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!
Showing posts with label Match Reports Autumn 09. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Match Reports Autumn 09. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Thursday, 17 December 2009
All 3 from missing MP
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.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Balaga Ring a Ring o' Rosies
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.
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.
Monday, 7 December 2009
Balagas Passage blocked by Rejects
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.
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.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Tigers Sink Claws into Cucumbers
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!
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!
Friday, 13 November 2009
Balaga Wobble Past Booze Crew
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Balaga Crumble to Red Raw Rosies Draw
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!
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!
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Easy Passage for Rejects
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.
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.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Balaga Caught Watching TV
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Balaga Barely Beat Boozers
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.
Balaga squad for Booze Crew gameIt 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.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Late Goal Beats Balaga
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!
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!
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