FC BALAGA TONGO

Ref robs Tongo of vital points

2011-03-15T00:12:00.000Z

Its was like the Harlem Globe Trotters this week as Rory Browne and Joe from former foes MaDuleas togged out for Balaga Tongo for the meeting of top of the table side douglasmartage.ie, but the party was spoiled thanks to some terrible ref decisions

It didn’t help that Balaga were without regular GK Damo, and midfielders Slats and John D. Damo was ruled out with a knee injury picked up the previous week. He was replaced by Webz in the first half and then Phil during the second period, both deputizing well for the number 1.

Deano was out due to college commitments so it was the back two of Shoko and Kev in defense. Things didn’t start well with Douglas taking an early lead and then Broderick getting a yellow for a nothing tackle on the young red headed lad up front. Half time saw the Cucumbers down 4-0. Shitzer!!!!

The new faces took a while to gel but once they did, things started to improve and goals from Browne(2) and Joe(1) saw the teams back to 4-3 with less than 5 minutes to go. Tongo were the better side without a doubt the second half and was it not for a ref who did everything to hand douglas the match, they could have equalized and even won it.

A second booking for Broderick cut the side back down to 6 and chasing the game saw Douglas get a breakaway winner with 2 or 3 minutes remaining. To say the ref was bad is an understatement. The red he handed Kev was nothing short of disgraceful. Chasing a loose ball, the defender was stopped in his tracks by the red headed lad after he stepped in front of him and blatantly obstructed the center back. The ref didn’t see it that way though and proceeded to hand out the red.

Its not common practice to criticize refs on this blog but the guy either had a bad night or is waiting for a mortgage from douglasmortgage.ie because he quite simple had a shocker. On the bright side, Joe looks like he might be togging out for a few weeks provided United don’t play Wednesdays so things can only get better.

Classic encounter ends all square with Club Redz

2011-03-15T00:11:00.002Z

Club Redz and Balaga Tonga played out a pulsating 6-6 draw in the game of the evening. It looked like Balaga had secured victory when man of the match Rory Browne scored his fourth goal with minutes remaining. However, Niall Duggan equalised at the death when he was first to react to the loose ball following a good save from a fine Terry Yelverston free kick. (taken from http://footycork.blogspot.com/)

Old foes Rosies embarrass poor Balaga

2011-03-15T00:10:00.004Z

Rosies finally found the form that that made them so competitive for the last few seasons when they defeated Balaga Tonga 4-0. This fixture could have gone either way until Paddy Cronin scored a rocket from about 20 meters. This inspired Rosies and in the end they won quite easily. (taken from http://footycork.blogspot.com/)

5 minute spurt by CHU leaves Tongo needing stretcher

2011-03-15T00:10:00.003Z

The CUH verses FC Balaga Tonga encounter was a very tight affair until the final 15 minutes when CUH scored four unanswered goals. Ivan Weir was in top form for CUH and is a very impressive finisher. He scored five. (taken from http://footycork.blogspot.com/)

The Bons cut down by Tongo

2011-03-15T00:09:00.003Z

An excellent individual goal by Dave Spiteri for the Bons was not enough as they were defeated 4-3 by Balaga Tonga. Ian Slattery and was central to Balaga’s victory and scored two fine goals. (taken from http://footycork.blogspot.com/)

Sons of Pitches cut down by Tongo

2011-02-02T23:54:00.004Z

He may be away in Canada but as a mark of respect on the birthday of FC Balaga Tongo legend Tom O'C, the Cucumber's came from behind to take a fantastic victory.

It had it all, headers, volleys, long range shots, crossbar rattles, keeper saves and anywhere will do clearances. The ref called it the best match he seen in a while and he wasn't wrong. It all began with Balaga, like last week playing some damn sexy ass football.

The inclusion of Slatts has steadied the ship in midfield with his calmness on the ball and eye for goal. Something the side haven't had since Rory left a few seasons back. The new/old partnership of Kev and Deano was broken up to begin with as new signing Shoko was given the nod ahead of the Deanster. Shoko was a worthy replacement though as he stuck to the grey haired lad like files to shite. They still couldn't prevent a two goal lead from SoPs though as two great finishes put the Sons up early on.

Tongo didn't drop the head though and they were soon back in it after a beauty of a cross field ball by JD was calmly headed by Phil over the keeper and into the far corner. 2-1 became 3-1 though as Sons of bitches got a third. The drop to the 2nd tier was starting to look a case of the same aul story as the previous season. The difference tonight though, was the super form of front-man Phil O'D. The 26 year old was taking a battering up front but was winning flick on after flick on, leaving the SoP's back line scratching their heads at times. Just before the half time whistle he brought Tongo back into it was a screamer of a shot from just inside the half way line which rattled the underside of the crossbar and into the net. 3-2 at half time.

The half time talk was one of just raise the performance levels and the game was there for the taking. And so the revival began with goals from Slatts, John D and a third from man of the match Phil o'D to put Balaga 5-3 up with 5 minutes to go. In truth they could have buried a few more but good saves combined with some dodgy finishing left the game in touching distance for SoP's. They may well have come back were it not for some deacent defending and luck, with the crossbar rattled on more than one occasion. They got a forth with minutes to go but time ran out and Tongo picked up their first win of the season!!! YES BAiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!

League table to follow...

Far from perfect Balaga pull back Athletic

2011-01-26T23:41:00.002Z

Apologies to those who actually read this site but last year was a disaster and the inspiration to write these reports just wasn't there, so to that one reader from Malaysia or wherever, I'm sorry, we'll try to keep up this year! Right, here goes.....

The decision to drop down a division was a tough one but the recession had depleted the once sexy fast one touch footballing side so had to be done. In the past year Balaga have lost some great players including Whifty, Parker, Tristan and team captain Tom O'C. A burden just too big to compete in the top flight.

First up for the mighty Cucumbers were Far From Athletic, a side Tongo never played before so a step into the unknown. Everything seemed to be going rosy in the first 5 minutes as Tongo controlled the ball, making a one-two-three-four move from defence all the way to attack which ended in a Webz shot saved by the Athletic keeper. The move included Deano then JD-Webz-JD-Webz emmm JD-Webz shot . The move seemed to inflate the heads of Balaga as they fell into the old habit of thinking "Jeasus, we'll walk this".

The following kick-out lobbed over Deano's and Kev's heads and was buried by the FFA striker to make it 1-0 to FFA. They managed a second thanks to a handball which wasn't seen by the usually spot on ref, before new kid Slatts found the net for Balaga with a bouncy bob-bely pinger of a shot, that somehow made its way past the keeper in the FFA goal. He added a second before half time and Balaga were pretty damn happy with the 2-2.

The second half was much the same as the first with FFA going up 4-2 after some sloppy misuse of the ball at times by the Togolese bai's. FFA were first to most balls and looked to be heading for the victory until 5 minutes to go, Balaga decided "well fook it, may as well try to get a draw". The 3rd goal for Tongo came from the boot of Phil O'D and with nearly the last kick of the game John D hit a rasper into the roof of the FFA net to make it a respectable return to the second tier and 1 point on the board.

VIVA LA BALAGA!!!!!!!!

2011 Spring Season to Start Jan 26th.

2011-01-19T03:46:00.002Z

Footy.ie have released the start date for the new season and also spoke about the new pitch...

"By the way – the new surface is really nice and soft so no more burns or sore knees the next day!"

News later broke on CNN that current captain Webz Kennedy would stay on for 2011:

Due to the popular demand of the fans Player/Manager Webz has revoked his resignation.

He had this to say '' Ah bais! Last season was last season and we are preparing for the future now. I've been very busy in the transfer market and things will be better. I'm on the verge of signing two quality players and unfortunately the club has had to part ways with Dickie Barret on mutual term. This will most likely be my last season as I have been offered an ambassador role in the club which will see me link up with former Player/Manager Tommy Pun O'Callaghan in Canada in an attempt to expand the franchise so let win this''

When asked was one of the prospects Ian ''Slats Chainsaw'' Slattery he replied '' no unfortunately talks have broke down with slats and he won't be joining us (in a full time capacity) but I wish him well in all he does. He is a great lad and has a future ahead of him''

When asked about the media black out he has imposed on club webz confirmed this has now been lifted. '' I will talk to the sporting director Kevin Broderick about get the reports sort and will be in contact with Ambassador Pun about getting Facebook access codes''

Finally '' I promise all the fans this year will be our year. We will take the title and wipe the smirk off Mortgage player Smirky McSmirkerson's shitty face.''

VIVA LA BALAGA

2010 Autumn/Winter Season Ends

2011-01-19T03:27:00.002Z

The toughest season yet in Footy.ie but 2011 preparations have already begun. Here are the stats:

Balaga Walk Inn to Temple Tiger Torture

2010-10-10T04:45:00.001+01:00

With Kevin on annual Oktoberfest duty, Balaga were still restricted to a squad of 8. Captain Webz'z anticipated return was upon the cucumbers, although a lack of landon donovan under his arm saw his trip to California a failure. This is how they lined up. Looking to break to duck more than ever before!

A disapointing performance all areound really, it was made better in the second half but the goals didn't come or weren't got. Webz picked up a consolation after slotting past the good Temple keeper after JD and O'Connor combined to set him up. Deano The Rock Deano was back in full effect as he managed to keep the main danger man quiet and not giving an inch to anyone in the second half.

6-1 in the end and the table is looking miserable for Balaga and Farcelona as Branigans keep their 100% record after beating Racing 2-1. The Refugees, who are also looking very strong keep in touch with a 6-3 win over Duleas. QEF took 3 points from Farcelona.

.VIVA LA BALAGA.

Still Q's To Be Asked As QEF Take The Points.

2010-09-30T23:20:00.040+01:00

As determined a side as Balaga has seen this season lined up for this game with QEF Global, previous div 1 champions, in hope of getting a result before the return to captain Webz from his MLS scouting mission. Plans to abandon the previous 2 games back 3 formation to a more attacking diamond in the midfield. More workrate would be needed but Balaga started off happier in this shape.

The game kicked off to a blistering start as the three-O attacking formation was causing big problems for the QEF defense even if the defense was exposed on the counter. A change to the previous week goals were not an issue. O'Driscoll struck the first as he describes it 'just tipped off after they scored.. passed it back to Tom on the right.. ran to the right Tom passed it back.. back to goal around the halfway.. spinnie move thing around the defender.. outside of right boot bottom left..' Then it was O'Callaghan's turn as he picked up the ball 15 yards out and took a quick speculative shot which caught the keeper unaware. O'Connor was next who finished off a great move between the three with a fantastic one touch finish.

It was even enough at half time and there was a sense it could be Balaga's week. Not to be though as QEF's lethal finishing finished off the cucumbers in the second half, O'Driscoll picked up 2 more as he commented after the match 'just tipped off after they scored.. passed it back to you on the right.. ran to the right you passed I back.. back to goal around the halfway.. spinnie move thing around the defender.. outside of right boot bottom left..' (see video) and 'break away and.just passed it passed the onrushin keeper.. bottom right'. The striker could of had 4 as he nursed O'Callaghan's second over the line as some tackling in midfield paid off and the ball trickled over the line. It was 10-6 in the end and FC Balaga Tongo will need to step oppositions attacks more effectively next week in order to pick up their first points.

Elsewhere Branigans took 3 points beating Ma Duleas 4-2, Refugees had a roaring 8-2 victory over Racing and Balagas next opponents had a 4-3 win over Farcelona.

VIVA LA BALAGA.

Duleas take a Dump on Balaga

2010-09-29T09:57:00.001+01:00

The second fixture of the season was against old foes Ma Duleas. The game was pegged as a good marker as to how Balaga would fare for the rest of the season with these games always close in the past.

8 of the 9 squad members were available, with only captain Webz out (reportedly flying over the grand canyon) and therefore no reserves were needed and the team lined out like so:

It was a shaky start middle and end as Balaga put in a shocking performance. Players were unable to get a hold of the ball and not one pass was put together except for O'Driscolls cross for Barrett's stunning last minute consolation. O'Driscoll in possession on the right put a hard diagonal ball to Barrett running in from the left wing and Dickie buried his first time volley into the far top corner. BOOM.

A great goal but it didn't take away from the fact that Balaga were lacking in all departments and were caught on the break far too often conceding 6 in total.

Elsewhere in the division, Racing thumped Farcelona 9-1, Temple Inn and the Refugees drew 3-3 and Branigans beat QEF 6-4. This leaves the table looking horrible if your a cucumbers fan.

Only way is up. VIVA LA BALAGA.

New Look Balaga Given Lesson by Branigans

2010-09-16T06:43:00.004+01:00

A cool evening in Garryduff last night as FC Balaga Tongo set out in their Autumn Footy.ie Division 1 campaign. Branigans were the opposition, a side who have not competed in footy.ie for several seasons now and were an unknown task for FC Balaga Tongo.

New jerseys (back in black) and signings were in full affect. Tim O'Connor, brought in from Douglas astro.ie summer champions Russian Roulette, is a striker with a deft touch and a great shot who is sure to add to Balaga's options up front. Graham Deane is the other signing, or re-signing as it happens, a player who previously suffered a broken ankle in Balaga action around May 2009 and who has now broken back into the Cucumbers squad. Deano 'the Rock' Deano is back. Absences included captain Eoghan 'Webz' Kennedy and Richard 'Dickie' Barrett. Webz is currently scouting the MLS in California while Dickie had boardroom commitments in Dublin. Experienced reserves Rob Rose and Rory O'Brien were brought in to cover the duo. Broderick, a long term injury sufferer last season, as his wrist was snapped and a new metal arm has replaced his old flesh arm he was back in the squad. The rest of the Squad, Damo Kennedy, O'Callaghan, Duggan, and O'Driscoll were all fit.

The game got off to a tentative start and it was Balaga who conceded first. A defensive miscalculation was profited on by a sweet strike giving Damo no chance. Then one became 2 as Balaga looked incapable of playing football they were again struck with a low hard effort from a Branigans striker. The second woke Balaga up and like a boxer they came back at Branigans with gusto, O'Connor and Rose were at the forefront as they saw a veteran scottish keeper block their efforts from all angles. Midfield dominator Duggan was pushing his side forward and he had 2 if not three good chances that on another day he would of put away. It was Rose who then got one back for the Cucucmbers. Picking the ball up outside the Branigans box he picked his spot in his usual classy fashion and placed the ball into the bottom left corner. Back in the game. Or so they thought as Branigans swept down the pitch again putting the ball past Kennedy to make it 3-1 going into half time.

Stuff happens.

The general consensus around pitch 2 was that Balaga had it in them to come back into this game and were unlucky so far in their attack and punished for their few defensive errors. The second half would tell a similar story.

Deano Marshalls Balaga's backline

O'Connor didn't wast much time, frustrated with the first half, he tapped in a first time finish with his right foot from infront of goal as O'Driscoll picked him out from a throw on the left wing. 2-3. Balaga continued to press and it was difficult as Branigans strong forwards made life difficult for Balaga especially on the break. Goals were conceded through some simple errors and only for a late O'Brien/Rose goal Balaga would of lost by 4. The goal came from an O'Driscoll corner on the right, pulling the ball back to Rose who fired his shot straight at the goal from an angle, coming through a lump of players a lurking O'Brien appeared to get a touch but the jury is out on who gets the notch on their belt. 6-3 the game ended and it was disappointing for Balaga as they will feel they deserved more from it.

Click HERE for HD version. Apologies for the dodgey tunes.

Damo was excellent at times, and considering it was his 21st birthday and he was coming off the back of one night and set to go out on another it was a miracle that he got to some shots.

Damo parties.

Food for thought for FC Balaga Tongo and fans will be hoping its not another long season ahead.

Elsewhere in the division newcomers Refugees had a 8-2 victory over Farcelona while Racing took Temple Inn apart 6-2 and QEF beat Duleas 4-1. Which leaves the league looking like so.

VIVA LA BALAGA

Global Quieten Emotionally Fla'd Tongo's cough

2010-07-21T17:34:00.002+01:00

Times were bad for Balaga. Before this QEF game, Tongo had a run of 5 games without a victory. A team meeting was put on ice as only 4 of the regular squad was able to play. Damo had a chest infection and Kev was still recovering for the wrist mangling. Dumphy was stranded or drunk down in Cork week we think, Dave was working and Tristan had followed Parker to Londan, so in stepped the Rory ringers..

Both sides started cagey and took some time to settle, and it was not unexpected as Phil (the striker) started in goal. Dickie a player usually picked as cover for the back two, was picked to fill Kev’s position in defence next to Tom O’C. The problems didn’t stop there though as Rory O’B was still suffering from a few days down in Cork week, and has very sensitive eyes, managed to play in front of the back two!, Duggan was ok I think, and played in his regular position but Rory B has some dodgy knees, or so Webz said, who himself had a touch of the chesty’s. Not an ideal situation, along with no subs…. and not much action to remember either, bar a great goal from Rory B. He latched onto a throw in by Duggan, and struck it on the full or half volley, with his left foot, into the keepers left. A super goal which was a sight for sore eyes.

click here to view Rory B's goal

The lead wasn’t held on too long though, and Dickie seemed to have a plan to make sure of it. Tracking back with an attacker, a long ball bounced between a QEF striker,Dickie, and the out coming goalkeeper, Phil. With the most delicate of touches, the Balaga defender managed to beat the other two players to the ball and dink it over a stunned Phil, and score QEF’s first of the night. It wasn’t their last as they went on to win 2-1, although i thought it was 3-1. Balaga played well but just didn’t take their chances while QEF did. If nothing else, Dickies goal will go down in history as KING of the howler's among howlers.

World Final sweepstake RESULT

2010-07-11T22:38:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to Tristan!!!

Ma's Last Second Volley Steals Victory.

2010-07-10T01:16:00.001+01:00

After last weeks draw with DouglasMortgage and stuck in a run of 4 games with only 2 points picked up Balaga were gagging to get back to winning ways against a Ma Dulleas side in a fixture that is always feisty and memorable battles in the past its a game that almost always brings goals.

This match didn't let the fans down and it was all action as both teams wanted to keep up with the leagues pace setters Racing Club, Temple Inn, QEF and Red Army in what is the tightest league situation seen in seasons.

With Broderick and his bionic arm in cast resting at his recovery clinic in Ovens , Barrett was lined up to partner O'Callaghan in defense. Damo in his most consistent season so far started between the sticks. Webz was joined again by Duggan in midfield after a two week absence and Balagas successful strikeforce of David W and O'Driscoll in behind lining out as Hurley started from the bench after recovering from last weeks calf strain. Dunphy was missing with a Stomach bug and did not pass a morning fitness test.

Balaga were slow in the first half and although they picked it up in the second half the team looked a bit disorganised throughout. David W was working wonders up front and with Damo pumping long balls at him all day the striker was causing trouble to Dulleas back line. Damo was called into action too much as the young keeper made some great athletic saves.

Captain Webz Kennedy picked up two goals in the game and praised his strikers effort...
'1- David W passes it to me in front of the keeper I swivel and put it through his legs.
2- David W Crosses it in and I back heel in to passed the on coming keeper.'

O'Driscoll also praised his strike partner and described the third goal...
'i threw it to the back post and he calmy side footed it back across goal into the bottom right corner.. he was by far the best player on the night for us..'

It wasn't the Balaga goals that will take the plaudits though as in the final milli-second of the game, Dulleas tracksuited front man made a great run to the back post, unmarked by a Balaga defensive setup who appeared to be looking at shadows, and drilled his low volley past Damo to make it 4-3 as the final whistle blew.

