De Courcey Albion put themselves top of the league today with a highly impressive 2-0 win over Leeside away at Pigeon Hill. Leeside started the more dominant of the two teams with a very much attacking minded mentality for the opening 20 minutes. Albion stayed safe and defended in numbers with Declan Murray & Colm O’Donovan making crucial interceptions and tackles to keep Albion afloat. Slowly but surely Albions midfield started to take over as John Hipwell, Conan Dillon & James O’Driscoll played some great football, opening up the wings for JP Hayes & John Duggan. Rob Daly was having it all his own way up front also. Albion finished the half well on top. Half Time 0-0.

The away side came out raring to go and playing much more attacking football. 15 minutes into the second half John Duggan ran the left wing & played the ball through to Rob Daly who finished superbly to put the away side a goal to the good. Albion were expecting an onslaught from Leeside but it went the other way with the Courcey men opening up any vulnerabilities Leeside had in the middle of the park. 15 minutes left JP Hayes played a super through ball to John Hipwell who beat the defender and placed the ball into the back of the net to double the lead. Noel Twomey then replaced JP Hayes & David Butler replaced Rob Daly to see out te game at 2-0.

A superb with for the Albion who put themselves top of the league for the frst time in at least 7 seasons.

Scorers: Rob Daly, John Hipwell.

Team: Michael Walsh, Ger O’Connell, Conor Hurley, Colm O’Donovan, Declan Murray, JP Hayes, John Duggan, James O’Driscoll, Conan Dillon, John Hipwell, Rob Daly.

Subs: Noel Twomey (JP Hayes ’75), David Butler (Rob Daly ’90), Jody MacNamara, Fidel Castro, Darren Daly, Colum Walsh.