neilhoskins77 Posted December 21, 2017 Author Share Posted December 21, 2017 2009/10 Season Review.(*As mentioned early on, I'm happy to accomodate requests for players, teams or leagues to be included in reviews*) UKNorthern IrelandPremier Division.Champions :- Glentoran (82 pts), Runner's-Up :- Linfield (65 pts)Relegation Playoff :- Newry beat Limavady United (4-1 on aggregate)Relegated :- Institute (39 pts)Top Scorers :- Gary Hamilton (Glentoran - 22 goals), Andrew Waterworth (Glentoran - 17 goals), Curtis Allen (Distillery - 16 goals)Top Average Rating :- Andrew Waterworth (Glentoran - 7.49), Gary Hamilton (Glentoran - 7.40), Paul Munster (Linfield - 7.09) First Division.Champions :- Donegal Celtic (47 pts), Runner's-Up :- Limavady United (47 pts)Relegated :- Larne (27 pts), Dergview (22 pts)Top Scorers :- Ryan Moffat (Loughgall - 16 goals), Seámus Brown (Limavady United - 14 goals), Aaron Wallace (Ballyclare - 13 goals)Top Average Rating :- Seámus Brown (Limavady United - 7.30), Timmy Grant (Banbridge - 7.15), Donal Colm Kearney (Donegal Celtic - 7.04) Second Division.Champions :- Lurgan Celtic (50 pts), Runner's-Up :- Glebe Rangers (47 pts)Relegated :- Tobermore United (21 pts), Killyleagh (13 pts)Top Scorers :- Craig Singleton (Glebe - 14 goals), Stephen Magennis (Lurgan Celtic - 12 goals), Graeme Arthur (PSNI - 9 goals)Top Average Rating :- Johnny McKnight (Glebe - 7.26), Craig Singleton (Glebe - 7.22), Jason Carlisle (Glebe - 7.18) Northern Irish FA Cup.Cliftonville beat Newry City 3-1 at Windsor Park, Belfast Northern Irish League Cup.Cliftonville beat Glenavon 3-0 on penalties (0-0 AET) at Windsor Park, Belfast Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup.Lurgan Celtic beat Oxford United Stars 2-0 (AET - 0-0 after 90 mins) at Windsor Park, Belfast Northern Irish Intermediate Cup.Limavady United beat Banbridge 2-1 at Seaview, Belfast ----------- WalesWelsh Premier League.Champions :- The New Saints (67 pts), Runner's-Up :- Aberystwyth Town (57 pts)Relegated :- Llangefni Town (34 pts), Airbus UK Broughton (30 pts)Top Scorers :- Staurt Kelly (The New Saints - 17 goals), Sam Gargan (Aberystwyth Town - 16 goals), Dave Hibbert (The New Saints - 16 goals)Top Average Rating :- Dave Hibbert (The New Saints - 7.18), Jason Walker (Llanelli AFC - 7.07), Stuart Kelly (The New Saints - 6.99) Welsh FA Cup.Llanelli AFC beat Port Talbot Town 3-0 at The Gnoll, Neath Welsh Premier League Cup.Newtown AFC beat Porthmadog 3-0 at The Millennium Stadium, Cardiff ----------- ScotlandClydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League.Champions :- Rangers (76 pts), Runner's-Up :- Celtic (73 pts)Relegated :- Queen of the South (23 pts)Top Scorers :- Danny Webber (Hibernian - 23 goals), Christian Nadé (Hearts - 22 goals), Kris Boyd (Rangers - 19 goals)Top Average Rating :- Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic - 7.44), Danny Webber (Hibernian - 7.40), Stephen Kelly (Celtic - 7.35) Scottish First Division.Champions :- Clyde (60 pts), Runner's-Up :- St. Johnstone (59 pts)Relegation Playoff :- Morton beat Stirling Albion 1-0 on aggregateRelegated :- Livingston (32 pts)Top Scorers :- Richard Offiong (Hamilton Accademicals - 16 goals), Sean Higgins (Ross County - 16 goals), Liam Buchanan (Partick Thistle - 15 goals)Top Average Rating :- Liam Buchanan (Partick Thistle - 7.43), Mickael Antoine-Curier (Dundee - 7.25), Sean Higgins (Ross County - 7.20) Scottish Second Division.Champions :- Airdrie United (75 pts), Runner's-Up :- Stirling Albion (61 pts)Relegated :- Annan Athletic (27 pts), Queen's Park (24 pts)Top Scorers :- Alex Williams (Ayr United - 18 goals), Stuart Noble (Stirling Albion - 17 goals), Bryan Scott (Arbroath - 16 goals)Top Average Rating :- Alex Williams (Ayr United - 7.11), Paul McManus (East Fife - 7.08), Stephen Robertson (Airdrie United - 7.07) Scottish Third Division.Champions :- Berwick Rangers (68 pts), Runner's-Up :- East Stirlingshire (57 pts)Promotion Playoff :- East Stirlingshire beat Brechin City 2-1 on aggregateBottom of the Table :- Forfar Athletic (41 pts), Elgin City (36 pts)Top Scorers :- Mark Rooney (Berwick Rangers - 16 goals), Iain Diack (Stenhousemuir - 15 goals), Rory McAllister (Brechin City - 14 goals)Top Average Rating :- Rory McAllister (Brechin City - 7.23), Mark Rooney (Berwick Rangers - 7.10), Stephen McConalogue (Stranraer - 6.96) Scottish FA Cup.Dundee United beat Celtic 3-0 at Hampden Park, Glasgow Scottish League Cup.Celtic beat Heart of Midlothian 2-1 AET (1-1 after 90 mins) at Hampden Park, Glasgow Scottish League Challenge Cup.Morton beat St. Johnstone 3-0 at Fir Park, Motherwell ----------- EnglandBarclays Premier League.Champions :- Manchester United (78 pts), Runner's-Up :- Arsenal (75 pts)Best of the Rest :- Liverpool (75 pts), Chelsea (74 pts), Manchester City (69 pts)Relegated :- Bolton Wanderers (35 pts), Ipswich Town (28 pts), Preston North End (27 pts)Top Scorers :- Carlos Tevez (Manchester United - 26 goals), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth - 20 goals), Claudio Pizarro (Sunderland - 20 goals)Top Average Rating :- Carlos Tevez (Manchester United - 7.70), Fernando Torres (Liverpool - 7.55), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United - 7.54) Coca-Cola Championship.Champions :- Fulham (87 pts), Runner's-Up :- Stoke City (80 pts)Playoff Winners :- Reading (79 pts)Also In Playoffs :- Wolverhampton Wanderers (74 pts), Hull City (71 pts), Nottingham Forest (71 pts)Relegated :- Cardiff City (45 pts), Charlton Athletic (44 pts), Blackpool (44 pts)Top Scorers :- John Sutton (Norwich City - 26 goals), Garry O'Connor (Sheffield United - 24 goals), Tommy Smith (Watford - 24 goals)Top Average Rating :- Andy Johnson (Fulham - 7.42), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers - 7.27), John Sutton (Norwich City - 7.26) Coca-Cola League One.Champions :- Peterborough United (80 pts), Runner's-Up :- Leyton Orient (79 pts)Playoff Winners :- Southampton (74 pts)Also In Playoffs :- Millwall (78 pts), Colchester United (78 pts), Milton Keynes Dons (75 pts)Relegated :- Grimsby Town (48 pts), Shrewsbury Town (46 pts), Bradford City (45 pts), Yeovil Town (41 pts)Top Scorers :- Richard Cresswell (Leyton Orient - 24 goals), Ashley Grimes (Millwall - 23 goals), Clive Platt (Colchester United - 22 goals)Top Average Rating :- Richard Cresswell (Leicester City - 7.35), Marek Saganowski (Southampton - 7.26), Craig Mackail-Smith (Peterborough United - 7.24) Coca-Cola League Two.Champions :- Gillingham (94 pts), Runner's-Up :- Cheltenham Town (85 pts), Also Promoted :- Burton Albion (80 pts)Playoff Winners :- Northampton Town (77 pts)Also In Playoffs :- Brentford (78 pts), AFC Bournemouth (78 pts), Lincoln City (76 pts)Relegated :- Morecambe (46 pts), Macclesfield Town (44 pts)Top Scorers :- Charlie MacDonald (Brentford - 26 goals), Andy Bishop (Bury - 25 goals), Simon Cox (Swindon Town - 24 goals)Top Average Rating :- Alexander Prijovic (Cheltenham Town - 7.31), Adrian Pãtulea (Lincoln City - 7.22), Charlie MacDonald (Brentford - 7.22) Blue Square Premier League.Champions :- Wrexham (87 pts)Playoff Winners :- Chester City (84 pts)Also In Playoffs :- Salisbury City (76 pts), Torquay United (75 pts), Rushden & Diamonds (73 pts)Relegated :- Welling United (49 pts), Grays Athletic (42 pts), Altrincham (39 pts), Havant & Waterlooville (33 pts)Top Scorers :- Sam Smith (Rushden & Diamonds - 20 goals), Steve Morison (Stevenage Borough - 18 goals), Tim Sills (Torquay United - 18 goals)Top Average Rating :- Paul Connor (Crawley Town - 7.23), Matt Tubbs (Salisbury City - 7.06), Sam Smith (Rushden & Diamonds - 7.04) Blue Square North.Champions :- Southport (74 pts)Playoff Winners :- Harrogate Town (72 pts)Also In Playoffs :- Droylsden (71 pts), Redditch United (67 pts), Hyde United (67 pts)Relegated :- Stalybridge Celtic (37 pts), Vauxhall Motors (32 pts), Braintree Town (30 pts)Top Scorers :- Chris Simm (Hyde United - 20 goals), Adam Webster (Hinckley United - 19 goals), Lee Matthews (Hednesford Town - 18 goals)Top Average Rating :- Robbie Martin (Stafford Rangers - 7.14), Chris Simm (Hyde United - 7.14), Tom Denton (Farsley Celtic - 7.11) Blue Square South.Champions :- Chelmsford City (77 pts)Playoff Winners :- Weymouth (74 pts)Also In Playoffs :- Newport County (70 pts), AFC Wimbledon (70 pts), Weston-super-Mare (66 pts)Relegated :- Fisher Athletic (43 pts), Hampton & Richmond Borough (39 pts), Maidenhead United (32 pts)Top Scorers :- Lee Phillips (Weymouth - 24 goals), Danny Holland (Newport County - 20 goals), Radoslav Vasilev (Basingstoke Town - 19 goals)Top Average Rating :- Jon Main (AFC Wimbledon - 7.16), Marcus Stewart (Bishop's Stortford - 7.11), Marvin Brown (Weston-Super-Mare - 7.09) FA Cup.Arsenal beat Stoke City 1-1 (AET - 5-4 on penalties) at Wembley Stadium, London League Cup.Manchester United beat Fulham 1-0 at Wembley Stadium, London Community Shield.Manchester United beat Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley Stadium, London Johnstone's Paint Trophy.Southampton beat Derby County 2-1 at Wembley Stadium, London Football Conference League Cup.Salisbury City beat Chester City 1-1 (AET - 3-2 on penalties) at Wembley Stadium, London FA Trophy.Oxford United beat Wrexham 2-0 at Wembley Stadium, London Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 21, 2017 Author Share Posted December 21, 2017 2009/10 Season Review (continued) Best of Europe.UEFA Champions League.Barcelona (SPA) beat Real Madrid (SPA) 1-0 at Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain UEFA Europa League.AC Milan (ITA) beat Hamburg SV (GER) 1-0 at HSH-Nordbank-Arena, Hamburg, Germany UEFA European Super Cup.AC Milan (ITA) beat Inter Milan (ITA) 1-0 at Stade Louis II, Monte Carlo, Monaco Belgium.Winners :- Club Brugge (71 pts), Runner's-Up :- Anderlecht (68 pts)Top Scorer :- Nicolás Frutos (Anderlecht - 25 goals). Top Average Rating :- Nicolás Frutos (Anderlecht - 7.62) France.Winners :- Olympique Lyonnais (74 pts), Runner's-Up :- Stade Rennais FC (64 pts)Top Scorer :- Jimmy Briand (Stade Rennais FC - 22 goals). Top Average Rating :- Davide De Freitas (FC Nantes - 7.56) Germany.Winners :- VfL Wolfsburg (71 pts), Runner's-Up :- Werder Bremen (68 pts)Top Scorer :- Luca Toni (FC Bayern Munich - 21 goals). Top Average Rating :- Luca Toni (FC Bayern Munich - 7.48) Holland.Winners :- AZ Alkmaar (70 pts), Runner's-Up :- Ajax Amsterdam (69 pts)Top Scorer :- Mads Junker (Vitesse Arnhem - 19 goals). Top Average Rating :- Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord of Rotterdam - 7.48) Italy.Winners :- Juventus (79 pts), Runner's-Up :- AS Roma (76 pts)Top Scorer :- Sergio Floccari (Atalanta - 25 goals). Top Average Rating :- Giorgio Chiellini (Inter Milan - 7.72) Portugal.Winners :- Sporting Lisbon (76 pts), Runner's-Up :- Benfica (68 pts)Top Scorer :- Paulinho Guara (Clube Sport Marítimo - 18 goals). Top Average Rating :- Oscar Cardozo (Benfica - 7.65) Russia.Winners :- Zenit St Petersburg (77 pts), Runner's-Up :- CSKA Moscow (58 pts) Spain.Winners :- Valencia (81 pts), Runner's-Up :- Real Madrid (79 pts)Top Scorer :- Ruud van Nistlerooy (Deportivo La Coruna - 21 goals). Top Average Rating :- David Silva (Valencia - 7.71)------------ Rest of the World.FIFA Club World Championship.Inter Milan (ITA) beat Estudiantes La Plata 0-0 (AET - 5-4 on penalties) at Yokohama International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan Copa Libertadores.Winners :- Cruzeiro (BRA) beat Corinthians (BRA) 2-1 on aggregate Copa Sudamericana.Boca Juniors (ARG) beat Internacional (BRA) 5-3 on aggregate Asian Champions League.Al-Hilal (KSA) beat Persepolis Tehran (IRN) 2-1 on aggregate North American Champions League.Monterrey (MEX) beat Deportivo Necaxa (MEX) 3-2 on aggregate OFC Champions League.Auckland City (NZL) beat Uncles (SOL) 2-1 at Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands Argentina.Winners :- River Plate, Runner's-Up :- Estudiantes La Plata Australia.Hyundai A-League Regular Season Winners :- Central Coast Mariners, Runner's-Up :- Queensland RoarHyundai A-League Grand Final :- Central Coast Mariners beat Queensland Roar 2-0 at Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford Brazil.Winners :- Cruzeiro, Runner's-Up :- Internacional United States of America.Major League Soccer Regular Season Winners :- San Jose Earthquakes, Runner's-Up :- New England RevolutionMajor League Soccer Final :- New England Revolution beat San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 (AET - 4-1 on penalties) at Robertson Stadium, Houston ------------- International. 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. Hosts :- South AfricaFull report to follow in the next post 2010 African Cup of Nations. Hosts :- AngolaCameroon beat Mali 2-0 at Estádio da Cidadela, Luanda, AngolaTop Scorers :- Gélson Fernandes (Cape Verde - 4 goals), Adil Ramzi (Morocco - 3 goals), Mehdi Lacen (Algeria - 3 goals)Top Average Rating :- Moustapha Bayal (Senegal - 8.10), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon - 7.73), Pape Diakhate (Senegal - 7.65) 2009 North American Gold Cup. Hosts :- United States of AmericaMexico beat Costa Rica 3-2 at Aloha Stadium, HonoluluTop Scorers :- Jozy Altidore (USA - 4 goals), Andrés Guardado (Mexico - 3 goals), Carlos Costly (Honduras - 3 goals)Top Average Rating :- Juan Carlos Cacho (Mexico - 7.67), Andrés Guardado (Mexico - 7.50), Pável Pardo (Mexico - 7.20) 2010 Oceania Nations Cup. Hosts :- New ZealandSolomon Islands beat New Zealand 4-2 on aggregateTop Scorers :- Benjamin Totori (Solomon Islands - 11 goals), Shane Smeltz (New Zealand - 7 goals), Roy Krishna (Fiji - 6 goals)Top Average Rating :- Shane Smeltz (New Zealand - 8.63), Ryan Nelsen (New Zealand - 8.38), Costa Barbarouses (New Zealand - 7.90) 2009 Under-20 World Cup. Hosts :- EgyptBrazil beat Bulgaria 2-0 at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, EgyptTop Scorers :- Marquinhos (Brazil - 10 goals), Alberto Paloschi (Italy - 7 goals), Miha Kokol (Slovenia - 5 goals)Top Average Rating :- Marquinhos (Brazil - 8.50), Dentinho (Brazil - 8.29), Alex Teixeira (Brazil - 7.67) 2009 South American Under-20 Championships. Hosts :- ParaguayWinners :- Brazil (12 pts). Runners-Up :- Paraguay (9 pts). 