30.03.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 29.03.07 – O’Carrolls 2 – 1 Volcanics

 

OC’s left it late last night as we came back from a one goal deficit to snatch a victory. I imagine Volcanics are still shaking their heads as to how they didn’t manage to get something out of this game.

 

OC’s started, as we have so many times before, on the attack. We piled the pressure on the Volcanics goal right from the off and forced them to defend in numbers early on. You had to feel it was a matter of time before the goal came, but the keeper, Volcanics stubborn defence and goal frame all conspired to keep the first half scoreless - OC’s were really scratching their heads as to how we hadn’t managed a goal in the opening period. Volcanics have proven before that they have a goal threat; a close 4-3 victory last time out was enough of a warning to the defence to stay on their toes.

 

Half time advice – “let’s keep our heads lads, it will come”. To the delight of the stands, what came was a Volcanics goal. The player got a bit of luck off the wall and he smashed the ball low and hard into the corner of the net from a couple of metres inside the OC’s half. Credit to him, it was a terrific strike, but it was a lead taken very much against the run of play. A goal down in 6-A-Side is a position we don’t find ourselves in too often. OC’s earned countless free kicks for shirt pulling and trips as Volcanics pulled out all the stops to protect their slender lead. There was a danger of this being ‘one of those games’ – having been denied four times by the post it certainly felt like that. But at last, it came, and it had only taken about 20 minutes.

 

Gus rode yet another bombardment of lazy tackles from the opposition and managed to find Tancell who laid it off for Jobba to smash home his sixth goal of the round. Get in! Volcanics heads dropped and OC’s were back in it! Volcanics were playing for the draw now, in fact they would have been very happy with a draw, but OC’s had other ideas. We dug deep and pushed for the winner and with no more than sixty seconds left on the board, James popped up with a superb individual effort.

 

As with every attack, two or three opposition players descended on whoever had the ball. It was going to take something special to get by them and James produced it on his return from injury. He weaved past the defence and drilled a left-footed shot across goal past the keeper to break Volcanics hearts. Having learned from my previous mistake, I asked James to tell me about the goal under the strict restriction that he didn’t harp on for half an hour…

 

“The goal, as I remember it, happened with I believe 36 seconds left as I glanced up at the clock and got the ball after Tancy had won another battle in the middle of the pitch. I deftly took it under control with my knee and for a change, I decided to take ball on my left side and took it past a player with a subtle change of pace, finding myself with a difficult choice of whether to shoot or pass. Normally I would pass (despite what the team may say) but this time I took the risk and managed to put it across the keeper to nestle in the bottom corner. 2-1! Thanks for coming!

 

Cue scenes of mass celebration from us, and dejected faces on the pitch and all around YMCA Stadium, as all inside were willing us to lose.

 

A big thank you must go to the lanky bloke who kicked me all game - that one was for you! Twat!”

 

So there you have it. Next week is the final game against Facups, who were on the wrong end of a 10-0 scoreline last time we met.

The Editor

 

        27.03.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 22.03.07 – O’Carrolls 6 – 3 Skillz That Killz

 

Apologies for the late post on last Thursdays meeting with Skillz That Killz, I’ve been away. A lack of concentration in the second half couldn’t undo the good work of the first half as OC’s ran out 6-3 winners against a spirited STK side.

 

An early effort from STK that was kept out only by the post spurred OC’s into action and the opening goal eventually came from Gus after unremitting pressure on the opposition defence. STK however, responded with a quick break, catching OC’s on the back foot and with spare men on the attack, they leveled matters. OC’s were soon back in control though, great work from Gus finding Tom free on the edge of the D. With the lead restored, the floodgates then opened. Tom and Gus linked up again for the captains second, Jobba bagged a brace to bring him above Neville on the scoring charts, and Ash got in on the action the give OC’s a 6-1 lead with quarter of the game to go.

 

As we’ve done before against these guys though, the foot came off the pedal and we allowed STK back into a game they were long out of. While the victory was never in doubt, it was disappointing to concede two late goals when we’ve been so difficult to break down thus far in the competition (gift-wrapped penalties aside). Saying that, some credit has to go to STK for not giving up. Anyway, it was the eight consecutive victory, next Thursday we face Volcanics who have failed to win in three games against us, but it was 4-3 last time out.

