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!
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Give the Gift of Balaga This Christmas
Totally HOT for winter 2009, Unbelievable craftsmanship, Check out the DETAIL!
Some supporters gear now available. Warm hoodys to keep you gangster and your hair dry while staying true to the cucumbers. Cool pin badges to make stuff more FC BALAGA TONGO, and bumper stickers to stick to things that pins dont stick onto, like cars.
Badges have already been ordered for the 9 squad members!
Some supporters gear now available. Warm hoodys to keep you gangster and your hair dry while staying true to the cucumbers. Cool pin badges to make stuff more FC BALAGA TONGO, and bumper stickers to stick to things that pins dont stick onto, like cars.
Badges have already been ordered for the 9 squad members!
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, 22 October 2009
Player Appearance Table
With the help of excel and some tedious blog reading, Balaga can release the official player appearance tally.
Results are taken from 12-9-2007 up to and including the match on the 21-10-2009 so as a result, both Kevin and Tom have had some appearances from the pre blog not taken into account. This is also why Eoin Red and Willie Power aren't included.... Paul Jay Jay Oscott is also hampered as a result. No record bai's sorry! The table only applies to FC Balaga Tongo players who have paid for the privilege!
Results are taken from 12-9-2007 up to and including the match on the 21-10-2009 so as a result, both Kevin and Tom have had some appearances from the pre blog not taken into account. This is also why Eoin Red and Willie Power aren't included.... Paul Jay Jay Oscott is also hampered as a result. No record bai's sorry! The table only applies to FC Balaga Tongo players who have paid for the privilege!
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Team Photo Autumn 2009
Back L-R: Jownesy, Parker, Tom O'C, Damo K, David W , Greener
Front L-R: John D, Kev B, Webz K, Phil O'D
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!
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Balaga Set for Autumn Season Kickoff!!!
Tonight FC Balaga Tongo will be looking to start the new season as they finished it, with a win against DouglasMortgage.ie. There has been some changes in the club during the off-season though, as Rory Browne had to hang his Balaga boots up. A loss which has been compared to that of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Man Utd this summer.
But with JD, John Duggan, re-signing after a summer hiatus, Balaga will be looking to him to fill the void after Browne's departure. David Green has also joined, and although he will be asked to mostly play at the back with Broderick and O'Callaghan, he has proved to be handy going forward too with a hammer of a shot. After previously impressing in some friendlies, and in last seasons final fixture, Greener was offered a full contract for the Autumn season.
The right Colour: Greener seen celebrating with his agent after signing his lucrative new contract.
Besides this the team remains the same with Damo, Webz, O'Driscoll and David W all in as well as Parker - who will be most likely played further forward where he can cause more damage.
Balaga will be confident after the past 2 seasons, as they now have a pretty settled squad and system ready to attack the division 2 title. A friendly game against Thursday Division 2 champions ExPats athletic was a good run out for the team, although with 4 key players out it wasn't the best for team tactics and the like. Another boost to spirits is club founder Paul "Juggs" Scott's return to the country after 2 years in Oz.
With the new season comes a new crest, with will be proudly displayed on new Balaga jerseys.... watch this space!
Tonights team news:
O'Driscoll is out due to some golf club finals yoke up the country - goodluck hai.
Jowensy will fill in and is another good option for Balaga Tongo upfront tonight.
VIVA LOS BALAGAGOS!
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Cucumbers So Close: A Summer Retrospective Super Speil.
Despite the obvious disappointment of coming so near, FC Balaga Tongo's second season in footy.ie Wed Div 2 was one where they clearly made progress on the first. Finishing Second while winning ten, drawing one, and losing three of the fourteen games played.
The new 2-3-1 formation was an improvement on the previous seasons and resulted in some great wins and a ton of goals for the attacking five players in the squad:
Webz on 14 was top of the charts again, keeping his terrific record in front of goal up, as well as performing when asked to play in the defensive midfielder role. He was deservedly nominated for the footy.ie MVP award (won by teammate Browne last season).
Browne himself could not reach the high high heights he did in the Spring. After an EXPLOSIVE start and a rake of goals, his form was hampered by a moshing injury. Although he persevered through that and the legend still banged in 13!
David W was a great addition to the team and he managed to make an immediate impact scoring 13 in his debut season. David W 's enthusiasm and team spirit was second to none throughout, even if he seemed rather very excitable at times.
In probably O'Driscoll's best season to date, he established himself as a great centre midfielder wheter he likes it or not. Always with great flare and "presence" going forward, his ball size seemed to double as he got stuck in more and more as the season went on. He also developed a mighty heading ability unseen before and was a great asset bagging 12 goals, his best tally yet helped Balaga to some vital victories.
Parkers season was interrupted by a nasty ankle knock, but he is a player Balaga can always count on 1000% commitment from even though he lamped a big mac 2 minutes before a game there one night. 12 goals is deadly fly and goals scored by the ratt were usually pretty gorgeous and he never complained when asked to fill in at the back.
This formation though was not so great defensively. Conceding on average 3 a game, or something, isn't the best although was the third best in the league to be fair. The formation can't take all the blame though, there are other things like ehhhhh, like losing Rookie of the century JD, John Duggan, to a brief MLS career and club management's failure to bring in a permanent replacement. Instead relying on chopping and changing players out of position. This bred inconsistency and that's probably not good la.
