on the eve of the most anticipated Balaga Tongo Season in years. Opinion is divided about the fate of the club which had so much potential, in Autumn 2006, when it arrived on the football arena.

Since that first turbulent season of astro.ie Balaga struggled to come to terms with the 6-a-side game. With second and third seasons coming in late 2007 and early 2008 the team failed to shine and battled at the bottom of the table in both competitions.

Despite having to rely heavily on part-time appearances, FC Balaga Tongo built a solid base of players. With Broderick and O'Callaghan the only remaining players from the 2006 season. Signings Webz Kennedy, Phil O'Driscoll and Graham Deane all played a huge part and stuck with their club during this time. Youth team star Damien Kennedy who showed great promise during his first team call ups has been given a contract and will be guarding the Tongelese goal for the new season. Blake Shine and Alan O'Flynn who palyed a vital part in these Seasons for Balaga have now moved on in their careers. Shine signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps in October 2008, while O'Flynn decided to follow a management career.

Shine, now goaltender in Canadian Leagues.

With Broderick and O'Callagahan gaining some experience in the footy.ie league over the summer 2008 Club management decided a switch was needed, astro.ie was left behind and Balaga Tongo was entered into the footy.ie 7-a-side league system.

The player base of 6 left the club short 1 of a team and 3 of a good squad, which was their aim. A rigirous recruitment campaign was put into place to get the right balance.

The first good news was an oppurtunity to sign Rory Browne, a close colleague of O'Driscolls and a vastly experinced player, who would give Balaga the stability it was lacking. The deal was done quickly. It wasn't all plain sailing from there though. Shane Deane, a player who had occasionaly put in reliable shifts in the Balaga shirt was unavailable. With other part-time players injured, such has Neil Tully, Management had to go look further afield.

O'Callaghan had spotted Stephen Parker in a St.Lukes/Ashton exhibiton game and had gotten reports of fantastic performances in a 2008 summer league. After another friendly game over the festive period which, Parker, O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan played in, the concensus was clear. Parker would be the clubs main transfer target. Contact was made and an offer was put on the table. The player was frank with his desire to play for FC Balaga Tongo and negotiations with his Agent began. Although talks were slightly prolonged a deal was hammered out and Parker joined the club.

The last piece of the puzzle came from a Damo Kennedy brainwave. John Duggan would be available. A friend of many Balaga players, through Cork Harlequins, Duggan was approached by Kennedy and the reply was positive. The young sensation had become a Balaga player.

Some big name players freshen up Tongo team.

With the 3 new and the 6 present players the club have a great squad to mount a good campaign this season. Although new to the league and in some cases each other the mood is of excitement rather than fear. Crowd sizes will hopefully be up with the team now playing in Garryduff, but its the team on the pitch that will have to gel quickly if they are to get a good start. We have seen poor starts from the Tongonese club before but this seems to be the most settled squad Balaga has had and confidence seems to be on an all time high.

Details on formations and selection decisions have not been released. Club management seem to be keeping their cards close to their chests in that regard, but it should be interesting to see how the players will line out on Wednesday night

If you are unable to travel to the games, there is only one way to find out how the team fairs over the next 14 games, and that is by following FC Balaga Tongo here.

Balaga Fixtures

Balaga Tongos new season is about to Kick off. Here are their fixtures for the coming Division 2 season - http://www.footy.ie/ViewTeamStats08.php?id=FC%20Balaga%20Tongo