Rosies Cause Balaga To Blush

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Balaga cripple Cowboys

A perfect evening for football greeted Balaga Tongo for their first match of the new summer season. New signing David W had to be happy with a place on the bench for the Balaga opener against new-comers Callas Cowboys. Balaga's starting line-up was:


Balaga wanted to stake a claim for the division 2 title early on this season and saw new-comers Callas Cowboys as a easy enough start, so it was widely thought, as history shows, favourite tags don’t suit the cucumbers, a win wasn’t a fore gone conclusion.

But right from the start Balaga began attacking the Calla defense. A corner kick on the left taken by Parker, was fired into the box where Kev took a left foot shot which appeared to be going in but for a deflection off Webz, who tried his best to avoid the collision. Soon afterwords however, Balaga found the opener with a goal from Rory. A loose ball out the right wing was just about kept in play by Webz who passed it forward to Parker. Steve controlled it and squared it to Rory for the finish.
A second for Balaga was soon to follow, this time Parker was the scorer, a carbon copy of the first, but this time the assist came from Rory. Just before this Phil made way for David W, who was to make his competitive debut for the club. His first piece of action was to find Rory for the midfielders assist to Balaga second goal.

If Balaga thought this was going to be a walk in the park though, they were mistaken. Callas showed good spirit to fight back and began to cause problems in the Balaga defence. Two goals from their best player and a superb save from Damo saw the cucumbers happy enough to be level. The Balaga goalkeeper had to dive full stretch down to his left to divert a Calla free kick around for a corner. A shot by Phil from the right whistled by the Calla keeper’s left hand post. 2-2 at half time.

The second half saw Balaga step up the pressure again, and as a result, had plenty of chances, even the defense got in the action, with Tom O’C taking another shot which was high though, along with Kevin who had a shot on target, and a text book Broderick bullet from outside the box which nestled in the top corner of the net, not the goal net however, the nets to prevent such way ward shots heading out in the road. No such net could prevent Parkers shot soon afterwords though which avoided the nets, the fence, the road and the neighboring wall for the kids to play with in the morning. Although some shots were way ward Balaga did deserve their third and a deserved second of the night for Rory. Unfortunately memories of the goal are sketchy, Phil O’D recalled it was passed in Arsenal style, which would suggest, a move without a finish, or end product so clearly it wasn’t like Arsenals style! Webz, when asked about the goal “I missed it, i was coming off”. From sketchy reports, it was a fine move finished off by Rory, assisted by the inform Parker. Both Parker and Rory were linking up well together with Webz and Phil.

But one goal wasn’t enough, Kevin found David W in the box but for the keeper to react well to save. Balaga had all the possession but the end product wasn’t happening. Then the equalizer came, a result of a free kick with deflected passed a helpless Damo, who still managed to get a hand to it. Not much time was left on the clock for Balaga to take all three points, and from the looks of it, Callas were happy with the draw. A chance fell to Webz to win it but he effort went wide. But soon afterwords, Callas tried to clear the ball, they squared it to their centre back who turn into an onrushing Kevin B. The Balaga defender appeared to block the clearance which rebounded into the Calla net. After the match Parker called it a tackle shot, which was to be the winner for Balaga. 4-3 the final score.


So after week 1 Balaga find themselves in familiar territory, in 4th place behind Rosies, last years runners up Upsetters and new comers to the Wednesday night Division 2 league Mercer, who beat Premier Auto Parts 11-1. Balaga face Auto Parts next week so a much larger crowd of zero is expected for the fixture, as goals are assured.

Sweepstakes Draw - Semi Review and Final Preview

Parker defeats Browne and Shine defeats Damo as only 2 remain in hunt for 80 sheets...

NOTE: 5 euro collections will be started soon... In the case of a barca win, Blakes prize money may have to be drunk.

2009 Spring Review and Summer Preview

Balaga Tongo find themselves on the cusp of a new season in footy.ie Wednesday medium standard football. Participating in their first footie league last season, Balaga finished up with 24 points from 14 games and in 4^th position. An early surge saw the Tongolese team at the top of the table but a run of poor mid-season form, following the horror injury to goalkeeper Damo Kennedy, resulted in points lost and what could of been a title challenge faded away, culminating in the routing received in a high profile 6 pointer against the upsetters, a match where defensive linchpin Graham Deano the Rock Deane suffered a horrific broken ankle.