Bottles were kicked as Webz appeared irate with his charges coming off the pitch and now rumours are coming out of the club that a meeting as been called to discuss the now 5 game winless run which has seen Balagas early title hopes wither. What can the cucumbers do to get back on track?

Elsewhere in the division there was another Friar Walk-over as they were not present for their Racing Club fixture giving the league leaders a 5-0 result. The resurgent and strong looking Temple Inn Tigers put 5 past DouglasMortgage and QEF pipped Red Army 6-5 to get themselves up the table as the top 5 now looking like they are pulling away.

Next week its QEF and its about time to get back to sexy football! VIVA LA BALAGA!

Balaga's Broderick Becomes Bionic

2010-07-08T00:05:00.002+01:00

This morning a balagatongo.blogspot.com reporter got a hold of FC Balaga Tongos Kevin Broderick to find out his story after suffering a shocking injury in the DouglasMortgage.ie game.

-You had a horrific accident in last weeks game Kevin Can you tells our readers more of what happened and what was going through your mind when it happened?

We had only been playing about 5 or 6 minutes and ther was a high ball lamped into our defence from Douglas. Auld smirk was legging it up the wing to collect the pass. I salmon leaped into the air and got hit in the air by a Timmy like lunge from smiley face and landed on my left wrist, fracturing and dislocating it. After repeating "oh shit, oh shit, oh shit" to myself a few times i got up and walked off to pitch, a shadow of me former self!

-We understand there was an operation, can you fill us in on any details?

Not really. They didn't really explain. I was under the knife bai, full anaesthetic. None of that pussy half anaesthetic for me After that they didn't tell me much either, something about a pin and a bone? I'll know more the next go in

-There are rumours you will be back before the end of the season, can you confirm these?

I can neither deny or confirm those rumours at this very moment. That would indeed be the plan though, hopefully for the douglasmortage.ie rematch.

Thanks Kevin and we all wish you the best in your recovery.

Mortgage A Sore Point For Balaga

2010-07-08T00:04:00.002+01:00

With JD John Duggan once again missing out, and with Hurley out again due to a calf strain. Balaga were down to 8 for the game against well known opposition DouglasMortgage.ie which saw 8 goals and 1 horrible injury.

It turned out that DouglasMortgage were more familiar looking that Balaga would of thought as 'Sweets' and 'Flynny' were turning out for the side still missing the guile of Footy.ie superstar 'Chen.'

Balaga went straight at their opposition hoping to take advantage of the changes in the Douglas ranks and it was David W that kicked of the goalscoring for the cucumbers. A bit of ping-pong in the penalty area, as Webz attempted to strike the ball he bobbles it wide but a lurking David W was present to tap it in from a yard out. 1-0.

The game became a bit hazy as defender Kevin Broderick went up for a defensive header out on the right sideline. With a bumbling Douglas player going into the side of him when he was at his peak, Broderick came down on his wrist like a ton of crap. Brought of by himself and patched up with a sling made out of a hoody by Hurley and Dunphy he watched on as Balaga looked to get back into the title race

The first half came to a close and the cucumbers knew they could take all three. With O'Driscoll dropping back to cover beside O'Callaghan there was nothing too dangerous coming from their opponents.

Into the second half and after some fluffs Balaga were soon 1-1 being caught on the break at times. O'Callaghan then surprisingly put the ball in the net after a short blind dribble found him free just inside the centre of the Douglas half and he let loose a curling effort which flew past the waving keeper. Jubilani 2-1. The second half wore on and hot-shot O'D took his chances as he paced forward picking up the ball on the left he took what seemed to be a tame low shot from about 15yards and as Webz was running onto it he delightfully stepped over it causing the defender and keeper to misjudge and put Balaga up another goal. 3-2. David W then got his second as Dunphy led a breakaway down the left side and squared the ball for David W who tapped it into an empty net for his brace 4-2.

Douglas weren't finished though and with long throws going up to Sweets up front and the attacking Flynny they were caught out twice one a memorable volley effort from Flynny as Balagas defense struggled to make a challenge.

4-4 it ended and a disappointing result for FC Balaga Tongo. With Temple in putting in a fine performance to take Ma Dulleas 6-2 and Racing Club taking down Red Army 5-2, Balagas position in the table is not as desperate as first assumed but wins are whats needed if they want to get up to the top position come August. QEF also kept up pressure after their shocking start to the season by beating the Friars 5-0.

Balaga Unlucky But Temple Inn Fair Plucky

2010-06-30T11:07:00.003+01:00

Balaga went into last wednesdays game confident they could get back to winning ways after a slight mid-season slump saw them drop points in the last two games. But with a spirited comeback against the Friars last week there was promise of a return to victorious ways.

O'Callaghan was back from his trip. But with David W and Tristan out Mickey O'Sullivan was brought in as cover.

First Half:

The game started off pretty even and Balaga were pressing forward to good affect. With Webz, Dickie and Dunphy in the midfield area breaking up any attacks and looking to go forward when they could. But it was a ball over the top to Temple's main man that broke the deadlock, his quick turn and unstoppable shot flew into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Up step O'Driscoll, the striker has been prolific to say the least in the first half of this campaign for Balaga and he stroked the ball under the oncoming keepers legs after some terrific work from Webz first closing down the Templers defense, later described as 'some sexy ass charging down!!' and then making the square ball to the poised O'Driscoll. 1-1.

This would be the last time that Balaga had the ball in the oppositions net though as strings of chances went by. It wasnt the same for Temple Inn who grabbed 2 more before the break the second a header going wide came off a slow to react O'Callaghan and slipped past Kennedy into the net. 3-1

Second Half:

The second half came and Balaga were even more determined to win a game they thought they should be. But thinking doesnt win you games in the Wednesday Night Footy.ie Division 1 and Balaga had to prove on the astroturf that the deserved it. Pressure upon chances upon oppurtunties went by and it wasn't to be true no lack of effort. Then midway through a horror tackle on Webz on the left wing resulted in a sin binning for the muscular Rory Delap throwalike defender. Temple Inn down to 6 men and Balaga tried and tried again but no cigar and the half ended 0-0 with a final score of 3-1.

Other results saved Balaga's bacon again this week as the league is turning out to be as tight as David W's Wallet. QEF overcame Racing 5-3, Ma Duleas beat DouglasMortgage 6-3 and Red Army got back into form with a 10-1 win over Friars walk. The table:

The next round sees Balaga up against douglasmortgage.ie in what promises to be a great clash!

World Cup Last 16

2010-06-25T21:57:00.012+01:00

Money so far

Korea DPR - Webz Kennedy (worst team... wins €20)

Uruguay - Blake Shine (best 2nd seed team... wins €20)

Friar prayers earn unwelcome Draw

2010-06-17T18:27:00.001+01:00

After a disastrous result last week, Balaga had to get back on track and couldn’t have hoped for a better fixture on paper. Frairs Walk Celtic were bottom of the table with only 1 points all season and were expected to be an easy opponent after last week’s table toppers.

Tom O’C was still out in Barcelona, Dumphy was needed to help his Dad out and with Parker and Dave both in London, Dave “Greener” Green was called back to plug last week’s leaky defence, allowing JD to move back into midfield with Phil up front.

Celtic took kick off and began the better side, with good one touch passing and movement from their midfield. They took advantage of Balaga’s slow start and took an early lead through their midfielder with a great effort outside the box, giving Damo no chance in goals. This didn’t inspire Tongo who once more seemed to be elsewhere early on in the game. Webz came off the bench and Tongo started to string a few passes together and a few efforts just off target. But 1 became 2 for Celtic as a another shot from far out deflected off Webz, under Kevs foot and wrong footed Damo to rattle the net.

GOAL!!! Balaga Tongo 1-2 Frairs Walk Celtic

Balaga finally started to play ball and with the last kick of the first half the ball landed to john Duggan about 15 yards out, who struck it on the volley to see his effort fly into the top left of the Friars net.

HALF TIME FC Balaga Tongo 1-2 Frairs Walk Celtic

A stern talk at half time saw Balaga pile on the pressure on the Celtic goal after the second half kick off. Shot after shot was saved by the keeper, who managed to stand in the same position for most of them and just get a foot or hand to the ball each time. It was getting frustrating for Tongo and Frairs defence was playing some heroic stuff, just clearing the ball long to release some Tongo pressure. One of these clearances landed to the young lad up front who rounded Kev, and buried it past Damo to break Tongo hearts and make it 3-1.

GOAL!!! Balaga Tongo 2-3 Frairs Walk Celtic

All seemed lost but not long afterwards Balaga were back in it thanks to a calm head from Phil O’D. He collect the ball outside the Frairs box, turned one guy.. then dummied the shot with his right onto his left side and smacked it with outside of right boot into bottom left!!

Tempers heated and more Tongo pressure was starting to find cracks in the Frairs defence, but Damo was called into 2 top class saves late on to keep Tongo in it. Corner followed by corner followed by throw from both wings ended in shots rained down on the Friars goals but Keeper and defender line clearances meant Celtic were hanging on.

GOAL!!! Balaga Tongo 3-3 Frairs Walk Celtic

It was a throw in on Balaga right wing just outside the Frairs box. JD lined it up while Webz hassled the Celtic defender and was pulled down in the box, Phil turned to the ref and shouted "YOU SAW THAT REF" to which the ref shouted "JOHN” and warned the player to cut it out. The ball ended up with a throw out the left and once more where Greener threw it to Phil, who controlled it and hit a shot on goal, meanwhile Webz was again HAULED to the ground, and without warning pointed to the spot!!

After a lot of arguing from the Celtic players Phil stepped up.. slightly nervy..

Phil O’D – “once I hit I instantly thought "SHIT, MISSED" but it pinged into the top corner.. actually couldn’t have been any more into the top corner if i picked it up and placed it there..

A lot of player hand bag issues began to crop into the game and the ref decided to blow it up early, much to the annoyance of the Tongo side, who all in all felt it more like a loss than a draw, but other results went their way and the title is still on.

CAPTIANS VIEW

We were muck in tom's absence. Struggled defensively against racing. Couldn't finish our dinner last night. my biggest concern is people's attitude and hunger to win. This needs to be addressed. Next week we will have a team meeting before the match and if I don't feel that hunger from anyone they won't start. People need to get their heads in the fucking game. Everyone thought we were going to walk all over the ba's last night and that's what really fucked us. Damo said last night that this lot beat us the season before last and they could do it again...but of coarse no one listened. We had players talking about how many goals they were going to score, players who would only move if the ball was within 2 feet of them and players who tried to see how many times they could touch the ball before they got tackled. We lost every 50 50 ball. The ball would break in the midfield and it was like don't worry about it someone else will get it. The attitude only changed when we were in trouble and even then not enough. This doesn't go for everyone playing but most. That game last night could easily be the game that could cost us dearly.

As for our title ambitions.... at present not a chance in hell. We are very lucky that other results went our way. If the lot of us don't cop on we will be lucky to finish above friar's. And you can print that.....

Balaga lose race to table topping RC

2010-06-16T15:51:00.000+01:00

With a Superb start to the season, Balaga Tongo faced they 4th tough game in GW 4. Table toppers Racing Club stood in the way and with Tom O'C out travelling Latino style, it wasnt gonna be easy. the starting 7 -

Balaga moved JD into defence, to cover Tom, but in doing so lost the midfield battle and especially kick-outs. Moving Dave W to centre mid for the kick outs was a step too last as RC had scored about 3 at that stage. All in all it was a nightmare and a final score of 8-1 makes it a night to completely forget. The only plus of the evening was Tristans goal for Tongo.

The table -

Jun 09 2010	Red Army	5	douglasmortgage.ie	2
Jun 09 2010	Ma Duleas	12	Friars Walk Celtic	2
Jun 09 2010	FC Balaga Tongo	1	Racing Club	8
Jun 09 2010	QEF Global	4	Temple Inn Tigers	3

Red ref cant help Army overpower Balaga

2010-06-08T19:56:00.001+01:00

After last week’s terrific victory over QEF, Balaga faced another tough challenge in table toppers Red Army. Both Webz and Damo were out due to a personal issues so Tongo had to do without their captain and number 1. New signing John Dumphy stepped into goals which allowed Tom O’C and Kevin B to continue their central defensive partnership. The team was:

It was a piping hot 7 o’clock evening kick-off and this caused a slow start to the match, with both defenders guilty of some slack defending at the beginning. Only for JD, Balaga could have found themselves behind early on. The CIT international was playing out of his skin and made sure the back two and midfield were up for the task. With Stevie P back as cover, and Tristan down the other wing, quick breaks were always a problem for Red Army, but some quick passing by Army saw Dumphy make a few vital saves early on.

A throw in from JD out the left to the on running Kev out of defence, saw the defender hit a left foot volley which was goal bound only for it to strike off a helpless Dave on way to goal. Not long after this another JD throw, once more to Kev, was left by the defender for a red hot Phil O’D who controlled it with his left knee, while back to goal. He swivel volley and hit it past the Army keeper for 1-0!!!

The Cucumbers held out for about 5 or 6 minutes before Red Army got the equalizer, through a penalty. A quick attack left Tristan with no option but to slide in to block a shot. The ref had no hesitation in giving the peno, as he had no hesitation giving Army most decisions all night. They buried it and the score stayed at 1-1 till half time.

The second half ebbed too and fro with both sides coming close if not for some good defending by Balaga, (with Dickie and JD contributing to some great interceptions) or some over the top tackling by Red Army. Balaga refused to let the one sided ref to get them down though and with 2 minutes remaining, Phil the goal machine O’Driscoll collected the ball out the Tongo left, controlled it, looked up and hit an unstoppable effort into Army’s near post to leave it 2-1!!!!

The remaining 2 minutes turned into at least 5 or 6 and despite all the effort to allow Army back into it by the ref, Tongo held out to claim their 2^nd victory of the season and moved to 2^nd in the table on goal difference, after douglasmortage.ie held Racing Club to a 3-3 draw. In other results, QEF picked up their first points of the season with a 2-1 victory over MaDuleas.

Balaga Bomb Reigning Global

2010-05-31T02:59:00.004+01:00

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

World Cup 2010 Sweepstakes Draw

2010-05-31T00:09:00.005+01:00

€20 a man. Prizes are as follows, Winner: 260. Runner-up: 20. Best Shit Seed 20. Wooden Spoon: 20. Fair play to Tristan who pulled the names out of the hat and SOMEHOW got Spain, as well as Seany Nich who is always a lucky fook with these draws. Cant wait to get an Italy jersey now - Come on 2 in a row!

Click image below to make LARGE.

Webz and Tom hold the hats...

Dunphy Signs on as Parker Moves on

2010-05-25T21:35:00.001+01:00

John Dunphy this week signed for FC Balaga Tongo on a summer season contract. The player who trained with the squad in pre-season has been taken on as a direct replacement for outgoing Balaga legend Stephen Parker. Webz sealed the transfer not long after last weeks draw with Ma Duleas and with his vast Crosshaven international experience the clubs management are sure he is the right man to fill Parker's big boots. Dunphy will make his debut in tomorrows vital clash with last seasons champions QEF Global.

Parker cemented his name on the Balaga history books playing in 4 seasons of footy.ie football since joining the club in January 2009, putting in terrific performances week after week as well as scoring many memorable goals. He is now rumored to be going on trial at a number of clubs with the midfielder being courted by representatives from Bali Persegi FC, Melbourne Heart FC and Gold Coast Utd.

VIVA LA BALAGA.

Champions League final 2010

2010-05-25T20:55:00.000+01:00

Summer Calendar released.

2010-05-24T14:12:00.002+01:00

Balaga and Duleas serve up a treat but share the points...

2010-05-21T02:11:00.007+01:00

It was May the 19th 2010, and the biggest news of the day was not the closure of a Pfizer plant in Cork. It also wasn’t the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico reaching day 30.

No, the biggest news of the day was the kick off of footie.ie’s summer season and the unveiling of new signing Dickie Barrett for FC Balaga Tongo. It was also a big day for new club captain, Eoghan “Webz” Kennedy. The new captain aims to do what both Tom O’C and Kevin B failed to do before him, and win a league title with Balaga. After a busy break from the league recruiting it was time to pick his first side and here it is -

Ma Duleas turned up in a new strip of red and with a new ringer up front this would prove to be just as tough a match as the previous seasons. Unlike the two matches last season, this time it was the Ma’s who took the lead. Balaga are traditionally slow starters in the league but that extra belief and will to win which they’ve developed over the last 2 season’s was once again evident as proceeded to piled on the pressure on the Duleas goal.

Corner after throw after corner were rained down on the Ma’s goal and only for a deacent keeper, Tongo would have draw level straight away as a high ball cleared by Ma’s dropped to a waiting Broderick outside the box, who lined up and smacked a well place volley which was heading into the right hand corner only for a defender and Parker to deflect it back out for a throw. More and more pressure was applied and after Dickie made way for Webz, Balaga’s all time top scorer eventually got the break through.

The ball was once more lamped into the Ma’s box and deflected back out where it bounced into Webzes path who just swung a boot on the half volley and connected with the ball which flew past the handy Duleas keeper. Balaga kept the foot on the gas and soon afterwards made it 2-1! With new signing Dickie more accustomed to staying back, both Tom and Kev got more freedom to go forward, and the second goal was a direct result of this.

Phil did some great running down the wing with Webz waiting for the cross. Tongo’s O’D (the self proclaimed most unselfish player in the squad!?)rounded the keeper and squared it to Webz. It missed the captain and landed at Tom O’C, who proceeded to smash the ball towards goal. Webz said after that he tried his best to get out of the way but it struck his chest and fell to the ground with his back to goal about 2cm out. He turned and knocked it in for his and Balaga’s second.

2 became 3 when Phil smashed it an effort from the right hand side of the box after some neat play by Balaga. The Cucumber’s were playing with real confidence. Tom and Kev looked comfortable on the ball with cover from a dogged Dickie who was there to break up the play and set up moves. JD was a bit worse from ware after the mid season break as his fitness began to fade near the half time whistle but he still caused problems for the Ma’s, and was always a great option to win a header or two in midfield along with Stevie P, who hounded and dribbled his way up the pitch every chance he got. But for all this, Ma’s were still dangerous and with all the players able to play ball this would still be a tough battle, and so it proved, as just before half-time they got one back from the small fellah up front. A great individual effort giving Damo no chance in goals. A roasting summer evening was taking its toll and half time was welcomed!!

The second half kicked off and just like the beginning of the first, Duleas started the better and a lacklustre Balaga soon found the scores level. Balaga used the subs wisely though and slowly got themselves back up to speed.

But despite all the Duleas attacks, they couldn’t break down the Balaga defence, with Tom and Kev’s plan at half time working and Ma’s danger man and team captain, “Joe” tightly monitored. Balaga’s 4^th of the evening came from a throw-in on the right, deep in Duleas half, which Kev decided to go up for. He targeted the back post as his best option to run to and Parker spotted him. Steve lobbed a great throw into the box which the keeper missed. The fumble by the Ma’s stopper seemed to obstruct Kev’s view, and the defender missed it from 2 feet out with no one to beat, but, luckily for him, it went past him and deflected off the post and back out. A Duleas defender who was tracking back, was unfortunate enough to get in the way and deflect the ball back into his own net!!!!!! YES BAI! 4-3.