3rd place :- Argentina (9 pts).Top Scorers :- Marquinhos (Brazil - 10 goals), Guilherme (Brazil - 6 goals), Wiston Girón (Colombia - 6 goals)Top Average Rating :- Guilherme (Brazil - 8.17), Dentinho (Brazil - 8.17), Marquinhos (Brazil - 8.00) 2009 European Under-21 Championships. Hosts :- SwedenSweden beat France 2-1 at Råsunda, Stockholm, SwedenTop Scorer :- Yannick Djaló (Portugal - 4 goals)Top Average Rating :- Yannick Djaló (Portugal - 8.50) 2009 European Under-19 Championships. Hosts :- TurkeyCroatia beat Turkey 2-0 at Istanbul Inönü, Istanbul, TurkeyTop Scorer :- Sandi Krizman (Croatia - 4 goals)Top Average Rating :- Michele Marconi (Italy - 7.90)------------- Awards.FIFA World Footballer of the Year.1st :- Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina), 2nd :- Kaká (AC Milan & Brazil), 3rd :- Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United & Portugal) UEFA European Footballer of the Year.1st :- David Beckham (Newcastle United & England), 2nd :- Carlos Tevez (Manchester United & Argentina), 3rd :- Fernando Torres (Liverpool & Spain) European Golden Boot.1st :- Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), 2nd :- Sergio Floccari (Atalanta), 3rd :- Ruud van Nistlerooy (Deportivo La Coruna)------------- Richest Clubs.1st :- Real Madrid (SPA). 2nd :- FC Barcelona (SPA). 3rd :- Manchester United (ENG). 4th :- Arsenal (ENG). 5th :- AS Roma (ITA) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 21, 2017 Author Share Posted December 21, 2017 FIFA 2010 World Cup Finals. Hosts :- South Africa. Holders :- Italy Qualifiers :- South Africa (Host Nation), Italy (Reigning Champions), Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Holland, Iran, Ivory Coast, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United States of America & Uruguay. First Round Group A - (Belgium, Colombia, Italy, Morocco) A three way fight between the two European nations and a very good South American side was expected, and that was what we got. Italy and Colombia drew a blank against each other, while Belgium took the early advantage with a win over Morocco. That meant a win was vital for Colombia when they faced the North Africans, and they duly got the job done, before getting some help. The next day Italy beat Belgium, despite Andrea Pirlo missing a spot kick. Now all Colombia had to do was avoid defeat in the final round of games, which they duly did, frustrating René Vandereycken's side to earn their place in the Knockout Round, while Italy won the Group with a 3-0 win over the Moroccans, who left without so much as a goal 1st :- (Q)Italy (7pts), 2nd :- (Q)Colombia (5pts):- 3rd :- Belgium (4pts), 4th :- Morocco (0pts)----------------------- Group B - (Algeria, Iran, Scotland, Spain)George Burley's Tartan Army travelled to South Africa believing that 2010 would finally be the year they made it into the Knockout Stages of a FIFA World Cup Finals, buoyed by what was a fairly kind draw. They would face their toughest match first, facing Spain in Port Elizabeth. It would be a damage limitation job for the Scots, and they kept that damage down to three goals. They would be boosted by Iran and Algeria playing out a 1-1 draw. Things would start to go to plan in matchday two, as Spain beat Algeria, though less comfortably than they had beaten the Scots, eventually securing at 2-1 win. Later that day, a goal in each half would see Scotland past Iran 2-0. That meant that Spain were through, and Scotland and Algeria would meet for a place in the last sixteen. Spain scored three more to confirm the Group winners spot, but most of the attention was on Cape Town, where a goal just before the hour from Mainz winger Chadli Amri put Algeria through, and sent a dejected Scottish side home early once again. 1st :- (Q)Spain (9pts), 2nd :- (Q)Algeria (4pts), 3rd :- Scotland (3pts), 4th :- Iran (1pt)----------------------- Group C - (Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal, South Africa) Being hosts didn't do South Africa too many favours when the draw was made, as they pitched headlong into a pretty even looking Group, where they were still arguably the weakest nation. Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal side would be favourites to progress, and they wouldn't disappoint, winning all three games without conceding a goal, but without looking like world beaters. South Africa would be last up to face the Portuguese, and by that time, they were already out after losing against Mexico and Paraguay. So it would be North America v South America on the final matchday to join Portugal in the Second Round. In a predictably feisty match that saw three players carried off injured, a trio of first half goals would decide the contest, with Mexico having the edge for a 2-1 win. 1st :- (Q)Portugal (9pts), 2nd :- (Q)Mexico (6pts), 3rd :- Paraguay (3pts), 4th :- South Africa (0pts)-------------------------- Group D - (Czech Republic, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay) Another Group that had the capability of throwing up a shock or two, but the tone was set early. The Dutch got the good start required that often sets the tone for their better tournaments, and dispatched Saudi Arabia with a goal at each end of the match. In one of the more interesting opening matchday ties, Uruguay got themselves up an running with a 2-0 win over the lacklustre Czech's. A 1-1 draw between the two winning nations gave us no clue as to who would progress, especially after the Czech's picked up their first win. It would all be settled on the final day, Holland winning the all European match with a very late Ryan Babel goal, while Uruguay squeezed past a Saudi side who failed to score, but proved pretty hard to break down. Holland win the Group by virtue of finding the net more often. 1st :- (Q)Holland (7pts), 2nd :- (Q)Uruguay (7pts), 3rd :- Czech Republic (3pts), 4th :- Saudi Arabia (0pts)------------------------- Group E - (Angola, Argentina, Australia, Germany) You have to feel a bit sorry for the Aussies. They have a golden generation of footballers, with almost the entire squad playing in European Leagues. Then they go and land perennial World Cup challengers, Argentina and Germany in their Group. They would start against the South Americans, going down 2-0, while Germany thrashed an Angola side at their second consecutive World Cup Finals, a brace from Michael Ballack featuring in their 5-1 win. The Germans wouldn't have things all their own way though, as they were held 1-1 by the Aussies next time out, a goal from forward Nikita Rukavytsya, who plays in Holland with FC Twente. Meanwhile, Argentina were securing their passage with a 3-0 win over Angola, eliminating the African nation while doing so. That meant that if Argentina could beat Germany, then Australia would have a shot at Qualifying if they could overturn the goal difference against Angola. They held up their end of the bargain too, winning 3-0 with a double from Celtic's forward, Scott McDonald. It wasn't to be though, a Lionel Messi double had Argentina two up, but three goals in eight minutes either side of the break gave Germany the win and the Group Winners slot. 1st :- (Q)Germany (7pts), 2nd :- (Q)Argentina (6pts), 3rd :- Australia (4pts), 4th :- Angola (0pts)------------------------- Group F - (Brazil, Croatia, Japan, United States of America) This isn't a particularly pleasant Group for anyone either. United States beat Japan 2-0 to get their campaign off to an ideal start, while Brazil and Croatia played out one of the dullest games you'll ever see for a 0-0 draw. Croatia got back to form next time out, as they beat the United States 2-1 with a brace from Harry Redknapp's favourite player, one Niko Kranjcar. But in Cape Town, the Brazilians were struggling. An early Robinho goal could, and should, have shaken the cobwebs. It didn't though, as they couldn't find another way through, and VfL Wolfsburg midfielder Makoto Hasebe equalised in the 90th minute! Croatia knew a win over Japan would win them the Group, and they looked every bit the best side in the Group as well with a 7-2 humbling of the Asian heavyweights, which included a Ivica Olic hatrick. Brazil had to beat the States just to secure their passage through, and they finally produced a performance, of sorts. Robinho scored in the opening minute, and an own goal from keeper Tim Howard supplemented their total, and they were safely through, but facing a very difficult route through the tournament now. 1st :- (Q)Croatia (7pts), 2nd :- (Q)Brazil (5pts), 3rd :- United States of America (3pts); 4th :- Japan (1pt)------------------------- Group G - (Costa Rica, England, Ivory Coast, Switzerland)Fabio Capello had retired in November, right after securing the safe passage to the Finals, and England were in the hands of Alan Curbishley for these Finals. A reasonably kind draw saw them open against the other European nation, Switzerland. A comfortable 3-0 win in searing heat got the Three Lions off to a great start, while the Ivory Coast beat Costa Rica in a five goal thriller. England's good form continued next time out in Bloemfontein, where in much cooler conditions, a pair of Wayne Rooney goals saw them earn another 3-0 win and progress, this time it was Costa Rica who were swept aside. Ivory Coast would also progress, as they beat a poor Swiss side 2-1. That left England facing the Africans for the Group winners spot, and first half goals from Stewart Downing and a Frank Lampard penalty capped off England's strong First Round performance. 1st :- (Q)England (9pts), 2nd :- (Q)Ivory Coast (6pts), 3rd :- Switzerland (3pts), 4th :- Costa Rica (0pts)------------------------- Group H - (Egypt, France, Poland, South Korea) The final Group was an interesting one. France are temperamental when it came to tournaments, Poland were a very hard working side with a handful of top end players, while South Korea were likely considered the best side in Asia at the moment. The opening matches went to form, with South Korea and France 2-0 winners over Egypt and Poland respectively. When the two winners met next time out, a 0-0 draw left the door ajar for Poland, and a 2-0 win over Egypt in Durban made the final day very interesting, with only Egypt out of the running. Unfortunately, neither France or South Korea had read the script for drama, and France blew the Egyptians away 4-0, the goals all coming in a twenty minute first half spell. Notwithstanding an early equaliser, South Korea were in the driving seat against Poland, coming away with a 3-1 win, and securing their passage through, albeit with an inferior goal difference. 1st :- (Q)France (7pts), 2nd :- (Q)South Korea (7pts), 3rd :- Poland (3pts), 4th :- Egypt (0pts)------------------------ Second Round The Knockout Stage got underway with the holders Italy facing surprise package Algeria on an afternoon in Durban that saw temperatures close to 40c. Not surprisingly, the pace was slow, and it took an Antonio Cassano goal near the hour mark to secure the Azzurri's path into the last eight. Could they go back to back? There was some serious latin on show in the evening match, as Spain faced Colombia. The South Americans surprised everyone by leaving VfL Wolfsburg goal machine Radamel Falcao on the bench, and posed the Spaniards little threat, a goal in each half enough for another European nation to make their way into the Quarter-Finals. Sunday would provide plenty of goals to accompany the roast dinners and a few afternoon pints. It started with an outstanding match in Johannesburg, which saw Mexico go ahead early against Holland, only for the Dutch to equalise quickly, and then move into a 3-1 lead. But two Mexican goals in the last twenty minutes saw the match move into extra time, and eventually, penalties. The first five were perfect, but then Mexican holding midfielder Jonny Magallón missed, and Wesley Sneijder blasted home the winning kick to give Holland a 5-3 spot kick win. Later that day, Deco scored twice to see Portugal two goals up at the break against Uruguay. The match came back to life in the 65th minute with a Sebastián Eguren goal, but two more gave Portugal a comfortable 4-1 win, though they have not managed to tee up Cristiano Ronaldo yet, the Manchester United forward has yet to find the net. Monday would host a pair of very intriguing looking matches. The goals continued to flow, as Argentina swept past Croatia, scoring three times in the opening hour, with Croatia only managing to find a reply in injury time, going out with a whimper, 3-1. In a true heavyweight clash, Brazil's reward for falling behind Croatia in the Group Stage was a last sixteen tie with Germany. In a result that few people predicted, it would turn out to be a South American double over Europe for the day. Cruzeiro midfielder Ramires, reportedly a target for Ajax, would net what would turn out to be the winning goal five minutes after the break. On the final day of Second Round action, we saw some World Cup Finals history, and a shock. Both occurances would come in the opening match of the day and penultimate fixture of the round, France facing Ivory Coast in Polokwane. A nervous goaless draw gave no clue of the drama that was to follow. Neither side could break the dealock in the extra half an hour, and we would move onto penalties. In the extraordinary minutes that followed, the sides would convert ten consecutive penalties......each! The record for most spot kicks in the Finals up to that point had been twelve. Here, number 21 fell to William Gallas, who would miss. But Stephan Louboé would also miss, and pass up a chance to progress. With all eleven on each side having taken a spot kick, we would go back to the top of the order, and Hatem Ben Arfa. The man who is just about to leave Olympique Marseille and join Real Madrid would miss this time, and Salomon Kalou would punish it to the full extent possible, finding the corner and moving Ivory Coast through 11-10 on penalties after a monster 24 kick shoot out. The final match of the Round would seem tame in comparison, unless you were an Englishman of course. Baddiel & Skinner might be sensing another payday, as England thumped South Korea 4-0, though they got their fair share of help. Wayne Rooney netted the opener, before the Koreans netted a bizarre three own goals, two of them from the same player. Dare the English dream of another World Cup triumph? Quarter-Finals The first day of the Quarter-Finals would fail miserably to match the drama of Tuesday's football. In the battle of the Iberian peninsula, Spain faced Portugal. A 52nd minute header from a corner by Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos saw Spain progress into the last four, and Europe's reigning Champions were dreaming of taking their domination all the way to a first ever World Cup. The second match saw Italy face Holland in Soccer City, Johannesburg. It was never going to be a goal-fest with the Italians involved, but there would be heartbreak for the 2006 winners, as an 87th minute free kick from soon to be Chelsea player Ibrahim Afellay put the Oranje into the Semi-Finals, and the holders on a flight home. The second day of the last eight didn't bring about too much more in the way of goals, but it did bring some increased drama. 