Highlights of the season were of course some great attacking football which saw the team notch up over 60 goals. Christmas signing, playmaker and freekick specialist Rory Browne went on the win the official league MVP award, as well as the FC Balaga Tongo in house MVP award. Eoghan Webz Kennedy continued his prolific goal scoring record in the Cucumbers colours and picked up the FC Balaga Tongo Golden Boot award with 16 goals to his name. Stephen Stefán The Rat Parker ,another Christmas signing, made a big impact on the team and produced some memorable match winning performances, scoring 9 goals in the process. Phil O Driscoll was another good performer adding a touch of class to midfield and occasionally the Balaga front line. The last of the Christmas signings was John JD Duggan who was the most consistent defender of the season and managed to grab 8 goals from his thrilling runs up the wing.



Kevin Broderick, Tom O’Callaghan and Graham Deane all fought hard for the cause throughout the season and although they all individually played very well on occasion, they sometimes lacked the defensive organization and positioning awareness needed. This left their goal tender Damo Kennedy without protection, especially at the start of games. Damo himself had a solid season in between the sticks and came back very strong after his concussion which was a crrredit to him. An improvement is needed though, with the backline conceding over 50 goals in the 14 games and not picking up one cleansheet. O’Callaghan will be looking to have a more settled backline for the forthcoming season and the onus is on the captain to get the right formation.

With Deano and J.D. out with injury and summer trips respectively, transfer rumours were rife with John Owens and Andy Herbert looking like likely introductions but these were not possible and Balaga Tongo management moved before the end of the Spring season to sign David W for the Summer. With a squad of 8 rather than 9, this should result in more continuity in the team. David W himself is a colleague of O’Callaghans from his Dnet days in CIT. A hardworking player who is not afraid to get stuck in David W should fit right into Balaga and add an extra edge to the squad.




With some familiar teams from last season are present again, ie the Upsetters and Rosies. But the league is filled with mostly new ones, Mercer, Premier Auto Parts, Bare-Arse-Alona, Callas Cowboys and douglas mortgages make up the 8. Nothing is known about these 5 teams but if Balaga can get going from the start it shouldn’t matter too much!!!

Talk of a Balaga Tongo 11-a-side team did not materialise yet... but players are there and a place to play is needed!

Championship race over, Balaga lose 6 pointer...

Tongo's bid for a final week show down for the title went sour on a night Upsetters well and truely beat the Cucumbers. It was a game in which not many Balaga players turned up. A poor all round team performance saw the team in black finally lose 6 or 7-2. Goals from Webz Kennedy and Phil O'Driscoll the goal getters for Balaga. As if this wasnt depressing enough for Balaga, their linch pin of a left back Deano, broke an ankle. All in all, Balaga will not be looking forward to playing Upsetters again as in the 2 matches, 2 Balaga players ended up in hospital, through no fault of Upsetters though, it must be said.

Get well soon Deano....

Balaga's final game of the season was cancelled due to the other crowd not turning up so for the records, here is the final league table, Balaga's best even finish.....



On a side note, well done Rory Brown, who collected the Player of the Season for Wed Div 2.

Game 12: Balaga 2 - Seven FC 2

Balaga caught out, but battle back for draw...

With a full lineup again, Balaga Tongo were spoooooooilt for choice and this week opted to start Phillie in defense alongside Tom and JD... Damo managed to make it in time after a working late scare and was ON goals. Webz, Parker and Rory made up the midfield and strikers for the starting lineup, as Kev and Deano moved onto the bench for the start of this one.

A tough first half saw the cucumbers and Seven even each other out with the tongolese penetrating when they got they're link up play going although Parker and Rory were finding it tough enough against the organised and size-able defenders. Seven were mostly limited to long rangerrrrs that didnt really trouble the confident Damo. There was one scare tho as the bais at the back were caught out by a sick ball over the top to and unrushing seven lad who fired his volley over the low goal, thankfully... think robbie keanes chance at the end of the Italy game except your man was actually able to kick it with his foot.

Lamp on the second half, and it wasnt the best start of a second half ever seen by Alan the lone fan on Wednesday night. 2 goals were conceded with in the first 10 minutes and soemthing had to be done. Tongo commited more players forward and lots of pressure on Sevens goal resulted. It was all Balaga in the last 10 minutes and it paid off with a goal each from JD and Webz to even things up. Time ran short as a winner was looking ominoususosusosus... But a 2-2 draw was a fair enough result in the end and you'd have to be happy with 2 draws against the deserved league leaders.