Damo had another flyer, confident again after his captain cleaning him out in the Spring, he was FULL of talk and pulled off some awesome saves. He should be confident of his place with rumors Blake Shine's contract in Canada is coming to an end.
Broderick and O' Callaghan have begun to form a good defensive partnership playing in the 2-3-1 formation and in the games where both were available and playing beside each other Balaga conceded less. Unfortunately these games weren't too often with O'Callaghan's new employment making him miss games, Broderick having to cover when Damo was injured and the 2 of them travelling off to the Mediterranean at different times. They scored 5 between them and both probably wish it was a bigger sum.
During the season reserves were called upon for many games and always did a great job. Skinty and Dawson(2 goals) were the main men used with 4 caps each. But all who played a part were safe, JD, Seanie Nich(1 goal), Greener(1 goal), Harry, Jowensy, and even an appearance from Tyrrell(2 goals) and O'Sullivan(1 goal). Sound biys.
No.1 fan for the season was obviously Ashling!
The story of the season in match reports:
Game 1 - Balaga cripple Cowboys
Game 2 - Premier Auto Taken Apart
Game 3 - Browne Shines Again As Balaga Bash Mercer
Game 4 - Arses ravaged by Cucumbers
Game 5 - Balaga stand up-2-setters
Game 6 - Rosies Cause Balaga To Blush
Game 7 - Balaga deny Mortgage
Game 8 - Cowboys Keep Cucumbers Quiet
Game 9 - Balaga service Premier Auto Parts
Game 10 - Balaga shown no mercy
Game 11 - Balaga Scrape Past Bare Arses
Game 12 - Balaga Exorcise Upsetters Demons
Game 12 - Balaga’s title hopes not so Rosie
Game 14 - Balaga Win Penultimate game but Fail in League
The season was celebrated at Webz'z Rooftop Rave where several Balaga Tongo Players Drank and were merry.
The new 2-3-1 formation was an improvement on the previous seasons and resulted in some great wins and a ton of goals for the attacking five players in the squad:
Webz on 14 was top of the charts again, keeping his terrific record in front of goal up, as well as performing when asked to play in the defensive midfielder role. He was deservedly nominated for the footy.ie MVP award (won by teammate Browne last season).
Browne himself could not reach the high high heights he did in the Spring. After an EXPLOSIVE start and a rake of goals, his form was hampered by a moshing injury. Although he persevered through that and the legend still banged in 13!
David W was a great addition to the team and he managed to make an immediate impact scoring 13 in his debut season. David W 's enthusiasm and team spirit was second to none throughout, even if he seemed rather very excitable at times.
In probably O'Driscoll's best season to date, he established himself as a great centre midfielder wheter he likes it or not. Always with great flare and "presence" going forward, his ball size seemed to double as he got stuck in more and more as the season went on. He also developed a mighty heading ability unseen before and was a great asset bagging 12 goals, his best tally yet helped Balaga to some vital victories.
Parkers season was interrupted by a nasty ankle knock, but he is a player Balaga can always count on 1000% commitment from even though he lamped a big mac 2 minutes before a game there one night. 12 goals is deadly fly and goals scored by the ratt were usually pretty gorgeous and he never complained when asked to fill in at the back.
This formation though was not so great defensively. Conceding on average 3 a game, or something, isn't the best although was the third best in the league to be fair. The formation can't take all the blame though, there are other things like ehhhhh, like losing Rookie of the century JD, John Duggan, to a brief MLS career and club management's failure to bring in a permanent replacement. Instead relying on chopping and changing players out of position. This bred inconsistency and that's probably not good la.
Damo had another flyer, confident again after his captain cleaning him out in the Spring, he was FULL of talk and pulled off some awesome saves. He should be confident of his place with rumors Blake Shine's contract in Canada is coming to an end.
Broderick and O' Callaghan have begun to form a good defensive partnership playing in the 2-3-1 formation and in the games where both were available and playing beside each other Balaga conceded less. Unfortunately these games weren't too often with O'Callaghan's new employment making him miss games, Broderick having to cover when Damo was injured and the 2 of them travelling off to the Mediterranean at different times. They scored 5 between them and both probably wish it was a bigger sum.
During the season reserves were called upon for many games and always did a great job. Skinty and Dawson(2 goals) were the main men used with 4 caps each. But all who played a part were safe, JD, Seanie Nich(1 goal), Greener(1 goal), Harry, Jowensy, and even an appearance from Tyrrell(2 goals) and O'Sullivan(1 goal). Sound biys.
No.1 fan for the season was obviously Ashling!
The story of the season in match reports:
Game 1 - Balaga cripple Cowboys
Game 2 - Premier Auto Taken Apart
Game 3 - Browne Shines Again As Balaga Bash Mercer
Game 4 - Arses ravaged by Cucumbers
Game 5 - Balaga stand up-2-setters
Game 6 - Rosies Cause Balaga To Blush
Game 7 - Balaga deny Mortgage
Game 8 - Cowboys Keep Cucumbers Quiet
Game 9 - Balaga service Premier Auto Parts
Game 10 - Balaga shown no mercy
Game 11 - Balaga Scrape Past Bare Arses
Game 12 - Balaga Exorcise Upsetters Demons
Game 12 - Balaga’s title hopes not so Rosie
Game 14 - Balaga Win Penultimate game but Fail in League
The season was celebrated at Webz'z Rooftop Rave where several Balaga Tongo Players Drank and were merry.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Balaga Win Penultimate game but Fail in League
Balaga Went into they're match with Douglas Mortgage .ie looking for nothing less than 3 points, and hoping that Mercer would drop points against Bare-Arse. This was the only way that the Cucumbers could claim the league title and FC Balaga Tongos first silverware.