24 years after their epic Quarter-Final in Mexico City, and twelve after their match at the same stage in Saint-Étienne, it was Argentina v England once more. Neither side could find a goal in the ninety minutes, but with just eight minutes remaining in extra time, Inter Milan and Argentina centre back, Walter Samuel was sent off. England had eight minutes to find a way through and avoid more possible heartbreak on penalties. It would take them nine minutes, but fortunately that bit of injury time was just enough, Valencia midfielder Owen Hargreaves picking an opportune moment to net his first International goal, and England were in the Semi-Finals. Later in the day, Brazil faced Ivory Coast for the final place in the last four. Goalless after the ninety minutes, this match burst into life in the extra time period, firstly with Igor Lolo scoring for the Africans just two minutes in. That shook the Brazilians into life, and they found an equaliser just two minutes later through Amauri. The match would go to penalties, and after both sides scored their opening two spot kicks, they would then mirror each other by missing their third. After both scored their fourth, Felipe Melo would make it advantage Brazil with a 4-3 lead. Didier Drogba would step forward, the Ivorians favourite son. He wasn't known for letting his nation down, but his spot kick was awful, and Ivory Coast's brave run had come to an end. Semi-Finals Durban would host the first Semi-Final on Tuesday evening, and it was an all-European affair between Holland and England. The Dutch would take the early advantage, with Dirk Kuyt firing home a penalty. An all action opening quarter of an hour was completed when Ibrahim Afellay, the Oranje hero of the last round, would turn to villain, as he turned the ball into his own net, and the match was quickly all square again. An hour of tense action followed, with both sides scared of making a mistake. It would take a touch of genius to win this one. Enter Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben, who scored a superb solo effort. Holland would need to finish the match with ten men, Nigel de Jong getting injured and their subs already on. But England couldn't find a way through this time, and Alan Curbishley's men would go home with plenty of credit, but once again missing out on the elusive prize. The second last four match would take place the following evening, as Spain faced Brazil in Johannesburg. The five time winners from South America would need their top form today, they had yet to conclusivley show it in South Africa. The European Champions were looking for a maiden World Title, and had been playing very well in these Finals. They would get the job done here as well, though it took them a while. Valencia players were having a great season after their La Liga success, and another of their number pop up with the winner here, ex Arsenal winger José Antonio Reyes netted the winner in the 82nd minute. They could have added a gloss to the score in the 90th minute, but Marcos Senna missed a penalty. 3rd/4th Place Playoff The match no one wants to play in. It can frequently end up being an entertaining match, but this one wouldn't be. There were only three shots on target in the entire match, and all of them resulted in goals. Hernanes scored in the 16th minute, and Amauri added a second goal in the 48th minute. England did manage a consolation goal in injury time, through Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. They didn't have enough time to prevent Brazil from taking third place though. The Final Johannesburg would host the World Cup Final at the Soccer City stadium in front of over 87,000 fans. The match is seldom a top notch match to watch for your average football fan, the tension usually plays a bigger part than the skill levels that have often been a feature through the tournament. This one would gain some notoriety of it's own though, as there were already five names in the referee's notebook when David Villa would be booked for a second time in the 64th minute, and Spain were reduced to ten. In a match where both sides were seeking to win their first ever World Cup, the Dutch would manage to even the numbers on the park, as fifteen minutes later, Ryan Donk would pick up his second yellow, and we were down to ten a side. The match move into extra time, and looked for all the world that it would go to penalties. But with just four minutes remaining, Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso sent in a low shot that skimmed the turf as it found a way past Maarten Stekelenburg, and found the bottom corner. European Champions two years ago, and now for the first time, World Champions. Golden Boot1st :- Ivica Olic (Croatia - 4 goals), 2nd :- Fernando Torres (Spain - 3 goals), 3rd :- Dirk Kuyt (Holland - 3 goals) Player of the Tournament1st :- Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina - 7.50), 2nd :- Fernando Torres (Spain - 7.29), 3rd :- Mikel Arteta (Spain - 7.14) Dream Team (4-4-2) :-Iker Casillas (Spain), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Carlos Puyol (Spain), Raúl Albiol (Spain), Antunes (Portugal), Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina), Xavi (Spain), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Albert Riera (Spain), Fernando Torres (Spain), Ivica Olic (Croatia).Substitutes :-Chris Kirkland (England), Mikel Arteta (Spain), Arjen Robben (Holland), Frank Lampard (England), Cesc Fàbregas (Spain), Lassana Diarra (France), Dirk Kuyt (Holland), Niko Kranjcar (Croatia), Nani (Portugal), Hernanes (Brazil), Riccardo Montolivo (Italy), Maicon (Brazil). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 22, 2017 Author Share Posted December 22, 2017 Saturday 19th June 2010No sooner has the latest European season finished, then the new one is underway. It's UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round, First Leg day. Dungannon Swifts have been drawn against MTK Budapest of Hungary, and they host the First Leg, where they earn a credible 0-0 draw at Stangmore Park. It's not such a good day for Linfield, who have drawn FC Inter of Finland. They travel for the First Leg, and lose 2-0 in Turku thanks to a goal in each half from Uruguayan striker Diego Cháves. It's Awards Night in Northern Ireland, and here are the winners... Northern Irish Footballer of the Year :- Steven Davis (Rangers)Northern Irish League Player of the Year :- Andrew Waterworth (Glentoran)Northern Irish League Golden Boot :- Gary Hamilton (Glentoran)Northern Irish Young Player of the Year :- Kurt Hammonds (Crusaders)Northern Irish League Manager of the Year :- Alan McDonald (Glentoran) Sunday 20th JuneNo sniff of any awards for Lurgan Celtic players, though while it doesn't count as an award, Andy Hamilton was named as the Second Division signing of the season. I have to say, I didn't see that coming. Maybe I should have, as the Lurgan Celtic awards night was scheduled for the night after the FA Night, as was now traditional. Andy Hamilton was named the Fan's Player of the Year for 2009/10. The club's Best XI was named in the wide 4-2-2-2 formation that we used for most of the campaign, with Marc Fegan posting the best average rating, narrowly beating both David Sinton and Andy Hamilton..... Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Darren Spence, Marc Fegan, Gareth Murphy; Niall Lavery, Andy Hamilton; David Sinton, James McLean; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Stephen Magennis.Substitutes :- Michael Hall, Paul Fisher (GK), Glenn Walsh, Jay Stein, Aidan Sweeney, Michael Downey, Greg Hall. Twenty two players between the First Team and Under-18 side have seen their wages increase as a result of our promotion into the First Division. The fixture list has been released now, and it will likely mean the cancellation of that Friendly against Institute, as the domestic season gets underway on Saturday 31st July, with a trip to face Banbridge. Our opening home game is on the following Tuesday, as Loughgall come to Knockramer Park. We have been awarded £2,500 for First Division TV rights, and the Board are hoping to achieve a safe mid table position, rather than the expected avoid relegation expectation. But they have certainly put their hands in their pocket and backed me to do so. While they are not providing any Transfer Budget, which was entirely expected, they are putting up a Wage Budget of £1,900 per week, which is around three times last seasons spend. We're just under the £1,000 a week mark right now, with another £250 approximately committed to be added to that. That leaves us in a very healthy position to go out and improve the squad further should we feel the need to do so, and if the quality we are looking to attract becomes available. Ten of our Under-18 squad are now too old to play for that age group side in the new season, and have been moved up to the Reserve side that doesn't have a League to play in right now. A decision on those players needs to be made pretty quickly, with the option being to either make them part of the First Team squad, look to loan them out to a Second Division or non-League side, or release them. They have been replaced by a new Youth Intake of seven players, all coming from the Lurgan area. In what is a fairly underwhelming group of youngsters, Graham McConnell, our new Assistant Manager has picked out Mark Ferguson, a young forward, as the pick of the bunch. Without having seen them play, I would pick out 5'3 right back Dave Boyd as the most likely to make the grade from the intake. Neil Hoskins.32 years old. Welsh. Uncapped.Reputation :- National. Contract :- Part Time, 3 years, £150 per week.Previous Experience :- Sunday League Footballer. Managerial Statistics.Club/Player Loyalty :- 10. Domestic Players Bias :- 13. Financial Control :- 8.Hands On Approach :- 7. Squad Discipline :- 13. Tactical Consistency :- 13. Season Expectations :-Achieve a safe mid-table League position in Division One.Transfer Budget :- £0. Wage Budget :- £1,900 per week. Currently Spending :- £972 per week. Managers Overall Record :-GP: 71. W: 40. D: 16. L: 15. GF: 123. GA: 67. GD: +56. Win Percentage : 56%.League Titles: 1. Promotions : 1. Relegations : 0. Cup Wins: 2.Days In Charge: 712. Total Career Earnings: £14,250 Honours :-2008/09: Lurgan Celtic: Northern Ireland Intermediate League Cup Winners2008/09: Lurgan Celtic: Northern Ireland Second Division Runner's-Up2009/10: Lurgan Celtic: Northern Ireland Intermediate League Cup Winners2009/10: Lurgan Celtic: Northern Ireland Second Division Champions Monday 21st June17 year old Portadown striker, David Carroll, has agreed to join us on a season long loan deal from the Premier Division club. Carroll does not yet have any Senior football under his belt, but had a very good scoring record in Youth football last season. He brings something that our other strikers don't really possess, and that's some real height to go with good heading ability. Stephen Magennis is very good in the air, but he is only 5'9, young Carroll is 6'1. Portadown value him at £30k, we'll find out if he's worth it, and it won't cost us a penny, and he can play in the Cups. Thursday 24th JuneWe're in for another of Portadown's young players, 16 year old playmaking midfielder, Glenn Watson. They have accepted our Free Transfer offer for the teenager, now we can negotiate with him. We have the option to try and sign him on a Youth deal, or offer him a semi-pro deal that he can pre sign ready for March next year when he turns 17. Dungannon Swifts had high hopes of finding a way into the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League. Those hopes were smashed by a four goal blast in 25 second half minutes in Budapest, as it was MTK who progressed. There was little in the way of expectation for Linfield as they returned to Windsor Park to take on FC Inter again in front of a big crowd. They were two down from the First Leg, and they had shipped another pair by the time Kevin McHugh netted a consolation. Once more, Northern Ieland loses it's Europa League sides very early in the proceedings. The same fate suffered the two Welsh clubs that entered at this stage, but there were no such problems for Aston Villa, who thrashed FK Pobeda Prilep of FYR Macedonia 9-0 on aggregate. Friday 25th June32 year old Northern Irishman and attacking specialist, Gordon Brown, has signed a two year deal to become a Coach at Knockramer Park, a deal that will see him paid £35 a week, as we continue to look at improvements for our backroom staff. He is joined later in the day by another 32 year old, Steve Wright, an Englishman who becomes our new Youth Coach, which means he will likely be working closely with Michael Maguire. As has been the theme with our backroom additions, both men are taking their first jobs in the game, Wright will be paid £30 a week for his two year deal. Sunday 27th JuneThe deal for 16 year old Portadown midfielder Glenn Watson is dead. The youngster has decided to remain with the Premier Division side for the forseeable future at least. Wednesday 30th JuneThe four loan deals that we had for last season have now all expired, and the quartet of Paul Fisher, Aaron Meharg, Tommy Strain and Mark Patterson all return to their clubs. As it stands, none had enough impact for me to currently consider extended loan deals or permanent moves. Finally a Northern Irish side get a draw that gives them a great chance to progress in Europe. The lucky side are Premier Division Champions from the last campaign, Glentoran. They are drawn against FC Andorra of the country by the same name, and scored twice in the opening five minutes at The Oval. They added another in late in the first half, and a fourth in the second half, giving them a lead that they surely can't lose in the UEFA Champions League Preliminary Round. