27.08.07           LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL RESULT 26.08.07 – O’Carrolls 2 - 2 Zamantix Rovers – OC’s won 9-8 on penalties

 

This week was to be one of the most important in OC's short history. A place in the final of the Prem/Div 2 Cup was on offer to today's match winners. The venue was Eastdale Reserve and the weather was doing it's best to behave. Although it could have been a bit cooler, the conditions were ideal for a cup-semi. It was a good size pitch, a bit lumpy and sandy in patches but again no complaints.

The gaffer had a bit of juggling to do, now that Ash and Tom were ensconsed in Ol' Blighty. The starting eleven were Richie in goal, Biddy leftback, Jobba right, Tancey and Hirdy in the middle, James left midfield, Gibbo right, Walshy and Gus in the middle and Tommo and Big Ollie up front. Nev had kindly offered to run the line, but his services were not required as we were provided with the full compliment of officials (although In hindsight even a blind Nev could have bettered the real thing).

The pre-match talk was to use the pitch and stretch the game when we had possession. Close early especially in the mid-field. The Zam boys were all tall lads, so the gaffer had asked us to limit their set-piece chances. Well... we started off by not doing any of that. We gave early possession to the Zam boys and we were not getting much further than the halfway line before we were defending again. Maybe we were lacking match fitness, but we were lethargic. Taking nothing away from Zam who were ready to pounce on any slight mistake, but without too much of an end product. The first ten minutes saw OC's concede three frees around the box and four corners (so much for not conceding set pieces) The results were a couple of free headers straight at Richie but we were riding our luck a little and needed to get our game going.

 

Gibbo and James were starting to motor and a couple of half chances came and went. Zam were still sharp to the ball and after a slip outside the area Richie was forced to make a good one on one save to keep the game scoreless. The first break came when Gibbo had switched wings and got to the by-line. He played a great ball back (I stress back) into the area, found Tow-truck who side-footed home with a neat finish...(or so we and the Zam boys thought). The only man in Eastdale who thought it was offside happened to be the lino… just our luck. However we didn't need to wait much longer. A delightful ball was played on the break and over the Zam defence. It looked as it should be keepers ball, but young Tommo, the smallest man on the pitch, leapt like a salmon to beat the tallest on the pitch and score a brave header from the edge of the area. 1-0 OC's. We seemed to settle at this point and as Zam's had dominated the early exchanges OC's dominated the latter and looked the stronger going into the break. More of the same with a stronger work ethic was agreed in the half-time talk.

The first fifteen were evenly contested with both teams making inroads but few clear chances. With twenty-five minutes left on the clock the ball was played to Ollie on the left. Next minute Tancey goes on a run from just outside his own area at a speed not previously witnessed by any player at the club. He's also screaming at Ollie to give him the ball. This, I was sure could only result in some form of cardiac or respiratory problems, (how wrong I was). When the ball somehow did arrive at the lovable Mancunian's feet the big man was on the edge of Zam's area. He flicked it to the defenders right and unleashed an un-stoppable shot into the bottom left hand corner. (He later described it as a replica of Messi's fine effort for Barca) The celebrations took more out of him than the marauding run as he was a tad ashen when he returned to his defending duties. 2-0 and we should have been cruising. The gaffer made a few changes with Dan B coming on for Walshy, DanG for Ollie and Paddy for Jobba.

But Zam didn't let up and when we failed to clear our lines yet again, the Zam winger found himself at the by-line (over the by-line in most peoples opinion... but not our friendly lino). He crossed and the ball was knocked in at the far post. With 20 mins left, all OC's had to do was contain and maybe nick a third to put the game beyond doubt. This was executed well except we didn't manage that third goal and paid the price. In the last minute the ball was cleared to the edge of the area. The first shot was blocked and the next was deflected and took a wicked spin in off the post. Extra time loomed and one minute later the ref blew for the end of the ninety.

There were tired legs on both teams, as extra time got under way. OC's had probably the best chance when Zam's keeper punched onto the bar. Another good move saw Gibbo lay it off for Gussy who in turn laid it off for Tancey whose shot was firm but straight at the keeper. Zam's had threatened with a couple of set pieces but it was looking like pens. Sure enough the final whistle went and the penalty lottery was about to commence.