With the one goal advantage back on, Tongo tightened up which allowed Ma’s to attack more and more. Joe appeared to lose the head for the Duleas, and at one point decided to kick the legs from under Phil, leaving the big man flattened on the sandy astro surface. The ref didn’t appear to think it was that bad though and allow him to stay, just awarding Tongo a free kick which didn’t materialise to anything. The fiery Duleas captain followed this by another “tackle” which the ref once more ignored, and allowed play to continue. This was the norm for the next 5 minutes as Balag didn’t get one call and Duleas got everything, it seemed to this reporter anyway! The free kick which lead to the equalizer was a good call though and from the resulting free kick the Ma’s managed to fire a shot under John’s foot and over Kevs attempted clearance into the goal. 4-4 with 2 minutes to go.

Balaga did have 1 final attack where they broke with 3 on 1. Parker had the ball out the right with Kev running through the centre, and JD free out the left. Steve squared it to John but he was one step ahead of himself and miscontrolled it leaving the ball to trickle out for a throw. With this the ref blew for time for all in all, probably a fair result.

The tough league saw last season’s champions QEF, lose to a fancied Red Army. Racing Club walloped a poor Fairs side and with possibly a few new faces, Temple Inn destroyed a douglasmortage side without the services of Chen who rejoined Racing Club. Here’s the first week table:

After the match Tom O'C got some Q&A time with Webz over his thought's on the match...

Your first game as captain last night and although im sure disapointing at the time, surely it was a solid result, how do you think it went?

We could have lost that game. We could also have hammered them. A draw was a fair result. Duleas are a good side they finished above us last. Better than QEF in my opinion. Duleas wanted it more in the end as you could see they were winning every 50 50 ball in the last 10 minutes. We squandered chances and so did they. I don't want to make excuse but the ref gave a lot to them in leading up to the equaliser although the set piece they eventually scored from was a stone wall free kick. I was all over your man.

Dickie made his competitive debut last night and was a great asset, I hear there maybe some more new faces in the pipeline. Can you confirm anything?

Happy with dickies performance last night. I think the pace of the game surprised him but settled in well and should be an asset in the future. I did take him off in the last couple of minutes as he looked shattered. Fair play though. Yes soon after the match last night I was able to clinch the signing of John Dunphy quite happy with that although I may have jumped the gun as Tristan still has 6 weeks and Dave has left me in limbo over whether he is gonna play are what.

Two goals looks like you started as you finished last season, can you talk us through the two neat finishes?

First goal it was bouncing around there box and I just swung a boot at the half volley and it beat a better than usual goalie.

The second one I'm rather embarrassed about. Phil did some great running down the wing and i was waiting for the cross, he rounded the keeper and squared it. It was behind me but tom was there to smash the ball towards goal. I did my best to get out of the way but it struck my chest and fell to the ground. I had to put it in then.

Looking forward to next week and the arrival of dunphy and the return of Tristan and Dave.

SUMMER 2010 PREVIEW

2010-05-18T20:03:00.001+01:00

The summer season of footy.ie is upon us and kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday against old foes Ma Dulleas. The season will bring many changes to FC Balaga Tongo as some players will leave and others join.

Stephen Parker and Tristan Hurley are certain to leave in June but will be playing their last games for the club at the start of a campaign Balaga will be hoping to win.

Eoghan Webz Kennedy will be taking over the reigns from O'Callaghan as Team Captain and the outgoing man is surely frustrated with the lack of silverware won during his captaincy over the past 4 seasons as the team grew from strength to strength to crapish to strength. But with Balaga a now steadier machine fans are sure Webz will be the on the field leader Balaga needs to bring the cucumbers to the next level and take championships in the coming seasons.

Webz made his first mark on the club with the signing of Richard Dickie Barrett to the side on a full-time contract.

With Barrett making his club debut in a pre-season friendly against the Expats(9-5 loss), scoring a superb long range effort from midfield, and then making his second appearance in the 'Green Giants V Black Cocks' Balaga Challenge Match won by Webz Green outfit, again showing his athleticism on the park. Fans are sure that he is the perfect fit for the club.

Hopefully Barrett and the rest of the team can step up to the challenge as the league fixtures were released this weekend and it is looking more competitive than ever before.

VIVA LA BALAGA

STATS UPDATE - Jan-Apr 2010

2010-05-18T18:58:00.004+01:00

FC Balaga Tongo ended up third in the league but with 67 goals scored it was they're second highest goalscoring record in history. Webz broke his own Balaga scoring record in the January to April Season and playing as a swashbuckling centre midfielder for most of the season it is a credit to the player. Duggan came in second with a commendable 13 goals as he was played as much as possible in a attacking midfielder role as the early leader and striker O'Driscoll finished with 12. David W the other striker was 4th with 9 as all 4 has 1 goal per game or better records.

Check out the chart below to see how it all sizes up! [CLICK image to make LARGE]

Balaga find out Its a game of two halves against Connects

2010-05-07T14:42:00.001+01:00

With nothing to play for in the final game of the season…. (well besides 2^nd spot, but that’s just as bad as 3^rd) FC Balaga Tongo decided to start with Damo out of goals. Old skool bit part player Skinty kid came into the side and started in goals!

Balaga got out of the blocks the fastest as Abtran were 1 if not 2 men down. In fairness the game could have been over before there levelled up the sides but Balaga just tried some street footie flair and lost the opportunity, although they did score 2 in those opening 5 minutes or so.

GOAL!!!!!!!

The first of the game came from Webz. A good move by Balaga which involved Parker, Kev and then Webz out on the right wing. He steadied himself and took a low shot which megged the keeper for 1-0.

GOAL!!!!!!!

Number 2 came from a throw in taken by Kev, who found a run by Parker into the box. The midfielder hit a nice right footed shot past the Abtran keeper… 2-0.

GOAL!!!!!!!

John D made it 3-0 when he picked up the ball and charged through the mid-field before letting fire a rocket which wizzed past the keeper and crashed it into the net.

In between Balaga’s next 2 Abtran may have got 1 or possible 2 back.

GOAL!!!!!!!

Balaga #1 Damo kid Kennedy sprang off the bench and sprang straight into action. He showed the strikers how to do it with nearly his first touch as the ball broke free in the Abtran box where Damo blasted in a Alan Shearer special from two yards out.

GOAL!!!!!!!

Soon afterwards 4 became 5 as once more Damo got the final touch - He took the ball with his back to goal with 2 defenders between him and the onion net! With the passaz of a ballet dancer driving a number 10 bus he turned and dribbled 2 or 3 feet, somehow leaving the defenders behind him and the goal in front of him. He smashed it in the keepers near side to make it 5-2 to Balaga at half time.

Half-Time

The second half was a bit of a disaster for Balaga as they were over confident and didn’t turn up. They scored zero in the half and conceded 3 from that Scottish fella living in Cork with a Mayo top? Although his sence of patriotism is questionable his first touch or eye for goal wasn’t. 5 goals in the game for the Scot put gave him the golden boot for the league.

A great season all in all for Balaga. The title was theirs only for a BoB Deep major fook up by Damo and a loss to the QEF’s fella’s handed it to the hoors. Each player did their part with everyone from Damo to Phil O’D playing out of their skins.

NEXT YEAR WILL BE OUR YEAR!!

Passage Shut Down.

2010-04-23T11:26:00.002+01:00

FC Balaga Tongo were the latest team to benifit points wise from Passage Rejects going into administration and therefore not having a team in the second half of the season.

This leaves Balaga on 2 points with Dulleas who got the better of 4th placed Mortgage 5-4. Temple inn have had a resurgence moving up to 18 points now 2 behind them. 5th place Abtran are Balaga's final opponents and hopefully the cucumbers can seal victory and second spot, although a favour from Temple Inn would be handy as they play Dulleas next Wednesday.

Far from Dull as Balaga shine.

2010-04-23T11:03:00.003+01:00

After the very disappointing loss to QEF Global the previous week, Balaga knew they were out of the title race. But a game against Ma Dulleas was just the tonic to get the team back together playing footy and getting as many points out of this season as possible. Gary Breen was rumoured to be playing before the game but this turned out to be untrue as the full Cucumber squad was available, maybe most importantly formation wise goal keeper Damo Kennedy was back after playing house down in Kerry and ditching his teammates the week before!

The game plan was to have Tristan and David W to go at theyre backs from the start, chasing down everything and try to ware them down and not give them time to pick passes. JD John Duggan and ODriscoll would then come on and do the same up front. Webz and Parker were behind them and would clean up everything in midfield as Broderick and OCallaghan would try to mark their strikers out of the game.

In reality something kinda like that happened...

Ma Dulleas were kept pretty quiet and although Joe, Biffo, Nala and Heno made breaks they were usually snuffed out before causing any danger to the Balaga goal. Damo was on hand when there was any shots though as he was making saves left right and centre with all his limbs. Balaga were doing well on the break and were 3 goals up before they knew it.

The first came from Parker who fired a great long distance effort from the rights side. The keeper looked to get a hand to it but this only made things worse as the power in the shot caused the keeper to knock it straight into his own net. PEOW FLAP.

Then it was Hurley's turn. A long high ball to the front pair and David W took it down Berbatov stule and layed it off for an incoming Hurely who smashed his half volley into the top right corner. DINK BAM.

The third was another quick break, Parker made headway down the right channel and held back from firing off another shot as David W , OCallaghan and Hurley were all shouting for it on the back post. It was OCallaghan who got the touch, and it was an easy side foot as the ball from Parker had the defense and keeper beat already. WHOOSH PING.

JD and Phil were on at this stage and continued to press. Seeing his oppurtunity and being one that doesn't like not to score, Webz forced the fourth a few minutes before half time, gathering the ball on left he put it on his good peg and wanged a nice effort at the Dulleas goal. The shot like Parkers was slightly high but the power had the keeper confused and deciding to deal with it instad of leaving it go over he flapped it down into his net also. BANG PLOP.

Lamp the link for full size images, video lowlights coming soon!

Half time came and Balaga were pumped. It looked like it was going to be the 2nd time beating Ma Dulleas after the mauling at the end of last season. There was still work to do though and any comeback would have to quenched as Dulleas stars were sure to be up for the second half.

That they were and Balaga were under a lot of pressure finding it hard to hold onto the ball for any long periods. Two goals from Dulleas followed but in between these Balaga were limiting their opposition to long shots. Damo had no fear as he came out to gather the ball when it did go behind his defenders.

The cucumbers continued to battle hard and it was JD who sealed the victory as he was at the end of another Balaga break away. Tristan making the run and winning the throw down the right picked it up fast and saw JD waiting at the top Dulleas box. His throw was pinpoint and JD obliged with a neat touch into the net to make it five. WANG TIP.

The win left Balaga joint second with Ma Dulleas, ahead on head-to-head, but behind on goal difference. This ensured QEF were champions as neither team can catch them at this point with their final game against Passage Rejects a walk over.

Champions League semi-final 2010

2010-04-22T19:19:00.001+01:00

Balaga's attempt to go Global shattered

2010-04-16T10:44:00.002+01:00

With Balaga’s biggest match in 2 or 3 seasons about to take place, keeper Damo Kennedy dropped the BoB Deep bomb and decided to stay in Kerry with his woman/friend for an extra day and only informed captain Tom O'C that morning.

This left Balaga high and dry and as a result Kev was taken from defence and placed in goal, with JD dropping back into defence from midfield. It affected Balaga’s balance and although they took the lead, they lost the match 4-1(Dave W getting the goal), mainly down to players being out of position and the team never settling correctly.

It left the Balaga team with only 2nd place to play for which made it too depressing to write this blog for a week. Tongo lied 3^rd in the table after the match, 4 points behind QEF and 3 behind Ma Duleas.

Mothaf*%kers

Temple No Place of Solitude as Balaga Torment Tigers.

2010-04-01T20:41:00.001+01:00

It was a cool evening in Garryduff last night as Balaga lined out to face the Temple Inn Tigers, a team they edged victory against 7-6 earlier in the campaign. David W was back so it was a full squad of 9 for only the second time this season.

The start of the match was quiet and it was the cucumbers that went 1-0 down as they needed to wake up everywhere. O'Driscoll was causing problems up front and Tristan supporting him was getting on the ball as well looking for the break through. At times the Tigers seemed overrun as JD and Webz came from midfield to support the front two and soon Balaga equalised through Duggan as Hurley found him in the centre of the box with a pinpoint throw and the header was straight into the far corner past a flapping goalkeeper. In fact the goalkeeper was their usual best player stuck in goals for 20minutes as Temple's regular keeper was absent.

As soon as he came out field he was causing danger for the Tongolese and made it 2 for Temple Inn as the defenders struggled with his pace and strength. Duggan then got involved again as it was his shot came of the keeper onto the crossbar and into David W's path, the striker just on a minute before for O'Driscoll happily knocked it in. More Balaga pressure and a free kick was earned 15 yards out in the centre of the pitch, Duggan hammered his effort through the wall, a lurking Parker, attempting to break his 5 game goal duck, blocked the keepers view and the ball found its way through the two of them and into the net. Tristan got himself got on the score sheet. Breaking down the right wing he picked his spot in the opposite corner to make it 4-2 at half time.

After sorting out how to defend against the two front men and the Rory Delap like throws from the strong looking earringed chap at the back for Tigers, Broderick and O'Callaghan seemed much more comfortable. Damo though was called into action on occasion and no more so than when the Tigers striker turned and whipped a fine effort at the top right corner, Damo flung himself and got his fist to it to put the ball over the bar and Balaga were safe again. Super Save! Duggan didn't have the same luck as the first half though and his best opportunity saw the midfielder fire high high high.

Webz on a goalscoring streak of late then finished off Temple Inn in real style with 2 good goals. The first came from a throw in on the left as Webz gave it to Parker who chested it down for his midfield partner and Webz duley obliged by hammering it high inside the near post. The second was opportunistic if anything else as the Temple Inn defense were confused Webz picked up the ball between two men and strode through on goal "thinking David W is a defender, struck it early between the keepers legs" and 6-2 FC Balaga Tongo.

Other results saw Ma Dulleas held to a 4-4 draw against Abtran, to the delight of the Balaga faithful! QEF pipped DouglasMortgage.ie 2-1, a draw would of been better! And finally and surprisingly the Friars ran out 5-0 winners against Passage.

It was an excellent team performance on the night and if Balaga can keep playing together like this they could still be challenging for the title come the end of the season. Big games loom for the cucumbers though with league leaders QEF Global up next and then second placed Ma Dulleas before games against Passage Rejects and Abtran Connects.

VIVA LA BALAGA!

No charity for Friars as Balaga hit em for 9

2010-03-25T14:39:00.001Z

After the Paddy's day break Tongo were back in action against bottom of the table side Frairs Walk Celtic. No slip up's for the cucumbers was the thoughts before the match and the 3 points should be gettable. Whifty was out due to work duties but other than that it was a full team...

1-0 FC Balaga Tongo
Balaga started brightly with JD Webz, Tristan and Parker commanding the Celtic back line, and it wasn't long before Tongo took a deserved lead through Tristan, who got the ball somewhere on the right, turned and scored..... i think!

2-0 FC Balaga Tongo
1 became 2 as once more Tristan collected the ball out the right and hit a low hard shot pas the keeper. Webz was lurking on the Frairs goal line and tapped it to guarantee the goal and take his tally to 11 for the season.

3-0 FC Balaga Tongo
JD got his first off the evening from a neatly taken volley with his right which the keeper swan dived at but missed. Soon afterwards Damo came to collect a ball in the box and got clattered into the back for some Frairs fella. The keeper was out for a few minutes but luckly for Balaga made a full recovery and was fit to play the rest of the match. The knock in the back did nothing to hinder his kick outs though as he was continuously finding his targets in midfield which was setting up plenty of chances for the Togolese attack.

4-0 FC Balaga Tongo
Balaga relaxed a bit after the third goal and both Tom and Kev started to make forward runs. Parker was doing a great job of dropping into the back line for cover whenever they did. On this particular occasion it was Kev's turn to venture up front. Webz collected the ball from a JD throw in, and nutmegged some feen to Kev. The Balaga defenders first touch was questionable, his second also questioned by Webz after the game, but I maintain it was pure class! He pushed the ball out to the right with a defender closing him down, fainted to shot with his left which burnt the Celtic defender and unleashed an unstoppable right footed into the Frairs net. The word "unstoppable" is used lighty here though as it wasn't the strongest of shots but the keepers calamity swan dive over the ball made it look half deacent!

5-0 FC Balaga Tongo
There was time for one more before the break, this time from star front man Phil O'D. Parker who was having a fine game, put phil free down the right. The big man let it run passed his Henry styleeeeeeee and smashed it into the bottom left across the goal! A one sided first half was called to an end with the only real Frairs effort coming from a free kick they rattled the crossbar with.

At the half time break Balaga found it hard to concentrate on tactics and instead commented on the lookers playing on pitch 3 as Plain White T's were getting mangled by Raiders in the ladies match. Evertually they got their heads back into the Tongo match and went out for the second half...

6-0 FC Balaga Tongo
The second half kicked off and soon enough put another score on the board. JD getting his second of the game from a corner from Phil.

7-0 FC Balaga Tongo
JD hat-trick!!! A super kick out from Damo landed at Tristans feet who found Phil one on one with the keeper. The striker unselfishly squared it to JD who had an empty goal to tap into.

8-0 FC Balaga Tongo
Goal numero eighto came from another corner. Phil probably took it. Webz describes it - "Corner, Scramble, ball in air, four yard volley, Goal". Niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

9-0 FC Balaga Tongo
The final icing on the cake came from Phil once more. Webz once more describes it - ""Phil runs around 6 million feens (maybe 2 or 3) trys to pass it to duggan at the back post but the keeper intercepts and I smash it through the empty net. It proceeds to hit an orphan in the face and kills him!*".

*No orphans were killed during the playing of this match...

With all the goals described its time to mention that this was a momentous game for FC Balaga Tongo.... For about 10 seasons, 4 years or so they had never, NEVER managed a clean sheet. Big up the 3 bai's in defence, Damo, Tom, and Kev who have battled so long for that first 0, but none of it would have been achievable without the great work from the midfield and attack who always tracked back, a thank you must also go to the players parents for conceiving the team and Paul Scott who mangled Togo and Congo together to give FC Balaga Tongo its birth!

With douglas beating Abtran 12-2 and Ma Duleas kicking QEF's ass 9-1 the top couldn't be closer....

Champions League draw 2010

2010-03-20T16:49:00.000Z

Balaga Come Out Of Arrears To Put Mortgage On Hold

2010-03-12T11:44:00.001Z

FC Balaga Tongo arrived to Garryduff last night with a full squad of 9 players and in a great run of form to go up against a formidable DouglasMortgage.ie side containing danger man Chen, scorer of 22 goals in 9 games this season. A tough task but one the Cucumbers were hungry to get past so they could get one step closer to the Division 1 title which is a real possibility for the Tongolese side.

The game kicked off with this formation which Balaga have become settled with in the last few weeks. As usual it took a few minutes up warm up into the game. Passes were made and passes were missed, as tackles flew in and Balaga struggled at the beginning to deal with Mortgages formation. But they did deal with it and when they broke forward, looked dangerous! Webz struck a fine daisy cutter from outside the box and it looked to be going in off the post but David W made sure as he swooooped in to make it 1-0, touching the ball in just inside the right post. This gave Balaga a bit of confidence and maybe over confidence as they put pressure on the opposition, but just when Balaga were at their most vulnerable as Broderick lost a contact and had to go off and JD had little time to get on, this was when Chen pounced breaking free down the right channel as O'Calllaghan looked to catch him at the edge of the box he cannoned the ball off Chen or the other way around and the ball went in past Damo. 1-1! Despite this setback the pressure continued on Mortgages goal with Webz, and Parker asserting themselves in midfield, and Hurley coming on in front to link them with ODriscoll . OCallaghan then made an interception in the left back position broke down the line and slipped the ball inside to O'Driscoll who silkily skipped passed the midfield and made space for himself to fire a rocket with his right which was blocked down - but OD kept his poise and placed a left foot shot past the flapping Mortgage stopper. 2-1! HALF TIME.

