De Courcey Albion made it 4 league wins in a row in 2012 and saw them push higher in the league after a good 3-1 home win against a decent Ballincollig side who passed the ball well and used the quick offload and distribution to the wingers. Things couldn’t have started better when Albion scored a fantastic team goal when Ger O’Conell, Conan Dillon, Ben Dillon and John Duggan all contributed to Tim Harringtons 22nd goal of the season to make it 1-0. Dec Murray and Colm O’Donovan were keeping the Ballincollig strikers at bay through the opening period and on 9mins Harrington made it 2-0 when he worked his way across the box and shot past the keeer. On 15mins Albion were 3-0 up when Harrington grabbed his hat trick after JP Hayes played a superb ball over the top which Harrington ran onto, the keeper slid out to meet it and Harrinton chipped it beautifully for probably the best finish of the game to grab his 24th of the season. Ballincollig were back in the game on 40mins when their winger found himself free to head across the box with their striker finding an empty net. 3-1 half time.

The second half was a half which Ballincollig had the share of the possession. Though they did little to trouble Albion. Tim was unlucky not to grab his 4th when he shot straight at the Kepler and John Duggan almost got his first with a glancing shot that skimmed the bar. Ben Dillon came close also but Albion couldn’t kill the game off. Fran Harrington made his home debut and almost got on the score sheet with a right footed volley which whizzed past the top corner. Jack Crosbie made his Albion debut after almost a year of training with the team when Albion switched from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 to see out the game.

A great win for Albion who played some great ball in the game to ensure another vital 3points.

Team. M Ryan, G O’Connell, J McNamara, C O’Donovan, D Murray, B Dillon, JP Hayes, J O’Driscoll, C Dillon, J Duggan, T Harrington.

Subs. F Harrington (70′ in place of J Duggan), J Crosbie (80′ in place of B Dillon), M El-sahen, D Daly.

Albion went crashing out of the county cup at the 2nd hurdle today in a disappointing display against mitchelstown outfit Park Utd B. Park started the better of the 2 playing a very quick passing game and utilising the wingers well. They almost went 1 up only for the reactions of mike Walsh who finger tipped onto the post. They did get their reward when their winger got way too much time to tee up a shot which he finished well. Alison came back into the game in the last 15 mins of the first half though on a bad note John Hipwell had to go off with a nasty knee injury. 1-0 half time. 2nd half started great for Albion as Tim Harrington put the park keeper under pressure and was on hand to level the game when he rounded the defender to finish. 2 minutes later and identical situation led park clearing off the line. Albion were clearly on top now. On 65 mins James O’Driscoll took a corner which was low and met Martin Ryan at the front post who scored past the keeper. As celebrations begun the ref called play back and ordered the corner to be taken again. Still 1-1. Park struck the bar a few minutes later as play went back & forth. JP Hayes & Deccy Murray came closest for Albion but then Park against the run of play made it 2-1 with a serious bobble on the ball that went past Mike Walsh. Just before the final whistle after a lot of Albion pressure Park killed the game after a serious lack of communication saw the ball trickle across the line.

Fair play to Park for taking the chances and best of luck to them in the next round.. A disappointing exit for Albion who now have just the league to look forward to.

Team. M Walsh, J McNamara, J O’Driscoll, C O’Donovan, D Murray, R O ‘Donovan, JP Hayes, J Hipwell(M Ryan ’40), C Dillon, B Dillon, T Harrington.

Albion can hold their heads high after a fantastic performance in the aoh last 16 even though the shoreline doesn’t reflect it. Tim Harrington almost had Albion 1 up in the first minute after breaking through on goal but his shot was deflected onto the post. Springfield used the ball well and  Albions back 4 were having a stormer and giving them nothing. Albion sat back and let Springfield play which didn’t suit the Cobh men too well who were venting their frustration at the Albion players & ref. 0-0 at half time with no real clear cut chance for Springfield. The second half was much the same though Conan Dillon was very unlucky not to score with 15.left on the clock after beating 3 players and placing the ball towards the bottom right though the keeper just about managed to get to it. With 5 minutes to go JP hayes played a fantastic ball from the wing toward Tim Harrington who with a cool head finished with his left to send Albion mental in the celebrations. Though the celebrations were short lived as Springfield came off best in a goal mouth scramble. 1-1 at full time.

Extra time saw Springfield win a soft enough penalty though with slight contact. They converted and shortly after scored a third to kill the game though with a ridiculously offside goal. They went 4-1 up with a corner with 5 mins to go. Tim Harrington was taken off after a collision left him worse for wear.

A great first 90 performance from Albion who will be kicking themselves after coming so close.

M Walsh, J McNamara, J O’Driscoll, D Murray, C O’Donovan, JP hayes, R O’Donovan, J Hipwell, C Dillon, B Dillon, T Harrington.

Subs. F. Harrington (’65 for rob), M El-sahen (‘102 for T Harrington,), D Daly, M Ryan, J Crosbie, E Thomson.