Post match interviews via text with goalscorers JD and webz revealed

JD had this to say...
"Well it was great work from all the lads, we were puttin them under pressure for ages withoutgetting and clear cut chances, so when it dropped to me thingsjust opened up. and i caught it nicely on my left foot which was i was delighted with!i think it really changed the game we went from thinking it was all over to thinking we were gonna win it. It got all of us well pumped up! the pressure didnt stop we could have won the f*cking thing!"

"LOVE IT!"

His compatriot Webz shared...
"well we dominated da 1st 20 mins with myself missing a 1 0n 1 i prob should a squared 2 parker had i seen him a fraction of a second early but we started losin da 1st have wenwe made subs at da wrong time as there was no like 4 like subs available. we conceded 2 sloppy goals da 2nd was especially a calamity but we got parkereback on da pitch and hes impact was instant with jd following up on parkers rebound 2 hammer 1 in. we pressed den and it paid off wit 3 minutes to gowen a tame back heel from myself sum how found its way through a crowded box 2 barely cross the line. Had we score 1 of r many chances in da 1st it oculd of been different but at da end of da day a draw was about fair. B4 i go id like 2 point out that i had txt from robbie keane this mornign thanking me as he says dat my equaliser wit 3 mins to go inspired him2 do da same against da daygoes."

This reporter cannot dechiper most of that but Webz had a good game and after a tough week where off the field problems could of distracted him, not getting john o shea in a pack of premierleague stickers is ruff for a boy.

The draw still sees Balaga in 4th position in the league and Seven keep they're lead at the top intact as Manning Park failed to overcome basement team World Class. Next weeks OPPOOO the upsetters had a 8-1 win over rosies which is slightly scary... NOTTT... eh ha??? ehhhh the sinners bate ma dulleas 5-0 too. This leaves the league tale like so...


As said the upsetters are next week and its a 6 point game after the knockout incident called a halt to the last encounter!!! the 6 points for Balaga would be AWEEEEEESOME but they will be made work for it, it most be noted the team showed great resolve this week and one senses they are back to theyre relaxed ways.

Game 11: FC Balaga Tongo 3-2 Sevin Sinners

A drop in attendance appeared to suggest that Balaga's free flowing Brazilian style football at the beginging of the season had all but dried up, and last night’s match proved to be another tough encounter. All eight members had turned up for the 2nd match against Sevin Sinners. Damo was again in goals with a back three of Deano, Kevin B and John D. Webz again filled the watershed roll behind Phil with Rory up front. Tom O’C and Steve P began on the bench.

As with prior matches, the cucumbers failed to get going early on and a high ball out the right withing the first 5 minutes, which seemed to be a fore gone conclusion for Kevin to clear, was miss kicked, allowing Sevins striker to score passed Damo to go 1-0 up. The former captain tried to make amens for this with a few runs up front and a couple of misguided shots, but eventually he left the attackers get on with the goal scoring side of things.

Balaga's equalizer came from Rory, who is quickly becoming a free kick specialist for Tongo. A dodgy free kick was awarded outside the box on the left. Sevin appeared to have all angles covered but a clinically struck right foot shot nestled in the left corner of Sevin's net, to the joy of John D who gets special mention for his acrobatic skills of getting out of the way! 1-1 it stayed till half time.

The second half saw both Deano and Kevin hit the bench so Phil, Rory and captain Tom O'C made up the back three with Webz, John and Parker the attacking force. Balaga had ended the first half with the more opportunities and this half was no different, but again it was Sevin who took the lead from a corner kick which wasn’t dealt with properly.

Minutes later however Balaga were awarded another free kick in a similar position to the first half and once again Sevin failed to learn from their mistakes. Another super finish by Rory from a dead ball made it 2-2. The breakthrough for Tongo came from another dead ball, this time a corner squared to Tom O’C who rifled it past the Sevin keeper to make it 3-2 to Balaga with around 5 minutes remaining. Surprisingly Balaga’s defence held and a valuable 3 points secured.

Tougher opponents await Balaga, who face top side Seven next week, followed by the 6 pointer match against Upsetters, and finally seconded placed Manning Park Rovers, all potential championship deciders for Tongo. An improvement in opening half performances need to be addressed but thankfully Balaga are right back in the hunt.


With both Manning Park and Seven winning last night, its all still very tight at the top. The fact that Balaga will play 1 match worth 6 points, wont help their goal difference, but at least they still have an oppertunity to win the title.