After catching their breath they lined up once again with one change, Webz coming off for Broderick and JD moving into midfield alongside Parker. More action ensued at both ends and the biggest blunder of the game came as Chen broke free again down the right channel and as he fired his shot across goal a covering OCallaghan swung a blatant arm at the ball to knock it over the bar. Although on retrospect the ball was going to go over anyway and ironically this is probably what kept him on the pitch instead of receiving an expected yellow and sin-binning. Chen put the resulting penalty low under Damo who got his direction right but couldn't get down quick enough. 2-2! Soon after this a Mortgage midfielder struck an unstoppable volley which went through the packed box and past Damo who probably didn't have much of a view. 2-3! Disaster but not the worst as OCallaghan was once again called up by the ref for a fowl, this time a few yards outside the balaga box. The free went low and just to the left of the 3-man wall and into the Cucumbers net. 4-2!

Balaga didn't deserve this scoreline and looked determined to prove it. Pushing forward again, with Broderick making runs from the back frequently to add to Mortgages troubles, the ball was kept in Douglas's half as corner after throw after corner were taken to no avail. But it was the ever instinctive Webz who got the third, the ball coming to him just inside the left side of the Mortgage box he did something un-orthodox with his new yellow left boot and it came off as the ball crept through a balls width between post and keeper. 4-3! More substitutions were made by Balaga as they used their nine men as best they could. Another scramble in the box resulted in the equalizer as the ball flew over Webz'z shoulder facing away from the goal on the top left of the Mortgage box he caught it with a standing overhead kick and the ball looped into the far corner for the equalizing goal. 4-4! A mass pitch invasion followed and the final whistle came soon later but not before Broderick could pull off the greatest cheeky back heel this reporter has ever seen and David W missing a chance of the game rushing an effort and firing it wide after taking defender and goalkeeper out of the picture in a great move. A fair result on the night though, as no winner could be found at second time of trying for these two teams this season.

Unfortunately QEF won their game against the Tigers 5-4 to stay clear at the top by 2 from Ma Dulleas who got a clean 5-0 victory over a sliding Passage Rejects side. In the other game Abtran and Friars Walk played out a 5-5 draw. This leaves Balaga equal on points with Mortgages and in 4th position on goal difference, 4 points off leaders QEF.

With a week off next Wednesday for Patricks day celebrations it gives Balaga a chance to regroup and hopefully nobody will get any drunken or otherwise injuries during the break before they come back to play Friars Walk Celtic on the 24th. With almost as many goals scored as last seasons with only 8 games played and Parker due to break his worst goalscoring form for the club and with David W and Hurley hungry to impress and add to their goal tally's, things are looking good for FC Balaga Tongo in the second half of the season. Hopefully next time they won't get so fla'd by the ref either.

Team bonding at Cork City Foras's first home game in Turners cross on Friday night.

VIVA LA BALAGA.

Rejects passage opened by cucumbers............ 11 times!!!

2010-03-05T02:27:00.003Z

Gameweek 7 for the cucumbers and after last week’s terrific victory over MaDuleas moral was high. Passage Rejects were in a less than confident mood though as they came off the back of a 10-5 loss the previous week at the hands of douglasmortage. David W was back in the squad but Tristan’s ribs were still in a bad way so the team was:

Balaga really started this game in great form and at the half time mark had a healthy lead. Damo had little or nothing to do in goals. Although Passage had 1 or 2 handy players their all out attack attitude got them unstuck on more than one occasion. Damo, Tom and Kev were still in search for that elusive first clean sheet and with help from Webz and Parker, it looked to be on the cards. Both tracked back whenever possible and along with JD and Whifty, the midfield looked rock solid defending and dangerous in attack. Phil once more had a stormer up front, although not getting on the score sheet as much as the previous weeks he was laying off some brilliant passes, unlocking the Rejects defence from which the midfield took full advantage. The final score of 11-1 proves as much!

Balaga Goals!!!!!!

1- A throw or cross from the right wing from Phil made the keeper rush out and attempt to grab the ball, only for JD to reach it first and bang it into the net! Protest from the Rejects didn’t convince the ref that their keeper had been fouled and the goal stood…

2- Goal number 2 came from Webz. Scoring a rare right footer this season, from the left side he kicked a right footed across the keeper to nestle in the far corner.

3- Webz got his second of the night thanks to Phil pressurising the Passage defence; Webz talked it through at the post match interview: “they mess up and the it’s a race to the ball between me and the defender and I get a less than convincing touch on it but it goes in all the same”. A modest reflection on the goal, cause from where I stood it looked a classy finish!

4- Balaga’s forth came from the cucumbers striker Phil O’D, he managed to get free down the right wing and hammered the ball low and straight at the Rejects keeper who let it through his legs. 4-0.

5- David W popped up with Balagas 5^th. Phil was put through one on one with keeper and unselfishly squared it to Dave about 5-10 yards out with an open goal. He took about 20-30 touches before hitting the onion back as Jimmy McGee once called it! 5-0. Later Balaga had a similar chance where Dave squared it to Kev who also took an age to take a shot allowing the Passage defender to walk back and clear it from the Balaga defenders foot, which proves it doesn’t matter how many touches it takes as long as its buried!

6- Webz popped up with his hat-trick thanks to a Parker shots across goal. Webz: “I got a seedorf/zola flick on it and in”.

7- David W got number 7 after some dogged work id say. No one remembers the goal but he did get his 2^nd of the night and Balaga’s seventh.

8- Webzes 4^th and Balaga’s 8^th came from a Tom cross which finds Webz out the left one on one with the keeper who presumes the midfielder is going far post but placed it near post. 8-0.

9- JD – an unknown beauty of a goal. So to fill space here’s Diego Maradona’s goal against England in 1986 - Héctor Enrique passed the ball to Maradona some ten metres inside his own half. Maradona then began his 60-metre, 10-second dash towards the English goal, passing four English outfield players – Hodge, Beardsley, Butcher and Fenwick. Maradona finished the move by dribbling round Shilton to make the score 2–0 to Argentina. About the goal, Maradona said, "I made the play to give it to Valdano, but when I got to the area they surrounded me and I had no space. Therefore, I had to continue the play and finish it myself." – ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh LEGEND!!!

10- Balaga’s 10^th and Whifty’s hat-trick – “my goals, all of them, clinical finishing,nah my last one was one on one with the keeper, i think webz/duggan kicked a long balls, dribbled in to the goal, nice powerful right leg under the keepers legs...IM THE BEST KEEPER IN THE LEAGUE...not anymore kid!!!”. The rest i cant remember, it was all about the performance – Dave W

11- The final goal of the night came from the goal machine Webz – Tom took a shot and it hit a Reject defender followed by Webz and into the Passage net.

A brilliant performance by all players involved and thanks to Douglas doing a job on MaDuleas the league is wide open again! The only downer for Balaga was the 1 goal conceded, and to rub salt into the defence and keepers wounds, it was an OG…… can’t remember who, but he’s got more than 1 this season.

Balaga team photo 2010

2010-02-25T22:37:00.000Z

Disciplined Balaga Bully Dulleas

2010-02-25T14:15:00.003Z

The biggest game of the season so far for Balaga as they came up against Ma Dulleas last night in Garryduff. With a crowd of zero the pressure was on the Balagaonian-Tongonian team to perform after last weeks loss. Despite Ma Dulleas goalscoring record and no loss recorded in the first 5 games for them, the word on twitter and facebook pre-match that Balaga would go for the 3 points.

With Tristan Hurley picking up a Rib-Cage injury over the weekend and David W continuing to have issues with his rotting ankle, the squad was reduced to the bare 7, Rory OBrien was drafted in again for his 4th game in a Balaga shirt. JD moved into a more attacking role behind O'Driscoll as Webz and Parker were charged with controlling the midfield behind.

The game itself lacked quality at times but made up for it in spades with all sorts of action as it turned out to be very competitive as Balaga looked to keep the dangerous Dullea's attackers under wraps. After Going 2 goals down within 4 or 5 minutes in the first half, Balaga woke up a bit and came back into the game and with a goal from Webz and two from JD before half time the game was Balagas to lose.

The second half saw more of the same, determined defending from Balaga and quick attacks. O'Driscoll score d the only goal of the second half as Dulleas went a man down soon later with their usually calm main playmaker Joe losing the head with Parker and threatening an after game car park showdown. This eased the pressure and with Damo in goal pulling of some great saves and controlling his area, the 3 points came soon later although Webz got a yellow and sin binning for an instinctive handball 3 minutes from time .

The team looked strong and although it wasn't they're best game ever it was a well won game with everyone playing their part. Interviews with the Goal scorers and man of the match Damo Kennedy.

Reporter: On the score sheet again, can you run me through your goal last night?

Webz: Eh well basically I think there was a hoof from back left to front right and once I taken it down I stroke it with my left across goal and it came off some feen and into there net. Yet to score with my right foot this year.

Reporter: What do you think made the difference between this week and last week?

Webz: What made the difference? JD returning was good. Rory in the team was nice. Parker had an outstanding game (even if it may cost him his life.), Phil was live-o and damo put in a man of the match performance. Of coarse the 2 bys at the back battling the shit out of it. We also played a very good passing game and this was the biggest difference.

Reporter: You are on a hot scoring streak Philip, one more last night, can you run us through the goal?

Philip: the goal? we had a good break away and it ended up with parker in right midfield so i made a run away from him to give him space.. ran up to right wing he slipped me a beauty pass, one touch, saw the keeper come out with legs spread open like a cheaper whore and i slotted it home..

Reporter: You have got a good run upfront and seem to be enjoying playing as the Cucumbers Striker, more than in the midfield?

Philip: very much enjoying the run upfront now i must admit.. getting great service from the lads behind.. midfield and defense.. loving the ball into feet and over the top to run onto.. must just get better at shoooooooooting and playing in the lads coming through....

Reporter: 2 goals last night John, both opportunistic, can you run us through them? Did you enjoy playing in a more advanced position?

JD: Well I'm just delighted we won the match last night. Great result for the team. The lads were all brilliant. I've been playing up there in my last few internationals so the gaffa musta seen something he liked. Delighted to grab two goals maybe i was a bit lucky with the 1st one. their keeper scuffed it a bit and luckily i was in the right place at the right time. Great ball from phil for the second, happy to be there to put it away. AVE IT!

Reporter: Man of the match performance Damo, congrats, it was a good performance what do you think made the difference? Clean sheet soon?

Damo: Well wot did it for me was the fact tom and Kev listen to me for once and picked up their men and the fact that i hitting form again so a clean sheet is on the way but at the end of the day its a team game and if it wasn't for me we would of lost haha.

Other results across the league saw DouglasMortgage beat Balagas next opponents, Passage Rejects 10-5. Temple Inn got their second win of the season against Abtran 5-2 and QEF hammered Friars walk 5-0. This leaves the league like this after 6 games. Very close.

ViVA LA BALAGA

Balaga title in tatters after troublesome test with Gobal

2010-02-18T15:53:00.005Z

With 4 games down Balaga were in good shape. 4 matches played, 2 wins, 1 draw and a loss saw them with 7 points, so confidence was high for the visit of the industry's leading fastening and 'c' class supplier’s, QEF Global. QEF weren’t quite as dominant on the football pitch though as their last 2 matches included 2 ass whippings from douglasmortage(10-0) and Ma Duleas(7-3)…

Tongo were nearly back to full strength bar JD who once more had some CIT match to play. Steve’s hip was good to go and Whifty’s ankle made the grade after the mother of all ankle straps was worn. Unfortunately for Dave, Phils form up front during his absence saw the big man drop back into right midfield with Parker on the left/center… The team:

After last week’s match which the ref called “one of the best matches I’ve ever seen up here”, Balaga heads were inflated and started the game as the dominant side… The little fellah up front for QEF was a handful with a great first touch so both Tom and Kev had to stick close, and while the fisticuffs and handbags were happening at one end, Balaga were scoring at the other.

GOAL!!!

The first of the night came from Parker on his comeback and he continued Balaga’s run of lucky goals. From Phils corner kick he managed to bundle the ball over the line from about 2cm’s out and between a maul of players air kicking in an attempt to clear/score depending on who swung… 1-0 Balaga.

A stern talking to from the ref for Kev saw an end to the handbags and the defender started to concentrate on the game, and not yer mans ankles. It seemed to be going to script for Balaga though as 1 became 2 to Tongo.

GOAL!!!

Webz picked it up on the left… beat about 2-3 players and neatly toe poked it into the near post. Another great goal in the space of 2 weeks, although the keeper looked well dodgy and surely a mauling was on the cards! 2-0 Balaga.

Anymore than a 1 goal lead though is dangerous territory for Balaga and while they pushed for the third a long ball over the top caught the defence napping and outnumbered leading to a goal back by QEF. 2-1 Balaga.

GOAL!!!

Tongo pick up a free kick just outside the QEF box and regular free kick taker, Phil O’D stepped up to take it. He refrained from the Ronaldo/Drogba rasper dipping rocket option, choosing instead to hit it directly at the wall akin to the auld Jesper Gronkjaer style. The QEF wall opened like the red sea and deflected it into the net. 3-1 Balaga………. PARTY TIME!!!

The half time talk was along the lines of same again but that didn’t happen. Balaga just conceded two quick goals and before they knew it, the score was 3-3…

Chances came few and far between after that for Tongo who just didn’t seem to come out for the second half. Miss placed passes and a QEF bus in front of the keeper saw little work for the keeper. Meanwhile although Tom and Kev were coping better with the long balls to the small fellah, QEF eventually got the vital 4^th goal, which turned out to be the winner. It could have been more had Damo not found his form once more and pull off a few great save’s, diving to his right to steer it around for a corner from a rasper of a shot by QEF the most memorable stop.

The inclusion of Tristan gave Balaga different options and although he played well he couldn’t find the break Balaga needed. Dave did have a chance to make it 4-4 but miss kicked at the vital stage, which can be put down to lack of match practice. No doubt the northsider will have his scoring boots back on in no time…

Still though, Balaga should have had this game wrapped up and out of sight before QEF got a sniff and may well regret this loss later in the season… however, the table is still looking kind to the cucumbers as they’re just 2 points behind Global in second.

Balaga Kings of Jungle

2010-02-12T15:20:00.004Z

The Temple Inn Tigers aka TV Tigers aka the Upsetters, a team from The Temple Inn aka Longboats in Ballintemple were the opposition on Wednesday night and it was a game aka a match that the Cucumbers aka FC Balaga Tongo were favorites to win on form aka the last few results but feared they would loose as they had done twice last season aka dose to some incarnation of this team.

As widely reported in the press before the game Parker and David W were both out. O'Brien was back again and new man Hurley in also.

The game itself was an end to end game with FC Balaga Tongo arguably producing the more beautiful football. But while O'Driscoll was causing problems in the Tigers backline, the two strong fellas upfront for them were causing problems for O'Callaghan and Broderick too despite their best efforts and intent of getting the clubs first clean sheet the forwards strength and eye for goal was telling as they broke the deadlock early enough in the first half and kept them in the game after Balaga began to tame.

Match footage:

Defensive midfielder Webz described the goals...

0-1- Tigers

0-2- Tigers

1-2- One to many one two's between Phil and john and Tristan picked up the pieces
1-3- Tigers
2-3-  Keeper hoofs it off Phil's wang
3-3-  Webz throw to Phil, Phil hammers it across and it catches Rory in the wang
4-3- Great one touch football with Tristan laying it off to me who surprisingly hit it well with the left peg
5-3-  Phil corner, webz stop, Rory smash
6-3-  Phil smashes a corner off the keeper and then JD's wang

6-4- Tigers
6-5- Tigers
6-6- Tigers

7-6- I strike with the aul left peg again. this time its a normal left pegger that is travelling at 2 miles per hour and well wide til od gets a sexy poke on it past the already committed keeper.

Damo in goal couldn't do much for most of the goals as they were rockets which should of been blocked down but some great saves as always kept Balaga in the game. our clean sheet will come soon!

Broderick did well all day and was competitive all day with the fella who it was impossible to get the ball off. Good discipline in not going too far forward as him and O Callaghan try to get their partnership sorted. Our clean sheet will come soon!

O'Callaghan tried his best and got his foot in whether it be ball or leg. Speed drills and weights for the next few weeks are needed though to compete with that lethal striker next time around.

Webz was at the heart of the Balaga midfield for most of the day with OBrien dropping in when Webz needed to coughup a lung, prob a result of his and O'Callaghan representation of Balaga at Rag Week Battle of the DJs on Monday. His goal was one of the best of the night as he finished of a great passing move.

Rory OBrien who has been something of a sensation since his introduction had a great game again and lamped in a couple of goals for the cause. His trackign back and work rate was also acclaimed by club management after the game.

JD, John Duggan, managing to fit this game in with Colelge Ball on straight afterwards, was as always MOST EXCELLENT getting a goal for himself and a nasty smack in the nads too at the end.

Hurley was on from the start and once he found his feet he did nothing wrong and was dangerous going forward and well able to beat feens. A goal for him too on his debut and a great ball to Webz for his goal. Just the attacking dimension Balaga needed.

O'Driscoll looked deadly again in his second start upfront in the absence of David W , playing out the whole game he worked hard and was always looking to get in behind, infront and above the lanky defender. He setup most of the goals, his sharpness off throws and corners was superb and he got the deftest of goals at the end for the 3 points. NICE.

Praise all around from this reporter and a great match to watch for the one supporter Zara.

Elsewhere Passage rejects got the better of Friars Walk Celtic with the same scoreline as DouglasM. hammered QEF 10-0. Ma Dulleas are out infront now though with a convincing 8-2 win over Abtran connects.

VIVA LA BALAGA.

O'Driscoll Leads Walk Over Friars

2010-02-04T18:05:00.004Z

One draw and one loss from the first two games of the season so this third game with Friars Walk Celtic was high time to put 3 points on the board.

Steve Parker is still struggling with a hipflexer issue so he was ruled out again in hope of recovering soon. David W joined him on the treatment table last week after getting a knock against Abtran. John JD Duggan was on International duty so had to miss out on this one as well. While news broke this week that Tristan had signed on, he had to miss this week, so Rory O Brien and Emmet long were called in to make up the seven.

Like nearly every week it took about 10 minutes to get into the swing of things, but Celtic didn't take that long and some fella banged in a long ranger to Balaga's dismay. But this woke the team up a bit and attacks started to tell on the opposition particularly as Phil was having great joy against the man marking him. Balaga's first came from good work by Rory in the right corner pulling the ball across to Phil who had an easy finish. Soon after though the Friars got in front again. An equaliser always looked like it would come though and it came via an Emmet through ball which Rory tried to do some spinny take yoke and somehow it went through and past the keeper. Sweet. Then the Cucumbers went 3-2 up as Tom flung in a long throw to Phil who bustled the defender out of the way and the ball went in off the keeper. Phil then got his second of the evening as Webz put him through on the keeper down the right and he finished powerfully into the bottom left corner. 4-2.