De Courcey Albion put the ghosts of the Saxone Cup defeat behind them with a fantastic 2-0 win at Gortnaglough and were worth every bit of it. Albion started well and looked on top in all departments keeping the ballinhassig wingers and midfielders quiet. Albion had the share of the possession in the first half and made it count on 35min when John Duggan played a great through ball to Tim Harrington who ran on and smashed it home with his first touch. 1-0 at half time.

The second half was a different story as Albion found themselves defending more. Ballinhassig were awarded a harsh penalty after Ben Dillon could do little about the handball just inside the area. Michael Walsh stood to the test and kept the score at 1-0. 10 mins later Albion put the game beyond the hosts when John Duggan ran clean through onto an expertly driven pass from James O’Driscoll and rounded the keeper while finishing with his right to make it 2-0. Harrington almost made it 3-0 when he skimmed the post moments later & also headed just over the bar from a John Duggan corner.

A fantastic win that keeps Albion on a great league run of 3 wins from 3 in 2012.

M Walsh, J McNamara, J O’Driscoll, C O’Donovan, D Murray, JP Hayes, R O’Donovan(M Ryan ’65), B Dillon, C Dillon, J Duggan(M El-sahen), T Harrington.

Albion made it 2 wins in a row with a much needed 3 points to take them above Rylane on goal difference. Though Rylane shared the play in the first half, Albion were first n the scoresheet when John Duggan tapped in from Tim Harringtons assist.

Rylane responded with a well struck goal from outside the box. Albion went 2-1 up when Duggan nabbed his second with a well struck effort. Rylane once again responded and made it 2-2 after sloppy play from Albion. Ben Dillon came close when he struck the ball under the keeper with his left and watched the ball shave the post.

At the other end Rylane hit the inside of the bar from a shot. Albion went in search of their third and got it when Tim Harrington finished from a JP Hayes assist to make it 3-2 before half time. Harrington was unlucky not to get another from a header before the break.

Albion simply tore Rylane to pieces in the second half as it became the Duggan/Harrington show in their first match up front together.

Duggan got his hat trick shortly after the break when he latched onto a John Hipwell through ball and rounded the keeper which was followed by another Harrington goal when he was first on the scene of a terrible goalie blunder. Duggan made it 6 and 4 for himself when he was on hand after the keeper parried a Tim Harrington shot.

Harrington wasn’t done yet and made it his 3rd hat trick of the season with 20 left to play. Harrington and Duggan both had chances to add to their tally but Albion will go into their showdown with Ballinhassig next Sunday with confidence after 2 excellent home displays.

Team. M Walsh, G O’Connell, J O’Driscoll, C O’Donovan, D Murray(J MacNamara ’60), JP Hayes, R O’Donovan(D Daly ’70), J Hipwell, B Dillon(M El-sahen), J Duggan, T Harrington. Subs. M Ryan.

De Courcey Albion started 2012 taking all 3 points in a tough encounter with Banteer. Though Albion looked a shade of the side they were from the first half of the season as sloppy mistakes and a lack of communication left them trailing 2-0 at half time. Banteer looked the livelier of the team striking the bar twice within the opening 15 minutes. They went 1-0 up after a lack of communication left their striker through. They got an identical goal 5 minutes later to leave Albion reeling at half time.

Half time 2-0.

Albions never say die attitude came out from wherever it was hiding in the first half with an inspired second half performance with John Duggan involved in all 3 goals. He kept the ball in play and crossed the ball which found Ben Dillon who slid in to find the net. Albion came close when Rob O’Donovan controlled a superb switch ball from japs, he took on 2 players before being tackled. John Hipwell swung in a corner which found Colm O’Donovan at the back post who headed back into Conan Dillon whos powerful header was saved at close range. John Duggan was close twice when his shots skimmed the post. 2 minutes later he had Albion level with a great through ball from Conan Dillon and finished low bottom right. With 6 minutes to go Duggan got his second and Albions winner with once again a through ball from Conan Dillon. A great start the the year for Albion who turned up when they needed to against a strong Banteer side.

Team. M Walsh, G O Connell, J O Driscoll, D Murray, C O Donovan, R O Donovan, JP Hayes, B Dillon, C Dillon, M Ryan (J Hipwell ’55), J Duggan.

Sub. Darren Daly.

Albion fell to a 1-0 home loss against Blackpool Celtic this weekend gone. Albion had the bare 11 at the start with a huge list of missing players. Though they played very well in the first half creating more chances and defending very well. Tim Harrington came close to scoring only to be denied by a great save from the Blackpool keeper. Half Time 0-0.

The second half was uneventful until Blackpool took the lead when a strike was parried by Walsh and followed up by a Blackpool midfielder. Tim Harrington came close once again with a glancing header that swept the post. A dissappointing result in which Albion will feel hard done by but will look to redeeming themselves against Macroom next Saturday.

Team: M Walsh, M Ryan, J O’Driscoll, G O’Connell, C O’Donovan, JP Hayes, R O’Donovan, J Duggan, T Harrington, M El-sahen(J Hipwell ’70), D Daly.

