De Courcey Albion stepped up their chase for promotion today with their 1st league game of the new year with a deserved 3-1 win over Shanbally outfit, Hibernians. John Duggan played a starring role when inside the opening minutes he struck the under side of the bar the ball went over the line and bounced out. A tough decision for any referee especially with no linesmen, though he kept the score at 0-0. The visitors went 1 up after 16 minutes when a corner was crossed and hit Noel Twomey on the head or an unfortunate OG. Albion were playing some, at times, impressive play with Conan Dillon & John Hipwell linking well.

On 41′ JP Hayes made some great pressure count and passed off to John Duggan who made it 1-1. 3 minutes later Duggan had the home side 2-1 up whn he flicked the ball up to himself and shot at the keeper who could only parry it into the net.

The second half started bright for Albion with most of the possession going their way for a good spell. Hibs started piling on the pressure though in vain as Duggan ran clear to bag his hat trick and seal the game with 2 minutes left. JP Hayes, Shane Horan & Colm O’Dnovan all had chance towards the end but it finished 3-1.

Team: Michal Walsh, Colum Walsh, Conor Hurley, Colm O’Donovan, Declan Murray, JP Hayes, Noel Twomey, James O’Driscoll, Conan Dillon, John Hipwell, John Duggan.

Subs: Shane Horan (Noel Twomey 70′), Ger O’Connell, Jody MacNamara, Darren Daly, Jamie Daly, Kevin O’Neill.