3 defeats on the bounce for Albion though a much improved performance against an impressive Hibs side at Shanbally last Saturday. A solid first half followed by an unbalanced second half where the only goal came with 7 mins remaining in the game after Albion lost possession and Hibs finished with 4 quick passes. Performances from Gavin & Killian Moloney were positives from the Albion.

Team. Mike Walsh, Darren Daly (Derry Quinn ON 2nd Half), James O’Driscoll, Killian Moloney, Deccy Murray, JP Hayes, Noel Twomey, Gearoid Collins (Ronnie O’Driscoll ON 2nd Half), John Duggan, Gavin Moloney, Tim Harrington.

Albions 2nd defeat in as many weeks came with a flat performance at Eli Lilly. Armed with a strong bench Albion couldn’t seem to move beyond second gear, though having gone into the lead early on through Timmy they surrendered the lead cheaply and then found themselves 2-1 down going in a half time.

Passing was proving an issue as the game moved on as the pass success rate was quite low, though there was a glimmer of hope from Gavin Moloney in centre mid. For a spell in the second half they did look like they were getting on top of the game with a burst from John Duggan through the centre and playing a lively James O’Driscoll on the left. Noel Twomey got a shot on target as did Darren Daly when his header was slightly too timid. All looked lost when Jamie Daly was shown a straight red for bringing the striker down when he was the last defender. Albion did equalise when Japs got the ball, he had his back to the goal and dropped the left shoulder, then turned right and unleashed with his left foot to give the keeper no chance. 2-2. Straight from kick off Glenthorn went up the other end where Noel took their winger out of it in the box unfortunately and Glenthron went 3-2 up from the peno. It was 4-2 soon as a bad clearance found the centre mid who spotted Walshy off his line.

A bad performance and maybe a small shake up needed in a vital game this Saturday vs Hibs.

Team. Walshy, Shane, Darren, Deccy, Jamie (OFF ’70), Japs, James (John F ’85), Gearoid (Gavin (’55), Duggy, Tim, Noel (Derry ’80)

Albions Saxone Cup jinx continues as they once again crashed out in the first round. A cup which has been cruel to us since our Quarter Final appearance in 2011. Once again a dominant display from Albion had all the early signs of a goal fest from Rob Daly & Tim Harrington, but Waterloos back 4 & keeper had different ideas. Against the run of play the Waterloo men were awarded a penalty when the ball hit Deccy Murray on the upper chest, the ref decided it was a penalty. 1-0 at half time. Just after kick off it was 2-0 when Waterloo’s player scored a fantastic free kick which went in off the post. One of the few things Mike Walsh had to do for the day was pick the ball out of the net for the second time. Albion had an abundance of chances from here on in. The first was when John Duggan skipped past their left full and took strides into the box, he was taken down about 4 yards inside the box but the ref decided it was a free kick. Albion came close from the resulting free kick. They did make it 2-1 with 15 left on the clock after a superb through ball opened up the defence allowing Rob Daly to slot home with the outside of his right foot past the oncoming keeper. The same keeper made 5-6 tremendous saves to keep his club in the lead. John Finn came close twice, after coming on for Darren Daly and Albion switched to 3-5-2, in the closing stages as did Tim Harrington but once again a dominant display in the first round of the Saxone Cup saw the Albion last short.

Team. Mike Walsh, Shane McCarthy, Darren Daly (John Finn ’80), Killian Moloney, Declan Murray, Noel Twomey, James O’Driscoll, John Duggan, Gearoid Collins (Gavin Moloney ’55), Rob Daly, Tim Harrington. Subs not used: Mike O’Connell, Derry Quinn, Ronan Nyhan.

Albion took all 3 points in a hard working encounter in Farranree today against Hillington. The game looked even in the opening exchanges, though as time went on Albion started controlling the game. Tim Harrington had a few near misses with one particular effort skimming the post by centimetres, the only other close effort in the first half was a shot from Martin Ryan which skimmed the crossbar. 0-0 half time.

Albion pushed for it in the second half, John Duggan doing some fine work winning a free kick on the edge of the box. His effort hit the bar and over. It was 1-0 moments later when a quick Noel Twomey throw in found John Duggan who expertly back-heeled to Tim Harrington who blasted the ball into the top corner from close range after a fantastic run inside the box. 10 minutes later it was 2-0 when the Hillington defender gained possession 25 yards out, Martin Ryan dispossessed him and saw the keeper off his line, his 25 yard effort lobbing the helpless keeper. It was 3-0 soon after when Tim was put through by John Duggan and slipped the ball low and left. Gearoid Collins made a dream debut with Albions fourth after Noel Twomey hit a low driven cross for Collins to tap home.