With Browne out with injury to his leg, balaga once again called on the reliable services of Paul Dawson. O' Callaghan would be delayed and would miss the first 15 so David Green was asked to play, a player admired by club management, but who had not yet made his competitive debut after impressing in pre-season. Greener would slot in beside Broderick and in front of Damo, with O' Driscoll, Webz and Dawson ahead and Parker upfront. David W would have to settle for a starting spot on the bench, "freaked".
Greener and Dawson watch as Balaga Attack.
Cutting the details short, Parker was sensational and banged in four goals, three i saw and they were all absolute raspers from the wings. Greener also got his name on the score sheet, in a great performance, finishing clinically from a Webz throw in. Douglas got two themselves but it was all irrelevant as Merver battled out for a victory despite losing the seasons MVP to injury during the match. Quick recovery bai.
Parker Holds the ball under pressure.
The team hung around after the game and applauded the champions who eventually won on the extra head to head goal they scored, but in fairness would of won on goal difference if it had come to that aswell.
GUTTED!!!
With Browne out with injury to his leg, balaga once again called on the reliable services of Paul Dawson. O' Callaghan would be delayed and would miss the first 15 so David Green was asked to play, a player admired by club management, but who had not yet made his competitive debut after impressing in pre-season. Greener would slot in beside Broderick and in front of Damo, with O' Driscoll, Webz and Dawson ahead and Parker upfront. David W would have to settle for a starting spot on the bench, "freaked".
Greener and Dawson watch as Balaga Attack.
Parker Holds the ball under pressure.
GUTTED!!!
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Balaga’s title hopes not so Rosie
A must win game for Balaga in their second to last game of the season. After leading the title race all season long, Balaga had 2 final hurdles to jump before possibly collecting their first ever trophy. Rosies were defiantly going to have something to say on the matter though as earlier on in the season they had served Tongo their biggest defeat of the campaign. JD still hadn't recovered from the ankle injury sustained the previous week and Steve was a 50/50 chance to play so Tongo saught the creative midfield skills of Dawson once more to plug the gaps. Balagas team was:
Rosies decided to kick off and right from the start they rifled a shot which hit the post. If Balaga needed a wake up call they got it. A shaky enough start was soon calmed down though through a goal from the back on form David W , with his 4th goal in 2 matches. Just the star Balaga needed. Soon after it was two thanks to a quick throw in from webz and a shot from Kev led to a corner. Kev quickly took it to Rory who set up Webz for the goal. 2-0 and Balaga really looked like they were up for the fight.
Rosies failed to stick to the script though and came close on several occasions and right before half-time had about 4 or 5 corners in a row, all of which Tongo dealt with superbly. So far everything was going to plan. The team was playing as a unit and defensively this was surely the cucumbers best performance to date, not just the 2 recognized defenders but everyone, from the front back, defended as a unit and looked to be on course for the 3 points.
Half time came and Balaga made a few changes which in hindsight may have upset the boat a bit. Not long after the restart Rosies scored. Quickly followed by a second. As in the first meeting between these two teams, the Rosies shooting was superb, and pretty much everything they hit landed on target, or hit the net, leaving Damo to make some important saves.
Balaga seemed to have never returned from the half time talk and only after the 2nd Rosies goal did they spark back into life, coming so close with a shot from Rory which rattled the upright. But it was Rosies who once more took the lead, with a resulting goal from their top goalscorer who wasn't closed down quick enough by Kev in the Balaga defense.
All seemed to be lost but Balaga didnt drop the heads, and with around 10 minutes remaining, Webz was left one on one with the keeper, rounded him but i think hit the post but Phil was on hand to score to make it 3-3 and HOPE!!! Hope that wasnt to last however, as pretty much straight afterwards Rosies caught Balaga on the break again and went back into the lead 4-3. A nightmare for Tongo was finished off with first, a yellow for Tom O'c and finally, a 5th break away goal which i dont remember. 5-3 final score.
Balaga's chances are still slim though as Mercer could only draw with Upsetters. After leading the pack from start to finish Balaga find themselves 2nd on head to heads with one game to go. There's a slight chance but Balaga have to win and Mercer have to lose against bottom side BareArseAlona which fingers crossed they do!
Rosies decided to kick off and right from the start they rifled a shot which hit the post. If Balaga needed a wake up call they got it. A shaky enough start was soon calmed down though through a goal from the back on form David W , with his 4th goal in 2 matches. Just the star Balaga needed. Soon after it was two thanks to a quick throw in from webz and a shot from Kev led to a corner. Kev quickly took it to Rory who set up Webz for the goal. 2-0 and Balaga really looked like they were up for the fight.
Rosies failed to stick to the script though and came close on several occasions and right before half-time had about 4 or 5 corners in a row, all of which Tongo dealt with superbly. So far everything was going to plan. The team was playing as a unit and defensively this was surely the cucumbers best performance to date, not just the 2 recognized defenders but everyone, from the front back, defended as a unit and looked to be on course for the 3 points.