Gibbo, Tommo, Gussy, Tancey and Dan B were the five special ones. Both teams were taking excellent pens until Zam's fourth which was blasted over, unfortunately we missed our next one and so the real lottery began. Two more missed pens from OC's. Another over the bar and another saved by Richie kept us in it with 10 pens now taken. Both keepers then scored. Gibbo stepped up for a second time and buried his pen to the keepers left. Richie had decided that Zam's first penalty taker would pick the same spot. He did but this time it was wide of the post… and the celebrations began.

 

What can you say, only hard luck to Zam's, especially the guy that missed the last pen as he was one of the best players I have seen in the ASFA. Either team could have won it, both in play and in the shoot out. We look forward to playing Zam next season, they were a good team with a decent bunch of guys.

Richie O’Neill

 

        27.08.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 23.08.07 – O’Carrolls 2 – 3 Internationale FC

 

The first match of the second half saw us up against our old foes Inter. The 6 on show tonight were Richie, Dave, Tancey, Dan B, Gus and James. Jobba had a new job and Nev had a job finding all his old clothes in Jobba's room.

We started off like we never played six a side before and within minutes we were punished. A ball off the back wall to an un-marked inter lad and it was 0-1. Again some sloppy marking allowed Inter a bit too much room and it was 0-2. We tried to get some movement but too often it was broken down. When for the first time in the game we did show some good movement, we scored. A neat ball from Gus to James saw this season's top scorer finish with a cool strike. H-T 1-2. (No more passes from Tancey and Gus... you're getting too close to their record)

We started a tad better in the second half but we were still giving away too much ball. Inter were happy to camp around their own area and break with long balls which was paying dividends. Eventually James – not Gus - came up with an excellent goal with 5 minutes left to leave the match all square. At this stage Inter seemed happy with a draw and OC's believed that they could actually win it. With one minute on the clock that belief was shattered when for some reason we allowed an Inter player to waltz straight through the middle. We then decided not to tackle him allowing him to pass it to his unmarked mate on the edge of the area so he could score. And that was it... 2-3 to Inter ... one to forget.

Richie O’Neill

 

        22.08.07           Don’t know why I didn’t put this up sooner… thanks Stu!

 

What a bad brother you are Jobba!!! Your sister has to resort to emailing the OC’s Webmaster to get in touch with you… You should be ashamed of yourself! Here we learn how small the world actually is and we get an insight into what goes on at Sunday school… dirty bastards!!!

 

Hello,

I'm Marc Dobbing's younger sister. He doesn't reply to my emails so I thought I'd try via the football team. How are you? Training hard I hope. [Yeah right!!!] Here's something weird - I used to go to Sunday school with Ashley Welsh! Yes it's true. And we used to go to music time and bang the triangle together. [You used to what?!] I also once went to his house to play and he'd been stung in the ear by a wasp. Poor Ash. Well say 'hi'!! Not seen the bloke for 22 years but apart from some facial hair, he looks the same. [We’ve seen him in the shower Lucie – you’re spot on – the facial hair is all that’s changed!]

Please would tell my brother to pull his finger out of his arse hole and email me. What's the problem?

Sincerely yours,

Lucie Dobbing

 

So there you have it Jobba – get your finger (or whom ever has got one up there these days) out of your arse and email your sister! Nelly Of The Week anyone???

The Editor

 

        17.08.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 16.08.07 – O’Carrolls 4 – 0 Headless Chooks

 

This week saw 3 teams level with 9 points each. Inter and Hamstrung drew 2-2 in the game before us. It was therefore a two horse race between Skillz That Killz and OC's to decide the group winners as Hamstrung were now out of the running. A good win against Headless Chooks was the order of the night. The gaffer was there with the new wannabe, as Richie, Walshy, Tancey Jobba, Gustav and James stepped up to the challenge.

 

OC's started brightly, keeping possession but not getting too many direct chances. The best chance fell to Tancey whose strong shot and follow up were well saved. Jobba was playing in Tom's old position and whilst there were some similarities in defensive abilities... I'd never heard Tom complain of a heart condition every time he crossed the halfway line. The frustration was evident and maybe a bit of deja vu from last Thursday was creeping in i.e. a lot of possession with no end result. The Chooks were relying on catching OC's on the break and some stout defending by Dave and a couple of saves by Richie were required. 0-0 halftime.