Phil O Driscoll Presents new very long awaited kit to team members last night.

Into the second half and Balaga Tongo kept pressuring Friars Walk with Rory and Emmet running they're balls off on each side of midfield and Webz in the centre covering all sorts of ground. Kev, after firing a first half effort into orbit over garryduff, caught a Webz cross to the back post with a very convincing strike into the net. BAM 5-2. Although Balaga were creating the best chances Friars were always hawking around infront of the defense and were not afraid to let fly with some long range shots as Kev, Tom and the cucumber midfield coming back were breaking up their passing attacks. As a result they got lucky with a few deflections, and exactly this happened as the score went to 5-3. This is when Phil really turned on the style though, taking the tip off he turned and fired a first time shot straight over the Friars defense and through the keepers arms! Unreal! Genius! Yikes! were all heard from the sidelines as Phil ODriscoll claimed his hat-trick. A beauty to put Balaga back into a comfortable lead at 6-3. 6-4 didn't take too long to come though and then soon became 6-5 as Balaga tired and lapsed in their defending. But a quick move from defense to attack as Tom made a tackle on the edge of the box and hoofed a ball down the left which Phil ran onto and fired a shot into the bottom right of the goal for his 4th of the night, NICCCEEE. 7-5. The last few minutes were played out as a now tired enough Balaga hoofed a few clearances ridiculously far, this is when Friars frustration and tempers flared up as they knew they had lost out. Great performances from all.

Elsewhere in the league Abtran edged DouglasMortgage 8-7 to go top, Passage rejects edged Balaga's next opponents Temple Inn Tigers 8-7 and Ma Dulleas beat QEF 7-3 to go second only on goal difference. This means FC Balaga Tongo now sit mid-table after 3 games. Bring on next week!

Hurley Signs on Deadline Day.

2010-02-03T13:20:00.000Z

Tristan Hurley has signed on to the cause starting next week for the season.

In a press leak today the signing was confirmed...
"ya dude, trying to get my career going again : ) start next Wednesday? have to work tomoro night tho.."

Along with news that Stephen Parkers hip is almost in ship shape again, he is hoping to return next week if possible - things are looking good for the Cucumber squad!

Concentration now goes to Friars Walk Celtic game at 9 tonight.

FC Balaga Tongo 2009 STATS.

2010-02-01T13:59:00.000Z

2009 saw Balaga play in 3 Footy.ie Div 2 Seasons. From the 42 scheduled matches, there was 23 wins, 5 draws, and 14 losses. 21 Players turned out in the Balaga black and they scored a total 175 goals.

Here is the science!!!

Balaga fail to connect as Abtran take the points

2010-01-28T17:40:00.007Z

Balaga faced Abtran Connects for the first time in their history so went into this game with little knowledge of the team. Webz watched a video of them play some tournament but that's all they had to go on. Tom was out due to work so Greener was back for his third "final match" for Balaga. Let's hope he has a few more last matches though as the cucumbers need him. Parker played a hockey match during the week but didn't make the Balaga match as he needed some rest, so debutant Rory O'Brien was drafted in as a replacement which left the team as:

The match kicked off and Tongo looked like they were up for it. Phil, Dave and JD were linking up well and Damo's kick out boots were back on, giving Balaga and Dave an opportunity to win some flick ons.

GOAL!!!
The opener came from such a move which ended at the feet of David W who took a shot which ricoshade off a defender and into the goals. It was a stroke of good luck Balaga have needed in front of the goals.

Unfortunately for Balaga the lead lasted only a few minutes as a high ball into the box was contested by the scot up front for Abtran and Kev. The scot got the better and powered the header past Damo. Broderick wasn't happy with the challenge but the ref was having none of it. Luckly for Balaga though he wasn't paying much attention to Dave's high ball challenges down the other end either as the big man wasn't afraid to leave the elbow/shoulder of foot in, creating chances for JD, Webz and Phil.

GOAL!!!
Balaga's second came from the left hand side and involved Webz who passed it to Phil. O'D struck a low left footer into the far bottom corner. Boooo-Yeah!!!!!!!!!

Once more Balaga switched off in defence though and equalized after Dave G had misjudged a header. Rory came on for Webz and showed some good touches to begin a few Balaga attacks, but couldnt do anything to stop Abtran scoring another 2 before half-time. One from a free kick Balaga didn't defend quick enough, and another from an Abtran break. FC Balaga Tongo 2-4 Abtran Connects

-------------------------------half-time---------------------------------

Although Balaga were down by 2 they were the better side in the half and had the more posession, but couldnt convert or stop leaking in defence. They all agreed that more of the same was needed, attacking wise and began the second half with a burst of pace by Broderick not seen since his primary school days! After blocking a attempted pass from an Abtran defender Kev found himself with nothing but the sideline and the keeper in front of him. Dave called for it in the centre and the wise option was probably to pass but as the defender doesnt find himself in such areas too often he decided to shoot across the goals with his left. The effort went across the goals alright but wide of the target and out of reach of Dave.

GOAL!!!

Balagas 3rd came from a high ball into the Connects box which saw Dave W, the keeper and another guy challenge for it. Dave got there first the score his and Balaga's 3rd. The Abtran player complained it clearly hit the hand but the ref allowed it. 2-1 Balaga!!!

This was followed up by efforts from Webz and Dave but all the early pressure came to nothing as Balaga llet in a succession of defensive howlers. It was 8-2 by the time Dave got his hat-trick.

GOAL!!!
Dave collected the ball in midfield and put the head down. He made about 10 meters before firing a bullet into bottom right hand corner, giving the keeper no chance.

Final Score
FC Balaga Tongo 4-8 Abtran Connects

Its still unbelievable Balaga didn't take something from this game. They really had the defence under pressure but simple cant seem to master the midfield being linked to both defence and attack, but little help was given to them in fairness as the defence at times could have been mistaken for two statue of davids side by side. The keeper on the Abtran side didn't seem too confident either but little actual shots hit the target.

Regarding future matches, its gonna be a tough season for Balaga unless they can sort out their ringer problem. The ball holding midfielder is the missing piece of the jigsaw but with the likes of Dawson and Brown both playing 11 a side, the amount of ball players available to the pool of Balaga related friends is dwindling fast and the options are few and far between.

On the bright side though, Tom O'C and Parker were out and if they played I've a feeling the result could have been different.

Injured Balaga put the smile on the other side of douglas's face!

2010-01-21T02:19:00.011Z

A new season for Balaga saw them face douglasmortage.ie for the 3rd season running. Injuries to Broderick and Parker saw Dawson and Greener come into the saide. Damo's one game per week rule was in play so Phil had to cover the sticks.

Douglas kick off but Balaga begin the better with inspired Dave W chasing everyone in red down forcing douglasmortage.ie to lose possession to Dawson out the left wing. He shoots but his effort flies across the goals and wide.
A dodgy clearance by Balaga's defence falls to Chen who helps it down the left wing. Its given back to Chen but Tom O'C shuts the door and clears his lines.
A dull 5 minutes was brought back to life as Douglas create a chance down to wing but the resulting cross is cleared by Greener. Balaga win the resulting throw but nothing comes of it.
Balaga lose position from their own throw in and the resulting break by douglas is finished off by a fine save by stand in keeper Phillip O'D, down to his left.
The resulting corner lands to Chens feet but both Greener and Webz combine to clear the trouble.
More douglas pressure brings Phil back into the game, this time down to his right with John D mopping up.
Another douglas attack is broken down by JD who broke down the left and squared it to Dave W in the center. The big man ran out of space however and all he could manage was a cross straight into the hands of the keeper.
Resulting kick-out is fluffed by that smiley fella to Dawson who controls it with his left which takes 1 douglas defender outta the game. Steadied himself and hit a left foot curler which just goes wide of the left post.
Increased Balaga pressure results in a series of throw-ins down Tongo's left wing. From the last of the throws Dawson controls and passes it back to Tom who helps it to JD in the center. Duggan neatly side footed it back out the left to Webz who turns and fires one across the box, but the keeper manages to put it out for a corner.
Balaga swith off for a period and leave Chen unmarked out the left. A douglas throw in finds the mortgage striker but he fluffs his effort.
Alarm bells for Balaga as Chen has another effort. This time he fires a bullet past Phils left but wide.

GOAL!!!!!!!

From a douglas kick out Greener rises above everyone to win the header. Chen cant control it and Balaga win a throw in out the right wing. Dave W decides to take it and find JD in the center. JD controlled it well with his right thigh and volleyed a screamer into the douglas keepers left hand post. douglasmortgage.ie 0-1 FC Balaga Tongo.

GOAL!!!!!!!

A shot from Tom is saved. A resulting throe from Balaga is lost and douglas break finding Chen down the right. One turn and he put Webz out of the game, shot down the right and with his left found the far corner of the Balaga net. douglasmortgage.ie 1-1 FC Balaga Tongo.

----------------------------------------------half-time-------------------------------------------------

GOAL!!!!!!!

A poor start to the second half of the match see's nothing happen within the first 8 minutes except for a goal by douglas.douglasmortgage.ie 2-1 FC Balaga Tongo.
A high ball into the Balaga box causes a comedy of errors and eventually Dawson clears for a douglas throw which results in nothing. It appears that Balaga are suffering from the bare 7 players and are badly in need of that second wind.
Chen collects and fires away, just missing the right hand post.
Phils kick-outs begin to find their range and Dave knocks down a few headers which result in some Balaga pressure.
Balaga seem to be finding that second wind as a nice move between Dawson and Webz, results in a cross to JD who blazes over the bar, but the chances are coming.
Dawson begins to pull the strings in midfield and Balaga begin to find him. Two through balls to Webz and JD are just over hit by the midfielder.
Last five minute of the game, Webz wins a throw out the left.Tom throws it into the box but douglas clear.
Phil launches a long one from another Douglas clearance. Dave W forces a throw in. Tom takes it and logs it into Webz who swivels but misfires. The keeper half clears as far as Tom who's shot is blocked down by Chen. Great pressure by Balaga.
douglas lose possession from their own free kick and Dave W collects and sprints up the field. His run across the box forces a free kick to Balaga outside the douglas area.

GOAL!!!!!!!

Dawson loops the free kick into the box but its cleared. Dawson collects the ball and shoots. The shots on target but high. The keeper save however when he could have left it over. The rebound lands to JD who somehow manages to get his right foot to it, sending it towards goal but off the post. Luckily for Balaga the rebound went across the goal mouth and right onto Webzes favoured right foot to make it 2-2!!! douglasmortgage.ie 2-2 FC Balaga Tongo.
A few odd chances went to way of Balaga after that but no more goals as it ended 2-2.

A fair result as both teams had chances. It was a first game for some player in about 6 weeks so fair play to them for sticking it out and assuring Balaga's first point of the season and only 2 points behind the leaders.

Balaga 1 Ma Duleas 99

2010-01-20T12:24:00.001Z

The game was postponed and postponed and while Balaga did nout over the christmas period to bolster their squad, Ma Duleas obviously did as they were a step ahead throughout.

Missing 3 key first team players due to the late notice and capper leg did not help the cucumbers though as they went up against a full squad of Duleaers.

G- Damo

D-Broderick, Green

M-David W , O'Callaghan, Duggan

F- Rob Rose

It was new recruit Rose that scored Balaga's only goal to make it 1-1 early in the first half, but by half time it was 4/5 to that 1. Although David W whould of scored a volley from the half way line that almost hit the clubhouse. wa.

The second half was fruitless although chances were scarce there was a few close efforts. As this game meant f all in the scheme of things Balaga threw goalkeeper Damo Kennedy upfront in the closing 5 minutes and he was flyin it almost scoring an all, should of ba!

All in All a pointless match for FC Balaga Tongo except for getting a few heads back in the game before the 2010 season kicks off.

Balaga ended up 5th in the league id say if not 6th - the league table is gone now so we will never know thankfully.

BRING ON 2010!

All 3 from missing MP

2009-12-17T23:27:00.000Z

A no show by M and P O'Sullivan gave Balaga a 5-0 walkover and moves them up to 5th in the table. With one game left its all over regarding the title but Tongo can still take 4th spot, providing they beat Ma Duleas and Rosies do them a favour against Passage Rejects.

Balaga Ring a Ring o' Rosies

2009-12-15T18:55:00.003Z

Last Wednesday a crowd of 2 at Garryduff saw FC Balaga Tongo get back to winning ways against old rivals Rosies. After last 2 successive defeats the mood in the Balaga camp was low, and something had to be done. Tactical boffins Kevin Broderick and Tom O'Callaghan got there heads together on the Interwebs and discussed how to get back to winning ways. The next day a formation drawn up by the captain was leaked to the press and Balaga looked like they were returning to their favored attacking formation which got them to a pussycats whisker of the summer league title.

The formation and discipline was great for a change and Balaga were creating the best passages of play in the opening 15 minutes. Then came the first goal, a ball played in from the right wing was touched on sexily by Duggan into David W 's path as he side footed the ball past the keeper from just inside the box. One Nil to the cucumbers! The next goal was O' Driscoll, enjoying himself in the more attacking role that he was employed, he powered a shot from outside the box into the bottom corner to make it 2, Boom! Then a 3rd as Balaga pressed on, Parker picked up the ball two thirds of the way up the pitch and he took a circular route around the defenders before firing home from distance to make it 3, Peowww. Goal scoring like this hadn't been seen since Dawson's last cameo appearance in a black shirt or the days of past Balaga star Rory Browne, who was watching by this stage with one time player Nicholson. The first half came to a close at the scoreline was kept to 3-0 as Greener and Duggan worked hard at the back as Webz patrolled infront of them. Broderick was tested a few times and the all action keeper made an unbelievable save in the closing stages of the half, getting his finger tips to the ball after a big dive to his right.

The second half kicked off, and more of the same was the order, with O' Callaghan coming on for Parker the only change in personnel. It wasn't long before chances started to come again and in most cases go, but it was David W again who was flying upfront, eager to impress. The fourth then came to him as O' Driscoll put the ball down the line and Webz left it go to David W , who turned his man and slipped the ball past the onrushing keeper. Some lapses in concentration began to creep into play though and Rosies pulled one back through bad defending on the teams part. But the cucumbers defense worked hard to keep Rosies out and kept them to long range efforts for most of the game. The Rosies keeper then took a pretty funny slap off the ball on the side of his head as the ball came ripping through a crowded area from a Duggan shot and bounced off his temple rendering him a bit goosed for the rest of the game as the Ref was more worried about him than what was going on in the rest of the game. Balaga couldn't make the most of it though and it was O' Callaghan who was guilty on a few occasions as he was put clear through by David W and Parker. As the game wound down Rosies kept chasing their way back into the game and as the ref was putting the whistle to his lips they broke clear of defense and before the chasing pack could reach him, their midfielder blasted a long range low effort into the bottom corner as a stranded Broderick made is only mistake of the game coming a foot outside and being unable to put his out reaching hand to the ball.

4-2 it finished and the result put a smile back on players faces as they look to finish the season on a high and win their last 2 games. If they put in a performance like this one though they wont have to hope.

Other results didn't really do Balaga much favors though but with the title now well out of their mind a top half finish could still be possible.

Balagas Passage blocked by Rejects

2009-12-07T21:47:00.001Z

Balaga were without the leadership qualities of Tom (who had to serve EMC's industrial needs), but had Broderick back to step into goals. Damo had another slight problem and couldn't play. Looks like he will be out until after xmas so Broderick may as well get comfortable between the Balaga sticks. As a result Dawson was drafted in.... then out again so the cucumbers were left with only 7 starters. Mux also had to pull out after his watch wasn't synchronized to Webzes. Balaga's starting line-up:

Webz commented before the match - "as long as we don't concede in the first 10 minutes we'll be alright"... 5 minutes into the match Kev picked up the ball and attempted to kick it from the ground. It didn’t pass the first player and Rejects punished the stand in keeper. With plan A out the window Balaga moved to the next option, and attacked. They make inroads and were unlucky not to equalize but didn’t and Balaga conceded a second.

Balaga didn't lose the heads though and quickly pulled one back. Parker picked the up the ball on the wing, turned and found a path through to Webz who finished in style. 2-1. And not long afterwards it became 2-2 with a quickly taken corner by JD i think. It landed at Parkers feet who buried it via a deflection off a Rejects defender. However, Passage stepped it up again and buried another 2 before the break. 4-2 at half time i think.

Second half kicked off and although Balaga were making inroads, Passage and that fast feeted hooor up front were causing problems and broke the rear guard a total of three more times before the end. Balaga also got another two from Phil (from a corner kick; long range effort which he controlled outside the box and buried into the bottom left hand corner), and John (collected a Parker throw and found the onion sack with a neat finish). 4-7 the final score and really the final game of a terrible season for Balaga can’t come quick enough.

Tigers Sink Claws into Cucumbers

2009-12-01T09:42:00.000Z

After the international break it was back to tough business for FC Balaga Tongo as they faced league leaders TV Tigers.

2 weeks ago the cucumbers scrapped past the bottom feeders Booze Crew so paddy power had long odds on this one.With late squad news coming in, the multi-talented Broderick and goalkeeper Kennedy were ruled out and Balaga went into the game with the bare seven.

The first half turned out to be pretty even and Balaga were giving as good as they got, 2-3 (it was close to that anyway) was the score line going into the half time, goals came from Parks and Webz one of which was nice and one was a tap in i think. Some poor defending and lapses in concentration in the cucumber back line left it too easy at times for TV Tigers to get in. A slight injury to Greener tho left Balaga even worse off.

The second half brought with it the un-doing of Balaga Tongo. Pressure on the Tigers goal could not be converted and the Tigers counter attack and a keeper error left Balaga 5-2 down come the final whistle.

FC Balaga Tongo kit man O'Driscoll will surely have the squads new gear as they look for a positive going into the next game against Passage Rejects. Rejects who beat second spot Douglas Mortgage last week are hot on Balaga's tails and the cucumbers will be gunning for all 3 as they look to get out of the bottom half and finish the season on the up!

Give the Gift of Balaga This Christmas

2009-11-29T16:34:00.000Z

Totally HOT for winter 2009, Unbelievable craftsmanship, Check out the DETAIL!

Some supporters gear now available. Warm hoodys to keep you gangster and your hair dry while staying true to the cucumbers. Cool pin badges to make stuff more FC BALAGA TONGO, and bumper stickers to stick to things that pins dont stick onto, like cars.

Badges have already been ordered for the 9 squad members!

Balaga Wobble Past Booze Crew

2009-11-13T20:03:00.016Z

With Greener out injured with a dodgy knee, O Callaghan due late, and Parker also arriving late. Balaga had their work cut out for them from the off as they looked to get back to winning ways in what is turning out to be one topsy turvy season for the cucumbers.

The dis-oranisation showed too as Booze crew went one up early on. The lead was pulled back half way through the first half though, a sweet goal from Webz who was at the end of some great play to slot home and tie up the match. David W then made it 2-1 to FCBT as he got on the end of an O' Driscoll throw to chest it down into the net. Half time then came and the team off confident and stuck with the same formation in the hope of continuing at their good tempo.

At 1-0 a second for Boozers was denied with what was described by onlookers as a packie bonner diving special from Damo Kennedy seen here being daycent.