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 23, 2017 Author Share Posted December 23, 2017 Thursday 1st July 2010Today is the day that players move to their new clubs after their old contracts expire. For us at Lurgan Celtic, it's two in and one out. The one out is Welsh midfielder Stephen Thomas, who completes his Free move to Newington YC, who last season earned promotion to the Second Division for the first time since I arrived in Northern Ireland. The other side who came up were Moyola Park, earning an immediate return to League football a year after being relegated. Our two arrivals are the already mentioned defensive reinforcements in the shape of Aidan O'Kane and Justin Miller. With two new midfielders already in place at the club, and a new young striker from Africa due to arrive on September 1st, and offers out for more players as well, it's hoped that there is going to be the improvement required in the squad to make Lurgan Celtic competitive in our new surroundings of the First Division. Cliftonville are now ready to start their campaign in the UEFA Europa League, however, they are nowhere near as lucky as Glentoran when the draw was made. The side who bounced us out of the Northern Irish Cup at the last four stage last season, have been paired with Asteras Tripolis of the Greek Superleague, who finished fourth in that League last season. There is a huge difference in the finances of the two clubs, and Cliftonville were predictably outclassed, losing the First Leg 4-1 in Greece. Friday 2nd JulyThere are some very interesting players who are now Free Agents, particularly Northern Irish players who have failed to agree new deals with their clubs in England, or been released. With quite a bit of Wage Budget to use, and a good level of players available, it's time to get to work and see if we can improve the clubs playing staff still further by taking advantage of the increase in reputation and the good standard of players we have already brought in. Saturday 3rd JulyTwo of the players that I am attempting to bring in are right winger Robin Shroot, a 22 year old flair player who has just been released by Barclays Premier League club, Birmingham City. Unsurprisingly, we'll face some serious competition for his signature. We've also sent a contract offer to one time capped Northern Ireland striker Lee McEvilly, who has failed to agree a new deal with Coca-Cola League 2 side, Rochdale. He is happy to speak to us, and his request is within a number we can manage, but again the competition will be fierce for the player. I'll be the first to admit, he will have better options than us. Sunday 4th JulyGraham McConnell's pick as the leading light from our latest Youth Intake was Mark Ferguson. The 16 year old attacking midfielder who is already deemed to be worth £4,000 and is therefore financially our best asset, is going to spend a frustrating three to four months on the sidelines unfortunately. He has suffered a torn hamstring while attempting a sprint during training. It's not the ideal start for the teenager in his first season with a Senior club. Monday 5th JulyOver the weekend, several more clubs, all from a higher playing standard and better financial situation than ourselves, have joined the race to sign winger Robin Shroot and striker Lee McEvilly. Frankly, I'll be amazed if either end up here at Knockramer Park, but I'm trying to look at the positives. At least what we got to speak to them at all. I might be clutching at straws, but I still consider that progress. And today hasn't been all bad news, as we have a new striker. He's not just new to our club, he's new to these shores. One of our new Scouts can take the credit for the signing of 26 year old Bulgarian forward, Krasimir Georgiev. There wasn't too much video to watch of the 6'1 target man, so I had to trust in my gut, not to mention the opinion of one of my newer backroom staff members. He's a left footer, and while he isn't reknowned for scoring with his head, he is very strong, and could be an excellent hold up player for the others around him. We have signed him on a Bosman Free Transfer after his contract expired with non-League side Atletik of Blagoevgrad, a city in the south-west of the Eastern European country. He has played 62 times for them in the last two seasons, returning 27 goals and averaging a rating of 7.28. Tuesday 6th JulyTwo players that we are chasing have rejected contract offers from us, however, neither has signed with another club as yet, so we're not quite out of the game as far as they are concerned just yet. 24 year old midfielder Anthony Barry is a former Everton youngster, who has carved out a career so far at Accrington Stanley, Yeovil Town, and more recently, Chester City. The Free Agent hasn't said what exactly the problem with the contract offer was, but we will continue to try and entice him to Lurgan. We are competing against clubs from both England and Scotland for him. There appears to be less serious competition for 21 year old Northern Irish striker, Jordan Baker. The Lisburn lad started out at Portadown, and spent last season on England's south coast, where he netted 10 times in 19 League matches for Dorchester Town. The two sides were unable to agree terms on an extended deal, and I would dearly like to bring the 6'1 striker back to Ulster. Wednesday 7th JulyWe're moving onto another target, and this one is also offshore. 20 year old Neil Brown made quite an impression in his first Senior football season on the small North Atlantic island of Bermuda. 6'2, capable of playing as a striker or left winger, the lightning quick forward is equally impressive with the ball on the ground as he is in the air. He netted fifteen times for North Village Rams, and the Hamilton native capped off his debut season by making his Senior International bow for Bermuda last month in a 3-0 defeat at home to Guatemala. We've been prompted to make a move at this point by the news that Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League side, Falkirk, have made an offer to the youngster. Glentoran travel to Andorra la Vella, where they are expected to finish the job against FC Andorra. They don't really need a helping hand, but they get one anyway, as defender Rafael Granados is sent off in the 11th minute. Glentoran go on to match their First Leg result, scoring twice in each half, and winning 4-0 to complete an 8-0 aggregate win. It just goes to show what happens when the Northern Irish sides are the recipients of a kind draw, though they have only achieved what was expected of them from that tie. Thursday 8th JulyFalkirk's offer to North Village Rams for Neil Brown, which is a Free Transfer but with incentives for appearances and futre sell on fees has been accepted. We are still waiting to hear if the Rams will also accept our offer, which features no such additional benefits for the Bermudan side whatsoever. Dergview, relegated from the First Division last season, have asked to loan our 17 year old attacking midfielder, Ciaran Gallagher, for the season. I negotiate the offer, refusing to allow the teenager to play in Cup matches, and insisting that he can be recalled should we require him back. That will be a feature of a deal for any players that do leave us on loan. If they are happy to accept those terms, then I'm happy to allow Gallagher to go out and get some First Team football. In a game shown live on TV in Northern Ireland, the nations UEFA Europa League interest ends early once more, as Cliftonville lose 2-0 on the night at Solitude, meaning a 6-1 defeat on aggregate. So it will be down to Glentoran in the UEFA Champions League to keep Ulster interest alive in continental football this season. Friday 9th JulyDergview have accepted our terms for the loan of Ciaran Gallagher, and returned to the table quickly. I accept their new offer, and the decision now lies with the player. He can either move out on loan and try and get himself some First Team football, or he can remain with our Under-18's. Two of our targets have accepted offers elsewhere, and our attempts to sign them are over. Striker Lee McEvilly has signed for Lincoln City of Coca-Cola League Two. He rejected the offers from ourselves and Yeovil Town, and it's not hard to see why. His one year deal at Sincil Bank is worth £725 per week. Robin Shroot's contract is worth considerably less at £300 per week with Ross County of the Scottish First Division. It's still more than we could offer however, as County also saw off contract offers from Hartlepool United and Division rivals, Airdrie United. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 24, 2017 Author Share Posted December 24, 2017 *Good afternoon readers. Many thanks for checking in on the latest installment of this story. There won't be any posts over the next few days as I spend Christmas with my family. I wish you all and your families a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.* Sunday 11th JulyOur latest contract offers to Anthony Barry and Jordan Baker have again been rejected by the players, and once more, I return immediately with improved offers to the pair. I'm convinced that both will improve the quality in our squad, but I would say that we're more likely to be able to attract Baker here than Barry, which is good, and also a bit of a shame at the same time. On World Cup Final day, it has been announced that the 2018 edition of the planets biggest and most anticipated football tournament will be held in Russia. The report of the latest World Cup appears a few posts ago, and has resulted in two high profile sackings, Marcelo Lippi of Italy, and Raymond Domenech of France. Monday 12th JulyAs it falls in between our second and third League matches of the new season, there seems little point in the Pre-Season Friendly against Institute, and that match has now been cancelled. Tuesday 13th July17 year old attacking midfielder Ciaran Gallagher has accepted the offer to move to Dergview on loan for the season. They have kindly agreed to cover his wages, though he is currently being paid £1 per appearance, so it's unlikely to break the bank. I assign one of my Scouts to keep an eye on Gallagher and monitor how much First Team football he gets, and how his development is progressing. Wednesday 14th JulyIt looks like D-day is approaching in the race to sign Anthony Barry, as this time we are not the only ones to make an offer to the midfielder. Peterhead and Alloa of the Scottish Second Division have also now made offers to the player. We've got form when it comes to winning the race for players against clubs from the lower end of the Scottish League pyramid. We'll see if we're able to repeat that here. Glentoran have been handed what looks a fairly tough draw in the UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round, as they take on the Champions of former Russian State of Georgia. They made that tough draw tag look miles off though, as the former Soviet Union heavyweights and 1981 European Cup Winners Cup Winners promptly fell apart at The Oval. Three goals in the opening eighteen minutes, and then a further strike just before half time put Glentoran in a dominant position. Northern Ireland's current Champions are looking good to single handedly do something about the nations co-efficient with UEFA. They have scored four goals in each of their Champions League matches to date this season, and barring a massive turnaround in Tblisi, should make it into the Second Qualifying Round, and pick up a windfall of nearly £100k into the bargain in prize money, the same amount as they secured for getting through the Preliminary Round. That kind of money coming into the club could make Glentoran tough to beat if it's invested in the playing staff. Thursday 15th JulyI mentioned we have good form when it comes to seeing off Scottish sides for players, and we have struck again in that department, seeing off no less than a Scottish Premier League side this time. Yes, Neil Brown has accepted our offer, which in fairness, I had made sure was a generous one knowing that Falkirk had already made their move. The 20 year old dreadlocked latest new cap for the Bermudan National Team announced that he was very pleased to be progressing his career in Northern Ireland with what he termed as a 'successful club', and that he was looking forward to making the move. The move will happen on September 1st, when his contract with North Village Rams expires, so he arrives at the same time as our other new young overseas forward, Alex Owen. Friday 16th July'It's vital Neil, you're not going to find out if they can do the job unless they get some game time. Get them out on loan for the season, see what they can do. If your club is going to progress, then bringing your own players through the system is integral, especially for an outfit with little in the way of money. It's what I'll be doing when I'm ready to start my career. I've got it all mapped out. You'll see, I'll be a Premier League manager, and people won't expect it!' The phone call was between myself and a 25 year old Romford man by the name of Christopher Fuller, or @CFuller as he liked to address himself. Despite no football career to speak of, Chris was in the middle of earning his football qualifications with a view to getting a job in the game within years. I'm sure the football world is going to hear a lot more of this young man in the years to come, and as a friend who I had got to know while doing my own qualifications, I was more than happy to take his advice here. With his words ringing in my ears, I would select the best of my young players who were now too old to turn out for the Under-18 side this season, and make them available for loan. Right back Dennis Simpson, left back Nigel Hagan, centre back Nigel Rees, right winger Gary Fay, and striker Johnny Maguire. To a man, these five lads, three from Lurgan and two from Banbridge, embraced the idea of moving for the season to better themselves and their future prospects. I have approached the Board and requested them to find us a feeder club, but I'm aware we would likely have to pay them some money, and we couldn't afford to do that right now. We'll see if the Board like that idea, and if so, if there are any options with little or no annual fee. Saturday 17th July Pre-Season Friendly Lakeview Park, Loughgall Loughgall v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 70. Weather :- Dry, 22c. Two weeks to the day that our domestic campaign gets underway, we start our now condensed pre-season schedule, with our only trip of the three match schedule, a visit to new Division rivals, Loughgall. We will start our pre-season with the wide 4-2-2-2 that we used for large parts of the last campaign, and with a short substitutes bench. There were changes to the lineup however, starting in the defence, where two new signings are getting an immediate chance to stake their claim for a place, South African 29 year old Justin Miller is partnering Marc Fegan at centre back, while the other new face is Aidan O'Kane, who starts at left back. There is an all new midfield pairing, with teenage age group International attacking midfielder Aaron McElwee selected to partner Polish workhorse, Lukasz Adamczyk, who makes his first appearance in a Celtic shirt against the side he played almost fifty League matches for in the last two seasons. There is another Eastern European starting up front, as Krasimir Georgiev is selected to partner Stephen Magennis. We have only eight of a possible twelve substitutes positions filled, where teenage on loan striker David Carroll is amongst our options. It was a promising start for us, as Conor McAnallen took the ball from a day dreaming Loughgall player, and then sent it down the