Balaga Bomb Reigning Global

Straight off the back of the exciting draw with Ma Duleas last week Balaga Tongo went into Wednesdays game determined to get their first 3 points of the season and first 3 points ever against reigning champions QEF Global.

With news breaking during the week that Dunphy had been signed to replace outgoing Parker and with both David W and Hurley available again after being shafted by the man last week it meant Balaga had a very strong squad for the game.

Pressure was put straight on QEF from the start with David W putting in a lot of hard work and reaping rewards as he created plenty of chances. There was to be no breakthrough though until O'Driscoll came on. A long attacking throw from O'Callaghan into area caused some difficulties for the defenders as Duggan and O'Driscoll challenged for the ball and a confused Global defender handled it in his own 6 yard box. Up stepped O'Driscoll to slot a beauty of a penalty into the bottom right as the goalkeeper went the other way.

At this stage Hurley was on and combined with O'Driscoll for Tongo's 2nd of the night. A one two saw Hurley through on goal and he fired a sweet shot high and right into net. 2-0 to Balaga.

It was O'Driscoll again to make it 3. Combining again in attack but this time with Duggan his flicked on ball put Duggan in a tough position, but the ball came off the defenders tackle back into the path of O'Driscoll on the right, who obliged with a wonderful strike from the outside of his boot across the goal and in.

Balaga were keeping QEF's attacks to minimum as Webz, Barrett, and Dunphy working hard and giving little space in midfield to their creative players while Broderick and O'Callaghan kept tabs on their plucky forward. Damo was called into action on a few occasions and was willing to come out to make clearances when QEF tried to put balls behind Balagas defensive line.

Half time came and David W was back on hungry for a goal after missing last weeks fixture and not getting on the score sheet in the first half he used his strength to hold off the defender and take down Webz's overhead ball, which came from in his own half, and fired it past the keeper to make it 4.

Another counter attack goal saw Balagas 5th of the evening and O'Driscoll's hat-trick. Taking the ball from a clearance he moved forward with his usual elegance on his favoured right wing before shooting a great effort in at the near post.

After a small uprising from QEF who never threw in the towel and managed to get 2 goals back Balaga finished the game through captain Webz. The ball was ping-ponging about in the box and as it came back out from the keeper the right man was in the right place as the prolific midfielder poked it in for Balaga's 6th of the night.

No goals from new boys Barrett and Dunphy, but fans will be very pleased with both players performances and quick integration with the existing players.

Captain Eoghan 'Webz' Kennedy spoke to our reporter after the game:

Webz a great win for your side last night, Congrats, What do you think was the difference between last night and the two games last season?

Well the first game last year we were muck. The wee fella had the run of the park and we couldn't score in a brothel with 50 sheets hanging out our fly. This time around the Punisher (Tom) and The Enforcer (Kev) absolutely battered the wee fella to the extent I thought he was going to cry. It was also handy to have a goal keeper this time.

With 10 players at the game last night, its tough competition for places at Balaga these days, O'Driscoll looked untouchable at times but it would have to be said great performances across the team.

 Competition is was tough only our rearguard played a full match but in that heat I think it worked to our advantage. Phil had an absolute stormer and probably got man of the match from footy. I would have given him it too had our 2 centre halves not been as awesome as they were. For me they were the man of the match as they were the one entity.

Its early days of course and this league is looking tighter than a nuns arse, I know Balaga always aim for the top spot but who do you think will be the main competitors after the first two rounds?

4 points against the teams that finished above us last year cant complain really. Tough game next week and after that one I'll give you my opinion on whether we can win it or not.

Other results on the night saw last seasons Thursday Division 1 champions Red Army take down Ma Duleas 4-3 in a heated battle. Racing Club do Termple Inn in 3-1 and DouglasMortgage draw with Friars Walk 4-4. This sees Racing and Red go top with 2 wins from 2 as Balaga sit 2 points behind. The biggest surprise so far being that QEF are rooted to the bottom on 0 points.

Next Wednesday sees the challenge of Red Army for FC Balaga Tongo with the air around the Cucumbers camp reported to be of confidence.

VIVA LA BALAGA