 

The second half started in similar fashion but OC's were getting closer and the Chooks were tiring. But we were still giving the Chooks a bit too much space and giving them too many chances in front of goal. With their confidence growing a goal was the only way to affect the game. With 6 minutes to go a good ball was played to Gustav and the hard work was rewarded with a good strike 1-0. OC's settled and within minutes Tancey had put a couple more on the board, one of which was an excellent solo effort.  OC'S own version of Messy cut in from the left towards the centre of the goal and from distance he placed it in the corner from where he came. Gussy kept his scoring rate up with an exquisite strike from a tight angle in to the far corner. In between James rattled the crossbar twice and strained the post just the once. Walshy had a couple of Nev toe pokes but to no avail. And so the match ended 4-0 to the OC's, which left the Skillz needing to win 7-0 to win the group... we didn't wait to find out as the pub called.

Richie O’Neill

 

The YMCA website hasn’t been updated yet so I’m not sure how STK got on. Next round fixtures will be up as soon as I have them – next game is on the 23rd and it’s on my birthday, so win it for me! I miss you all. Do you miss me??? Please say yes…

The Editor

 

        17.08.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 09.08.07 – O’Carrolls 1 – 2 Skillz That Killz

 

A few words from Tancell on the game that ended OC’s 24-game unbeaten run at the YMCA…

 

Richie, Jobba and Gus returned in place of Matt, Hirdy and Dave.

 

Prior to kick off Gus pointed out to Richie how embarrassing it would be if we lost on their return following recent performances... embarrassing? Indeed.

 

We started quite slowly, hit a lull in the middle of the first half in which they took the lead, and never really got going after that. 2nd half was spent camped in there half - quite literally. Had we sat around a campfire singing songs about Jesus while toasting marshmallows we probably would have looked more likely to score.

 

They broke away and added a dubious second, and for a moment it looked like we might wake up. The feeling passed. Jobba did manage to pull one back, and in honesty we did hit the woodwork a few times, even so, a dreadful, dreadful evening.

Paul Tancell

 

        06.08.07           LEAGUE RESULT 05.08.07 – O’Carrolls 5 - 1 Carlton FC

 

We’ve been spoilt with two reports this week; first up, Stu Dye…

 

A brief one this week cos we're the champions so it's all academic.

 
Team: Matt, Paddy, Tancell, Hirdy, Biddy, James, Jobba, Gus, Gibbo, Tow Truck, Ash.

 

 Subs: Lobster, Colin, Dave Walsh.

 
1st half: Tow Truck missed 10 chances, Jobba missed everything in the air, Biddy was missing his balls and Paddy missed nothing (hitting the mark with several nutmegs, foul throws etc). Gibbo scored one then hurt his achilles but nowt too serious. Reshuffle saw Colin come on, Biddy go to centre back and Hirdy go to right mid. James crossed a couple straight out of play before one went straight into the top corner. Ash tried to knock one out of play for a goal kick, but a defender hoofed it in to his own net. 3-0.

 

2nd half: Walsh came on for captain anonymous, James scored a beauty and Ash scored another, which I can't remember. Lobster came on for Tow Truck and thrashed a wicked volley over the bar. They scored a header from a corner as Paddy dutifully made sure it couldn't hit the post he carefully blocked. They also hit the top corner with a nice shot. 5-1. James deserved his Man-Of-The-Match award and Paddy deserved Nelly Of The Week... which Tancell won for a fantasy auction blooper.

Stuart Dye

 

And now, Dan Bradley…

 

So into the final two league games of the season and OC's welcomed Carlton to Seddon Fields for their final home game in the 2nd division. The weather couldn't make its mind up on the day with the occasional fall of that fine rain but the pitch was in good condition ready for kick off. The gaffer decided not to change his starting 11 that clinched OC's third title the previous week and so Matt remained between the twigs in Richie's absence, Tancell and NZ's Karl Pilkington kept their centre back partnership, while Paddy and Biddy took up the full back spots. Gus and Jobba remained in the middle of the park with James on the left flank and Gibbo on the right. Tow Truck and captain for the day Ash continued their partnership up front. Tim had decided to name only three subs this week; Lobster, Dave Walsh and Col.

