Glenthorn 2-2 Albion

A fantastic away draw against title contenders Glenthorn Celtic builds on a growing confidence for De Courcey Albion who are now 3 games unbeaten in the league. 7 points from 9 sees them climb to 5th in the table. A tough encounter where the Blackpool men had the majority of possession but Albion had the better chances. Missing 5 starters from the last game the Courcey men can be given 10/10 for effort. A decent opening 30 mins saw a few chances fall to Rob Daly but he failed to capitalize. Glenthorn pushed with their number 6 pulling the strings and opening gaps in the back 4 but they had no clear cut chance to take the lead in the first half. 0-0 HT.

The second half was alot livelier as Albion did away with a holding mid and decided to push for a goal. The goal came on 70 mins as Rob Daly was fouled on the far right of the box. John Duggan stepped up and sent the ball into the top left corner. A peach of a goal! Unfortunately Albion switched off and conceded straight away from a header. 1-1 with 17 left to play. Glenthorn were getting desperate as they were shooting from distance, unable to break the back 4 down. Albion spurned a huge opportunity with 3 minutes left as Rob Daly rounded the keeper, the ball spilled to Noel Twomey who had more time than he thought and he toepoked just wide. All looked lost 1 minute into injury time as Glenthorn got what looked to be a winner sending their team & sideline into errupted celebrations. The celebrations were short lived as John DUggan latched onto a perfect assist from Rob Daly and volleyed home. 2-2 final score.

Team. Walshy, Conor (Dan ’65), Darren, Jamie, Colm, Hugh, Noel, Martin, Ger, Duggy, Rob.

Grangevale 1-3 Albion

Another dominant performance from the Courcey boys makes it 6 points in 2 games after a good 3-1 away win at 5 Mile last Thursday. Dominant from the start, Tim Harrington had an early chance scuppered as he raced onto a through ball which saw him falling short, literally, to watch to ball hobble an inch wide of the post. 2 minutes later Harringtons low driven shot scraped the outside of the post and wide. Albion were showing signs of an onslaught as the half wore on. Grangevales threat was coming from the left wing in their Croatian star who was causing some trouble for Jamie Daly in the opening minutes. Daly composed himself and took charge linking well with Noel Twomey on the right. Gearoid Collins seemed to be ever present in attacking mid as he linked with both centre mids and wingers, patiently waiting for the move to lay it on a plate for Tim up front. That chance came 30 minutes in as Gavin Moloney played the ball off early to Martin Ryan who lobbed the ball over the centre halves and got Harrington clear to finish passed the helpless keeper. Grangevales Croat was their hero just before the half as he scored a spectacular free kick right in the top corner. Mike Walsh was at hand to keep the scores at 1-1 just before the interval.

Albion started the second with more purpose and it paid off as Gavin Moloney was once again instrumental in creating the chance for Tim to go through on goal, though this time taken out of it by the on-coming keeper. Penalty! Harringtons effort was low and light, too light – which gifted the keeper the save. He parried it and it bounced to the feet of Ryan who hit over from 10 yards. Albion did make it 2-1 as John Duggan played the ball on to Gavin Moloney who chipped the keeper for a lovely finish. It was 3-1 5 minutes later out of no where as John Duggan scored a beaut from 25 yards in the top corner. Albion finished strong with a great night from the back four of J Daly, O’Donovan, Murray and K Moloney.

Scorers: Harrington, G Moloney, Duggan.

Team. Walshy, Jamie, Colm (Darren ’70), Deccy, Killian, Noel (Hugh ’75), Duggy, Martin, Gavin, Gearoid (Ger ’75), Timmy. Subs. Conor M, Rob.

Innishvilla 0-6 Albion

A run-away victory for the Courcey men in this local Derby against Innishvilla in League 2 action. A flat 1st half performance where Albion were unable to take hold of the game in all departments but still found themselves 1-0 up at half time through a Timmy Harrington goal where a superb assist from John Duggan & Gearoid Collins combining proved pivotal on the half hour mark. A half of few chances for either team Innishvilla probably shaded possession but Albion looked more assured on the ball than their rivals.

Albion were 2-0 up on the 46min mark though Tim Harrington where a Killian Moloney clearance found the striker who ran through and finished passed the on-coming keeper. It was 3-0 when Harrington was taken down inside the box and converted to wrap up his first of two hat-tricks on the night. He soon made it 4-0 after a lovely through ball from Gavin Moloney set him on his way once again. Chances were had also by Gavin Moloney, Gearoid Collins & John Finn. Martin Ryan should have had them 5-0 up when put through by Gavin 1 on 1 with the keeper but the shot was saved and went out for a corner. Ryan assisted Harrington 2 minutes later to make it 5 after a brilliant team goal from the back where 5 players were involved in the goal – Killian – Darren – John – Gearoid – Martin who played it through to Tim. Tim had his 2nd hat trick when Gavin Moloney was taken down in the box and Harrington converted to make it 6-0.