This was not to be as around 5 minutes into the half Booze Crew got their second of the evening in a breakaway goal. O Callaghan then came on for David W who is still suffering from severe bleeding knees. The game went to and fro for a while and then the Boozers scored again! 3-2 down and looking out Balaga went all out attack as positions went out the window for a while. The equaliser wasn't too long coming though even if it seemed it wasn't going to come after a plethora of missed chances in front of goal, Webz bungled over from about half a yard to make it 3-3. Phew. In the closing minutes O Callaghan picked the ball up from a clearance and charged up the field, for once his shot went on target and managed to go past the keeper... how bad...

Passage Rejects got themselves another win, this time against the M and P OSullivan boys. In one of the top half of the table clashes DouglasMorgtage.ie lost to Ma Dulleas but the biggest result of the night had to be the other where TV tigers went down to Rosies for their first loss of the season. This leaves the table like so.

Balaga still in the bottom half and up against TV Tigers in their next game in 2 weeks as there is a break for the Ireland-France WCQ next Wednesday.

Come on Ireland!!!

Balaga schooled by douglas

2009-11-11T17:13:00.001Z

PD KO's M and P

2009-11-04T15:09:00.002Z

Balaga Crumble to Red Raw Rosies Draw

2009-10-28T16:00:00.005Z

After Damo had a late fitness test Balaga had a full squad for their game against Rosies. A fixture that has always entertained and that Balaga were keen to get a result in after the two losses last season. A change of formation was brought in as Parker started as the loan striker infront of Duggan and David W in Midfield and Kev, Greener, and O'Callaghan in defense and Damo in Goal. This meant a gawking Webz and O'Driscoll would start as subs.

Balaga Tongo went 1 up as Parker made headway down the right after Phil put him thorugh he and put a square ball to Duggan who had an easy tap in.

The second was from a ball poorly cleared that O'Callaghan attempted to put in the direction of the goal with his left leg, it went in a direction that ended up on the posterior of Parker and rebounded nicely past the Rosies keeper and into the bottom corner.

The third was also from Parker but this time it was a more refined finish from the striker who was having a fantastic first half. Balaga were looking pretty comfortable approaching half time but Rosie's snuck one in before the whistle went.

The second half and at 3-1 things started to fall apart, substitutions were made and as usual people started to go all over the place, and goals from corners particularly punished the cucumbers who had dodgy marking to say the least. 3-3 in the end. Dose la.

The chips are down as Balaga have rarely if ever found themselves in the bottom half of the league table, and TV Tigers look odds on for the league title, but FC Balaga Tongo will fight on and on and on and a good run could see them in a respectable position!

Player Appearance Table

2009-10-22T01:13:00.004+01:00

With the help of excel and some tedious blog reading, Balaga can release the official player appearance tally.

Results are taken from 12-9-2007 up to and including the match on the 21-10-2009 so as a result, both Kevin and Tom have had some appearances from the pre blog not taken into account. This is also why Eoin Red and Willie Power aren't included.... Paul Jay Jay Oscott is also hampered as a result. No record bai's sorry! The table only applies to FC Balaga Tongo players who have paid for the privilege!

Team Photo Autumn 2009

2009-10-21T23:13:00.004+01:00

Back L-R: Jownesy, Parker, Tom O'C, Damo K, David W , Greener
Front L-R: John D, Kev B, Webz K, Phil O'D

Easy Passage for Rejects

2009-10-15T15:26:00.005+01:00

With news that Damo had suffered a collapse on Sunday at his hockey match, Kev was put in between the sticks for Balagas match against bottom of the table side Passage Regects.

Webz commented before the match that these new teams who get walloped each week usually get some ringers in to improve the side and so it proved. A utterly depressing night for Balaga as before they knew it, it was half time and the Rejects were 5-0 up. Rejects front fella with the Celtic top was fast and could find the net and it took all the first half before Tom began to control him.

The second half began better for Balaga and they quickly got two goals back. The first came via Parker who had recovered from his flu symptoms from the previous week. Webz squared him the ball for Steve to slot into an empty net. Number two was again from Parker. A shot was aimed at the Rejects net, Parker got in the way but he managed to control the pinging ball and slotted home. Any thoughts of a comeback were dashed though as Regects slotted home another 4 goals. David W gave the scoreline some respectability as he chipped the ball to Parker, who one tow’ed and Dave “ran the ball to the centre, between two players and let rip of a rock in the bottom left corner”…. His words!

Not much can be taken out of this result only that Balaga need to sit down and deside on a settled team and formation. The midfield was by passed again last nite and all players were guilty of poor finishing and bad passing. It probably leaves Balaga with a huge mountain to climb but they’ll push on and try to lift the heads for next week’s match against old foes Rosies. 9-3 the final score.

Balaga Caught Watching TV

2009-10-07T21:48:00.007+01:00

After scraping a snakey win last week, Balaga were looking forward to a tough game tonight against the league leaders TV Tigers and that is what they got. The squad was at pretty much full strength again although Parker was touched up by flu and JD was running a bit late from work so Jowensy was asked again to sub for the cucumbers.

The game started off even enough, Broderick and Greener were taking care of business at the back a tough task against the no 1 striker in the league a rake of seasons running. Both were cautioned for some tussles on and off the ball although Broderick proclaimed innocence with some marvelous eye rolling. David W was running around like a lunatic but this time actualyl getting ball instead of just feens legs like last week and it was him who set up the first goal, breaking through the centre he heard (and so did the rest of the inhabitants of the EU) Webz shouting to his left, thankfully he decided to pass and it was perfect as Webz steadied himself and fired across the goal to make it 1-0.

TV tigers replied with two soon after though. The first I didnt see because I was getting a ball behind the dugout but it was a TVT corner and apparently Broderick slipped making the clearance at the front post and the ball somehow made it to fella lurking in the box who snapped the ball in. The second was another defensive disaster with the ball ending up in the goal.

As the first half pressed on O Driscoll made good use of an attacking throw in on the right, firing his throw at the near post the TVT defender and goalkeeper combined to get O' Driscoll on the scoresheet or as he hoped when he gave his name to the ref.

Half time and it was 2-2, how bad Balaga hadn't been outplayed in the first half and were optimistic about the second. But they were to be surprised, never really getting a hold on the ball both teams fired long balls to their front men who werent winning much agianst either defense. TVT won themselves a free and although Balaga go the wall set up fast they were caught out on the set piece as the ball was played across and some chap with a hammer of a leg let loose and fired the ball straight down the middle of the goal and into the net.

Heads dropped, formation got messed up again as players were chopped and changed Balaga failed to get their game going as well as missing the opportunities that came to them. Soon TVT scored another 2. One a shot from the right coming off the inside of the post and the second a cross was put in to a free man on the back post who had an easy finish.

After the match Captain O Callaghan has vowed to bring more order to a team that has lost its way a bit.

Ma's just the tonic for hungover Balaga

2009-10-07T15:31:00.006+01:00

Balaga returned from Oktoberfest 2009 with 5 out of 8 of their squad severely drained after a tiring and emotional trip which very little is remembered about.

Usually a trip of this nature was followed by a defeat as the team would spend most of the time fighting over who’s turn it is on the bench, and with the meeting of Ma Duleas, joint top of the table, Balaga had a tough match ahead.

As this report is a week late little is remembered of the game itself, but what is remembered is Ma’s were no slouches, and tried to catch Balaga with balls over the top again and again, which eventually paid off with a well taken goal by the number 7 fella. 1-0 Ma’s. Balaga got back into the game though with a goal from top scorer JD. Balaga won a throw in. They took it quickly and John slotted home one on one.

For the second half Balaga found themselves under constant pressure with Damo again pulling off some great saves to keep them in it. David W's heart burn from his 10 minutes of constant running in the first half kept him out reckoning for the half but Parker, O’D, Webz and JD kept the midfield ticking over. Greener was winning everything in the air and between Tom and Kev, Balaga seemed to have finally sorted out the long ball tactic by Ma’s. Jownesy was playing great up front and began to make the Duleas play on the back foot.

Because of this Balaga took the lead albeit undeserved. A long hoof over the top from JD I think was aimed towards Webz who explained his goal after the match “I nudged the defender as he went to head it he missed and I squeezed between two defenders and passed it into the net wit my left”. Great goal by last seasons MVP.

The Ma’s piled on more pressure and with minutes to spare Balaga caught them on the break with another fine goal by JD which isn’t remembered. His 3rd of the season. Before the final whistle, the ref found another excuse to send Tom off for 5 minutes, not the first time he has given the captain the road and in all honesty, wrongly.

A game Balaga really didn’t deserve to win but considering their unlucky title loss last season, they will feel it’s about bloody time their luck changed. In other results, Rosies picked up another victory and table toppers TV Tigers drew to leave them top by 1 point ahead of 4 teams on 6 points including Balaga in 4th. It's looking like a very close league this season.

Balaga Barely Beat Boozers

2009-09-24T16:29:00.013+01:00

In a tight fixture FC Balaga Tongo did just enough as they battled out a win against Booze Crew last night in Garryduff. With Webz away and Duggan due to be late Balaga were down to the starting 7 warriors. Damo keepinig goal hai, Greener and Broderick at the back, ODriscoll centre mid with OCallaghan and David W outside him and Parker in the striking role.

Balaga squad for Booze Crew game

It was 0-0 in the first half and both sides had chances with Balaga creating the most clear cut efforts. JD came on in second half and about half way through forced an error in defence from a corner and the ball went in on the near post. Beauty. They would of liked to push on from there in the ball in the back of the net department but a few missed chances later Booze Crew equalized. More pressure from the cucumbers followed and it finally payed off as David W who had missed a rake of clear cut chances before this scored from a Balaga breakaway.

David W describing his winner.

"Well Just before I scored the all crucial winner, i was moving well up front, running in and out of the space in front of the defenders. I saw John D in midfield bringing the ball out of defense so i moved in to the centre and in front of the centre back, he put thru a nice thru ball, i pushed the ball to my right and turned. With all the powerin my right leg let go a rocket at the keepr and in she goes, yesssss ba!"

Damo was daycent with two very memorable saves, one a diver high to his right and one on the ground with his quick foot. He was also commanding in his box during corners and frees. Greener was also worth a mention has he was solid out at the back and gave away nothing. Also of note Duggan has now racked up three assists from the three Balaga goals this season.

Other results went Balagas way somewhat with TV tigers aka the upsetters putting in a good performance beating Rosies 4-2. Last weeks opponents douglasmortgage were beaten by next weeks opponents Ma Duleas 4-1. In the other game M&P OSullivan beat Passage R-jects 6-1. This leaves the table pretty balanced with Balaga in the middle and Ma's and TV's leading the way.

Late Goal Beats Balaga

2009-09-18T15:55:00.006+01:00

After a busy close season in the recruitment stakes Balaga would have a good gauge as to where they stand as they faced douglasmortage.ie for their opening fixture of the new campaign, the same team they beat 5-2 in the last game last season. Balaga formation:

The loss of Phil to some golfing trip didnt help Balaga's cause and with douglasmortage.ie's recruitment of Chen, the oriental goal machine, Balaga knew they would have a tougher battle on their hands this season. Balaga MVP last season, Webz was selected to do a man marking job on the danger man which allowed Parker to play up front.

A great start by Balaga from a throw in from the left from JD found Whifty who passed the ball into the net. The loss of Ronaldo Brown and Van Phil looked to be on the players minds as after the goal they began to drop, and a long ball up to Chen from douglas, left the player with Tom in his sights, turned him, then Kev sprinting back stuck a leg out but was turned once more by the striker who found the inside post to make it 1-1 at the break.

For the second half Jowensy was asked to play in midfield along with Greener, his official Balaga debut but Balaga started on the back foot and looked shaky. Damo made some vital saves during this period and even though JD and Webz were doing a job on Chen he still posed a threat. But Tongo eventually found their feet and were unlucky to take the lead, but with 8 minutes to go douglas once more hit them on the break and the young fella up front found the net with a well taken goal.

Tom was unlucky from a corner taken by Parker and JD blazed just over after being set up by Kev near the end, but all in all a disappointing opening to the campaign and with Oktoberfest coming up soon, the team needs to pick up as many wins as possibly cause the matches after the fest usually end up in losses!

Balaga Set for Autumn Season Kickoff!!!

2009-09-16T15:42:00.009+01:00

Tonight FC Balaga Tongo will be looking to start the new season as they finished it, with a win against DouglasMortgage.ie. There has been some changes in the club during the off-season though, as Rory Browne had to hang his Balaga boots up. A loss which has been compared to that of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Man Utd this summer.

But with JD, John Duggan, re-signing after a summer hiatus, Balaga will be looking to him to fill the void after Browne's departure. David Green has also joined, and although he will be asked to mostly play at the back with Broderick and O'Callaghan, he has proved to be handy going forward too with a hammer of a shot. After previously impressing in some friendlies, and in last seasons final fixture, Greener was offered a full contract for the Autumn season.

The right Colour: Greener seen celebrating with his agent after signing his lucrative new contract.

Besides this the team remains the same with Damo, Webz, O'Driscoll and David W all in as well as Parker - who will be most likely played further forward where he can cause more damage.

Balaga will be confident after the past 2 seasons, as they now have a pretty settled squad and system ready to attack the division 2 title. A friendly game against Thursday Division 2 champions ExPats athletic was a good run out for the team, although with 4 key players out it wasn't the best for team tactics and the like. Another boost to spirits is club founder Paul "Juggs" Scott's return to the country after 2 years in Oz.

With the new season comes a new crest, with will be proudly displayed on new Balaga jerseys.... watch this space!

Tonights team news:

O'Driscoll is out due to some golf club finals yoke up the country - goodluck hai.
Jowensy will fill in and is another good option for Balaga Tongo upfront tonight.

VIVA LOS BALAGAGOS!

Cucumbers So Close: A Summer Retrospective Super Speil.

2009-09-09T05:00:00.005+01:00

Despite the obvious disappointment of coming so near, FC Balaga Tongo's second season in footy.ie Wed Div 2 was one where they clearly made progress on the first. Finishing Second while winning ten, drawing one, and losing three of the fourteen games played.

The new 2-3-1 formation was an improvement on the previous seasons and resulted in some great wins and a ton of goals for the attacking five players in the squad:

Webz on 14 was top of the charts again, keeping his terrific record in front of goal up, as well as performing when asked to play in the defensive midfielder role. He was deservedly nominated for the footy.ie MVP award (won by teammate Browne last season).

Browne himself could not reach the high high heights he did in the Spring. After an EXPLOSIVE start and a rake of goals, his form was hampered by a moshing injury. Although he persevered through that and the legend still banged in 13!

David W was a great addition to the team and he managed to make an immediate impact scoring 13 in his debut season. David W 's enthusiasm and team spirit was second to none throughout, even if he seemed rather very excitable at times.

In probably O'Driscoll's best season to date, he established himself as a great centre midfielder wheter he likes it or not. Always with great flare and "presence" going forward, his ball size seemed to double as he got stuck in more and more as the season went on. He also developed a mighty heading ability unseen before and was a great asset bagging 12 goals, his best tally yet helped Balaga to some vital victories.

Parkers season was interrupted by a nasty ankle knock, but he is a player Balaga can always count on 1000% commitment from even though he lamped a big mac 2 minutes before a game there one night. 12 goals is deadly fly and goals scored by the ratt were usually pretty gorgeous and he never complained when asked to fill in at the back.

This formation though was not so great defensively. Conceding on average 3 a game, or something, isn't the best although was the third best in the league to be fair. The formation can't take all the blame though, there are other things like ehhhhh, like losing Rookie of the century JD, John Duggan, to a brief MLS career and club management's failure to bring in a permanent replacement. Instead relying on chopping and changing players out of position. This bred inconsistency and that's probably not good la.

Damo had another flyer, confident again after his captain cleaning him out in the Spring, he was FULL of talk and pulled off some awesome saves. He should be confident of his place with rumors Blake Shine's contract in Canada is coming to an end.

Broderick and O' Callaghan have begun to form a good defensive partnership playing in the 2-3-1 formation and in the games where both were available and playing beside each other Balaga conceded less. Unfortunately these games weren't too often with O'Callaghan's new employment making him miss games, Broderick having to cover when Damo was injured and the 2 of them travelling off to the Mediterranean at different times. They scored 5 between them and both probably wish it was a bigger sum.

During the season reserves were called upon for many games and always did a great job. Skinty and Dawson(2 goals) were the main men used with 4 caps each. But all who played a part were safe, JD, Seanie Nich(1 goal), Greener(1 goal), Harry, Jowensy, and even an appearance from Tyrrell(2 goals) and O'Sullivan(1 goal). Sound biys.

No.1 fan for the season was obviously Ashling!

The story of the season in match reports:

Game 1 - Balaga cripple Cowboys
Game 2 - Premier Auto Taken Apart
Game 3 - Browne Shines Again As Balaga Bash Mercer
Game 4 - Arses ravaged by Cucumbers
Game 5 - Balaga stand up-2-setters
Game 6 - Rosies Cause Balaga To Blush
Game 7 - Balaga deny Mortgage

Game 8 - Cowboys Keep Cucumbers Quiet
Game 9 - Balaga service Premier Auto Parts
Game 10 - Balaga shown no mercy
Game 11 - Balaga Scrape Past Bare Arses
Game 12 - Balaga Exorcise Upsetters Demons
Game 12 - Balaga’s title hopes not so Rosie
Game 14 - Balaga Win Penultimate game but Fail in League

The season was celebrated at Webz'z Rooftop Rave where several Balaga Tongo Players Drank and were merry.

Balaga Win Penultimate game but Fail in League

2009-09-06T05:00:00.012+01:00

Balaga Went into they're match with Douglas Mortgage .ie looking for nothing less than 3 points, and hoping that Mercer would drop points against Bare-Arse. This was the only way that the Cucumbers could claim the league title and FC Balaga Tongos first silverware.

With Browne out with injury to his leg, balaga once again called on the reliable services of Paul Dawson. O' Callaghan would be delayed and would miss the first 15 so David Green was asked to play, a player admired by club management, but who had not yet made his competitive debut after impressing in pre-season. Greener would slot in beside Broderick and in front of Damo, with O' Driscoll, Webz and Dawson ahead and Parker upfront. David W would have to settle for a starting spot on the bench, "freaked".

Greener and Dawson watch as Balaga Attack.

Cutting the details short, Parker was sensational and banged in four goals, three i saw and they were all absolute raspers from the wings. Greener also got his name on the score sheet, in a great performance, finishing clinically from a Webz throw in. Douglas got two themselves but it was all irrelevant as Merver battled out for a victory despite losing the seasons MVP to injury during the match. Quick recovery bai.

Parker Holds the ball under pressure.

The team hung around after the game and applauded the champions who eventually won on the extra head to head goal they scored, but in fairness would of won on goal difference if it had come to that aswell.

GUTTED!!!

Balaga’s title hopes not so Rosie

2009-08-13T14:20:00.004+01:00

A must win game for Balaga in their second to last game of the season. After leading the title race all season long, Balaga had 2 final hurdles to jump before possibly collecting their first ever trophy. Rosies were defiantly going to have something to say on the matter though as earlier on in the season they had served Tongo their biggest defeat of the campaign. JD still hadn't recovered from the ankle injury sustained the previous week and Steve was a 50/50 chance to play so Tongo saught the creative midfield skills of Dawson once more to plug the gaps. Balagas team was:

Rosies decided to kick off and right from the start they rifled a shot which hit the post. If Balaga needed a wake up call they got it. A shaky enough start was soon calmed down though through a goal from the back on form David W , with his 4th goal in 2 matches. Just the star Balaga needed. Soon after it was two thanks to a quick throw in from webz and a shot from Kev led to a corner. Kev quickly took it to Rory who set up Webz for the goal. 2-0 and Balaga really looked like they were up for the fight.