 

As we had not been appointed a referee this week Dave Walsh stepped in and took charge of the whistle for the first half. The half began with both teams having their fair share of possession but OC's were the ones that began to create chances with Tow Truck coming close with several one on one opportunities. It was eventually Gibbo though that broke the deadlock with an easy goal line tap in after Tow Truck did some excellent work to reach the by-line and knock the ball across goal to the unmarked Brummie. 1-0.

 

From here OC's continued to extend a margin-able lead over their opposition with Ash increasing his goal tally for the season with a good finish. 2-0. Ash came close to adding his second of the game shortly after but his shot was coolly intercepted and tapped in by the Carlton centre half. 3-0. It was at this point that the gaffer was forced to make his first change of the game, after a typical strong run into the box and shot from Gibbo the mad Brummie crumbled in a heap on the floor clutching the same ankle he had previously injured. Col came on to replace him slotting in at left back with Biddy joining Tancy at centre half and NZ's Karl Pilkington moving over to the right wing.

 

OC's continued their goal scoring from here despite this set back and it was James who continued on his impressive goal scoring run. From the left the OC's winger cut inside and played a great cross into the box that found it's was into the top corner in a very Gussy-esque way (I meant to do it honestly)!!! 4-0, and it looked like the lads were going to meet captain of the day Ash's team talk request of a 10-0 win. Half time.

 

The second half started with another change, Dave Walsh handed the whistle over to 'wannabe' to ref the second half as he came on for Gus. The half kicked off and was much played in the sense that the game had already been won in the first half (which it had). Both teams had chances come and go in the early parts of the half but both the OC's and Carlton defences managed to hold strong.

 

Mid way through the half Carlton managed to pull a goal back to make it 4-1 from a corner kick. The Carlton player rose high in the box and scored a well-placed, powerful header that just crept under Matt. From here Carlton pressed OC's in search for a second goal and they nearly found it. The Carlton centre midfielder found himself with the ball at his feet around 20-yards outside the OC's area and tried his luck. A great strike nearly caught Matt out who was at full stretch to try and stop it, the ball came back of the upright and was cleared from danger by Paddy.

 

At this stage the gaffer made his final change for the day bringing Lobster on for Tow Truck and it very nearly paid off. NZ's Karl Pilkington whipped a cross from the right hand side into the box were Lobster was waiting and struck a sweet volley that just glanced over the cross-bar. A 5th goal did come and it turned out to be that man James again that rounded off the scoring with a great run and finish. James picked up the ball within the Carlton half and made a darting run towards the opposition goal, holding off several challenges James struck a left footed strike into the bottom corner, great goal to end the game 5-1.

 

Man Of The Match went to James for a good performance and two great (one lucky) goals. Thanks to Carlton for a good, well contested game. Next week sees us travel to Riversdale Reserve for our final league game of the season to Roving Stars.

Dan Bradley

 

        03.08.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 02.08.07 – O’Carrolls 1 - 0 Hamstrung United

 

Confidence was high in the O'Carrolls dressing room going into yet another crunch game with old foe Hamstrung. Last weeks performance against Inter combined with an excellent record against their fellow title challengers gave the OC's lads every reason to fancy their chances.

 

That said, the continued absence of both Gus and Richie combined with the late withdrawal of Jobba meant more reshuffling of the pack making it even more important to maintain concentration. Matt stepped in for Richie allowing Tancy to occupy his now customary left side position, while Dave tied things together at the back with Dan to his right, the energetic if non too bright Hirdy in the middle and the prolific James up top.

 

Hamstrung perhaps had the better of the early exchanges, passing the ball more sharply and directly than O'Carrolls who were guilty of wasting possession far too cheaply. Perhaps guilty of over confidence, extravagant balls forward were easily dealt with by the tight Hamstrung unit and invited pressure. Fortunately, Matt was the equal of anything thrown at him and OC's finally started to assert themselves as the half came to an end, much of their best work involving Dave and Dan down the right hand side with the ever eager Hirdy dropping deep to link the two.

 

Clear-cut chances are always at a premium between these two teams, but as the second half progressed, it was O'Carrolls, as they had done the previous week, who appeared to be getting stronger. James, who had carved himself some decent chances in the left channel experiencing more success as he drifted to the right, neat interchanges with both Dan and Hirdy almost baring fruit before another blistering effort finally broke the deadlock. Strikes in previous weeks doing much to mask the quality of yet another fine effort. James continuing to rampage YMCA defences as Genghis Khan once terrified the defences of Eastern Europe.