line to David Sinton. The winger stepped in field, and drilled a low pass into the feet of new signing Krasimir Georgiev. The Bulgarian forward got the ball on his favoured left foot, and attempted a low shot inside the near post, but Ian Dunbavin made a fine stop to turn that one away. Aidan O'Kane hadn't just taken over from Gareth Murphy at left back, he had also taken over corner kick duties from that side. The first effort didn't come to anything, but ten minutes later, he would swing over another one, and Stephen Magennis escaped his markers to hit a controlled sidefooted volley from eight yards out, the defender on the post getting a piece of it, but not able to keep it out as we took the lead in the 13th minute. One of the features of the first half was our winger James McLean making the life of John Brown at right back for Loughgall, nothing short of miserable. Time and again our winger twisted Brown inside and out, and constantly found room to get his crosses over. Only a last ditch tackle prevented Sinton from profiting from one of those midway through the half. Moments later though, our hosts were level. Martin Hamilton volleyed a Stephen Havern clearance back up the park and over our defensive line. Marc Fegan started to chase back, then stopped, for reasons that are still unknown. Ryan Moffatt wasn't hanging around to wait for an explanition. He raced onto the ball, into the box, and slotted the ball hard and low past Havern to square the match up. The players shrugged that off, and launched a fifteen minute assualt on our opponents goalmouth. Magennis, McElwee and McLean all had efforts at goal before the half time break arrived, but none of them managed to find the net. I settled for just two changes at the break, McElwee and Georgiev were replaced by Andy Hamilton and David Carroll. For me, today was about fitness and match practice. For the players, they were treating this as an opportunity to put down a marker against one of the sides we'll be competing with this season. A Graeme Philson free kick from 25 yards out flew just over the top of our cross bar. McLean's effort with his weaker right foot on the hour didn't trouble Dunbavin, but a few moments later, we did trouble the keeper, by making him pick the ball out of the back of the net for a second time this afternoon. McAnallen sent the ball down the right channel, David Carroll chasing it down, but not really having anywhere to go with it. He sent it back down the line to the now advanced McAnallen, who attempted to ping it back into the corner of the box. Neither Carroll or Sinton could get hold of the ball, but it rolled into the path of Lukasz Adamczyk, who fired a rising shot from 20 yards out that Dunbavin got nowhere near, and we were in front for a second time. I had been told that the Polish midfielder did have that in his skill set, but it was great to see it for myself, and he was clearly delighted judging by his celebration. Five minutes or so after that superb strike, I made some more changes, five to be exact. O'Kane, Fegan, Adamczyck, Sinton and Magennis were all replaced, with Gareth Murphy, Glenn Walsh, Aidan Sweeney, Michael Downey and Raymond Fitzpatrick all coming on as replacements. Sweeney would almost copy Adamczyk's party piece ten minutes after coming on, but Dunbavin turned his shot over in one of his last acts before being substituted himself. James Lavery brought a good save out of Havern as the home side pushed for a late equaliser, but their best chance would come right on the ninety minute mark. Moffatt was the only Loughgall starter to remain on the park, and he was played clean through on goal. He should have scored his second of the day, but as Havern came out to narrow the angle, he lost his composure, and shot high over the bar. Loughgall (1) 1 - Ryan Moffatt (28)Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Stephen Magennis (13), Lukasz Adamczyk (61) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt - Glenn Walsh 66), Justin Miller, Aidan O'Kane (Gareth Murphy 66); Lukasz Adamczyk (Aidan Sweeney 66), Aaron McElwee (Andy Hamilton 45); David Sinton (Michael Downey 66), James McLean; Stephen Magennis (Raymond Fitzpatrick 66), Krasimir Georgiev (David Carroll 45).Unused Substitutes :- Niall LaveryBookings :- NonePossession :- 48% - 52%. Man of the Match :- Lukasz Adamczyk (Lurgan Celtic). It struck me while I was making those changes midway through the second half that we had a lot more strength in depth now than we have had for the last couple of seasons. However, it had also struck me while selecting my side for that game that we still didn't have much depth in defence, and we had no support whatsoever for Stephen Havern in goal. I resolved that I would address those issues, but for now, I could be pretty content with what I had seen, particularly going forward. Plus, we still had two youngsters to add into the mix as well. As it stands, only one of the youngsters I have made available for loan has commanded any kind of interest, and that is centre back Nigel Rees. He didn't do a great job in the short amount of time he was afforded in the First Team last season, and there was plenty to suggest that he would benefit from a spell on loan, if we could get a deal done. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 24, 2017 Share Posted December 24, 2017 It's quite funny how similar the World Cup Final was to real life. I take it Donk's second yellow card was for a karate kick on Alonso? Merry Christmas to you and the Hoskins clan, Neil... and don't go forgetting my words of wisdom when you return to 'work'. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 29, 2017 Author Share Posted December 29, 2017 Sunday 18th July 2010Our record of stealing players from under the noses of Scottish clubs has taken a hit today. Alloa Athletic of the Scottish Second Division have won the race to sign midfielder Anthony Barry, beating both ourselves and Peterhead to his signature. I have to say that I'm a bit surprised by his decision, as he has signed a contract worth £80 a week, which is only around a third of what we were offering him. However, if he has made the decision for footballing reasons, that I have plenty of admiration for the 24 year old, and I hope the season he has signed for is a successful one. Dundela of the Second Division have stepped forward to make a loan offer for our 17 year old centre back, Nigel Rees. I negotiate the offer to make sure he doesn't get cup tied and that he can be recalled should we need him. I'd like to think that won't be the case if the next week or so goes well, as we are searching for reinforcements, and there are some very interesting options too. Monday 19th JulyDundela have come right back with an offer that ticks all the boxes for us, and we have accepted that offer. It's now in the hands of Nigel Rees himself, and he can choose whether he wants to go out on loan for the campaign. Personally, I think it would be a great move for him. Our hopes of having a feeder club and making options like this for players like Nigel more commonplace and easier to accomplish, have been dashed by Maurice McEvoy, the clubs Chairman, and his Board. I'm told that they see no benefit in creating a link with another club at this point. Tuesday 20th JulyFor a large part of the two years I have been at this club, Ryan McAllister proved to be a real thorn in our sides. I can openly say that I was absolutely delighted when he packed his bags and left Portstewart to try his luck south of the border with Monaghan United in January. That move hasn't worked out well for him though, mostly because apart from a very brief cameo from the bench in a Cup match, United haven't bothered to play him at all. So, when his contract finishes, he will be making another January move, back over the border to join Banbridge Town, who play in our Division. Hopefully we deal with him a lot better than we did in previous games against him. However, we may be about to give Banbridge, and the rest of the clubs in the First Division, something to worry about also. 21 year old striker Jordan Baker has signed his contract and arrives at Knockramer Park. He's happy, the fans are delighted, and I'm over the moon. Far too good for this League I'd say, but he will have to prove that on the park. It's a two year deal for the 6'1 forward, and he will earn £150 a week. Superb in the air, just as good with the ball at his feet, plenty of pace too. He never really got much of a look in at Portadown, and the move to Dorchester Town last summer was a surprise, but a good one, as Baker netted ten times in nineteen League games. It's another very good looking Free Transfer signing for us. Everyone knows, especially football fans of a certain age, that all the best Northern Irish goalkeepers are called Jennings. There is a seventeen year old lad at Glentoran who looks to have a very bright future between the sticks, and we have spent some time trying to persuade him that his future may be better served at Knockramer Park. As you might expect, Glentoran had something to say about that, and have convinced him otherwise. He has signed a three year deal to remain with them. Thursday 22nd JulyNigel Rees has accepted the loan offer from Dundela, and will spend the 2010/11 season with the Second Division club. It is going to be very interesting to see how the young centre back gets on. Unfortunately, there isn't currently any interest in any of the other four youngsters we have available for loan right now. We have our second Pre-Season Friendly, which will take our attention away from that particular dilemma. Pre-Season Friendly Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Bellshill Athletic Attendance :- 73. Weather :- Gusty, 22c. It's the same side that started at Loughgall on the weekend, apart from one change. That is the inclusion of Jordan Baker, who is partnering Stepher Magennis up front, where he takes the place of Krasimir Georgiev. The Bulgarian striker moves to the substitutes bench, so we have an extra player in the squad from the last time out. The early stages of the match were an indicator for what was ahead, Justin Miller taking 30 seconds to drop a ball over the heads of the visiting Scottish sides back four, and David Sinton ran onto it. Despite the attention of three defenders, our winger still managed to force his way into the penalty box, his cross only being cleared at the last moment. Stephen Magennis and Aaron McElwee would also go close in those opening minutes, before the opening goal was netted in the 7th minute. Magennis got a bit lucky as Aidan O'Kane's through ball bounced off Robert Clark. Our striker would gather the ball, and slip it through to Jordan Baker. Our newly arrived striker used his strength to hold off a defender, and then steered his shot past Mark Hamilton's dive, and low into the far bottom corner to put us ahead. Bellshill would attempt to hit back when Mick Middleton swung in a corner that very nearly caught out Stephen Havern on his near post. That rare foray up the park had been forgotten by the 20th minute, when O'Kane dropped the ball into the left channel, James McLean chesting the ball down into his own stride, and then picking out Baker with a square pass, the striker sidefooting it high into the net from 15 yards out, and looking like he was really enjoying himself in the process. He would return the favour just over five minutes later, as he worked hard to keep us in possession after Lukasz Adamczyk's poorly hit pass. Baker moved the ball away from the Bellshill defence, and then slotted into the box for McLean, who ran in on goal, before sliding his shot under Hamilton's dive as we quickly moved three up. The remainder of the first half saw the sides trade chances, Steven Donachie trying to catch Havern off his line with an effort from some way out that ended up on the roof of the net, while at the other end, O'Kane rattled the upright with a header from an Adamczyk corner. Hamilton ended the half by making a save with his legs from a Magennis header after another McLean cross. The scoreboard at the break reflected our dominance, and with no changes made at half time, the second half was going very much the same way. Just moments after Miller had missed the target with a free kick, Sinton stepped infield off his wing to collect a knock down, and picked out Magennis in the box. His first touch with his left foot moved the ball away from a defender, and his second with his right foot smashed the ball past the keeper to make it 4-0. Hamilton made another much needed stop in the 55th minute when Sinton beat two players down the right before finding Baker, the strikers attempt to net his hatrick was turned around the post by the visiting keeper. Things were going well, so obviously there had to be a downer. We would lose Conor McAnallen to injury just before the hour, Glenn Walsh replacing him and Justin Miller moving to right back. McElwee, Adamczyk, McLean and Magennis all came off at the same time, Niall Lavery, Andy Hamilton, Michael Downey and Krasimir Georgiev all coming on, and Sinton moving across to the left to accomodate Downey on the right. That spell brought about one good chance, which fell to newly introduced Bulgarian striker Georgiev, which he blasted over the bar. In the 77th minute I would make another pair of changes, O'Kane and Baker coming off this time, Gareth Murphy and David Carroll coming on. Hamilton would be next to try his luck, this one a curling effort from just outside the box that just missed it's intended target. Unfortunately, I would be forced into another change with just over five minutes left to play, as Lavery would also be unable to continue, Aidan Sweeney coming on in his place. Those two injuries would most certainly take the edge off what had been a pretty useful run out. Lurgan Celtic (3) 4 - Jordan Baker (7,20), James McLean (26), Stephen Magennis (49)Bellshill Athletic (0) 0Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (inj - Glenn Walsh 58), Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt), Aidan O'Kane (Gareth Murphy 77); Lukasz Adamczyk (Niall Lavery 58 (inj - Aidan Sweeney 84)), Aaron McElwee (Andy Hamilton 58); David Sinton, James McLean (Michael Downey 58); Jordan Baker (David Carroll 77), Stephen Magennis (Krasimir Georgiev 58).Unused Substitutes :- Raymond Fitzpatrick.Bookings :- Glenn Walsh 86Possession :- 68% - 32%. Man of the Match :- Jordan Baker (Lurgan Celtic). What had been a decent day at the office was overshadowed with annoyance, as Conor McAnallen had damaged his elbow after falling awkwardly, and will be out for up to three weeks. It would be a slightly longer spell on the sidelines for midfielder Niall Lavery, a groin strain meaning he will be out for up to a month. The evening would bring much better news though, as our day ended with progress on a number of fronts for our recruitment drive.