Half time came and Balaga made a few changes which in hindsight may have upset the boat a bit. Not long after the restart Rosies scored. Quickly followed by a second. As in the first meeting between these two teams, the Rosies shooting was superb, and pretty much everything they hit landed on target, or hit the net, leaving Damo to make some important saves.
Balaga seemed to have never returned from the half time talk and only after the 2nd Rosies goal did they spark back into life, coming so close with a shot from Rory which rattled the upright. But it was Rosies who once more took the lead, with a resulting goal from their top goalscorer who wasn't closed down quick enough by Kev in the Balaga defense.
All seemed to be lost but Balaga didnt drop the heads, and with around 10 minutes remaining, Webz was left one on one with the keeper, rounded him but i think hit the post but Phil was on hand to score to make it 3-3 and HOPE!!! Hope that wasnt to last however, as pretty much straight afterwards Rosies caught Balaga on the break again and went back into the lead 4-3. A nightmare for Tongo was finished off with first, a yellow for Tom O'c and finally, a 5th break away goal which i dont remember. 5-3 final score.
Balaga's chances are still slim though as Mercer could only draw with Upsetters. After leading the pack from start to finish Balaga find themselves 2nd on head to heads with one game to go. There's a slight chance but Balaga have to win and Mercer have to lose against bottom side BareArseAlona which fingers crossed they do!
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Balaga Exorcise Upsetters Demons
In what was again an improvement on the previous weeks performance, Balaga battled for victory against the Upsetters. A second win against a side they lost to twice last season.
The Tuesday before the game news came into club management that Stephen Parker had not fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the teams 3-2 win over BareArseAlona last week. After a fitness test in Crosshaven the morning of the game, Parker ruled himself out. Paul Dawson was called upon as cover, previously playing in the victory over Premier Auto Parts a few weeks ago he got on the score sheet, so hopes were high that he could fill the gap left by Parker. Later news that JD, John Duggan injured his ankle too during an international CIT training camp before the game meant he could not make the game. So the team lined up...
The match itself started out terribly for Balaga as Upsetters went 1 up very quickly. But this seemed to focus the Tongolese as they quickly hit 2 back. Both goals were from players who were recently failing to find they're early season clinical scoring ability.
Rory Browne equlaised for the cucumbers, controlling the ball wide on the left flank before curling a peach around the keeper and into the far corner of the goal, as videoed by Balagas No1 fan and keeper Damos wife Ashling Kennedy. The second was a David W strike again from the left and shooting the ball down the keepers left to make it 2-1.
Not too long later the third goal came for Balaga, again from David W , this time on the right he shot down the right side of the keeper. 3-1.
Dawson was superb when he came on the pitch half way through the first half, involved in a lot of attacks he got his name on the scoresheet with a tidy finish. Philip recieving the ball on the left side of the box heard a call and managed to get a quick cross in to the awaiting Dawson who made no mistake. 4-1.
The Upsetters showed again though that they are no pushovers scoring again to make it 4-2.
But it was Balaga's continuing pressure that was the deciding factor in the match, David W made it a hattrick as he finished with a neat flick over the keeper as the ball rolled into the far corner it was Balaga 5, Upsetters 2.
O'Driscoll continued his goalscoring form with a left volley to make it 6-2. Lovely job game over. Oh no wait the Upsetters scored a consolation in the closing minutes, Treacy scrapping the ball in for them.
A more solid performance again from the Tongolese outfit as Damo made some great saves, Broderick continued his good run of form as he had the tough task of managing the Upsetters strong striker, and O'Callaghan did enough on the other side of the defense.
This let the sides attacking players show their skills. Rory was bang on form again and looked confident, David W was back to his best harrying players up and down the pitch and you cant go wrong with a hattrick, O'Driscoll continued from last week - really getting stuck in, showing his previous unseen aerial ability, and controlling the centre of the park, Webz was all action as usual and will be disappointed not the get on the score sheet but I'm sure he will be hungry to change that next week.
Sub Dawson was fantastic, showing brilliant passing ability and scoring his second in two games for the club.
Elsewhere in the league main rivals Mercer clocked up another victory, this time against Rosies, to stay 1 point behind Balaga. Callas cowboys got their second win of the season beating BareArseAlona. In the other game DouglasMortgage won a close game with Premier Auto Parts. This leaves the table like so after 12 games...
With only two games left Balaga Tongo will be concentrating on getting two wins and nothing less to secure the trophy. After losing in the first half of the season with a very poor performance to next weeks opponents Rosies, the Tongolese will be focused, eager to put in the work and show what they can do this time around.
Hopefully there will be an even better crowd of supporters for the big match after this weeks medium sized crowd of three.
Some Match Highlights...
Brownes opening goal in Balaga HD...
The Tuesday before the game news came into club management that Stephen Parker had not fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the teams 3-2 win over BareArseAlona last week. After a fitness test in Crosshaven the morning of the game, Parker ruled himself out. Paul Dawson was called upon as cover, previously playing in the victory over Premier Auto Parts a few weeks ago he got on the score sheet, so hopes were high that he could fill the gap left by Parker. Later news that JD, John Duggan injured his ankle too during an international CIT training camp before the game meant he could not make the game. So the team lined up...