Rosies failed to stick to the script though and came close on several occasions and right before half-time had about 4 or 5 corners in a row, all of which Tongo dealt with superbly. So far everything was going to plan. The team was playing as a unit and defensively this was surely the cucumbers best performance to date, not just the 2 recognized defenders but everyone, from the front back, defended as a unit and looked to be on course for the 3 points.

Half time came and Balaga made a few changes which in hindsight may have upset the boat a bit. Not long after the restart Rosies scored. Quickly followed by a second. As in the first meeting between these two teams, the Rosies shooting was superb, and pretty much everything they hit landed on target, or hit the net, leaving Damo to make some important saves.

Balaga seemed to have never returned from the half time talk and only after the 2nd Rosies goal did they spark back into life, coming so close with a shot from Rory which rattled the upright. But it was Rosies who once more took the lead, with a resulting goal from their top goalscorer who wasn't closed down quick enough by Kev in the Balaga defense.

All seemed to be lost but Balaga didnt drop the heads, and with around 10 minutes remaining, Webz was left one on one with the keeper, rounded him but i think hit the post but Phil was on hand to score to make it 3-3 and HOPE!!! Hope that wasnt to last however, as pretty much straight afterwards Rosies caught Balaga on the break again and went back into the lead 4-3. A nightmare for Tongo was finished off with first, a yellow for Tom O'c and finally, a 5th break away goal which i dont remember. 5-3 final score.

Balaga's chances are still slim though as Mercer could only draw with Upsetters. After leading the pack from start to finish Balaga find themselves 2nd on head to heads with one game to go. There's a slight chance but Balaga have to win and Mercer have to lose against bottom side BareArseAlona which fingers crossed they do!

Balaga Exorcise Upsetters Demons

2009-08-08T21:45:00.013+01:00

In what was again an improvement on the previous weeks performance, Balaga battled for victory against the Upsetters. A second win against a side they lost to twice last season.

The Tuesday before the game news came into club management that Stephen Parker had not fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the teams 3-2 win over BareArseAlona last week. After a fitness test in Crosshaven the morning of the game, Parker ruled himself out. Paul Dawson was called upon as cover, previously playing in the victory over Premier Auto Parts a few weeks ago he got on the score sheet, so hopes were high that he could fill the gap left by Parker. Later news that JD, John Duggan injured his ankle too during an international CIT training camp before the game meant he could not make the game. So the team lined up...

The match itself started out terribly for Balaga as Upsetters went 1 up very quickly. But this seemed to focus the Tongolese as they quickly hit 2 back. Both goals were from players who were recently failing to find they're early season clinical scoring ability.

Rory Browne equlaised for the cucumbers, controlling the ball wide on the left flank before curling a peach around the keeper and into the far corner of the goal, as videoed by Balagas No1 fan and keeper Damos wife Ashling Kennedy. The second was a David W strike again from the left and shooting the ball down the keepers left to make it 2-1.

Not too long later the third goal came for Balaga, again from David W , this time on the right he shot down the right side of the keeper. 3-1.

Dawson was superb when he came on the pitch half way through the first half, involved in a lot of attacks he got his name on the scoresheet with a tidy finish. Philip recieving the ball on the left side of the box heard a call and managed to get a quick cross in to the awaiting Dawson who made no mistake. 4-1.

The Upsetters showed again though that they are no pushovers scoring again to make it 4-2.

But it was Balaga's continuing pressure that was the deciding factor in the match, David W made it a hattrick as he finished with a neat flick over the keeper as the ball rolled into the far corner it was Balaga 5, Upsetters 2.

O'Driscoll continued his goalscoring form with a left volley to make it 6-2. Lovely job game over. Oh no wait the Upsetters scored a consolation in the closing minutes, Treacy scrapping the ball in for them.

A more solid performance again from the Tongolese outfit as Damo made some great saves, Broderick continued his good run of form as he had the tough task of managing the Upsetters strong striker, and O'Callaghan did enough on the other side of the defense.

This let the sides attacking players show their skills. Rory was bang on form again and looked confident, David W was back to his best harrying players up and down the pitch and you cant go wrong with a hattrick, O'Driscoll continued from last week - really getting stuck in, showing his previous unseen aerial ability, and controlling the centre of the park, Webz was all action as usual and will be disappointed not the get on the score sheet but I'm sure he will be hungry to change that next week.

Sub Dawson was fantastic, showing brilliant passing ability and scoring his second in two games for the club.

Elsewhere in the league main rivals Mercer clocked up another victory, this time against Rosies, to stay 1 point behind Balaga. Callas cowboys got their second win of the season beating BareArseAlona. In the other game DouglasMortgage won a close game with Premier Auto Parts. This leaves the table like so after 12 games...

With only two games left Balaga Tongo will be concentrating on getting two wins and nothing less to secure the trophy. After losing in the first half of the season with a very poor performance to next weeks opponents Rosies, the Tongolese will be focused, eager to put in the work and show what they can do this time around.

Hopefully there will be an even better crowd of supporters for the big match after this weeks medium sized crowd of three.

Some Match Highlights...

Brownes opening goal in Balaga HD...

Balaga Scrape Past Bare Arses

2009-07-30T15:58:00.012+01:00

After Last weeks loss to Mercer Balaga needed a win to keep their lead at the top of the footy.ie Wed Div 2 league. Not the best display from Balaga but a much better performance saw the Tongolese Club get the three points last night.

With Skinty, the most used sub up to this point, out with a drunken broken leg injury, Spring Rookie of Year JD, John Duggan, couldn't of come home from the states at a better time. Signing back to FC Balaga Tongo for the rest of the season.

With nobody else missing the 7 starting players and 2 subs were as follows...

The game began with Balaga having more of the possession. Some tough challenges from the Bare arsed main striker had the defense slightly rattled and when O Callaghan gave away a needless free kick on the edge of the area, revenge gone wrong. The striker duly punished with a well taken strike. But then he got a bit too big for his boots as he bowwwled O'Driscoll over the side-netting and about 5 yards into the neighbouring pitch. Straight sin bin for what was a dangerous challenge, 7 V 6 it was. Soon after O'Driscoll got his revenge and scored a beaut of a goal recieving the ball about 10 yard out he smacked it into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Balaga continued their pressure with Duggan on and causing problems. O'Driscoll again was at the brunt of the Arses agression as he was flung into the nets again and another yellow card followed. But again O'Driscoll got his own back going clear of Bare Arses defense he cooly slotted the ball down the middle with the keeper diving to his left. 2-1 Balaga, Yesss O'D baiiiiiiiii!!! More pressure came and Browne was trying hard to find his early season goal scoring form as he fired in shots only to see them hit the woodwork.

Second Half and Balaga knew they could win if they kept at it and kept the ball on the ground as much as possible. The intensity of the first half wasn't found again but they're was some chances for both sides. O' Callaghan received a tame yellow when he came through the back of the Bare Arse Striker. But Balaga held on when under pressure with Broderick and Damo playing well for the whole game. Then Parker hounding down the ball like a rabid ratt man and winning it off the keeper and sexily back heeled it into the net with style. The onlooking fan, Greener, was seen in raptures as his favourite Balaga man scored his 8th of the season. Bare Arse then got their second through some bad defending and inability to get rid of the ball when it needed to be got rid of. This made the last 5 minutes a bit more exciting but Balaga didn't look like giving the game away, hungry for their first taste of silverware!

Second placed Mercer also scraped a win with the same scoreline to keep pressure on Balaga. In the other game Rosies got a great 4-0 win over AutoParts to keep their name in thirdplace. The Next weeks opponents Upsetters also proved they are not out of the chase as they thumped Callas 8-2.

Match Highlights Starting with O'Driscolls beaut of a first!

Balaga shown no mercy

2009-07-24T13:35:00.003+01:00

This was a Hugh game for Balaga, and a full squad to pick from for the first time in weeks gave them planty of confidence. Team Line out:

An excelent early goal from Tom O'C gave the cucumbers even more confidence, perhaps their downfall, as they eventually went in 3-1 down and totally outplayed by Mercer. It was hard to believe that these were both the same teams that met earlier in the league, a match Balaga won 7-2.

Second half began and things started to look up, as a well taken goal from Balaga top goalscorer Webz, brought the score to a catch able 3-2. A tactic of quick quality ball to the Mercer front man was working well for them unlike Balaga who again and again just gave easy ball away.

After this Balaga fell apart and deserved to lose the game in the finish to a score of 8-2..... Balaga just didn't turn up. From front to back they didn't perform. Lets hope next weeks match against Bare-Arses will yeild a better performance and result, and rebuild the shock confidence.

Balaga service Premier Auto Parts

2009-07-16T16:15:00.009+01:00

Gameweek 9 and Balaga faced Premier Auto Parts for the 2nd time of the season. The last meeting saw Balaga run out 12-4, but an Auto Parts victory over Mercer last week would suggest a different match this time. Balaga were without captain Tom O'C due to work duties again but at least Damo was back in goals. Rory still had issues with his back so started from the bench alongside debutant Paul Dawson, brought in to cover Rory. Skinty was back in the Balaga defense to fill the gap left by Toms absence.

Team line out:

Things seemed to be looking up for Balaga as Auto Parts could only field 6 players and full advantage was taken of this with early goals from Webz and Parker.

GOAL!!! Webz's first goal was a fine individual effort. After collecting the ball Webz rounding 1 player and squeezed it through two other players to poke it in the far corner. Webz - "I don't usually get many good ones so its nice for them to be acknowledged.." Balaga 1-0 Auto Parts. Parker was soon afterwards warned by the ref after tackling Auto's defender, who made sure the ref and the barman serving drinks heard his scream. This didn't turn out to be his last time he picked himself up from the ground, as he didn't appear to be too up to date with the no slide tackle rule.

GOAL!!! Balaga made it 2-0 thanks to a great finish from Parker where smashed it from far out.. BEAUT! Balaga 2-0 Auto Parts. Soon after this Auto's got their 7th man, a player who had just scored about 6 or 7 goals for a division 1 side just prior to this match. It would have been handy if Balaga knew this from his inclusion because before they knew it Auto Parts were level 2-2 thanks to 2 goals from the new recruit.

GOAL!!! Once Balaga stepped it up again and stopped dropping deep they began to create chances once more, and it wasn't long before new boy Dawson put Balaga back into the lead for the second time with a fine strike from far out. Balaga Tongo 3-2 Auto Parts. Frustratingly for Tongo though, Auto's recruited young fella got his and Auto's third of the half with a sweet left footed finish. After this Dave W decided to man mark the player which defensively began to yield results for Balaga, as in they didn't concede anymore before half time!

The second half was a much easier affair for Balaga, who finally seemed to get a grip on the danger areas from Auto Parts. Skinty was doing a masterful job on their hot head up front who was heard bitching and moaning under his breath as he wasn't given an inch all night by the Balaga stand in. Broderick was also dealing with their flash fella out the left wing who eventually ripped his top open in frustration at losing the ball out the wing.

YELLOW CARD!!! Auto's Olympic diver was shown the 10 minute road after another sliding tackle, about his 4th of the game.

GOAL!!! Soon afterword's, a sliding tackle from another head the ball in Auto's defense allowed Balaga to go back into the lead via a peno. Phil gracefully stepped up and slotted home the resulting spotter. Balaga Tongo 4-3 Auto Parts.

GOAL!!! Balaga made it 5 from a well taken goal by webz. It was training ground corner, if Balaga actually trained it would be anyway. Phil passed it to to webz on the front post and he bundled it in his typical Webz style!! Balaga Tongo 5-3 Auto Parts.

Dave was doing a masterful job of man marking, so close that even Auto's danger man had Whiftys blood on him, what with Dave stuck to him all night. Webz swapped the job of holding the midfield with Dave and still managed to score 2 goals. He now equals Rory with goals scored for Balaga this season. Rory had a quite night by his standards, but that's not to say he was quite! A constant torn in Auto's side, alongside Dawson, who proved to be a great inclusion, scoring one and controlling the midfield at times. Once more Parker was his usual Tevez self cropping up with a goal and hounding anything that moved in the Auto team. The same can be said for Phil who was up front from the start but fell back into midfield later in the match to spray around the passes to any Balaga runners. Damo had a steady night in goals, after blaming himself for the first goal conceded, he didn't put a foot wrong after that.

There was great news for Balaga after the match as reports came through that second placed Upsetters, failed to get a victory over douglasmortage.ie and fell 6 points behind. Mercers victory means Balaga are now 4 points clear at the top with 5 matches left to play.

Cowboys Keep Cucumbers Quiet

2009-07-09T22:59:00.013+01:00

Back to almost full strength, FC Balaga Tongo failed to finish off their opponents in a low scoring draw with Callas Cowboys last night in Garryduff.

Team news before the game was all good except for word that regular Balaga stopper Damo Kennedy would be out again and maybe for a few more weeks with his Rib injury. Skinty was called and would fill in as goalkeeper for the night. The starting line up, infront of a new low of 0 fans, was as follows...

Balaga had the lions share of possession from the off, but the cowboys were no pushovers, defending well and repeatedly trying to catch the Tongolese with fast breakaways and balls over the top of Broderick and O' Callaghan. These were dealt with but about half way through the first half they were able to scramble past the defense and the striker had a one on one with Skinty, the stand in keeper reacted quickly but a swave meg finish put Callas 1-0 up.

Shocked by this, Balaga pushed on again but were being again frustrated with staunch defending, corner upon throw upon shot were had but to no avail, and the half time whistle blew.

The second half started off like the first, the players talked about a bit more urgency but things just weren't coming off for the Tongolese. Then about half way through the second half O' Callaghan struck a volley from about a 1/2 yard out after Webz spotted his run from a throw in. The match was then there for the taking but both teams were finding eachother hard to break down as Balaga struggled to handle the Callas forward, keith it think, and Skinty was called into action a few times while Browne, Webz, David W , O' Driscoll and Parker all couldnt get the ball in the net despite a good few chances.

So the game ended a dull 1-1, and in the stats it will go down as the clubs best defensive performance and worst attacking performance. The result keeps Balaga on top of the league with Upsetters moving 3 points behind in 2nd after beating Bare-Arse 5-2. Mercer lost to Premier Auto Parts 3-2 leaving them a further point behind in third. Rosies and DouglasMortgage played out a 2-2 draw to stay in 4th and 5th respectively. How callas are third from bottom is a mystery.

So 1 point is better than none but not half as good as 3, i did the maths, and Balaga Tongo will have to be fully commited next week to take the 3 from Premier Auto Parts who have in recent matches found some form and maybe a new player or two. 6 more wins and the title will be in Tongolese hands, but theres a hell of a lot of ball to be played yet.

Balaga deny Mortgage

2009-07-02T15:22:00.009+01:00

Match day 7 and the season midpoint had arrived for the cucumbers, and again, they were players short. Concerts appear to be distracting or mutilating Balaga members 1 by 1. Damo was again out due an incident nvolving his ribs and four scumbags after a prodigy gig. Phil will never be forgiven for taking the night out to watch a LADY GAGA gig!!! For shame Phillip, and Rory was out due to a back injury. He was at an AC/DC gig the previous weekend so perhaps a crowd surfing mishap might be the reason.

Anywhooo, due to a breakdown in communication, Skinty was informed 5 minutes before kickoff that he was in goals, so Broderick was once more asked to play stick. Two deputies in Sam Tyrrell and Alan O’Sullivan were brought in to replace Phil and Rory so Balaga had just the bare 7 to play.

Here's the formation:

Captain Tom O’C was back for Balaga after a two week absentee, and because Broderick was needed in goals, Parker was asked to move into defence as cover. The match kicked off and it was pretty obvious from the start that the ref had more than a football interest in douglasmortage.ie. Perhaps he has an interview coming up over a possible mortage, or just hates Balaga(very possible), but every single call went the way of Douglas, except for one early on when he gave a throw to Balaga on their left wing.

GOAL!!! Whifty took it I think, lobbing it onto new boy Alan, who turned, ran at the defence, then past them before coolly slotting it past the keeper. Sam Tyrrell might have been involved in the move as well. 1-0.

GOAL!!! Whify made it 2-0 on the night after parker won it back in defense and played it wide to webz who waited for Dave to make his run and then put it between two douglas men and onto Whifys chest/side which he used to flip the ball in front of him and tap it forward, with the defenders in pursuit the whole way. Dave rounded the keeper and placed a nice low rocket into the corner. 2-0.
GOAL!!! Sam marked his debut with a goal which will never be remembered, but it was probably sexy as! 3-0.

GOAL!!! Douglas lamped a worthless hoof up the pitch which was heading out for a goal kick, but for some reason only known to Broderick, decided to handle it outside his box. As quick as lightening the ref spotted an advantage for douglasmortage.ie and promptly awarded the free kick, from which they scored to make it 3-1.

YELLOW!!! Douglas began to exert some pressure and gladly took every free kick and throw in given to them, and after their Drogba impersonating defender took a dive at the feet of the punisher, the ref had no trouble in quickly issuing the yellow card to the Balaga captain. Unfortunately for the official, douglas didn’t score from the resulting free kick.

GOAL!!! Shortly afterward's the diving defender got on the score sheet, with a right foot shot past the keeper, the ankle seemingly no worse for ware.

GOAL!!! Balaga made it 4-2 with a neat finish from Webz after a corner kick from Dave. Webz : "Cant member the rest to be honest just pointing out that bit to point out my finish made daves corner look gud and it was my through ball that made dave goal look gud."

HALF TIME 4-2 Balaga

Second half began with Balaga back to full strength, and after a moan at half time about the ref, started where they left off. A crowd of 5 turned up to watch the game with new #1 fan, Damo's bird in the stands along with Damo and Rory who turned up to watch how their teammates got on.

GOAL!!! David W has made a big impression during his first season and scored his 9th of the season mid way through the second half. Dave - "my second was a bicycle kick (spoof),ball was loose in the box (gaf was crowded) landed to me on the edge of box and i neatly placed the ball between two defenders legs and the keeper (rasper of a goal)" 5-2.

GOAL!!! Another dubious free kick awarded to douglas resulted in another goal from the mortage heads. Balaga will have to improve on their defense for corners and free kicks, but in fairness, their unlikly to get as many awarded against them again for a while, so the ratio of goals conceded to free's/corners given wasn't all that bad.

GOAL!!! Sam Tyrrell rounded off a great debut with the goal of the night, he picked the ball up in the right back position, ran over to the left, and forward, pasted a few douglas midfielders and defenders before finding the net Diego Maradonna style, although a deflection was called it was still a fecking class goal.

Besides a very dodgy ref, which i cant emphasize enough, Balaga had this game sorted early on, and once more look like their back on track for the league title. Other results saw Mercer keep in touch with a 10-1 victory over league whipping boys Bare-Arse-Alona.

Rosies Cause Balaga To Blush

2009-06-27T16:44:00.009+01:00

Nobody thought it possible with Balaga going 5 for 5 at the start of the Summer, but the seemingly impregnable Tongolese were shot down in their 6th game 7-3.

With O'Callaghan out for the second week in a row this time due to the MAN making him slave and with Damo's ribs taking some punishment over the weekend, FC Balaga Tongo were lacking in defensive options. With recent solid sub Skinty out due to a charity event, Sean Nicholson made his Balaga debut and Harry made his second appearance in the Black shirt, and this is how they lined out to start.