CL Quarter Finals Sweepstakes Preview

DugganVillarreal - ArsenalBrowne

ParkerMan Utd - PortoNagle

McCarthyLiverpool - ChelseaKennedy

ShineBarcelona - BayernMcGarry

The champions league quarter final draw as drawwwwwwwwwn up some interesting (not for me) ties. The first game see's John Duggans Villarreal go up against Rory Brownes Arsenal in an all Balaga Tongo player match. The second sees good friends Stephen Parker and Fred "Re-Re-Draw" Nagle paired. The third is Ian McCarthy's in form Liverpool against Damo Kennedys Chelsea, a battle of experience and youth. The final tie is Blake "ShinShin" Shines Barcelona playing George "the OX" McGarry's Bayern Munich in a no one cares cause theya re both away and wont get paid if they win match although Georgie might be home in time actually... crap...

Best of luck to all!

Game 10: Balaga 4 - Rosies 3

Second half fight-back sees Balaga get all 3 points

FC Balaga Tongo v Rosies from KevinB on Vimeo.

After last weeks joyous victory over World Class FC, FC Balaga Tongo looked to be back to playing the kind of ball the fans come to see, and with a full squad for the first time in over a month the Cucumbers fortunes were definitely looking more promising then in recent weeks.

Keeper Damo Kennedy now settled back between the posts, Kevin Broderick finding his feet at centre back in the past few games, John Duggan taking his place back in the lineup at left back and with Deano Deane coming off the back of a full game against World Class at right back, the defence seemed solid. Webz was again to start in his unique hovering defensive attacking role behind Phillie O' Driscoll and Rory Browne. Young but old guns Thomas O' Callaghan and Stefan Parkier were on the bench to begin with.

A clear case of Paddys weekend hangover was in effect as the Tongolese players were very quiet and subdued at the start of the first half and this was no clearer than when possession was lost in Balagas half and the back line was a bit all over the shop, leaving a Rosies striker clean through on Damo who had no chance. Not too long later Rosies made it 2-0 and Balaga heads needed to be picked up. It was a Parkier nick from a Webz attacking throw in that got Balaga Tongo back in the game and coming 5 or so minutes before half time, it was well needed as potential was definitely not being reached and some belief was needed across the team.

2-1 at Half time, and it was not a pretty sight on the Balaga side line as they talked in depth tactics and psychological barriers amongst other things. Red Bull was also hawked. This seemed to work as the team came out more determined in the second half than in the first.

Browne, Parkier and O'Driscoll were getting hold of possession in Rosies half more, with the wing backs O' Callaghan and J.D. trying to support them and defend as much as possible with Webz. Kevin and Deano also found their footing more so than in the first half and players were getting stuck in a bit more all over the park.

The pressure payed off as Phil got the goal to make it 2-2, i think a touch from a quick Parkier corner. But then there was a slight HOWLer from the Rock Deane as he scuffed a crucial clearance and left Damo one-on-one at the back. A mistake from Deano but better positioning from the other defenders would of probably helped him out there. Ahem, anyway 3-2 Rosies.

Up step Parkier, who was influential throughout, making space on the right he fired an absolute rocket into the far corner, BAM 3-3, game on again. More and more Balaga pressure saw the goal come to put the Tongolese ahead, another corner (i think) and this time it was Duggan on hand with the touch into the net. 4-3 Balagaaa.

Seeing out the win was no easy feat though as the Rosies team were well able to put a few passes together and had a few chances not to mention a heart stopping shot in the last minute when Damo sliced his kick out to a Rosies attacker who's volley he saved with a flyyyying dive, touching the ball around the goal post and with it putting 3 points in the bag for FC Balaga Tongo.


Captain O' Callaghan had this to say in a post match interview in Cashel Thursday morning...
"Well we got away with playing poorly and thats always nice, but we have four big games coming up against the Sinners, Seven, Upsetters and Manning Park and we will have to be doing a lot better than last night if we want to win them. The lads did do well to fight back and get the win though so you have to give them credit for that."

The rest of Wednesday nights results were World Class 3 Ma Dulleas 3... Upsetters upsetting table toppers Sevden FC 4-1, and Manning Park getting a comprehensive victory over Balagas next opposition Sevin Sinners. This leaves Balaga on 17 points, with their game in hand/6pointer against ze Upsetters. , 6 points behind Seven FC and 4 behind Manning Park The Upsetters themselves are only a point behind Balaga on 16.