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted December 30, 2017 Author Share Posted December 30, 2017 Friday 23rd July 2010A loan offer is accepted for a young goalkeeper from Linfield, and our Free Transfer offer to Portadown is accepted for one of the best young centre back prospects in the land. The good news continued as well, another Free Transfer offer for a centre back, this one a Full International at 18 years of age, has also been accepted, as has our offer to take a young goalkeeper from Glenavon. Sunday 25th JulyThe first news back from the quartet arrived on Sunday morning, as Montserrat International centre back, Lee Shepherd, signs for us on a four year deal worth £110 per week. The 18 year old made his International debut against Cuba last month, after having a superb season for the Royal Montserrat Police Force club. The 6'1 British passport holder brings superb pace to our rearguard, and looks a quality signing for us. That was just the start of what would become a super Sunday for us. A few hours later, Shepherd would have some competition in the squad from another new arrival. Also 18 years of age, Paul Davidson is already regarded by Northern Irish football experts as one of the top young talents in Ulster. He made two appearances in his first Senior season with his boyhood club back in 2008/09, but no appearances last season have convinced the 5'9 defender that his future lays elsewhere. Also being paid £110 per week, Davidson has signed a five year deal to play at Knockramer Park, and there are interesting days ahead to see if these young defenders can break into our First Team sooner rather than later. The fans are delighted with the signing of Davidson, believing him to be an excellent addition to the squad. The arrivals keep coming too, as the fans who were already very happy with our business today have more good news. Gareth Buchanan is a 17 year old goalkeeper who has spent three seasons with Premier Division club Glenavon without managing to make a Senior outing. Now the 6'0 stopper, who has already been capped by Northern Ireland Under-19's, and has also put his signature on a five year deal for us, which will pay him £95 a week. Buchanan tells the press that he can't wait to break into the Celtic side, while the fans once again announce their delight with the calibre of the signing that has just walked in through the door. And there is one more to complete a very busy Sunday, as 17 year old goalkeeper Dean Dixon arrives on loan for the season from Premier Division club, Linfield. Last season was the first in Senior football for the 6'2 Carnmoney born keeper, and now he is keen to get some experience out on loan. He will do well to get regular games here, as he has been brought in primarily as cover, however, Havern and Buchanan will need to keep an eye on this ambitious young lad, who we're not paying a penny to, Linfield covering his wages for the loan period. Monday 26th JulyAfter yesterday's extraordinary day of new arrivals, we now have our final pre-season friendly before the real action begins on Saturday. There is one more piece of business to be taken care of before that, as I'm asked to name my Captain and Vice-Captain for the new season. There is no reason at all to take the armband from Marc Fegan, and he remains as our skipper for a third season. The Vice Captaincy has changed hands though, with Gareth Murphy replaced by the man likely to take his spot in the side, new signing Aidan O'Kane. Pre-Season Friendly Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Burscough Attendance :- 114. Weather :- Dry, 15c. For our final pre-season fixture, I shuffled my deck slightly, partly down to injuries, and partly down to wanting to give some other players a chance to press their claim for a place when the real action starts on the weekend. Justin Miller moves out to right back as a result of the injury to Conor McAnallen, which means a start today for young Glenn Walsh in the centre of our defence. There is a start in the centre of the park for Aidan Sweeney in place of Aaron McElwee, and Michael Downey starts on the right wing in place of David Sinton. Up front, Krasimir Georgiev and Raymond Fitzpatrick will both be hoping to impress. There were only seven minutes on the clock when Aidan O'Kane set James McLean free into space on the left, an event which I suspect will be common place in the coming season. McLean cut the ball back instead of crossing, and then Andy Hamilton squared it instead of shooting. That all led to Justin Miller and Paul Brown engaging in a fifty-fifty challenge on the edge of the box, both players taking knocks, both continuing in the game, though Miller looked deciededly uncomfortable. In the 13th minute, Matty Parry launched the ball up the park from the corner of his own box. Our defenders all stopped, expecting Stephen Havern to come off his line and claim the ball. But the keeper stayed where he was, and Paul Barratt raced in on goal, attempting to round our keeper, but failing when Havern easily blocked his effort to sort out the issue. Less than five minutes later, we were in front, Michael Downey sending over a corner kick, and Raymond Fitzpatrick powered in a header. It was a timely reminder from a striker who has been pretty prolific over the last two seasons, and after Hamilton's effort cleared the bar, he would issue another reminder. O'Kane found McLean with a short throw in, and the winger picked out Fitzpatrick in the box. With his back to goal, he expertly rolled his marker, and then slotted a low shot past Billy Cook to double our lead. We weren't finished there either, as Downey went agonizingly close to adding to the score with a low shot across goal that was just wide of the far post. Then Aidan Sweeney slotted a through pass in for the run of Fitzpatrick, and he shot under Cook's dive and into the bottom corner to complete a ten minute hatrick. He nearly had another before the half hour mark, McLean curling the ball into the box, and Fitzpatrick clipped it past Cook, but over the bar. Before the break, visiting skipper Paul Hughes almost caught Havern cheating on his near post, as he swung in a shot from an unlikely looking area, Havern having to scramble across his goalmouth to keep it out. He couldn't do anything in injury time however, when Josh Payne sent a long ball down the right touchline. Danny Hockton kept the ball in play, and then cut it back to Ryan Wade, who found the far corner with a low shot across goal to reduce the arrears. Justin Miller had insisted repeatedly that he was fine to continue, but at half time, it was evident he wasn't. He would be one of four changes made at the break, Havern, Marc Fegan and Hamilton the others to be substituted, with Gareth Murphy coming on to play out of position at right back, Gareth Buchanan and Lee Shepherd coming on for their first taste of action in a Celtic jersey, while Aaron McElwee came on in the midfield. As we went right back on the attack, O'Kane showed that he didn't necessarily need to give the ball to McLean to get a cross in, swinging one in himself quickly after the restart, Downey connecting with a header that flew over the cross bar. One of Burscough's subs had a try soon after, Paul Shanley curling a shot from the edge of the box that just missed the target. And Shanley would chance his arm again in the 64th minute, this time with a low shot from range that beat Gareth Buchanan's dive. but hit the inside base of the post, and rolled across the goalmouth, before being kicked off the line by O'Kane. When our young keeper was called into action a couple of minutes later to block a shot from Hockton, I decided to roll the dice again with some more changes. Glenn Walsh, Downey, Sweeney, Krasimir Georgiev, and hatrick hero Fitzpatrick all came off, with Paul Davidson, David Sinton, Lukasz Adamczyk, Stephen Magennis and David Carroll all coming on in their place. Those changes would reap a 72nd minute reward when Stephen Magennis came short to collect a throw in, and then found a way to get the ball to Lukasz Adamczyk on the edge of the box. The Polish midfielder resisted the temptation to shoot, instead squaring the ball to David Sinton, who sidefooted a low shot past Cook, in what would turn out to be the beleagured keeper's last action of the game. Unfortunately, I would have to make another change in the 76th minute, and it left the crowd pretty deflated, not to mention the staff on the bench. The injured party this time was James McLean, and Jordan Baker came on in his place, moving up front, with Magennis going to the right wing, and Sinton moving across to the left. Jordan Baker nearly brought the spark back into the evening, as he raced onto a long ball from Sinton, but slotted it wide of the target. The atmosphere was as flat as a pancake by the time this one finished though. Lurgan Celtic (3) 4 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (17,24,27), David Sinton (71)Burscough (1) 1 - Ryan Wade (45+2) Stephen Havern (Gareth Buchanan 45); Justin Miller (inj - Gareth Murphy 45), Glenn Walsh (Paul Davidson 67), Marc Fegan (capt - Lee Shepherd 45), Aidan O'Kane; Aidan Sweeney (Lukasz Adamczyk 67), Andy Hamilton (Aaron McElwee 45); Michael Downey (David Sinton 67), James McLean (inj - Jordan Baker 76); Raymond Fitzpatrick (David Carroll 67), Krasimir Georgiev (Stephen Magennis 67).Unused Substitutes :- Dean Dixon (GK).Bookings :- NonePossession :- 49% - 51%. Man of the Match :- Raymond Fitzpatrick (Lurgan Celtic). Another good performance on the whole, but another performance that was overshadowed by injuries. James McLean was clearly going to be a very important player for us this season, but now we would be without him for the first month of the campaign after he pulled his hamstring. That would be a pretty big loss for us, but at least we had some left wing cover. We would now also be missing Justin Miller for between three or four weeks, after the newly signed defender, who was only filling in at right back, suffered a twisted knee. With no Senior right back fit, and the domestic season starting on Saturday, it would be a long night looking at options to try and get someone in by the weekend. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 2, 2018 Author Share Posted January 2, 2018 Tuesday 27th July 2010It was indeed a long night, not just for me, but for the Scouts, who insisted on doing their share of the work to get me a shortlist of targets we could try and get in by the weekend. At the very top of that list was Glentoran's now 21 year old former Under-19 International right back, Jamie McGovern. The former West Bromwich Albion youngster has made forty plus Premier Division appearances for the club over the last three seasons, and is regarded as a backup player. But they weren't interested in our request to loan him for the rest of the year, dismissing that very quickly. We needed to be more realistic with our expectations right now if we were to get a body in for the weekend, and so I skipped a bit further down our list. We made an offer to a player currently playing non-League football and out of contract. I'm going to be honest, I don't think this guy would get near our First Team when everybody is fit, but for cover right now, he can do the job. And if he accepts the role, well, you never know, he might find a way to make the place his own. Wednesday 28th JulyWith no response yet from the full back we have sent a contract offer to, I have also identified a second option. He is in fact a much better player than the first guy, however he is primarily a centre back where we are now very well covered. He can play right back as well though, and is an interesting looking prospect, so if they were to both accept their offers, I think we'll bring the pair in and see what they can do. Outside of our club, a host of clubs have made contract offers to free agent midfielder, Willie Boland. A former Republic of Ireland Under-21 International, the now 34 year old has had a stellar Football League career, making over 300 appearances between Coventry City, Cardiff City and Hartlepool United. As of today, he is sitting on contract offers from Ballinamallard United and Coagh United. We have no more than a couple of days to decide if we wish to throw our hat into the ring to acquire a player with a wealth of experience. Friday 30th JulyOkay, now I'm getting anxious. Dennis Simpson and Dave Boyd have both been training with the First Team this week, and if one of those contracts are not returned signed soon, we'll be going into tomorrows season opener with one of the teenagers starting in our back four, as I have dismissed the idea of Gareth Murphy playing right back as an emergency stop gap. I tried to put my concerns to the back of my mind when I attended the press conference, where I faced questions on how I thought the club would fare in the First Division, had Raymond Fitzpatrick's early week hatrick forced him into the opening day lineup, and would the team have to adopt a more defensive outlook at their new higher level. I answered politely, while giving away very little. An hour after the presser, I got the news I had been waiting for, a signed contract received from the full back. He had made us wait, but 26 year old Lithuanian right back Martynas Kubeckis is now a Lurgan Celtic player. Elgible to become a UK National, but deciding it's really not necessary, he has played the last two seasons with non-League club Fivemiletown United, where has made over 60 appearances, and found the net a few times as well has setting up a couple of goals. Blessed with very good pace, stamina and work rate, his technical skills need some work. A one year deal as a squad backup is reflected by his £45 per week wage in comparison to the players who have also just arrived, but he is being paid the same as Marc Fegan and Stephen Magennis, and 50% more than Gareth Murphy. The day has ended with a National newspaper carrying the promotion odds for the First Division, which have been provided by Sky Bet. They have us predicted to finish in 9th, which would maybe be just about inside the Boards remit of a safe mid table position as long as we're a good couple of wins away from the brink of the relegation battle..... Evens - Institute 7/4 - Bangor, Limavady United 3/1 - Armagh City 5/1 - Banbridge Town 14/1 - Ballinamallard United--------------------- 25/1 - Lurgan Celtic Saturday 31st JulyThe last man in through the door, and he left it late, joining the squad on Saturday morning after signing in the early hours of this morning. 