The match itself started out terribly for Balaga as Upsetters went 1 up very quickly. But this seemed to focus the Tongolese as they quickly hit 2 back. Both goals were from players who were recently failing to find they're early season clinical scoring ability.Rory Browne equlaised for the cucumbers, controlling the ball wide on the left flank before curling a peach around the keeper and into the far corner of the goal, as videoed by Balagas No1 fan and keeper Damos wife Ashling Kennedy. The second was a David W strike again from the left and shooting the ball down the keepers left to make it 2-1.
Not too long later the third goal came for Balaga, again from David W , this time on the right he shot down the right side of the keeper. 3-1.
Dawson was superb when he came on the pitch half way through the first half, involved in a lot of attacks he got his name on the scoresheet with a tidy finish. Philip recieving the ball on the left side of the box heard a call and managed to get a quick cross in to the awaiting Dawson who made no mistake. 4-1.
The Upsetters showed again though that they are no pushovers scoring again to make it 4-2.
But it was Balaga's continuing pressure that was the deciding factor in the match, David W made it a hattrick as he finished with a neat flick over the keeper as the ball rolled into the far corner it was Balaga 5, Upsetters 2.
O'Driscoll continued his goalscoring form with a left volley to make it 6-2. Lovely job game over. Oh no wait the Upsetters scored a consolation in the closing minutes, Treacy scrapping the ball in for them.
A more solid performance again from the Tongolese outfit as Damo made some great saves, Broderick continued his good run of form as he had the tough task of managing the Upsetters strong striker, and O'Callaghan did enough on the other side of the defense.
This let the sides attacking players show their skills. Rory was bang on form again and looked confident, David W was back to his best harrying players up and down the pitch and you cant go wrong with a hattrick, O'Driscoll continued from last week - really getting stuck in, showing his previous unseen aerial ability, and controlling the centre of the park, Webz was all action as usual and will be disappointed not the get on the score sheet but I'm sure he will be hungry to change that next week.
Sub Dawson was fantastic, showing brilliant passing ability and scoring his second in two games for the club.
Elsewhere in the league main rivals Mercer clocked up another victory, this time against Rosies, to stay 1 point behind Balaga. Callas cowboys got their second win of the season beating BareArseAlona. In the other game DouglasMortgage won a close game with Premier Auto Parts. This leaves the table like so after 12 games...
With only two games left Balaga Tongo will be concentrating on getting two wins and nothing less to secure the trophy. After losing in the first half of the season with a very poor performance to next weeks opponents Rosies, the Tongolese will be focused, eager to put in the work and show what they can do this time around.
Hopefully there will be an even better crowd of supporters for the big match after this weeks medium sized crowd of three.
Some Match Highlights...
Brownes opening goal in Balaga HD...
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Balaga Scrape Past Bare Arses
After Last weeks loss to Mercer Balaga needed a win to keep their lead at the top of the footy.ie Wed Div 2 league. Not the best display from Balaga but a much better performance saw the Tongolese Club get the three points last night.
With Skinty, the most used sub up to this point, out with a drunken broken leg injury, Spring Rookie of Year JD, John Duggan, couldn't of come home from the states at a better time. Signing back to FC Balaga Tongo for the rest of the season.
With nobody else missing the 7 starting players and 2 subs were as follows...
The game began with Balaga having more of the possession. Some tough challenges from the Bare arsed main striker had the defense slightly rattled and when O Callaghan gave away a needless free kick on the edge of the area, revenge gone wrong. The striker duly punished with a well taken strike. But then he got a bit too big for his boots as he bowwwled O'Driscoll over the side-netting and about 5 yards into the neighbouring pitch. Straight sin bin for what was a dangerous challenge, 7 V 6 it was. Soon after O'Driscoll got his revenge and scored a beaut of a goal recieving the ball about 10 yard out he smacked it into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Balaga continued their pressure with Duggan on and causing problems. O'Driscoll again was at the brunt of the Arses agression as he was flung into the nets again and another yellow card followed. But again O'Driscoll got his own back going clear of Bare Arses defense he cooly slotted the ball down the middle with the keeper diving to his left. 2-1 Balaga, Yesss O'D baiiiiiiiii!!! More pressure came and Browne was trying hard to find his early season goal scoring form as he fired in shots only to see them hit the woodwork.
Second Half and Balaga knew they could win if they kept at it and kept the ball on the ground as much as possible. The intensity of the first half wasn't found again but they're was some chances for both sides. O' Callaghan received a tame yellow when he came through the back of the Bare Arse Striker. But Balaga held on when under pressure with Broderick and Damo playing well for the whole game. Then Parker hounding down the ball like a rabid ratt man and winning it off the keeper and sexily back heeled it into the net with style. The onlooking fan, Greener, was seen in raptures as his favourite Balaga man scored his 8th of the season. Bare Arse then got their second through some bad defending and inability to get rid of the ball when it needed to be got rid of. This made the last 5 minutes a bit more exciting but Balaga didn't look like giving the game away, hungry for their first taste of silverware!
Second placed Mercer also scraped a win with the same scoreline to keep pressure on Balaga. In the other game Rosies got a great 4-0 win over AutoParts to keep their name in thirdplace. The Next weeks opponents Upsetters also proved they are not out of the chase as they thumped Callas 8-2.
Match Highlights Starting with O'Driscolls beaut of a first!
With Skinty, the most used sub up to this point, out with a drunken broken leg injury, Spring Rookie of Year JD, John Duggan, couldn't of come home from the states at a better time. Signing back to FC Balaga Tongo for the rest of the season.
With nobody else missing the 7 starting players and 2 subs were as follows...