The Editor

 

        19.03.07           FRIENDLY RESULT 18.03.07 – O’Carrolls 3 – 1 Zimbabwe Warriors

 

OC’s recorded a fourth consecutive pre-season victory on Sunday against newly promoted Division 2 side Zimbabwe Warriors. The scheduled 3.00pm kick off was delayed due to pitch malfunctions, but we finally got underway at about 4.00pm. The pitch was in great shape and despite the occasional strong wind and showers, it was a pretty nice evening for a game of football.

 

Not quite the full compliment for this one, Biddy was on holiday in Thailand, James is still recovering from an injury and Olly was at a BBQ making eyes at a spare rib. Nevertheless, there is now some great strength within the squad and there was no further proof needed when OC’s took an early lead.

 

Gibbo whipped an inswinging corner from the left side searching for the head of one of OC’s big defenders, but another touch wasn’t necessary and the wingers corner beat the keeper and the Zims defence and found the back of the net. Incredible finish! Was it a $2 fine though? It’s harsh if it was, but when has Tim ever been sympathetic with his fines?

 

Zims were launching every goal and free kick into the OC’s half and relying on the power and pace of their forwards to win balls. With the swirling wind the OC’s defence had to be alive to the danger and the heading ability of the centre halves was called upon repeatedly. Richie was quick off his line when anything dropped over the defence into his goal area. When Zims did control the long balls, they had plenty of support from midfield and managed to carve out a few decent chances - they just couldn’t find the killer touch. If the opposition played the ball on the deck more often you’d have to feel that they’d have caused more of a threat to the OC’s goal.

 

At the other end, OC’s won a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Tancell felt the wrath of the coach after attempting a Giggs while Zims were lining up their wall, his effort sailing over the crossbar. The halftime discussion between the two was enjoyable: “Lads, let’s be more creative from set pieces!” – “I was being creative, I had a go while they were lining up their wall” etc, etc. You know how it goes - unmovable object meets an irresistible force!

 

With Zims gradually finding their way into the game, OC’s, as we so often do, hit them on the break and doubled the lead going into half time. A cruching tackle from Martin saw him win the ball and feed it to TowTruck. He launched a precision long ball towards Ash, who controlled with a deft first touch; he only needed one more touch to slot it past the keeper into the back of the net. Cool finish and great end-to-end football. 2-0, and halftime.

 

A couple of changes for the second half, Richie making way for Matt while Gus was introduced for Jobba. Richie again kindly took the whistle for the second half, despite last weeks claim that he’d never do it again - you love it don’t you Richie?! 22 players to argue with!

 

OC’s looked to kill the game off completely and were quick out of the blocks for the second half. Awarded a free kick from another dangerous position, this time it was Gibbo that stood over it. Catching the Zims defence off guard, he chipped a delightful ball to the back post where it was met by the early run of Gus. The keeper reacted well to block his first effort, but he couldn’t hold onto the ball and fortunately for him Gus was thwarted at the second attempt by the post. A real let off for the opposition but full-credit to Gibbo & Gus for the set piece; on another day it would have resulted in a goal.

 

Chasing a two-goal deficit, Zims committed men forward and they were soon rewarded with a goal. A quick break from midfield saw them pass their way through the OC’s defence, their forward latched onto a clever backheel and he made no mistake finding the back of the net. 2-1.

 

OC’s however, responded within five minutes. Tom’s cross from the right was headed half-clear by Zims, but only as far as Gus on the edge of the area. Having advanced into the box and beating a few defenders, it looked like the captain had gone too close to the byline to produce any kind of shot on target, but remarkably he dug out a looping cross/shot and it found it’s way over the stranded keeper from the most acute of angles and nestled in the back of the net. 3-1. Terrific response to conceding a goal and it brought a halt to any comeback that Zims were preparing to launch.

