Ref robs Tongo of vital points

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Balaga Walk Inn to Temple Tiger Torture

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.

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to Tristan!!!

Ma's Last Second Volley Steals Victory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

€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...