The game began with Balaga having more of the possession. Some tough challenges from the Bare arsed main striker had the defense slightly rattled and when O Callaghan gave away a needless free kick on the edge of the area, revenge gone wrong. The striker duly punished with a well taken strike. But then he got a bit too big for his boots as he bowwwled O'Driscoll over the side-netting and about 5 yards into the neighbouring pitch. Straight sin bin for what was a dangerous challenge, 7 V 6 it was. Soon after O'Driscoll got his revenge and scored a beaut of a goal recieving the ball about 10 yard out he smacked it into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Balaga continued their pressure with Duggan on and causing problems. O'Driscoll again was at the brunt of the Arses agression as he was flung into the nets again and another yellow card followed. But again O'Driscoll got his own back going clear of Bare Arses defense he cooly slotted the ball down the middle with the keeper diving to his left. 2-1 Balaga, Yesss O'D baiiiiiiiii!!! More pressure came and Browne was trying hard to find his early season goal scoring form as he fired in shots only to see them hit the woodwork.
Second Half and Balaga knew they could win if they kept at it and kept the ball on the ground as much as possible. The intensity of the first half wasn't found again but they're was some chances for both sides. O' Callaghan received a tame yellow when he came through the back of the Bare Arse Striker. But Balaga held on when under pressure with Broderick and Damo playing well for the whole game. Then Parker hounding down the ball like a rabid ratt man and winning it off the keeper and sexily back heeled it into the net with style. The onlooking fan, Greener, was seen in raptures as his favourite Balaga man scored his 8th of the season. Bare Arse then got their second through some bad defending and inability to get rid of the ball when it needed to be got rid of. This made the last 5 minutes a bit more exciting but Balaga didn't look like giving the game away, hungry for their first taste of silverware!
Second placed Mercer also scraped a win with the same scoreline to keep pressure on Balaga. In the other game Rosies got a great 4-0 win over AutoParts to keep their name in thirdplace. The Next weeks opponents Upsetters also proved they are not out of the chase as they thumped Callas 8-2.
Match Highlights Starting with O'Driscolls beaut of a first!
Friday, 24 July 2009
Balaga shown no mercy
This was a Hugh game for Balaga, and a full squad to pick from for the first time in weeks gave them planty of confidence. Team Line out:
An excelent early goal from Tom O'C gave the cucumbers even more confidence, perhaps their downfall, as they eventually went in 3-1 down and totally outplayed by Mercer. It was hard to believe that these were both the same teams that met earlier in the league, a match Balaga won 7-2.
Second half began and things started to look up, as a well taken goal from Balaga top goalscorer Webz, brought the score to a catch able 3-2. A tactic of quick quality ball to the Mercer front man was working well for them unlike Balaga who again and again just gave easy ball away.
After this Balaga fell apart and deserved to lose the game in the finish to a score of 8-2..... Balaga just didn't turn up. From front to back they didn't perform. Lets hope next weeks match against Bare-Arses will yeild a better performance and result, and rebuild the shock confidence.
An excelent early goal from Tom O'C gave the cucumbers even more confidence, perhaps their downfall, as they eventually went in 3-1 down and totally outplayed by Mercer. It was hard to believe that these were both the same teams that met earlier in the league, a match Balaga won 7-2.
Second half began and things started to look up, as a well taken goal from Balaga top goalscorer Webz, brought the score to a catch able 3-2. A tactic of quick quality ball to the Mercer front man was working well for them unlike Balaga who again and again just gave easy ball away.
After this Balaga fell apart and deserved to lose the game in the finish to a score of 8-2..... Balaga just didn't turn up. From front to back they didn't perform. Lets hope next weeks match against Bare-Arses will yeild a better performance and result, and rebuild the shock confidence.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Balaga service Premier Auto Parts
Gameweek 9 and Balaga faced Premier Auto Parts for the 2nd time of the season. The last meeting saw Balaga run out 12-4, but an Auto Parts victory over Mercer last week would suggest a different match this time. Balaga were without captain Tom O'C due to work duties again but at least Damo was back in goals. Rory still had issues with his back so started from the bench alongside debutant Paul Dawson, brought in to cover Rory. Skinty was back in the Balaga defense to fill the gap left by Toms absence.
Team line out:
Things seemed to be looking up for Balaga as Auto Parts could only field 6 players and full advantage was taken of this with early goals from Webz and Parker.
GOAL!!! Webz's first goal was a fine individual effort. After collecting the ball Webz rounding 1 player and squeezed it through two other players to poke it in the far corner. Webz - "I don't usually get many good ones so its nice for them to be acknowledged.." Balaga 1-0 Auto Parts. Parker was soon afterwards warned by the ref after tackling Auto's defender, who made sure the ref and the barman serving drinks heard his scream. This didn't turn out to be his last time he picked himself up from the ground, as he didn't appear to be too up to date with the no slide tackle rule.
GOAL!!! Balaga made it 2-0 thanks to a great finish from Parker where smashed it from far out.. BEAUT! Balaga 2-0 Auto Parts. Soon after this Auto's got their 7th man, a player who had just scored about 6 or 7 goals for a division 1 side just prior to this match. It would have been handy if Balaga knew this from his inclusion because before they knew it Auto Parts were level 2-2 thanks to 2 goals from the new recruit.