Game 9: Balaga 4 - World Class 1

After 2 defeats in a row Balaga really needed to get back to winning ways as they faced bottom side World Class for the second time this season. John Duggan was unavailable due to international duty with CIT up in Galway. Damo started in goals with Tom O’C and Deano playing left and right back. Center back saw Kevin B start for the second week with Webz sitting just in front of the back 3 in a Dechamps watershed roll. Ahead of Webz was Parker, in a familiar attacking midfield roll. Rory was given the job of breaking down the World Class defence up front on his own while Phil O’D was rotated to the sidelines for the beginning of this fixture.

Earlier on in the campaign when these 2 sides met Balaga dropped their first points of the season with a 3-3 draw. This time the cucumbers were not in a mood to drop points this time round and started well with a few chances early doors. The tactic of using a defensive midfielder seemed to steady the Balaga nerves after last week’s upset may have put doubts in players minds over its deployment. It appeared each player had a better understanding of the tactics and seemed more comfortable with the job in hand.

The game was set alight after a Rory rocket from 15-20 yards.. Early doors.. But this was soon cancelled out after a freak goal from the bottom side World Class saw a hopeless effort from their attacking midfielder sailing wide only for the lodging striker to tap the wayward shot into the Tongo net for 1-1. But this setback didn’t deter Balaga from their mission of collecting all 3 points. An on slot onto the Class goal followed with every outfield player trying his luck in an attempt to pull one ahead again. It eventually came from the boot of Rory again with a trademark volley from a corner to make it 2-1 Tongo at half-time.

The second half began as the first ended with attack after attack from the Tongoians athough WC had a couple of break aways which were smothered out by solid defending by the back 3 and confidence building saves from Damo. 3-1 was soon to follow as Phil O’D scored a rare tap in from a corner kick, and not much longer after that Parker got himself on the score sheet after some neat interplay between the Balaga attack saw him tap in a cool finish from a Rory squared ball.

4-1 the final score. Hopefully Balaga are back on the right track to success this season. There was no video footage of the match again this season as Tyrrell TV and broadcasting Network arrived late and didn’t bother.



A 9 point gap between Balaga and Seven FC may be a big one but its far from over yet. The Cucumbers can still pull off a very first championship winner title to their name.

Game 8: Balaga 5 – Ma Dulleas 6

Balaga Tongo Shocked by Resurgent Dulleas

After last weeks defeat to Manning Park expectations for Balaga to get back to winning ways were high as they went into a game that they won 9-3 at the start of the season. But it was not to be on the night as the team never really got firing on all cylinders.

With Webz thinking up some tactics to change it up before the game, Kevin Broderick moved into centre back with Duggan and O Callaghan flanking him and Webz Mascherano-ing like never before out of it infront of Broderick. Parker infront of Webz again with O' Driscoll starting upfront... front front front. Damo was back in goal after his knocking out incident a couple of weeks ago, cech u poof. ..Deano was on the substitute bench to start but was keen as could be to get on and make a difference. Browne as previosuly reported had an international game with Glasheen, but with drunken rumours on saturday in the Classic that he has quit International ball to concentrate on Balaga, everyone is happy, except glasheen i presume.

A shock deflected goal put Dulleas infront first, but it may have been somewhat undeserved with Broderick sweeping everythign up nice and tidy at the back. It wasn't too long until Balaga equalised though, Parker found the net with a calmly taken placed turn and shot that one could watch again and again if one had a decent camera man. ahem Ahl. O'Driscoll was workign like a rabid dogg, well a normal but hyper dog anyway, chasing down balls and turning defenders all over the place to create chances and soon afterwards Webz put the Tongo infront with what was probably a patented tap in but i can remember to be honest. Sorry bai. Dulleas did have some pressure but everyone seemed to be working hard to keep the lead and stop some talented Dulleas heads.

There was some position changing in the second half and it wasnt to Balaga Tongos benifit and it turned out to be a bit of a goal fest of a half. Dulleas went ahead aswell as Balaga at some stage, but it was Ma Dulleas who got the last goal to make it 6-5. A brace from Webz, both cool finishes from the keepers right and a O'Driscoll goal from a corner had put Balaga in good stead. But Defense, not THE defense nessecarily, but defensive play in general was crap and Balaga got done.

All that being said... Damo was awesome tho and it must be said was brave as as as i cant think of brave stuff...lion??? warrior??? flying monkey??? but anyway he was coming out for situations that O'Callaghan would previosuly of dalked him in. fair play. Duggan was keeping tabs on Nala (? think thats what his name was, the unreal fella anyway) and if he was marking him for the game he prob would of not as scored as many. Deano was a rock for the whole game because well Deano is Deano the rock Deano and is a rock!!! Kevin was a god damn marvel superhero of a centre back and can be looking forwad to playing there for the rest of his days. O Callaghan was crap enough and will be starting on the bench this week. Webz was daycent scoring a hattrick and being mascherano in one game is no mean feat. Parker was everywhere as usual and must be frustrated he didnt score a couple more. Phil was prettttttty handy up front and i must say made my heart flutter when he did some of his skills that came off.