A great away victory in which Albions keeper had little to do. A good sign of an ever-strengthening back 4! Outstanding performances on the day all round!

Scorers: Tim (x2), Martin R, Gearoid.

Team. Walshy, Shane, Darren, Jamie, Deccy, Noel, James, Martin R (Gearoid ’75), Duggy, Tim, Derry (Martin El ’75).

Albion go through to round 3 of the AOH Cup after a scrappy win over Waterloo in Whitechurch. Performances from James O’Driscoll, Darren Daly & Conor Moloney were highlights.

Team. Walshy, Conor M, Jamie, Darren, Deccy, Japs, James, Martin R, Duggy, Dan, Rob.

A great team performance sealed Albions first points of the new campaign where all 4 match goals were scored in the 1st half. It was 3-0 to Albion on the 30 minute mark after Tim Harringtons double followed up Rob Dalys opener. Darren Daly was deemed to have fouled the Carrig striker to give them a penalty which they converted.

The second half was a solid display throughout the field as Albion soaked up the pressure and did some fine attacking though looked slightly lost when it came to finishing the game off.

Team: Mike Walsh, Shane McCarthy, Darren Daly (Ronan O Driscoll), Jamie Daly, James O’Driscoll, JP Hayes, Noel Twomey, Martin Ryan, John Duggan, Rob Daly, Tim Harrington. Sub. Conor Moloney.

Scorers: Tim Harrington (x2), Rob Daly (x1)

No match report.

Team. Mike Walsh, Darren Daly, Dan Coleman, James O’Driscoll, Jamie Daly, Noel Twomey, Martin El Sahen, Gavin Moloney, Shane McCarthy, Rob Daly, Tim Harrington.

Rolling subs: Killian Moloney, Conor Moloney, John Finn.

Albion began league proceedings with a 4-3 defeat to highly fancied Dunbar Celtic. Albion began well and had the first few chances with Tim Harrington & Rob Daly both coming close early on. The Courcey lads can be happy with the opening 30 minutes where they defended well with Mike Walsh only having to pull off one terrific save. Rob Daly put the away side 1-0 up after Shane Mac, Japs Hayes and Tim Harrington combined to assist him for a tap in before the keeper could reach. From here Dunbar took control and within 10 minutes they were 3-1 up with 2 of the goals showing a slight hint of offside.

The second half proved more of the same as Dunbar had most of the possession but on the counter Albion always looked like scoring. Tim Harrington netted from the penalty spot after he was taken down when through on the keeper. 2 minutes later he will feel he should have had the score back at 3-3 when he beat the defender and just on his last touch before meeting the keeper the ball bobbled, he did manage a low cross to Rob who completely miss kicked in front of a semi open goal. Dunbar then went 4-2 up when a corner met the head of an unmarked man at the back post. It was 4-3 with 3 minutes left on the clock where Harrington sent a low cross in to Rob who emulated his first goal with a tap in past the keeper.

An unfortunate day where Albion will feel fitness played and major factor in their defeat. Some positives were performances from Tim Harrington, Shane McCarthy, JP Hayes & Mike Walsh.

Team. M Walsh, M O Connell, J O Driscoll (Capt), D Daly, J Daly, JP Hayes, N Twomey, M Ryan (M El Sahen ’55), S McCarthy, T Harrington, R Daly.

Albion kick off the new league season this weekend with an away fixture vs Dunbar Celtic of Bishopstown. Alot of changes over the summer see’s new management in Rob Daly with assistance from Tim Harrington. The biggest change on the playing field is the retirement of club captain for 6 years, Colm O’Donovan. This will prove a huge loss both on and off the field as Colm had been the heart of Albions back 4 for at least 8 seasons. Both Conan & Ben Dillon have also left the club, but news of Declan Murray staying on for another year has given everyone a boost. Ger O’Connell will return to the squad when injury clears & also the signing of Killian, Gavin & Conor Moloney along with Shane McCarthy is also a huge boost!

A stern test awaits in Dunbar Celtic as Albion have not been tested under new management. Still a positive look forward for the season ahead!

Albion kick off their new season away to Dunbar Celtic at Murphys Farm on Saturday 15th August at 3pm under new management team of Rob Daly & Tim Harrington.