De Courcey Albion stormed into round 4 of the AOH Cup after a convincing 7-1 hammering of UCC. Tim Harrington got things underway in the 2nd minute when he broke clear & blasted the ball to put Albion 1 up. 5 minutes later Rob O’Donovan made it 2-0 when he flicked past the keeper. Conan Dillon & John Hipwell were running midfield and causing all sorts of problems for UCC as they used the wings well. On 20 minutes Ger O’Connell was judged to have handled the ball inside the box leading to a UCC penalty which was saved to the low left by stand in keeper Martin Ryan who parried it, the follow on shot was brilliantly blocked by Jody MacNamara. Albion were dominating the game playing some good football & made it 3-0 when JP Hayes played a great through ball to Rob O’Donovan who crossed in for Darren Daly who headed home. Daly was unlucky 2 minutes later when he smashed the ball off the bar and was denied his 2nd. Half time 3-0.

Albion started the half well with another goal courtesy of Tim Harrington & soon after completed his hat trick when he pressured their keeper into a mistake and tapped the ball in. Albion switched to 3-5-2 formation after this but conceded quickly when John Hipwell was fouled the ref gave the free against him. Some confusion & a lack of concentration left their striker with a tap in on the line. John Hipwell went off with a badly swolen & cut foot from the foul but Albion continued their dominance & John Duggan was on hand to get their 6th with a brilliantly placed top corner shot which the keeper got a hand to & spilled it in. Harrington turned provider for the 7th with a cross that found Martin El-sahen who finished cooly to let Albion walk away with a 7-1 win.

Team: M Ryan, J MacNamara, J O’Driscoll (M El-sahen ’60), C O’Donovan, G O’Connell, JP Hayes, R O’Donovan (J O’Riordan ’55), J Hipwell (J Duggan ’62), C Dillon, D Daly, T Harrington.

Subs not used: K O’Neill, D Murray.

De Courcey Albion crashed out of the Saxone cup at the quarter final stage to a stronger ballinhassig side at Gortnaglough in a narrow 2-1 defeat. Albion started on a positive note though found themselves on the backfoot following a good opening 15mins. They went behind from a free kick which was swung in to the back post where the ball was nodded back & ended up past Walsh in goal. Walsh was to the rescue with a superb one on one save to keep Albion in the game. They were 2-0 down shortly after when their striker latched onto a kick out and placed the ball past Walsh. Albions hopes were kept alive when Colm O’Donovan hoisted a long ball forward and found Tim Harrington who flicked the ball on to make it 2-1. Albion changed their shape in the second half and played well for a spell but ballinhassig were defending well giving Albion very few chances. Walsh was to the rescue again with a low left handed save from what looked to be a certain goal. Harrington had albions only real chance of the second half with a dipping effort that shaved the bar. A disappointing result, though Ballinhassig did deserve the win over the 90. Team: M Walsh, G O’Connell, J O’Driscoll, C O’Donovan, D Murray(J McNamara ’25), Jp Hayes, R O’Donovan(J Duggan ’65), J Hipwell, M Ryan, T Harrington, M El-sahen(D Daly ’75). Subs: J O’Riordan, K O’Neill. Subs:

De Courcey Albion marched into the AOH Cup Round 3 after a staggered 2-1 win over Glounthane at Glenmore Park today. Albion had to fight conditions as the ground was in a pretty bad way causing first touch and passing to be pretty wayward. Glounthane started brightly moving well in midfield but creating very little. Albion started to dominate more as the half went on but didn’t create much themselves. Half Time 0-0.

The second half started well as Tim Harrington broke free and put Albion 1 up after toe poking past the keeper. But immediately Glounthane equalised after a scrappy clearance fell to their midfielder who was lucky to get a deflection to go past Walsh in goal. The big talking point will be when Tim Harrington went past the keeper and had an open goal but just before he had time to kick the ball he was taken clean out of it. The ref produced a yellow for the foul. John Hipwell was putting in another solid performance in centre mid and started to control the game. JP Hayes & James O’Driscoll were working well down the left and Conan Dillon won everything in the air. Both teams piled on the pressure but the game ended 1-1 and went to extra time.

Albion were unlucky not make it 2-1 early in extra time though Glounthane will say the same about themselves. John Duggan was introduced in the 2nd half of extra time and within 8 minutes of making his debut for the season he scored the winner anfter it looked like the ball had gone too wide outside the box he turned on the half volley and lobbed the keeper for a peach of a goal. Albion saw out the game though Walsh was forced into a good save right at the death from a glancing Glounthane header.

Team: M Walsh, J MacNamara, J O’Driscoll, G O’Connell, C O’Donovan, JP Hayes, R O’Donovan(N Twomey ’60), J Hipwell, C Dillon, T Harrington(J O’Riordan ‘108), M El-sahen(J Duggan ‘102).

Subs not used: D Daly, K O’Neill.