 

With experience teaching us that Hamstrung are a far less effective out fit while chasing a game, Tancy dropped to partner Dave in defence for the final minutes, allowing Dan and Hirdy to use their athleticism to keep their opponents at bay, while the two experienced centre halves mopped up and killed the clock with good possession. 1-0 and another fine performance illustrating the depth of this O'Carrolls squad. All that remained was for young Hirdy to question where we were planning to go for after match beers... the boy's a genius.

Paul Tancell

 

        03.08.07           LEAGUE RESULT 29.07.07 – O’Carrolls 4 - 1 Bohemian Celtic 2

 

Having been woken by torrential rain on this auspicious day, first OC's game in the post Tom era we arrived at Stade de Seddon expecting a quagmire.  Despite the rain that fell the bottom pitch was very playable so we started to prepare ourselves for our top of the table clash against Bohs 2. By prepare I mean start slagging off Hirdy and be told by Gus to behave because of the VIP he had invited to the directors box.

The line up consisted of the usual suspects, well it didn't really but we had 11 to start, more interestingly however was the bench. Dan Green, fresh from his antics in Hamilton was on the sideline with Tim, Colin, Dave and Dan Bradley. Dan in particular waved his flag with relish in front of his in-laws. OC's were also shorn of Wannabe who had a sore knee (whatever) and Olly who was possibly off at an exhibition of Burger King burgers throughout the ages. No one was really sure. Richie was still away, this time in Dublin supporting Waterford in the hurling, cheers for the updates mate. OK the team was Matt, Paddy, Hirdy, Tancell Napoleon Dynamite, and bidcom.com across the back. James on the left, Jobba, sporting a very fetching pink headband and captain Gus in the middle. Gibbo took an unaccustomed position on the right with Tom and Ash up front.

The game kicked off at five-to-three with a considerably smaller crowd than last week. Early exchanges were only noticeable by Bradley hoping that Jobba would get injured, Tim making up words, Dave shouting for the wrong team (he forgot O’C's weren’t wearing Green this week) and perhaps most influentially, Ella falling in a puddle. Chris took his place on the sideline resplendent in Green wellies, which were to come in handy later.

Somewhere along the way Ash scored a great goal from a Paddy through ball, Gibbo scored a screamer from a quick free kick, Paddy got megged (I didn't actually see this but am sure it happened), Dan waved his flag with gusto, Tim continued to make up words, and Gus continued to try and impress the directors box.  Dave started supporting the correct team and Bohs scored.

Back on the sidelines Ella was still wet and Tennille came along complaining about getting her boots wet.  This report is mainly for those who play just to let you know what happens on the sideline! Chris put his wellies to good use by fetching a ball from the river, but got fined for refusing in the first place.  James scored to make it 3-1 after following up a shot at goal and Ella was now over at left full informing her Dad she was still wet and could she put on her PE kit. Bidcom showed great leadership across the back by saying no.

Half time came and went and a call for more of the same, there were now lots of people on the sideline so hard to keep up with it all. Gus asked everyone to pass to him so he could score and maybe his mother would increase his pocket money, Jobba got fined for referring to himself as Nellie and Tancie spent 5 minutes explaining to Hirdy that we swap sides at half time and he was allowed in the box as it wasn’t indoor football.

Second half kicked off, Bohs support was increased with their 3rd team arriving, but that didn't really do them any good.  I suppose I better comment on the football, basically they huffed and puffed but didn't really threaten, we created a lot of great chances, one on ones to both Tow truck and Bidcom that were well saved by the keeper.  Matt got fined for a couple of 'keepers' that were well headed by the forwards and all was good.

 

It was around here where some changes were made, Jobba came off to give Dave a run, Gibbo, after a very impressive 60 minutes was replaced by Dan (I'm going to show her I can play football) and Towtruck made way for Dan Green.  Colin took up flag duties. As I was no longer sidelined I can’t really comment on what happened there anymore, sorry. Basically we created more chances, didn’t score, won 4-1, won another league, Gus experienced a case of premature ejaculation with the champagne bottle, blew his cork after two seconds and we retired to O'Cs to celebrate our third league in a row. A tight MOTM went to James, and Nellie of the week went to Hirdy for using the shower for something that it should not be used for.

So well done to all another tough game next week and we await more sideline ramblings.

Cheers Dave

Dave Walsh