Other comings and goings in the league are as follows... (read in boring 5 o clock result readers voice for extra effect...) Partik Rosies 5 - World Class FC Ramblers 3... Seven FC Albion 2 - Sevin Caledonian Thistle Sinners 1... Manning Park Rovers Utd 9 - Sporting Upsetters Athletic 4...

As you prob dont know unless you really love the Balaga these results suck for the Cucumbers and put Seven FC well out infront aswell as Manning Park. Sevin Sinners, Ma Dulleas and the Upsetters are firmly up Balagas posteriors... League table after gameweek 8...




The public can only wait and see how FC Balaga Tongo react to this loss adding to a run of 4 games without a win.

But id say it will probably be with a splendid and convincing VICTORYYYYY!

Game 7: Balaga 5 – Manning Park 8

FC Balaga Tongo lacking in Big Game.

As reported before the game, midfielder O'Driscoll and regular goalkeeper Damo were absent for the long awaited game against Manning Park Rovers. Broderick once again dropepd back in between the posts and J.D. called upon his buddy Chainsaw aka Slots aka SLATZ aka a rake of other names kevin was shouting behind me during the game that werent right. Hopes were high and the players seemed wellll up for it going on the pitch, but a lack of organisation on the pitch or something was the teams downfall.

The Cucumbers had a great start as J.D. clocked up towo early enough goals, one from a corner i think that either webz or Rory fired across goal and it seemed to come of Duggans shins and go past Mannings keeper. The next was a ball down the wing from O Callaghan to webz who played a nice touch into the path of Duggan who finished like the best left back in the world, John Duggan.

But Balaga were soaking up the pressure with Deano (who blew some poor fella onto the ground into the nets at one stage) and the bais battling like gladiators or that fella in gladiator that BEATS gladiators, ya Russel Crowe i know... Anyway the the defense was good but Manning Park snuck in a goal 5 minutes before half time. So going into the break, 2-1... (i think)

After getting some very welcome but probably bad for us redbull at half time, fair play to Rory who i noticed didnt drink any, ATHLETE!!! The second half kicked off and i cant really rememebr anything but i do know Parker put a beauuuuut of a chip to the back post from a corner kick and Rory Browne executed one sexy first time side-ish volley straight into the back of the net. Rory also got another and Webz added one to his tally tooo.

But despite Balagas cutting edge in front of goal, they let themselves down making some terrible decisions, tackles, and general play and conceded 7 goals as heads dropped all over the place and impatience destroyed the shape of the team. That or we didnt have shape. 8-5 win and fair bowellll to manning park who deserved it. Also of note Kev made some spectacular saves at the end.

As Webz commented after the game its better we lost than get another spoofy draw. Prob the kick up the posterior Balaga need to get on track again. But only a lot of hard work will do it if the team wants to start enjoying theyre football again like the start of the season. Rumours now shroud the club, with tactics, formation, passion, love, work ethic and gender all coming into question.

ELSEWHERE in the league Sevin Sinners continued theyre great run by thumping Rosies 9-0... Seven FC still top the table after a 8-3 win over World Class and the Upsetters drew 4-4 with Balagas oppostion for next week, Ma Dulleas. This leaves the table looking like this, although i can barely look... tear.



Kev might have some good video footage, but its prob depressing, although it may be motivational!

CL Last 16 Sweepstakes Draw Preview

The "last 16" matchs throw up some interesting games.

With current keeper Damo and Chelsea up against previous keeper Bundy and Juventus in the first game. Then there is wonderkid J.D. and Villareal up against Balaga legend Paul Scott and Panathinaikos. Braintrust members Webz and George will battle it out in the sporting, bayern tie. A tight game is instore when Phil and Freds Athletico and Porto come up against each other. 223 homies Tom and Blake are the names for the Lyon Barca game, with ShinShins Barca odds on to come out of that and win the cup! Sicknote Deano and Ian McC's will battle it out in a very big game between 2 of the biggest clubs in Europe, Real and Liverpool. Sean and Rorys Arsenal-Roma-super-Pinecroft-head-to-head is another interesting one, where allegiances are split! The last game is the only all balaga tongo squad match up where kevs Inter come up against Parkers Man Utd, the current champions.