 

TowTruck could have got his name on the score sheet late on when he found himself one-on-one with the Zims keeper. With the opposition defence screaming for offside, his hesitation allowed the keeper to make up ground and his effort ricocheted off the keeper onto the post and out of play. Failing to play to the whistle earned him the immediate Neville Of The Week award from the gaffer.

 

Man Of The Match went to Martin – a solid display from the fullback. A great performance all round and the preparations for the new season in April are going well. Thanks to Zimbabwe Warriors for the game and best of luck for your Division 2 campaign.

The Editor

 

        16.03.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 15.03.07 – O’Carrolls 1 – 0 Hamstrung United

 

OC’s recorded a gritty 1-0 victory over Hamstrung last night; not as convincing as the last time we met, but a deserved win nonetheless. Hamstrung will not get a better opportunity to take points off us; 6-A-Side regulars, top scorers and big-game bottlers Gus & James were away camping and nursing an injury respectively so Dan B & Ash were drafted in for the clash.

 

Having taken the early lead from Tancell’s left footed volley, it was backs-to-the-wall stuff as the OC’s defence repelled wave after wave of attack from Hamstrung. Of the countless free kicks they won in the OC’s half, few (if any) forced a save from Richie. Our marking wasn’t at it’s best last night as Hamstrung found themselves with men over on many of their attacks but, to their frustration, failed to exploit the advantage. A penalty claim was rightly waved away by the referee after the OC’s defender was shoved into the D by an opposition player – you’d have to wonder would it have been awarded had last Thursdays ref been in charge?! We can’t win them all by four or five goals; the ones you are made to work for are just as rewarding and last night was exactly that.

 

Tancell was going to write a few words about his goal, but it seems he’s wrote a whole match report instead. Sounds like a completely different fuckin’ game! My reports are clearly lacking something!!! Here goes…

 

“The Deciding Factor – By Paul Tancell

 

There are few more dangerous things in the world of Auckland indoor football than an O’Carrolls side on the rebound of injustice. Last weeks farcical penalty award left a bitter taste in the mouth as OC’s lost their proud clean sheet record and last night the wounded beast was baying for blood as they took the field against old foe Hamstrung.

 

Despite a dominant record against the title holders, O’Carrolls knew this was going to be a tense affair, especially as the history books highlighted this tie as traditionally being a title decider and the absence of some key players ensured that a repeat of earlier 3 & 4-0 drubbings was unlikely.

 

Without the impishly creative Angus Welton in the middle of the park as well as goal machine James Nutt and the legend that is Mr Poole, O’Carrolls adopted a far more measured and cautious approach to the early exchanges, a step away for the free flowing total football style that had seen them maraud their way through the opening group.

 

Any side would feel the loss of three such influential players, but O’Carrolls once again drew on their enormous depth of talent to fill the void. An injury free Dan Bradley continued his impressive midfield displays of late to hurry and harass Hamstrung in both halves of the pitch and dilute their attempts to exert any maintained pressure on Richie O’Neill’s goal, while up front Ash Welsh stepped in to provide a timely reminder that he has lost none of his class, giving the Hamstrung back line a torrid time.

 

With Jobba once again marshalling the back line with the grace of a young Alan Hansen and Tom tirelessly and ferociously dictating matters on the right O’Carrolls had the aura of the immovable object.

 

So it proved for much of the first half with chances at both ends at a premium. When called upon the ever green and ever alert Richie O’Neill was on hand to keep Hamstrung at bay while in front of him the emphasis remained on keeping the ball and patiently waiting for the chance to strike.

 

The strategy was working a treat for the boys from the OC, with Hamstrung rapidly losing their shape in an attempt to break through, confidence was beginning to grow that it was only a matter of time before OC’s were presented with an opportunity.

 

Mid way through the first half, the opportunity arose. Richie was quick to gather in his own area and spray the ball wide to the ominously advancing Tom. With the tenacity of a pack of bloodhounds on the hunt he galloped into the Hamstrung half, while retaining the composure to pick out Ash in the corner. Ash collected with his back to the Hamstrung goal, defenders desperately pack hunting in an attempt to dispossess him, but to no avail. Like a mother protecting her only child Ash used his frame majestically to shield the ball and calmly feed it into the path of the on rushing Tancy.