19 year old Callum O'Connor was released by Blackburn Rovers a month ago after three years at Ewood Park and no Senior appearances. Exceptionally quick and agile for a lad of 6'3, his arrival is greeted with delight by the Knockramer Park faithful, who are convinced we have bagged ourselves another very talented young player. Capable of playing right back, but more adept as a centre back, he has signed a one year deal for £40 a week. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 Lurgan Celtic 2010/11 Squad Pen Pictures*Career Appearances and Goal stats are for League matches only* Goalkeepers :- Stephen Havern. 31 years old. Northern Irish. 6'1. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £60 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 46. Career Club Goals :- 0.Closing in on fifty League appearances for the club, and has been the undisputed first choice for two seasons. He'll have two teenagers looking to move him out the way this season, but they'll need to do a first class job. Gareth Buchanan. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 6'0. Under-19 International.Pro. 5 year contract. £95 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 0. Career Club Goals :- 0.A Free Transfer signing from Glenavon, and an age group International already. Gareth has a very bright future in the game I believe, and we will need to try and get him some football this season, maybe by making him our keeper for the minor Cups. Dean Dixon. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 6'2. Uncapped.Semi Pro. Season Long Loan. £0 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 0. Career Club Goals :- 0.Another pretty capable looking teenager, Dean is on a season long loan from Premier Division club, Linfield. He is here as a backup in just his second Senior season. He will likely only see any competitive football in the event of injuries.------------------------- Defenders :- Callum O'Connor. 19 years old. English. 6'3. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £40 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 0. Career Club Goals :- 0.The last man in before the season starts, and maybe a bit of a wildcard in a group of young defenders pushing for regular First Team football at a crucial point in his career. Can also play right back, which could be very useful. Conor McAnallen. 24 years old. Northern Irish. 5'10. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £90 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 72. Career Club Goals :- 0.A left footer who can play both sides of the back four, but much prefers to be on the right. The former Leicester City youngster has been a regular for the last two seasons, but needs to contribute more going forward, with no goals and just one assist in two years. Justin Miller. 29 years old. South African/British. 6'1. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 3 year contract. £120 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 177. Career Club Goals :- 5.Back in the UK after a season of sitting on the sidelines in his native South Africa. All of his appearances have come in the bottom two tiers of England's Football League, but he hasn't played any competitive football for two years now. A classy operator, and he brings some versatility to our defence. Glenn Walsh. 18 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £0 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 6. Career Club Goals :- 0.Got his big chance in the new year, and the lad didn't disappoint, putting in an average close to 7.00. Now Glenn has to kick on and prove that he can do it consistently at a higher level just to stay in the team. Lee Shepherd. 18 years old. Montserratian/British. 6'1. 1 cap/0 goals.Pro. 4 year contract. £110 per week. Career Club Appearances :- 27. Career Club Goals :- 3.A superb debut Senior season in his homeland culminated in Lee making his Senior International bow for the Caribbean Island nation. Very athletic, with speed and agility, this youngster is a very classy defender who could make some waves at a better level of football. Marc Fegan. 24 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £45 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 28. Career Club Goals :- 3.This is a big season for the Club Captain, as he has to prove he isn't injury prone after missing big chunks of each of the last two seasons. Few would dispute that we're a better side when Marc plays, but now he has more competition than ever for a place. Paul Davidson. 18 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Pro. 5 year contract. £110 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 2. Career Club Goals :- 0.Another very talented teenage defender who has joined us this summer. Paul has been called 'unambitious' by sections of the sports media for stepping down a level to play for us. Now he's out to prove that with some First Team football, he can make a splash in Senior football. Martynas Kubeckis. 26 years old. Lithuanian. 6'0. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £45 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 62. Career Club Goals :- 4.An Eastern European who was already in the country, Martynas steps up from amateur football to do a job for us in our few weeks of need. He doesn't see it that way, he is intent on grabbing this chance and proving his worth. Gareth Murphy. 33 years old. Northern Irish. 5'3. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £30 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 46. Career Club Goals :- 5.The man who headed home the goal that won us promotion now has a battle on his hands. 33 years old, in the final year of his contract, and losing his Vice Captain role. Is this the beginning of the end for Gareth with Celtic, or does he still have a role to play? Aidan O'Kane. 30 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £120 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 190. Career Club Goals :- 20.Our main target for the summer, he might not be much younger than Gareth, but he brings a wealth of Premier Division experience, a great goalscoring record for a defender, and he is a proven winner. For me, Aidan's arrival is a hallmark of the steps forward we have taken.--------------------------- Midfielders/Wingers :- Lukasz Adamczyk. 27 years old. Polish. 5'8. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 3 year contract. £130 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 49. Career Club Goals :- 8.One of our early signings, the diminutive midfielder from Poland is an absolute workhorse in the middle of the park. But don't underestimate him, he brings a great shot from range and can spread the ball around the park too. Aidan Sweeney. 23 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 42. Career Club Goals :- 2.Aidan has two goals this season that I want from him. Firstly, to prove he can play at this level after failing to set the world alight in the Second Division. Then secondly, to up his production, which hasn't been good enough since he joined us to be perfectly honest. Andy Hamilton. 26 years old. Northern Irish. 5'10. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £60 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 121. Career Club Goals :- 6.After a spell last season where Andy was simply superb, he then started to drop off the pace a little. That said, the Title winning campaign was his best ever personally, but how will he cope with increased competition for his spot? Niall Lavery. 21 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £35 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 44. Career Club Goals :- 3.Every time Niall gets written off, he accepts it as a challenge, and fights his way back into the side. What you see is what you get with our midfielder, grit and determination by the bucket load. He rarely finds the net, but when he does, it's usually an important goal. Aaron McElwee. 18 years old. Northern Irish. 6'0. Under-19 International.Pro. 4 year contract. £150 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 11. Career Club Goals :- 0.A teenage midfielder with a big future in the game. That is the tag Aaron has to live up to. Another who has faced critisism for dropping down a level, our fans can't wait to see what he brings to the side as we look to establish ourselves in the second tier. Michael Downey. 25 years old. Northern Irish. 6'0. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £45 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 32. Career Club Goals :- 3.This is a huge season for Michael. With Michael Maguire now retired, the winger has the chance to stake his claim, with David Sinton his main competition. It's only a fundamental lack of pace that is preventing him from being a top drawer winger. James McLean. 20 years old. Northern Irish. 5'11. Under-19 International.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £120 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 13. Career Club Goals :- 3.We broke the bank to bring James here in January, and it might not be over stating it to say that he saved our season. His arrival forced David Sinton to move across to the right, and with James in the side, we always have the ability to create chances. David Sinton. 24 years old. Northern Irish. 5'11. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £35 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 41. Career Club Goals :- 5.Brilliant and frustrating in equal levels when he was on the left wing. Now David is adjusting to life on the right wing, and if he can get to grips with his change of postition, our strikers will enjoy a good supply of crosses.--------------------------- Strikers :- Stephen Magennis. 29 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £45 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 72. Career Club Goals :- 23.The local lad came home and enjoyed his best ever goalscoring season to fire us to the Second Division Championship, averaging better than a goal every other game. The new strikers will need to impress to dislodge one of the fan's favourites players. David Carroll. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 6'1. Uncapped.Semi Pro. Season long loan. £0 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 0. Career Club Goals :- 0.The teenage striker is on loan to us this season from Premier Division club, Portadown. The big striker has the ability to be a real handful for opposition defences, and he'll be looking for a chance to make his Senior debut and make an impression. Jordan Baker. 21 years old. Northern Irish. 6'1. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £150 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 28. Career Club Goals :- 11.Returning back to Ulster after a season in England with non-League club Dorchester Town, young Jordan could well prove to be the best of our new players. As good on the floor as he is in the air, he brings another dimmension to our striking options. Krasimir Georgiev. 26 years old. Bulgarian. 6'1. Uncapped.Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £110 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 62. Career Club Goals :- 28.Meet our wild card amongst our strikers. Plucked from Bulgarian non-League football after a reccomendation from one of our new Scouts. His pre season wasn't too encouraging, but Krasimir isn't one to shirk a challenge, and he won't let his head go down. Raymond Fitzpatrick. 27 years old. Northern Irish. 5'8. Uncapped. Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £55 per week.Career Club Appearances :- 64. Career Club Goals :- 17.A prolific goalscorer for us over the last two seasons, and the only striker remaining from the original squad I inherited. A hatrick in that final pre season match served as a timely reminder that he won't be giving up his place in the First Team without a fight.---------------------------------- Notable Fringe & Young Players Reserves.Dennis Simpson. Right Back. 18 years old. Nigel Hagan. Left Back. 18 years old. Nigel Rees. Centre Back. 17 years old (on season long loan with Dundela). Gary Fay. Right Wing. 18 years old. Kieran Jardine. Left Wing. 18 years old. Kevin Downey. Striker. 18 years old. Johnny Maguire. Striker. 18 years old. Youth Team.Dave Boyd. Right Back. 16 years old. Tom Robinson. Centre Back. 17 years old. Karl Chambers. Centre Back/Centre Midfield. 17 years old. Gary Carson. Centre Midfield. 17 years old. Anthony Hunter. Centre Midfield. 17 years old. Ciaran Gallagher. Right Wing. 17 years old (on season long loan with Dergview). Jonathan Lindsay. Attacking Midfield. 17 years old. Gary Patterson. Striker. 17 years old.------------------------------------- Staff Club Chairman :- Maurice McEvoy.Club Director :- Pat McGibbon.Manager :- Neil Hoskins. 32 years old. Welsh.Assistant Manager :- Graham McConnell. 40 years old. Northern Irish.1st Team Coach :- Gordon Brown. 32 years old. Northern Irish.1st Team Coach/Youth Team Manager :- Michael Maguire. 33 years old. Northern Irish.Youth Team Coach :- Steve Wright. 32 years old. English.Physiotheraprist :- Dwyer Henderson. 44 years old. Northern Irish.Scout :- Johnny Gracey. 38 years old. Northern Irish.Scout :- Peter Fenton. 38 years old. English.Scout :- Paul Davidson. 40 years old. Scottish.Scout :- Chris Butler. 40 years old. English.