Heres the list of odds for winning the cup and the 80 bones that i should really be collecting:

3/1 - Barcelona - BS
11/2 - Man Utd - SP
7/1 - Chelsea - DK
9/1 - Inter Meeelan- KB
12/1 - Real Madrid- GD
13/1 - Liverpool - IMcC
14/1 - Aresenal - RB
14/1 - Bayern Munich - GmcG
20/1 - Juventus - AOF
22/1 - Villareal - JD
22/1 - Roma - SN
28/1 - Atletico Madrid - POD
50/1 - Lyon - TOC
80/1 - Panathinaikos - PS
80/1 - Porto - FN
100/1 - Sporting - EK

Check out the recording of the draw here

Game 6: Balaga - Upsetters... Further Report.

Damo Kennedy recovering after collision.

With Damo now recuperating at his homestead, things are looking a bit more positive then on Wednesday night when the incident had some Tongolese shook. Scans and Tests came back positive for nathin'. No face breakage thankfully! Video footage of the incident has now been released by Kev, daycent!




See the full list of Balaga Video posts here.

Regarding the result of the game, Balaga and Upsetters club management along with league officials have worked out a solution whereby the second game, later in the season, will be played for 6 points.

Other Division 2 results went somewhat in Balagas favour as previous league leaders Manning Park recieved heavy 7-3 defeat to Ma Dulleas. Both Seven FC and Seviin Sinners recorded 6-3 victorys over World Class and Rosies respectively. This means Seven FC have jumped up to first place with Manning Park in second and Balaga in 3rd with their "game in hand".


The much anticipated crunch game between high flying Manning Park Rovers and FC Balaga Tongo will be played at 7 next wednesday in Garryduff. In some early team news, O'Driscoll will miss the game as he travels to the Emirates to see Arsenal-Roma, lucky duck!

CL Last 16 Sweepstakes Draw Results

FC Balaga Tongo 2009 CL Last 16 Sweepstakes Draw from Tom OC on Vimeo.

Match Cancelled.... Damo OWNED!!!

Match 6 saw Balaga face Upsetter's who finished 2nd last season in Division 2. The same formation was employed with Damo kid in goals, back 3 of Tom, John and Phil. Midfield saw Parker back from an enjoyable holiday alongside Rory with the leading goalscorer Webz up front.

The match began slowly again as Balaga quickly conceded a sloppy enough goal. Upsetter's certainly lived up to their name as Tom was stuck marking a fella up front who wasn't afraid to give his point of view of any rough stuff, not afraid to give dish it out either though. A tussle looked to be brewing as within the first 10 minutes both players had words on 2 different occasions.

The scores were leveled soon enough as Rory latched onto a long ball and slotted it past the keeper for his seventh of the season.

The biggest incident of the night though occurred soon afterwords as unfortunately Parker lost possession in midfield and a through ball set the fella up front for Upsetter's 1 on 1 with Damo with a steam rolling Tom in chase. Damo ran out to the edge of his box and slid for the ball. The Upsetter's fella slid to shoot and collided with Damo who saved the shot. Unfortunately for Damo though the onrushing Tom OWNED the Balaga number 1 after smacking his knee/elbow into the face of Kennedy. It has to be said though that this was through no fault of any player involved.

Damo lay concussed on the floor and after quick thinking by the Balaga captain who laid Balaga's stricken keeper onto his side and checked for any tongue swallowage. The Ambulance guys were called and Damo was taken away, awake but groggy. Initial reports are good and here's hoping the trusty keeper is back for next week, possibly with a rugger hat!!

Both teams decided to cancel the game and a decision has to be made about the future fixture.

Get well soon Damo from all at Balaga...

Sign Up For Sweepstakes Draw

O Spots left - Draw Tonight!!!

16 entered: Blake S, Paul S, George McG, Kevin B, Tom O'C, Webz K, Phil O'D, Ian McC, John D, Sean N, Fred N, Rory B, Stephen P, Damo K, Graham D, Alan O'F...

With the first knock out round of the UEFA Champions League kicking off on the 24th of February, it is time to announce the first annual Official FC Balaga Tongo Champs League Super Sweepstakes Draw.

The 16 teams.

Following in the format of previous World Cup and Euro Championship sweepstakes draws , entrant and team names will be randomly pulled out of 2 separate hats and paired up.

Entry will cost €5 with the full €80 pot going to the person with the team who lifts the trophy!!!