 

There are few more intimidating sights in football than that of the fleet footed Mancunian bearing down on goal full flight, the fire of glory burning in his eyes. The collective sigh of relief from the Hamstrung defence as his first effort was charged down was as much in gratitude for the safety of their goalkeeper as in protecting their clean sheet as the ball venomously ricocheted across the area. Lesser players may have given up the ghost at this point, but under the expert tutelage of the coaching and management staff, the boys from the OC have developed a steely, myopic focus in pursuit of victory. As a result, while Hamstrung were suffering a split second of indecision Tancy had already pounced onto the loose ball with the kind of speed usually reserved for the King Cobra to strike a passing mongoose.

 

With the ball sitting at an awkward height and an ever decreasing angle making a shot on goal virtually impossible, O’Carrolls swarmed upon the Hamstrung area to feast off the impending scraps. While a commendable display of professionalism, how futile their efforts would prove to be as Tancy rose to meet the falling ball, swivelling his hips mid air like a young Baryshnikov and gently stroking the ball left footed across the goal with the gentleness one may display when wiping the tear from a new born baby’s cheek.

 

The gallery, led by the ever present Anna Lea leapt from their seats in delight as the ball found its way into the far top corner with surgical precision to provide what could prove to be the fatal incision into Hamstrung’s chances of retaining their borrowed crown.

 

For the remainder of the game OC’s gallantly and stoutly stuck to their task, and while few chances came and went the result was never seriously threatened and had the Hamstrung keeper not been in inspired form the result may have been more emphatic.

 

So, another 3 points and another step closer to regaining their crown for O’Carrolls, but perhaps more importantly, another clean sheet and the ghost of Thursdays past laid to rest.”

 

Phew! Longest 6-A-Side report ever! Next week at the late late time of 9.55 we face Skillz That Killz. Though we’ve beaten them the two times we’ve met, they have scored four goals in response to our eight, so they are no pushovers.

The Editor

 

        12.03.07           FRIENDLY RESULT 11.03.07 – O’Carrolls 5 – 0 Grey Lynn Athletic

 

OC’s ran out 5-0 winners against Grey Lynn Athletic on Sunday afternoon at the arid Riversdale Reserve; the ground was dry and dusty and it proved a difficult surface to play on. The sun had made it’s way through the morning cloud just in time for kick off and with that heat in mind, we opted for another computation of 90 minutes - three thirty minute periods.

 

OC’s were more or less at full strength once more; Biddy and Richie were carrying knocks, so they were on the sidelines. Well, Biddy was at least; Richie got roped into refereeing. Grey Lynn managed a full compliment of players, but Dan Green opted to play for them anyway, availing of the opportunity for a full game.

 

It was a fairly comfortable opening spell for OC’s as we passed the ball around (as best we could given the conditions). It wasn’t quite as impressive a start as last week against Oratia, but we made some good inroads on goal and got some decent balls into the box and up to the front men. Grey Lynn were by no means spectators for this opening period; they soon found their way into the game, breaking from midfield a number of times and catching OC’s on the backfoot more than once. They had a few lads who were strong in the air and good ball winners and they kept the OC’s defence on their toes. The opening goal came about 20 minutes in from a cross from the right; Dave Walsh met the ball at the back post and headed it back across goal where Gus was on hand to tuck the ball home. 1-0, and Gus maintained his record of scoring in every game. Olly came oh-so close to doubling the lead with a screamer from about 30 yards out that had beaten the keeper all ends up, but he was to be denied by the crossbar - superb strike though!

 

The second period was less impressive for OC’s; we found ourselves under pressure from the opposition for a solid 20 minutes. The swirling wind and uneven ground was causing problems, and with Grey Lynn pumping longs balls up the field, any ball left to bounce caused confusion. They had a number of good opportunities to level the score, but with some last ditch defending and no small amount of luck OC’s rode the storm and, against the run of play, went down the other end and doubled the lead. Tommy and Ash showed a glimpse of what their partnership is capable of, Ash latching onto Tommy’s through ball and slotting the ball to the keepers left. 2-0, and Grey Lynn will have been disappointed to concede in a period when they were controlling the game.