A great win but the team must move on to Carrigtwohill to keep the momentum going. Great performances all round.

Team: Walshy, Darren (Ger ’70), Jamie (Conor M ’70), Killian, Colm, John F (Hugh ’60), John D, Martin, Gavin, Gearoid, Tim.

Park United 6-1 Albion

4 months since our last competitive game on grass, and our 1st game back was a hammering to the hands of a decent Park United side. In fact, it became obvious after 5 minutes that the Mitchelstown side were fitter, sharper and after alot more game time than the Courcey men. Albion welcomed back Colm O’Donovan who’s last game for the club was the end of April 2015 and also Ger O’Connell who’s last game for the club came in a 4-1 win over Strand United 2 seasons ago. Just the bare 11 showing, the opening 10 minutes gave indication that Albion would be under pressure for the entire 90. A deflection off Martin Ryans foot was too much of an ask for Mike Walsh to keep out for Parks 1st goal, their second would be in similar fashion this time a much harsher deflection off Declan Murrays head from a free kick to send Walshy the wrong way. Albions closest chance to a goal came from a John Duggan free kick where the keeper parried it to Noel Twomey who then struck the woodwork. 2-0 half time.

The second half was to be a more positive half for Albion but once again unfortunate goals would be their downfall, a bobble costing the 3rd and a clear offside costing the 4th, John Duggan replied with an outstanding left footed flick up and turned volley into the top right to make it 4-1. Parks final 2 goals came as Albion had 3 at the back pushing for another goal but caught out on the counter with both goals.

A disappointing day for Albion, but they cant compalin as they were outplayed start to finish. The huge winter break has been a complete disaster but they can only improve from here.

Team. Walshy, Darren, Colm, Deccy, Jamie, Dan, Noel, Martin, Ger, Duggy, Rob.

Albion 1-4 Kinsale

Albion went down 4-1 to local rivals & Munster Senior League outfit Kinsale in a scrappy affair on the all-weather surface in Carrigaline. The Courcey lads started quite well holding off any early pressure and making some good moves forward. On 10mins a huge blow as one of Albions longer serving players JP Hayes went down under a 50/50 challenge and seemed in serious distress. After being taken to A&E an x-ray showed he had broken his femur (thigh) bone. A lengthy spell on the side will follow and we all wish his a speedy recovery.

Albions heads must have dropped off from here as they ended the half 4-0 down, a brace from Derek McCarthy and alot of hassle on the left from Sean Lyons proved a nightmare to deal with for the back 4. The half time talk was mainly based on closing ball off from the wings and pressing Kinsales defence from the front, this worked wonders in the opening 15 as Albion strung some lovely attacking moves together aswell as holding off any pressure. John Duggan came closest early in the second half with a shot that didnt overly trouble Kinsales keeper. Sean Lyons once again looked to be causing trouble but Mike Walsh was up to the task with a low save to his left. Lyons will feel hard done by not to have been awarded a penalty after he was taken down by the last man with just the keeper to beat, the ref waved play on. Albion got a goal back after a fantastic move from Jamie Daly who burst forward and delivered a cross which was met with Derry Gregs head, a great headed goal that took Kinsale by surprise. There was little pressure to deal with for the remainder of the half and the game finished 4-1.

A good run out after 3 months without a game for both local teams.

Team. Mike Walsh (GK), Conor Moloney (RB), James O’Driscoll (LB), Declan Murray (CB), Killian Moloney (CB), JP Hayes (LW), Noel Twomey (RW), Martin Ryan (CM), Gavin Moloney (CM), Gearoid Collins (AMC), Ronan Nyhan (FW). Subs. Jamie Daly (on ’45), Darren Daly (on ’45), Derry Greg (on ’45), John Duggan (on ’10).

2016

A huge backlog in fixtures is building due to poor weather in November/December. We haven’t kicked a ball since October and looking forward it may well be the end of Jan by the time the weather improves. However training for 2016 begins this Tuesday at Saile where we look to improve on our last 3 results, any unsigned players who wish to train/signup please feel free to contact any club member.

Happy New Year to all!!

 

Hibernians 1-0 Albion

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.

Albion 2-4 Glenthorn Cel.

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)

Albion 1-2 Waterloo

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.

Hillington 0-4 Albion

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).