Albion made it 12 points from 12 in 2011 today with a hard fought win over Shanbally outfit Hibernians. Hibs started on top playing some nice football opening up the channels and playing some nice through balls creating opportunities for their front men. Rob Daly came close after a great ball from Shane Horan and after that chance Albion started to play the way they know best. James O’Driscoll suffered a set back on 25 mins when his hamstring gave way, enter Jody McNamara at left full. Conan Dillon got the ball in midfieldand played an inch perfect pass to JP Hayes who used his skill to roud 2 players and finish superbly with his left to make it 1-0 to the visitors. And just before the half time whistle Ger O’Connell pulled up with an injury.

Second half started with 2 different full backs with Martin Ryan replacing O’Connell. 10 minutes in Ryan cleared the ball to Hayes who played a superb ball over the defenders which Rob Daly latched onto to finish with his left of the half volley to double the advantage and bring his tally for the season to double figures. Albion started playing backs to the wall as Hibs came on the attack. Declan Murray made a string of superb saves and Hibs struck the bar and post 3 times in the minutes to follow. A lapse of cncentration left Hibs through to bring the deficit back to 2-1. Martin Ryan then was taken off injured and relaced by Darren Daly. Albion switched to 4-5-1 and did some great defending in numbers to see out the game and keep the pressure on the teams around them.

Scorers: JP Hayes, Rob Daly.

Team: Declan Murray, Ger O’Connell (Martin Ryan ’45(Darren Daly ’70)), James O’Driscoll (Jody McNamara), Conor Hurley, Colm O’Donovan, JP Hayes, Noel Twomey, Shane Horan, Conan Dillon, Rob Daly, John Hipwell.

Subs: Kevin O’Neill.

Linesman: John Duggan (10 out of 10)