Reserve your place in the competition soon by leaving a comment below, lamping me a text, email, facebook, bebo, some other inteweb thing, or maybe even in real lifess?!! All welcome...

Once the 16 spots are filled, the draw will be recorded live and posted here with analysis and odds.

Game 5: Balaga 6 - Seven FC 6

Browne To The Rescue As Edgy Balaga Battle For Point.

After a rollercoaster of a night, which saw Balaga behind for most of the game and in the lead with one minute to go, the match ended with a fair result and one both teams should be happy with.

With Parker and Damo absent from the squad, Fred Nagle came in as cover for the Tongelese side. Broderick had to drop into goal (where he had not played for Balaga since their first season) to cover Damo, and the rest of the side lined out in a familiar enough formation of Duggan, O'Callaghan, Deano across the back, O' Driscoll and Browne in midfield, Webz upfront and Nagle on the bench, keen to get his first Balaga cap before jetting off to Australia next week.

Although not quite as caught as Ireland were in their International match with Georgia last night, Balaga didn't get off to a smooth start as Seven looked the sharper side and it showed as Balaga conceded 2 early goals due to poor defensive organisation and lapses in concentration. But Browne was looking as determined as we have seen him in a Balaga shirt and pulled one back for the cucumbers with a fine solo effort soon afterwards.

About 15 minutes in, O'Callaghan was caught on the nose (which was dawked at the weekend too) by an elbow. A quick substitution was made in the hope the blood flow could be stopped. Nagle was ready and slotted into left back as Duggan dropped into the center. Minutes later things didnt get any better, as Deano looked to have strained some sort of leg muscle and was struggling.

O'Driscoll, Browne and Webz searched hard for the goals to get Balaga back in the game and were not getting much joy from a tough Seven back line. But O'Driscoll did eventually find the net. He recieved the ball from a Deano throw in and fired off a powerful strike. Meanwhile Seven FC were controlling most of the first half procedings and scored another 2 goals, to make the score 4-2 before half time. By this time O'Callaghan had stemmed the bleeding and had replaced the injured Deano.

Unsuprisingly the dressing room/dugout was not a happy place to be at half time. But frustration with the performance didnt boil over and the team kept their heads, coming out for the second half more focused and with more purpose.

It was another very tough tightly contested half where webz was working hard but finding little joy against the strong Seven defenders and O' Driscoll had a tough job of trying to hold the midfield with Browne. Duggan, O'Callaghan, and Nagle were communicating a bit better and were doing their best to stop the Seven attacks.

Browne showed great skill to get his name on the scoresheet twice with two absolutely cracking shots drivinig Balaga right back into the match. O' Driscoll got another too, this time recieving the ball from a Nagle throw in and shooting past the Seven keeper. But Seven got one themselves and the score was 5-5 going into the last 5 or so minutes.

Balaga then scored their 6th to put them in the lead The goal itself was a nice counter attacking move started by Duggan, involving O'Driscoll and O'Callaghan and then finished cooly by Webz.

So it was 6-5 and Balaga just had to hold out for the last few minutes, Seven piled on the pressure and Browne was forced to drop back into defence as Balaga were pinned back. Some heroic defending and goalkeeping by Broderick kept the lead intact. But it wasn't to be and on 59 minutes a lofted ball to the back post was struck well by a Seven FC fella giving Broderick no chance and the game finished honours even.

A good result on the night but Balagas title aspirations will be put into question after a game which saw them palying poorly at times. Definate frailtys in defence were shown again as the players seemed to be uncomfortable and lacking organisation. Captain O'Callaghan commented:

"We have some good players at the back and in midfield but we were caught a lot last night and I am not happy with the performance in that respect and i need to take responsibility for most of that and get it sorted. But the grit and determination shown was excellent to see and although we couldn't hold on for the win the lads really fought to get back in the game after a first half we would like to forget."

When asked about the games intensity(texted) this morning, midfielder O'Driscoll said:

"Can Barely move... Got a knee into the ribs/hip in the first minute and was in agony for the game! Back is wrecked too. A draw awas a fair result though... they were handy."

With Manning Park beating World Class 5-1, Balaga Tongo and Seven drop into joint second place. Fourth are the Upsetters who got a great 8-1 result over fifth placed Rosies. Elsewhere Sevin Sinners beat Ma Dulleas 4-2.

With Parker back from France early next week and Damo hopefully not doing any late shifts Balaga Tongo should have a full squad and will aim to get back to winning ways against an Upsetters team coming of the back of 2 good wins.

Video Highlights Coming Soon!


note: match report may not represent actual events exactly.