GOAL!!! Once Balaga stepped it up again and stopped dropping deep they began to create chances once more, and it wasn't long before new boy Dawson put Balaga back into the lead for the second time with a fine strike from far out. Balaga Tongo 3-2 Auto Parts. Frustratingly for Tongo though, Auto's recruited young fella got his and Auto's third of the half with a sweet left footed finish. After this Dave W decided to man mark the player which defensively began to yield results for Balaga, as in they didn't concede anymore before half time!
The second half was a much easier affair for Balaga, who finally seemed to get a grip on the danger areas from Auto Parts. Skinty was doing a masterful job on their hot head up front who was heard bitching and moaning under his breath as he wasn't given an inch all night by the Balaga stand in. Broderick was also dealing with their flash fella out the left wing who eventually ripped his top open in frustration at losing the ball out the wing.
YELLOW CARD!!! Auto's Olympic diver was shown the 10 minute road after another sliding tackle, about his 4th of the game.
GOAL!!! Soon afterword's, a sliding tackle from another head the ball in Auto's defense allowed Balaga to go back into the lead via a peno. Phil gracefully stepped up and slotted home the resulting spotter. Balaga Tongo 4-3 Auto Parts.
GOAL!!! Balaga made it 5 from a well taken goal by webz. It was training ground corner, if Balaga actually trained it would be anyway. Phil passed it to to webz on the front post and he bundled it in his typical Webz style!! Balaga Tongo 5-3 Auto Parts.
Dave was doing a masterful job of man marking, so close that even Auto's danger man had Whiftys blood on him, what with Dave stuck to him all night. Webz swapped the job of holding the midfield with Dave and still managed to score 2 goals. He now equals Rory with goals scored for Balaga this season. Rory had a quite night by his standards, but that's not to say he was quite! A constant torn in Auto's side, alongside Dawson, who proved to be a great inclusion, scoring one and controlling the midfield at times. Once more Parker was his usual Tevez self cropping up with a goal and hounding anything that moved in the Auto team. The same can be said for Phil who was up front from the start but fell back into midfield later in the match to spray around the passes to any Balaga runners. Damo had a steady night in goals, after blaming himself for the first goal conceded, he didn't put a foot wrong after that.
There was great news for Balaga after the match as reports came through that second placed Upsetters, failed to get a victory over douglasmortage.ie and fell 6 points behind. Mercers victory means Balaga are now 4 points clear at the top with 5 matches left to play.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Cowboys Keep Cucumbers Quiet
Back to almost full strength, FC Balaga Tongo failed to finish off their opponents in a low scoring draw with Callas Cowboys last night in Garryduff.
Team news before the game was all good except for word that regular Balaga stopper Damo Kennedy would be out again and maybe for a few more weeks with his Rib injury. Skinty was called and would fill in as goalkeeper for the night. The starting line up, infront of a new low of 0 fans, was as follows...
Balaga had the lions share of possession from the off, but the cowboys were no pushovers, defending well and repeatedly trying to catch the Tongolese with fast breakaways and balls over the top of Broderick and O' Callaghan. These were dealt with but about half way through the first half they were able to scramble past the defense and the striker had a one on one with Skinty, the stand in keeper reacted quickly but a swave meg finish put Callas 1-0 up.
Shocked by this, Balaga pushed on again but were being again frustrated with staunch defending, corner upon throw upon shot were had but to no avail, and the half time whistle blew.
The second half started off like the first, the players talked about a bit more urgency but things just weren't coming off for the Tongolese. Then about half way through the second half O' Callaghan struck a volley from about a 1/2 yard out after Webz spotted his run from a throw in. The match was then there for the taking but both teams were finding eachother hard to break down as Balaga struggled to handle the Callas forward, keith it think, and Skinty was called into action a few times while Browne, Webz, David W , O' Driscoll and Parker all couldnt get the ball in the net despite a good few chances.
So the game ended a dull 1-1, and in the stats it will go down as the clubs best defensive performance and worst attacking performance. The result keeps Balaga on top of the league with Upsetters moving 3 points behind in 2nd after beating Bare-Arse 5-2. Mercer lost to Premier Auto Parts 3-2 leaving them a further point behind in third. Rosies and DouglasMortgage played out a 2-2 draw to stay in 4th and 5th respectively. How callas are third from bottom is a mystery.
So 1 point is better than none but not half as good as 3, i did the maths, and Balaga Tongo will have to be fully commited next week to take the 3 from Premier Auto Parts who have in recent matches found some form and maybe a new player or two. 6 more wins and the title will be in Tongolese hands, but theres a hell of a lot of ball to be played yet.
Team news before the game was all good except for word that regular Balaga stopper Damo Kennedy would be out again and maybe for a few more weeks with his Rib injury. Skinty was called and would fill in as goalkeeper for the night. The starting line up, infront of a new low of 0 fans, was as follows...
Balaga had the lions share of possession from the off, but the cowboys were no pushovers, defending well and repeatedly trying to catch the Tongolese with fast breakaways and balls over the top of Broderick and O' Callaghan. These were dealt with but about half way through the first half they were able to scramble past the defense and the striker had a one on one with Skinty, the stand in keeper reacted quickly but a swave meg finish put Callas 1-0 up.
Shocked by this, Balaga pushed on again but were being again frustrated with staunch defending, corner upon throw upon shot were had but to no avail, and the half time whistle blew.
