De Courcey Albion today began life as a division 2 outfit with a 1-0 win away to Banteer. Though the first half was quite flat with both teams playing it safe, Albion looked to have the share of posession and used their space quite well. Noel Twomey was creating chances from the left while the back 4 of Jody Mac, Dec Murray, Colm O’Donovan & James O’Driscoll did their part to keep keeper Martin Ryan relatively quiet for the first half. Japs Hayes came closest with a swinging volley that shaved the post. Half Time 0-0.

Albion looked alot sharper in the 2nd half when chances came to Japs Hayes, Tim Harrington & Martin Elsahen who created space for himself and turned his shot shy of the crossbar. Albions defence were also busier in the 2nd half but rarely put a foot wrong as Murray & O’Donovan continued to clear ball after ball. Fresh faces were introduced with 16 to play as Rob O’Donovan replaced Japs Hayes & Ben Dillon replaced El-sahen. Dillon looked lively linking up well with brother Conan & John Hipwell who dominated midfield for most of the 2nd half. Tim Harrington took the bal on a run with 10 to go and as he used his speed & strength found himself left of the keeper and finished to put Albion in the lead. Banteer started to come forward and their defensive line came almost to the half way line as they searched for an equaliser. They almost had it until Ryan reached and saved, definately the best save of the season from an Albion keeper so far, fair play to him. Albions defence saw out the last few minutes as Albion recorded a good away victory.

Team: Martin Ryan(GK), Jody MacNamara(RB), Colm O’Donovan(CB)(Capt.), Declan Murray(CB), James O’Driscoll(LB), Japs Hayes(RW), Noel Twomey(LW), Conan Dillon (CM), John Hipwell(CM), Tim Harrington(AMF), Martin El-sahen(S).

Subs: Rob O’Donovan(’74), Ben Dillon(’74), Jason O’Riordan, Darren Daly.

Scorer: Tim Harrington.