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.
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