 

That goal gave OC’s the boost they needed to get back into the game and Ash & Tommy combined soon again to put the game beyond Grey Lynn’s reach. This time it was Ash turned provider, flicking the ball into the path of Tommy who finished with composure for his fifth goal in three games. 3-0.

 

Olly had been having a terrific game and was desperately unlucky not to be on the score sheet after his earlier strike. He was certainly in the running for Man Of The Match, and he put it beyond doubt with a brace in the final thirty-minute period. I asked Olly to tell me about the goals…

 

“The first one I waited and waited and waited for the through ball to come from our captain (in my opinion he delayed the pass a little too long and it was only the strikers ability to read the Grey Lynn defensive line that kept him onside) and sprung the offside trap. Once I was through no-one was going to stop me and having seen the advancing keeper I just took a touch to round him and see the ball agonisingly trickle over the line with the defender in hot pursuit.

 

The second one - I received the ball just outside the left corner of the 18 yard box from Jobba, turned, and seeing the goalkeeper approaching to narrow the angle curled a right footed shot around him and into the top corner. You just don't stop them!”

 

Thanks for that contribution Olly. And in future, anybody who feels like dropping me an email to talk me through their goal, go right ahead. Unless it’s you Richie!

 

So 5-0 and a great performance and result against a side that played Division 2 football last season. Thanks to Grey Lynn for the game and we look forward to meeting you when the season kicks off in April. Thanks to Richie for refereeing the game, not the easiest thing to do, but as always he was the model of composure.

 

Next week we face a difficult fixture against Zimbabwe Warriors. We met them last season for a friendly; they ran out 2-1 winners on the day, scoring a late goal against a hung-over OC’s side to inflict the only defeat of our pre-season build up. Having comfortably secured promotion to Division 2 last season, they will be big test for us.

The Editor

 

        09.03.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 08.03.07 – O’Carrolls 6 – 1 Beginners FC

 

It was merely a formality last night as OC’s strolled to a 6-1 victory over 6-A-Side beginners, Beginners FC (aha!). Had it not been for a gift-wrapped penalty awarded late on, then OC’s would have been looking at their seventh consecutive clean sheet.

 

6-A-Side has been playing on my mind these days because Richie has decided he wants to get on the score sheet. Twice now he has deserted goal to play up front (despite his claims of midfield last night) and both times he’s netted, robbing me of taking a penalty last night. I’ve been kept awake at night at the thought of him scoring more goals than me – I mean he’s an old git! ;o) So much it has bothered me that at times I’ve been abandoning my defensive duties in chase of a goal, and really, for the benefit of the team, it has to stop. So Richie, you have your goals you greedy bastard, I don’t care. Scoring more goals than me is no big deal anyway. It doesn’t bother me, and anyone who says it does gets a good kickin’!

 

They’ve done something strange with the groups this time around, the top six teams from the first round haven’t been grouped together. It means that instead of five competitive games, we now only get a few, and nobody take offence to this, but there are a couple of teams who are no competition at all. There was nothing wrong with the previous format, but the organisers obviously feel otherwise.

 

Anyway, onto the game. BFC seemed a nice bunch of lads and having introduced themselves and asking for us to go easy, we kinda did. They pretty much camped on their D for the opening five minutes while OC’s passed and passed looking for an opening. It eventually came from Gus after an excellent build-up. Without ever really exerting ourselves we soon found ourselves 4-0, Gus adding the second and James bringing his tally to 13 in six games with two more goals. If James keeps scoring the way he is, it won’t be long before he joins Nev, Tancell & Gus at the top of the scoring chart. So 4-0 at halftime and cue Richie; Gus took up position in goal once again.