The second half started off like the first, the players talked about a bit more urgency but things just weren't coming off for the Tongolese. Then about half way through the second half O' Callaghan struck a volley from about a 1/2 yard out after Webz spotted his run from a throw in. The match was then there for the taking but both teams were finding eachother hard to break down as Balaga struggled to handle the Callas forward, keith it think, and Skinty was called into action a few times while Browne, Webz, David W , O' Driscoll and Parker all couldnt get the ball in the net despite a good few chances.
So the game ended a dull 1-1, and in the stats it will go down as the clubs best defensive performance and worst attacking performance. The result keeps Balaga on top of the league with Upsetters moving 3 points behind in 2nd after beating Bare-Arse 5-2. Mercer lost to Premier Auto Parts 3-2 leaving them a further point behind in third. Rosies and DouglasMortgage played out a 2-2 draw to stay in 4th and 5th respectively. How callas are third from bottom is a mystery.
So 1 point is better than none but not half as good as 3, i did the maths, and Balaga Tongo will have to be fully commited next week to take the 3 from Premier Auto Parts who have in recent matches found some form and maybe a new player or two. 6 more wins and the title will be in Tongolese hands, but theres a hell of a lot of ball to be played yet.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Balaga deny Mortgage
Match day 7 and the season midpoint had arrived for the cucumbers, and again, they were players short. Concerts appear to be distracting or mutilating Balaga members 1 by 1. Damo was again out due an incident nvolving his ribs and four scumbags after a prodigy gig. Phil will never be forgiven for taking the night out to watch a LADY GAGA gig!!! For shame Phillip, and Rory was out due to a back injury. He was at an AC/DC gig the previous weekend so perhaps a crowd surfing mishap might be the reason.
Anywhooo, due to a breakdown in communication, Skinty was informed 5 minutes before kickoff that he was in goals, so Broderick was once more asked to play stick. Two deputies in Sam Tyrrell and Alan O’Sullivan were brought in to replace Phil and Rory so Balaga had just the bare 7 to play.
Here's the formation:
Captain Tom O’C was back for Balaga after a two week absentee, and because Broderick was needed in goals, Parker was asked to move into defence as cover. The match kicked off and it was pretty obvious from the start that the ref had more than a football interest in douglasmortage.ie. Perhaps he has an interview coming up over a possible mortage, or just hates Balaga(very possible), but every single call went the way of Douglas, except for one early on when he gave a throw to Balaga on their left wing.
GOAL!!! Whifty took it I think, lobbing it onto new boy Alan, who turned, ran at the defence, then past them before coolly slotting it past the keeper. Sam Tyrrell might have been involved in the move as well. 1-0.
GOAL!!! Whify made it 2-0 on the night after parker won it back in defense and played it wide to webz who waited for Dave to make his run and then put it between two douglas men and onto Whifys chest/side which he used to flip the ball in front of him and tap it forward, with the defenders in pursuit the whole way. Dave rounded the keeper and placed a nice low rocket into the corner. 2-0.
GOAL!!! Sam marked his debut with a goal which will never be remembered, but it was probably sexy as! 3-0.
GOAL!!! Douglas lamped a worthless hoof up the pitch which was heading out for a goal kick, but for some reason only known to Broderick, decided to handle it outside his box. As quick as lightening the ref spotted an advantage for douglasmortage.ie and promptly awarded the free kick, from which they scored to make it 3-1.
YELLOW!!! Douglas began to exert some pressure and gladly took every free kick and throw in given to them, and after their Drogba impersonating defender took a dive at the feet of the punisher, the ref had no trouble in quickly issuing the yellow card to the Balaga captain. Unfortunately for the official, douglas didn’t score from the resulting free kick.
GOAL!!! Shortly afterward's the diving defender got on the score sheet, with a right foot shot past the keeper, the ankle seemingly no worse for ware.
GOAL!!! Balaga made it 4-2 with a neat finish from Webz after a corner kick from Dave. Webz : "Cant member the rest to be honest just pointing out that bit to point out my finish made daves corner look gud and it was my through ball that made dave goal look gud."
HALF TIME 4-2 Balaga
Second half began with Balaga back to full strength, and after a moan at half time about the ref, started where they left off. A crowd of 5 turned up to watch the game with new #1 fan, Damo's bird in the stands along with Damo and Rory who turned up to watch how their teammates got on.
GOAL!!! David W has made a big impression during his first season and scored his 9th of the season mid way through the second half. Dave - "my second was a bicycle kick (spoof),ball was loose in the box (gaf was crowded) landed to me on the edge of box and i neatly placed the ball between two defenders legs and the keeper (rasper of a goal)" 5-2.
GOAL!!! Another dubious free kick awarded to douglas resulted in another goal from the mortage heads. Balaga will have to improve on their defense for corners and free kicks, but in fairness, their unlikly to get as many awarded against them again for a while, so the ratio of goals conceded to free's/corners given wasn't all that bad.
GOAL!!! Sam Tyrrell rounded off a great debut with the goal of the night, he picked the ball up in the right back position, ran over to the left, and forward, pasted a few douglas midfielders and defenders before finding the net Diego Maradonna style, although a deflection was called it was still a fecking class goal.
Besides a very dodgy ref, which i cant emphasize enough, Balaga had this game sorted early on, and once more look like their back on track for the league title. Other results saw Mercer keep in touch with a 10-1 victory over league whipping boys Bare-Arse-Alona.
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