The match itself is slightly depressing to report about according to my secret sources it started off fair slow and the heads werent in it. This led to Rosies getting a 1-0 lead early enough on. Soon after this David W struck his 7th of the season latching onto a Parker corner on the right to make it 1-1. But the games wasn,t to turn and it was 2-1 to Rosies within minutes a breakway catching out the back line. But Balaga were pegging th egoals back and it was Sean who got a goal on his debut to make it 2-2, shooting at the goal and Webz and somehow probably through sheer daycentness it went in.

Then though Rosies got the lead again and for the rest of the match they were able to take their chances and make use of the lack of organisation within the Balaga ranks. Half time came and went quickly with little talk which wasn't to anyone benefit. "Captain" O'Callaghan turned up half way through the first half but had no gear (FOOL). So with players playing out of position and Harry the only player to really want to stay back. And it was this that let Balaga down as the Midfield was allover the place as well having nahhh shape. Rosies notched up seven in total as Rory picked up what turned out to be a consolation goal. Another free kick from the dead ball master though, and a spark of entertainment for the 7 strong crowd!!! A game where lessons were hopefully learned and will open the eyes of Tongolese that the season isn't over yet and they are going to have to give it all to pick up some silverware.

Mercer did Balaga a big favour though beating previous second spot holders the Upsetters 2-1. Bottom of the league scrap between Bare-Arse and Auto Parts ended up in a 9-5 thriller to the Arses. and in the last game next opponents DouglasMortage.ie beat the Cowboys 4-3, a similar result Balaga had against the Cowboys in gameweek one.

This leaves Balaga still top by 3 points but with a chasing pack of 4teams in contention there will be no resting on any laurels.

ALLEZ LES CONCUMBRES, VIVA LOS BALAGAS, and chin up govnaaaahs.

Team Photo Summer 2009

2009-06-24T15:05:00.003+01:00

Insert: Kevin B
Back L-R: Rory B, Dave W, Damo K, Skinty
Front L-R: Webz K, Steve P, Tom O'C, Phil O'D, John D

Balaga stand up-2-setters

2009-06-19T15:21:00.006+01:00

With captain Tom O’C gone to Barcelona on some Jimmy Hill festival, Balaga found themselves with just 1 outright defender in Kev.

Deano still hadn’t returned from his ankle injury and is feared missing, so stand in captains and Phil and Kev had a busy few days trying to find replacements for not only Tom, but also Parker who had to pull out the morning of the game and Damo wasn’t 100% sure if he could make the game either as petrol prices aren’t what they used to be. A few hundred frantic texts, gchats and calls later, Balaga had 3 players confirmed. Skinty was back for his 2nd game for the Cucumbers, along with Jonesy and a debut for Harry who Rory recommended.

This was a match that Balaga had been waiting a while for and perhaps the inclusion of 3 relatively new players wasn’t the best preparation, although any fears of this were quickly forgotten. Also, to the relief of the cucumbers, Damo was available to play. Balaga’s formation was:

The last time these two teams met, Deano, broke an ankle, the time before that Damo had to be taken to hospital for a head injury, through no fault of the Upsetters though. They just seemed to be a bogey team for Tongo. The need for rocket scientists to figure out why these two teams were 1st and 2nd wasn’t needed as a bright start by both teams seemed to suggest a tight game was in store. Both had early chances, Rory threw a ball in to Kev who struck it on the half volley and more surprisingly kept it down only for an Upsetters defender to clear off the line.

GOAL!!! The deadlock was finally broke and it went Balaga’s way. A shot taken by Phil or Rory or someone struck a crowd of players in the Setters box, and appeared to strike Webz in the hand, in fact he appeared to hold the ball, turn, drop it and score. Either way, the ref didn’t appear to take any notice and Balaga found themselves 1-0 up.

Upsetters began to step up the pressure but Kev, Harry and defensive midfielder Phil appeared to have things under control. The inclusion of Harry was a masterstroke for Balaga as not only was he a constant communicator but his Rory Delap style throw ins were causing problems for the Upsetters. Previous encounters between these two teams generally went against Balaga as they couldn’t handle the strength of the opposition, but Wednesdays match was different. Everyone seemed to be up for the battle on the Tongo team.

GOAL!!! The second goal, began with a fast corner taken by Dave to Phil in the peno spot. His shot was blocked off the line and webz was on hand to flick it in. Balaga couldn’t have wished for a better start to the game. 2-0

GOAL!!! The upsetters aren’t quitters though and soon found themselves with a goal back. A quick break found Balaga with just 2 back against 3 and a clever ball out Balaga’s right found a man in space. The shot was across the goals to Damo’s left and as the keeper made an attempt to save it he appeared to injure himself again.

Was history going to repeat itself? Luckly for Balaga, they had both Kev and Skinty on hand to play in goals if needed, but Damo refused to go off and luckly for Balaga he didn’t, as he produced his best ever game for the cucumbers in a man of the match performance, to banish any thought of the last encounter between the two teams. Skinty came on for Broderick soon afterwards and slotted in perfectly into the defence, and made a great clearance off the line just as the half time whistle was blown.

The sequence of goals is unknown for the second half but with a helping hand from Dave here goes:

“I cant even remember my first, i think rory passed my it after we burst out of attack doing a one two....i was so happy about winning i cant even remember”. 3-1

“One of rorys was on the right wing and a hard low rocket in to the left corner”. 4-1

“my second goal was a throw in from phil which bounced weird in the box and it landed at my feet to flick it in to the right corner”. 5-1

Upsetters got a second in between this somewhere and Rory got another 2 to make the final score 7-2 to Balaga. A tough match was had by all including the 3 new players drafted in. Joneys high and strength were a great help to Balaga as they were able to hit a few high balls up front or to midfield when he moved back. Kev had a torrid time with that striker they have, with the two of them swinging handbags for most of the second half. Phil commanded the midfield and really stepped up to the mark. Dave who smelt like he just crawled out of a deep heat bath ran all over the park and even with that sore back, managed to score 2 goals and set up a few. Rory was his usual brilliant self, scoring a hat-trick, and webz played his heart out as he always does, getting tackles in all over the park and banging in two goals. Harry and Skinty played like they were seasoned Balaga pros and last but not least, Damo had a blinder between the sticks and deserves man of the match for some brilliant one on one saves in the second half.

That victory takes Balaga 5 points clear at the top as Mercer failed to take the opportunity to move into second, losing the douglasmortgage.ie 6-4. A 100% record for Balaga so far, a dream start.

Arses ravaged by Cucumbers

2009-06-12T01:29:00.010+01:00

Match week 4 rolled round and Balaga were full strength once again with the return of Kevin B from Sicily. The bronzed up defender was delighted to return to an unbeaten Tongo team who were aiming for a fourth straight victory of the season. Also returning was David W who was a doubt after a fancy-dan celebration which backfired in the prior match and left the midfielders coccyx a bit worse for wear! The starting line-up was:

Tongo got into this from the start and began to quickly take control as a half time score of 6-0 would suggest, and create a nightmare for reporting!! Balaga # 1 fan and camera man Alan Tyrrell again caught a few with that shaky Borne Supremacy style of his, but from what I remember and in no particular order… bar the first which was scored by Tom O’C from a corner, here are the goals…

The Punisher wont score many more raspers than this one. Phil O’D took a corner which was left by Parker for Tom to drive a bullet into the top corner of the keepers left. A delayed swan dive reaction from Bare-Arse’s Keeper followed but his teammates had taken the kick-off at that stage.

As mentioned, the order of goals is unknown, but a further 11 goals followed for Balaga.

4 from an inspired Phil O’D,

3 from duracell bunny Stevie P,

along with 2 each from Rory D and Webz.

Involved in most of the moves was David W who seemed none the worse for his personal problem!! Broderick made a few Carvalho style runs up the field which at least once created a goal (and it was caught on camera too!!).

Phils first was from another corner, this time Rory the provider who picked out Phil. The striker collected the pass from the right and passed it into the near post. 2-0.

Parkers first of the night was all Steve’s work. He controlled a dodgy kick out from Bare-Arses defender, turned and ran at the defence before unleashing a fine-looking right foot shot into the keepers bottom right. 3-0.

From an inside source Phil made it 3 I think, from another corner taken by Rory on left. Phil miss hit it straight at the keeper who had already dramatically dived out of the way. 4-0.

Webz got his first of the night from a move which involved Broderick and Parker who slid it through to Webz who got the faintest of touches to shove it passed the keeper at his near post. 5-0.

Webz got his second of the night after Broderick, Webz and David W all linked up in the move. Webz collected the breaking ball, passed it to Broderick who ran at the defence, passed it back to Webz. Webz found David W out the right wing, who squared it to Balaga’s top scorer for the past two seasons. Webz showed everyone why this has been the case as he delightfully back heeled (Zola style) past the keeper to make it 6-0 at half time.

The second half scoring began with unknown goals from Parker and Rory followed, with a first for Bare-Arse-Alona’s tricky little Torres to mash any hopes of Balagas first every clean sheet I think? 8-1.

Any hopes of an Arse come back was squashed by a beautiful individual effort by Rory. It began as an Arse corner kick, which ended up at Parkers feet, who first time rolled it out to Rory on the left. The MVP without looking up knew the keeper was miles off his line and calmly, first time side footed with his right past the dodgy stopper, from inside his own half. Another one for goal of the season. 9-1.

The next two came from Phil O’D, the first a peno which he calmly slotted away, followed by an absolute howler from the Arse keeper once again. Out of pure frustration, he kicked the ball right at the Balaga striker who simple slotted it pasted him. After this the keeper pulled a stroppy and walked off the pitch. 11-1.

Arse did get a second of the night with a nice tidy finish which Damo could do nothing about but perhaps the defending wasn’t up to scratch. 11-2

But the last bit of action came from Balaga and from one of the players of the night Parker. He received the ball from a David W throw, controlled it and volleyed a low right footed drive passed the stand in keeper, who swan dived mimicking his predecessor. Another great goal to top off a superb all round performance, which see’s Balaga move top of the table outright, thanks to Upsetters drawing with Callas Cowboys.

Browne Shines Again As Balaga Bash Mercer

2009-06-04T18:38:00.009+01:00

Last Wednesday evening saw a great performance from the whole Balaga squad to get the 3 points, but its Rory Browne who received the most praise after playing out of his tanned skin.

After a 2 week hiatus for recuperation, ie champions league and long weekend boozing, Balaga Tongo proved too good for a solid Mercer outfit. Missing Kevin Broderick due to him frolicking some gaff in Italy, and with the squad heavily attack minded, management had to bring in some defensive replacements. Last seasons rookie of the year and cafu wannabe John Duggan was drafted in as cover and for his Summer testimonial before jetting off to cape cod. Skinty was also called upon at the last minute as O Callagahan was being a drama queen with his blue ankle. So the starting line up was as below...

The first half was pretty tentative, an even amount of possession id say but Mercer were making the better chances. Kennedy and the defense had this under control though for most of it but with Duggan twisting his ankle after 5 minutes the starting line up didn't last long. Parker came on to replace him, playing out of position the rugged playmaker looked like a seasoned centre half. With Skinty available and Duggans injury short term (about 15minutes before getting crippled for another 15 after crashing through the side nettingsssz) there wasn't much to worry about as not much was really happening except for Mercers nippy forward causing some problems and getting a hacking from the cucumber defenders. But alas, bammm, Mercer scored from a long range effort, Kennedy getting caught out but maybe the Mercer player should of never got his shot off!

1-0 at half time but the Tongolese were not looking worried, except webz who didn't even want his photo taken. They knew that if they got the ball down and up to the attacking palyers in a manner where they could control it, they would score.

And Score they did. A couple of minutes in Browne got the ball outside the Mercer box and fired a missile of a shot at the goal and the ball went straight between the keepers legs (who had just gone in at half time). The second followed pretty soon after, Browne again was one on one with the last defender as O'Driscoll made a run on the right to draw the defender away as Rory stepped to his left and poked it into the bottom corner... NICE... Then David W added the third as Browne was involved again - taking the ball down from a kick out - then putting the ball over about 3 feens heads with solos before squaring to David W to finish it off.

Then the fourth came as Balaga were looking unstoppable, a Balaga break away, Browne was on the ball around the half way line and with O Driscoll running into space Browne called "nuts" as he slotted the ball under the players testicles and as u might guess through his legs aswell O Driscoll got to the ball before the on-rushing keeper and popped it past him. Ehhhhhhhhhh sickkkk!!! Rory then decided to score another one to make it five and give him his hat-trick(feel free to comment below if U do remember detail). Webz then continued his fine scoring run as he latched onto a Browne cross shot to slide the ball home and make it 6-1 to the Cucumbers. David W then topped off another fine performance in the Tongolese colours, having possession about 14.7 yards out on the right, he smashed a beautiful placed shot into the top of the net, then proceeded to do a comical/acrobatic/career threatening flip onto his back while no doubt shouting ZOOOOOOOOO... He came off soon afterwards but the game was over anyway and Balaga won it 7-2. With all the excitement I cant even remember the 2nd Mercer goal!

So Browne got 3 goals and at least 3 assists and even if he only played that game should retain the MVP award. But all credit couldn't go to the stand out player as all the Balaga stars had excellent games O Callaghan and Parker were ripping shreds out of ankles and not giving anyone time on the ball, Parker got a yellow for one such late challenge. Skinty was superb and solid as a rock in his Balaga debut. Damo Kennedy was brilliant despite finding out his Balaga career could be under threat due to contract finance difficulties. Duggan in his cape cod testimonial was solid as ever, probably would of scored if he wasn't hampered by the gods trying to kill his ankles. Then David W , O Driscoll and Webz all worked their socks off and got the goals they deserved.... AWESOME.

Elsewhere in the league the Cowboys put 6 past Premier Auto, Douglas Mortgage beat Balaga Tongos next opponents Bare-Arse 5-3 and old rivals the Upsetters got a 3-2 victory over Rosies keeping them top of the table by 1 GD. This leaves the table as follows before gameweek 4...

And as mentioned Balagas fourth game is against Bare-Arse-elona, an unknown quantity in the league, but if the Mercer game was anything to go by, and Balaga come out with thte same spirit, there will be no problems in despatching them!!! PS thanks Philip for telling me what happened!

Premier Auto Taken Apart

2009-05-21T14:13:00.010+01:00

Fears of complacency were overcome as Balaga scored 12 in a rout of Premier Auto Parts.

With fears of goal tender Damo Kennedy being late due to traffic issues, Balaga were forced to re-think their starting lineup, but this re-thinking was re-thought with minutes to spare, as Kennedy arrived with, no.1 Balaga fan and no.1 Damo girl, Ashling in tow. Problems continued though as the Tongelese 8 were seen passing an imaginary football around during the warm up, it came to light that gear man O' Driscoll had forgotten to bring his balls.

The pre-match issues did not phase the Balaga team though as they setup to face Auto Parts with a new formation said to be decided on when they were drinking for JD's 21st last Friday. Playing only Broderick and O'Callaghan at the back with a 3 man midfield of Parker, Browne and David W , and Webz starting upfront as O'Driscoll had to be satisfied with sitting on the bench for the first 15 minutes. Balaga Tongo got into full stride quickly as they attacked Auto Parts quickly and regularly.

The first goal came from a throw in as Parker flung a ball into the area for David W to get on the end of, his glancing header was enough to put it in the goal and but the cucumbers 1-0 up. Webz was next on the score sheet as he received the ball just outside the Auto Parts area, he turned and fired his effort past the helpless keeper. Soon after this Broderick popped up with his second of the season, Browne was involved again as his free kick was mis-read by the keeper and bungled onto noggin of the onrushing Broderick to make it 3-0. In a strange yellow card occurence the Auto Parts attacker was hauled off for 5 minutes i think for giving out to the ref. Balaga had even more time on the ball and the next goal was an excellent move in which David W won the ball in his own half, passed out to the right wing for Browne to make some yards, and his inch perfect cross was met by David W who had run most of the length of the pitch to touch the ball into the net, 4-0. O'Driscoll came on for Webz and with his first touches of the ball could of scored, and he didn't have to wait long as he was at the end of a Parker shot across the goal, getting the necessary poke to make it 5-0. O' Driscoll doubled his tally within minutes, as an Auto Parts break came to nothing, Kennedy made a quick move to get his kick out high and long to a very open O'Driscoll, this kick ended up going hard and low but an unlucy Auto Parts defender had a deflection come off his his heel sending the ball over the last defender and into the path of O' Driscoll, who proved he hadn't left all his balls at home and his jump in front of the onrushing keeper was perfect, the header dropping nicely into the Premier Auto Parts goal. David W was taken off then as Webz came back on in his natural striker role, and O' Driscoll dropped off into midfield. One of the rare Auto Part attacks resulted in a corner kick and a disorganised Balaga defence was left wanting as a Parts striker got a tap in at the near post. Kennedy was irate with his defenders marking, and rightly so. But before the whistle blew for half time Parker was able to get his name on the score sheet and showed real quality with the deftest of back post touches after Browne had put him through.

7-1 and morale was high at half time, which was taken up mostly with players trying to get their names in the referees notebook for goals. O'Callaghan was said to be disgusted with his teams petulance but was more likely disgusted with how he did not get a goal himself.

Kev came off for David W to fill in at the back at the start of the second half. Confusion was brewing though, as David W indicated he was a crap "corner back" and was seen mostly on the ball in the oppositions half with O'Callaghan shouting at him. But with Parker covering when David W made his runs the Auto Parts were kept at bay. Balagas attacks were still frequent but lady luck eluded them as there was some missed chances from O'Driscoll, Webz and maybe Rory who id say at this stage was gagging to get his name on the score sheet. O'Callaghan came off for Kevin 10 minutes into the second half and a puaaarrrre lack of communication from the captain resulted in Kevin not knowing who should of been playing beside him. 2 quick Auto Parts goals was the result of this before O'Driscoll moved back into defence to give the Tongelse their shape again . Browne then came off as O'Callaghan slotted back in beside his partner in hoofing and tackles Broderick. Auto Parts seemed to tire and this is when Balaga pounced for another 5 goals. Webz'z Tevex like pressure payed off as he won the ball and stroked it into the net to make it 8-3. Parker added to his first half goal with a long range effort nestiling into the bottom left corner, cozy as ya like. Webz hit his hattrick then as O'Driscoll found O'Callaghan running into space on the right wing, his cross was met by Webz whos clinical touch found the corner of the goal, not a bother. It didn't take long to make it 4 though as Phils pressure on the Auto parts defence found him on the ball 10 yards out, he put a low pass to the back post which Webz was able to bang into the roof of the net from close range, the way he likes it. Colin the other half of this season record crowd was seen going wild in the stands shouting Webz'z name and brandishing his navel. Rory Browne came on for the last few minutes as Parker took his rest and Browne finally got his name on the score sheet to add to his string of assists. Webz was bungled over just outside Parts area and Browne drilled the ball low and hard under the fooled wall and into the net, 12-3, yes baiiiii. Premier Auto Parts never really dropped their heads though and kept attacking Balaga up to the final whistle, this paid off for them as they scored with the last shot and touch of the game to make it 12-4.

Not much to say after this as my hands are bate out now, but a great result puts Balaga into 3rd place on goal difference. Top of the table Upsetters beat douglasmortgage 9-1, second place Mercer saw off the Cowboyos 4-1 and Rosies won their match against Bare-Arse 8-3. This leaves the Div2 table split into distinct top and bottom halves already.

With A break for the Champions League Final next week, FC Balaga Tongo will face 2nd place Mercer the following week.