 

The second half display was a little sloppy, but it was purely down to the fact that it was all one-way traffic and we never really got out of first gear. Even with the help of a few suicidal back passes, BFC still couldn’t fashion a goal. Jobba put us further ahead while Richie went close with an acrobatic diving header - BFC were kind enough to help him up afterwards. When OC’s were awarded a penalty for the BFC keeper stepping out of his area, Richie was in like a robber’s dog to take it. 6-0 and with his thirst for a goal satisfied, back between the sticks he went. After two minutes of being back in there, the referee stops the game mid-pass and inexplicably points to the spot. Why? Because Richie never told him he was going back in goal. REFEREE!!! That’s a new one on me, but you do feel that he awarded it solely so BFC didn’t feel so, pardon my French, shit. The spot kick was toe-poked into the back of the net, the OC’s goal was breached for the first time in six games and BFC were chuffed to be the team to do it.

 

Next week we face Hamstrung again, and I do believe we will be without Gus. That might just mean Richie will have to stay in goal!

The Editor

 

        05.03.07           FRIENDLY RESULT 03.03.07 – O’Carrolls 5 – 1 Oratia Reserves

 

Our second fixture in our pre-season build-up saw us travel southwest to Parrs Park to take on Oratia Reserves. With the baking sun and 11AM kick off, both sides agreed to play four 25-minute periods; it also allowed plenty of opportunity to get a look at new players and have a tinker with formations etc. OC’s had pretty much all of the 20+ man squad available.

 

OC’s started well and settled right into the tempo of the game. The away side created all of the early chances and you suspected that it was a matter of time before we were awarded with a goal.  As usual, Gibbo was making plenty of marauding runs down the left wing and it his rifled cross to the back post that found TommyTT at full stretch to tuck the ball home. 1-0. Great build up and a great finish.

 

With this early lead the confidence was high and OC’s continued to test Oratia with some great attacking football. The OC’s defence was relatively comfortable, Oratia chased a few long balls into the OC’s half, but there were no real threats on Richie’s goal, and when needed, centre-halves Dave & Hirdy were there to mop up. The lead was doubled after a clearance fell to Olly on the edge of the opposition area, and he’s the last man you want these to fall to. He struck the ball first time and it sailed into the top corner, the keeper had no chance. Beautiful strike! 2-0.

 

Oratia made some changes for the second spell and they were a few young lads introduced. The opposition started the brighter and began to create some decent chances for themselves. They put a few good attacks together and were getting some good balls in from the wings to test the OC’s defence. It was from one of these attacks that Oratia’s young substitute found himself unmarked from a deep cross and headed the ball back across the goal beyond the reach of Richie to make it 2-1. Nice finish. Oratia were unlucky not to force an equalizer late on after a mix up at the near post saw the ball bounce all the way across the face of the OC’s goal, only to be shepherded out for a corner at the other side. Were this The Contender, you’d have to say one round a piece at the end of the second twenty-five.

 

Round 3 and the gaffer made a few changes to the line up. Richie, who was due to come off for Matt anyway, was unfortunate to pick up a hand injury, but nothing too serious for the Irishman. OC’s began to rediscover the form of the first spell and again took control of the game. Oratia were next to find the net, however, it was at the wrong end of the pitch. Stu found himself with time and space in the box having been put through by Dan G from the right; and his low, drilled cross was turned into the net by the Oratia defender. 3-1. You can have the assist Stu!

 

OC’s were chasing down every ball and putting real pressure on the opposition when they had possession. Mistakes were being made, and it was one such mistake that led to the next goal. The Oratia keeper scuffed his clearance and the ball went straight to Olly. With a couple of touches to compose himself, he coolly slotted the ball past the keeper for his brace and put the game beyond all doubt. 4-1.

 

OC’s were comfortable now and victory was secured. No sitting back on the lead though, as there was one final goal to come, and it came from the captain. After some nice build up, Gus won possession on the edge of the area and with a couple of trademark drag-backs he advanced into the area and tucked the ball beneath the oncoming keeper. 5-1.

 

Oratia had an opportunity to decrease OC’s lead when they were awarded a penalty. Matt miskicked his clearance and it struck a player just outside the area. After a bit of a scramble, a spot kick was awarded against Tancell for a bit of ball juggling. Nothing wrong with that you say? There is when you use your hands. Anyway, Matt redeemed himself with a terrific save, guessing the right way and at full stretch, tipping the ball around the post.

 

So 5-1 it finished. Congratulations to Jobba for his Man Of The Match award. Well-deserved for a solid display in defence. Thank you to Oratia and everybody involved with the club – great bunch of guys and great facilities. We do hope that body lotion didn’t stain the carpet in the clubhouse. Farewell to Neville, have a great time on your travels and look forward to seeing you when you get back. Next week we face Greenhithe.

The Editor

 

        02.03.07           6-A-SIDE RESULT 01.03.07 – O’Carrolls 9 – 0 RHE

 

Played 5, won 5, scored 30, and conceded 0. That’s how it stands after last night’s victory over bottom side RHE. New Zealand's leading IT service providers they may be, with their comprehensive know-how and specific sector knowledge, offering services from consulting through system integration and management of IT infrastructures to IT outsourcing, but they were no match for OC’s last night. In answer to Richie’s question regarding our best ever run; yes Richard, this is right up there! A 7-game winning streak starting in October 06 saw us score 43 and concede 4, preceded by a 9-game winning streak in October 05 that saw us score 25 and concede 7; in July 05 another 9-game run saw us score 48 but 10 goals found their way past us that time. This one has the potential to top them all.

 

It took us a while to get on the scoresheet, but it was Tom who popped up with the ever-important opener after 4 minutes (and 20+ seconds). On the way off for Gus, he banged one in the net from just over halfway, the first of six first-half goals. James greatly increased his tally with four goals, Gibbo struck twice (both from tight angles on the left – surprised?), Nevchenko, living up to his thieving Scouser reputation, got his toe-nail to Tom’s 20 yard strike to net his final goal for OC’s before he hits the road for the next 6 months. Tom missed out on his best ever chance of a hat-trick, two efforts coming back off the post (although I’m damn sure one crept over the line first!)

 

As much as it pains me, I suppose everybody will want to hear about Richie’s goal. Well tough shit… I’m not writing about it…! Alright, I’ll say a few words then. Gus ‘The Cat’ Welton donned the gloves for the second half while Richie had a jaunt up front. It was looking good for him not to score, he’d missed a few sitters despite everybody supplying him with opportunities, until, with 30 second remaining, he received the ball from Tancell, tripped over it, unintentionally got past the defender and miskicked the ball and it bobbled over the line. Poxy goal really! Ok, ok, dragged it past a defender and smashed it home… from about 3 yards mind you!

 

Games against Inter, Hamstrung, etc. to come, now it gets interesting. Neville, all the best for your travels, hope you have a great time – keep in by the walls and mind the buses!   

The Editor

 

        01.03.07           7-A-SIDE RESULT 28.02.07 – O’Carrolls 1 – 0 America Futbol Club

 

Final game of the tournament last night as OC’s came up against Division 3 adversaries America Futbol Club. With fifth place the highest achievable finish for us (and we’d need results to go our way) we were playing for pride against the only side to inflict defeat on us in 35 Sunday League & Cup games. AFC strutted onto the pitch with their usual air of superiority; and hey, we’d have been disappointed with anything less. 

 

The scoring was opened about 15 minutes in when TommyTT was hauled down in the area by the AFC defense - he stepped up and smashed the penalty into the roof of the net to make it 1-0. AFC created a few good chances but OC’s hustled them on every ball and always managed to do just enough to put them off. Their lone striker was always a threat when the long ball landed at his feet, and he managed a few decent attempts, but fortunately dragged every shot wide. AFC had a man sent late on for a clothesline on Gus; it was purely frustration at that late stage. OC’s had some terrific chances to kill off the game, particularly from Dan G & Dan B, but they went begging and we were forced to hold on with the slenderest of leads. It was a good physical battle and I’m sure both sides will look forward to our league clashes in the season ahead.

 

So fifth position it was and OC’s certainly had a say in the outcome of the tournament. Go Feet emerged victorious, joint top with two other teams on 21 points, but their superior goal difference settled it. While we haven’t been too impressed with our performances at times, our record isn’t all that bad: Played 14, W 7, D 5, L 2. We’ll be all the better prepared for next year after our first meeting with the top teams - a few less draws and a few more goals should see us right up there!

The Editor