------------------------------------ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 8, 2018 Author Share Posted January 8, 2018 Saturday 31st July 2010 Northern Irish First Division Crystal Park, Banbridge Banbridge Town v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 213. Weather :- Dry, 18c. The opening day of the campaign is finally here, and there are a couple of changes from the side that started the majority of last seasons matches. Our problems at right back mean an immediate club debut for new Lithuanian right back, Martynas Kubeckis, while Aidan O'Kane predictably replaces Gareth Murphy on the opposite side of our back four. With Darren Spence gone, there is a spot open to partner Marc Fegan in the middle, and that is taken by Montserrat International defender, Lee Shepherd. There is another new overseas face in the middle of the park, as Polish midfielder Lukasz Adamczyk partners Andy Hamilton in the engine room. There is a forced change around on the wings due to James McLean's injury, with David Sinton moving back across to the left, and Michael Downey getting a chance to show what he can do on the right. Up front, new boy Jordan Baker partners last seasons top scorer Stephen Magennis, who keeps his place in the side against his former employers. There are three more potential debutants on the bench today, Callum O'Connor, Aaron McElwee and Krasimir Georgiev will all be hoping to make their Lurgan Celtic bow. Last season, set pieces were a reliable source of chances for us, and I was hoping this season would be the same. Andy Hamilton hadn't read that script though, as he blasted over a shot in the 7th minute after Aidan O'Kane's corner was only cleared to the edge of the box. The hosts nearly had more luck, Riteesh Misra's 8th minute free kick only narrowly missing the target. By the midway point of the first half, it was clear that chances were going to be at a premium this afternoon, and Stephen Magennis created one for himself when he rolled his defender, but then skewed his shot way off target. There would be a much better chance in the 29th minute, Martynas Kubeckis sending a pass down the right touchline, Michael Downey not only managing to keep the ball in play, but getting it to the far post. Jordan Baker had peeled away from his marker, and was all on his own, but he got right underneath the ball, and sent it over the bar in front of our travelling supporters, rightly holding his head in his hands. Kubeckis was becoming busy on the attack down the right, and in the 37th minute, he worked with Downey and Magennis to tee up another chance. This time it would fall to Lukasz Adamczyk, and the midfielder smashed a shot off the near post. We were in almost total control, but it was starting to look like one of those days with the hallmark of not being ours. But then in the 43rd minute, Downey pinched the ball off the toes of a defender in midfield, and quickly sent it down the right side of Magennis. Defdender Neil McCabe took a nibble at taking the ball out of his stride, but Magennis moved it away from him, and then fired across goal, past the dive of Andy Wright, and into the net via the far post. Bingo! I was a happy manager at the break, and I roared my team on, telling them that this one wasn't a done deal just yet, and that we needed to keep up the pressure. We did just that, Kubeckis again doing good work, sending a short pass to Adamczyk on the edge of the box. The midfielder backheeled it onwards, Baker losing the ball in his feet, Magennis pouncing on it, but denied by Wright spreading himself large in front of the striker. Wright would try the same again in the 53rd minute, this time with less success. Timmy Grant lost a 50/50 with Hamilton in the midfield, and our player sent a diagonal through ball into the box. It looked overhit, but Wright was slow off his line, and Magennis was quick on his toes. The striker got there first, Wright getting a piece of the ball, but he couldn't gather it in, and Magennis knocked it past him and into the unguarded net. 2-0 and we were looking very good now. Banbridge responded by making a double substitution, and we answered that by nearly adding to our lead, O'Kane's long throw in was met by Baker's header, which crashed back off the cross bar. That would be followed by a rare moment to forget for our keeper. Magennis was dispossessed on the edge of the Banbridge box by McCabe, who sent the ball way down the park. Marc Fegan gave chase, but then pulled up when it was clear the ball was going to bounce into our box. Stephen Havern came out for it, attempting to gather it in on the slide, but getting it horribly wrong. As he spilled the ball, substitute Jason Ferry got his reward for following up, and was left with an easy finish to half our lead. Havern would make amends midway through the half, making a superb reaction stop from Stuart Bickerstaff after the winger got on the end of Mishra's cross. We were starting to go off the boil, whether that be through tiredness, or if our good opening hour had been just that, a good start only. Whichever, it was time to make some changes, Lee Shepherd, Downey and Baker all replaced by Callum O'Connor, Aaron McElwee who would play out wide, and Raymond Fitzpatrick, to resurrect last season's strike partnership. We were still under pressure though, and from a Conor Larkin corner, Bickerstaff would put in a header that flashed just past the post. Luckily, we had ridden the storm. Banbridge Town (0) 1 - Jason Ferry (61)Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Stephen Magennis (43,53) Stephen Havern; Martynas Kubeckis, Marc Fegan (capt), Lee Shepherd (Callum O'Connor 71), Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Andy Hamilton; Michael Downey (Aaron McElwee 71), David Sinton; Jordan Baker (Raymond Fitzpatrick 71), Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Gareth Murphy, Krasimir Georgiev.Bookings :- None.Possession :- 37% - 63%. Man of the Match :- Stephen Magennis (Lurgan Celtic). We've all seen a former player come back and bite a team in the backside. You can now add the name of Stephen Magennis to that list. Our striker had one season at Crystal Park before we brought him back to Lurgan on a Free Transfer last summer, and he has been paying us back in goals ever since. It wasn't such a great day for another Stephen however. Havern has been in our net almost exclusively since I arrived at the club, and has done a very good job on the whole. Whether it was just a blip or misjudgement, or whether our keeper is feeling a bit of pressure from the teenagers we have brought in to challenge him, it's difficult to say. Hopefully, it was a one off. Martynas Kubeckis deserves a mention. One of seven players who made their Celtic debuts today, he has come into our side when almost all the preparations were done, and needed to get to grips with things very quickly. He had a very good first outing, and maybe he does have it in him to compete for a regular First Team spot here. Sunday 1st AugustNot much to report from the Board at the start of a new month. They are satisfied with the way things are going, and are still name James McLean as the bit of business that has impressed them most. Hopefully some of this summers new signings will challenge him for that particular title soon. More worrying to report is that the club lost over £4,500 in July. We are now just a little over £32,000 in debt. 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neilhoskins77 Posted January 15, 2018 Author Share Posted January 15, 2018 Monday 2nd August 2010We're straight back into League action again tomorrow night, where we host Loughgall in our first League match of the season at Knockramer Park. This one will see another of our players come up against a former club, this time it's new signing Lukasz Adamczyk who will hope to be in the side to play against the club he left on a Free Transfer this summer. In the press conference, I'm asked if two matches so close together at such an early stage of the season would be classed as far from ideal. I replied that while I could see the point, after Saturday's result, I preferred to look at it as an early opportunity to build some momentum. It was worth noting that there were three journalists in the room for that press conference, and each of them dislikes me. If we have a poor run, they'll likely jump on the chance to call for me to be sacked. Tuesday 3rd August Northern Irish First Division Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Loughgall Attendance :- 276. Weather :- Dry, 16c. It's early in the season, and there are a few players still struggling to get to full fitness, so we need to make a few changes for this one. There is a two week break before the next League match after today. Despite his error on Saturday, we stick with Stephen Havern in goal. After coming into the club late, Martynas Kubeckis isn't in condition to play two matches in such a short space of time, so Callum O'Connor gets a first start at right back. Lee Shepherd also needs a rest, and is replaced by fellow teenager, Glenn Walsh. He didn't do much wrong last season, and deserves to have another shot. Aaron McElwee gets his first start, replacing Michael Downey on the right wing. In one final change to the starting eleven, Raymond Fitzpatrick comes into the side in place of Jordan Baker. There is a potential first appearance for the club for Paul Davidson as he is on the bench, while Aidan Sweeney will be hoping for a first outing of the season. We got off to a perfect start, with just six minutes on the clock. We won a free kick down the right, and Aidan O'Kane came across to drift it into the box, Raymond Fitzpatrick connecting with a powerful header that gave Ian Dunbavin no chance, and we had ourselves an early lead. He was clearly keen to take his chance in the side, and when O'Kane and David Sinton combined down the left and sent the ball into the box in the 10th minute, Fitzpatrick was on hand again, this time his shot struck the cross bar and was cleared. In the 27th minute, O'Kane sent in a free kick from the almost exact blade of grass he has delivered an early assist from. This one made it all through to the far post, where Marc Fegan sent it back into the middle, first Fitzpatrick, and then Sinton having efforts to tuck the ball home blocked by Dunbavin. With five minutes left in the half, and a goal to the good, it could have been a man to the good as well. As they waited for a throw in to be taken, Sinton and Loughgall left back David Gibson tangled, which resulted in the visiting player raising his hands and shoving our winger in the chest. To his credit, Sinton didn't go down, but maybe he should have, as the referee saw fit to only produce a yellow card. The incident happened right in front of my technical area, and I complained furiously to the ref, to the point where I was issued a warning of my own. I hadn't calmed down too much by the interval, though I gave the impression that I had to my players as I encouraged them to continue as they had in that first half, where we had been very much in control. Fitzpatrick was really enjoying himself, and getting plenty of chances too, another dropping his way 90 seconds after the restart, Dunbavin this time using his legs to prevent our striker from doubling our lead. Gibson had become the pantomine villain of the evening after his incident before the break, but he nearly set up an equaliser for his side in the 55th minute. He took a free kick quickly from the right, and found Gareth Cambridge all alone in our penalty box, Stephen Havern managing to get enough on that one to push the ball away from danger and preserve our advantage. We were starting to get sloppy and switch off now though, and Loughgall were trying to take advantage of that, Dean Smith this time finding plenty of room on the left. Tommy Donaghy would have two cracks at putting that in, the first was blocked right back to him, and the second pinged back off the inside of the post before being cleared. On the hour, Fitzpatrick would be there again to trouble the Loughgall defence, popping up on the left to chase down the ball, and playing a one-two with Andy Hamilton, before smashing a low shot that Dunbavin got a hand to, but couldn't keep out. The offside flag would intervene on this occasion though, and the goal would be ruled out. We would only have to wait four more minutes for that second goal though, Lukasz Adamczyk spreading the ball wide to Aaron McElwee, and he crossed low into the middle, picking out Stephen Magennis, who passed the ball low into the bottom corner of the net to put us 2-0 ahead. All that hard work that had gone into extending our lead, and yet within four minutes, Loughgall would have a way back into the match. Cambridge ran at our defence down the right, and then from deep, sent a cross in towards the edge of the box. Warren McBean collected the ball and drove deep into our box, with both Fegan and Glenn Walsh in attendance on either side, both squeezing him for space, Walsh deemed to have taken away too much of it, and halting McBean's run, the ref pointing to the spot. Walsh was booked, while McBean picked himself up, and took the spot kick himself, sending it high into the net and beyond the dive of Havern who had gone the right way. With ten minutes left to play, and fresh legs needed, I made my changes, but they were only in personnel, the formation and tactics would stay as they were. Hamilton, Adamczyk and Magennis were replaced by Aidan Sweeney, Michael Downey and Krasimir Georgiev, meaning McElwee would move into the middle to accomodate Downey. The newly introduced winger would quickly find himself up against Gibson, who had changed sides of the park about ten minutes earlier. Downey turned him inside out, and made his way into the box, his shot just missing the far top corner. As the clock struck 90 minutes, James Lavery's curling cross into the centre was audaciously chested back to Havern by Aidan Sweeney, who showed a very cool head under pressure. But that wouldn't be the last chance of the game. With just 10 seconds remaining in injury time, Cambridge took a free kick quickly, sending it across the park, Ross McCaughran headed it down, and Gibson half volleyed it into the top corner from the edge of the box. The Celtic faithful were furious. I knew exactly how they felt! Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (6), Stephen Magennis (64)Loughgall (0) 2 - Warren McBean (69 pen), David Gibson (90+2) Stephen Havern; Callum O'Connor, Marc Fegan (capt), Glenn Walsh, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk (Aidan Sweeney 80), Andy Hamilton (Michael Downey 80); Aaron McElwee, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Stephen Magennis (Krasimir Georgiev 80).Unused Substitutes :- Martynas Kubeckis, Paul Davidson.Booked :- Glenn Walsh 68.Possession :- 60% - 40%. Man of the Match :- David Gibson (Loughgall). 'You know I can't say too much, because nothing is going to be changed now, and me getting myself a touchline ban is obviously not going to help us out at all. As far as I'm concerned, if a players raises his hands to an opponent and makes contact, that should be a red card. If it was one of my players who did that, I wouldn't sit here defending them. For that player to be on the park to score with virtually the last kick of the match, that's bad enough for me. But for him to then celebrate the way he did in front of our supporters, and still not pick up another card, I'm at a loss for words!' It was then pointed out to me that David Gibson had also been named as man of the match, an announcement that I'd missed. I shook my head, and stood from my chair. 'Ladies and gents, I'm going to have to leave, because if I stay here and answer any more questions on this subject, I'll get myself into a lot of trouble!' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 17, 2018 Author Share Posted January 17, 2018 Wednesday 4th August 2010With a bit of a break in domestic action for us, it's time a good time to catch up on how Glentoran's adventure in the UEFA Champions League is progressing. The last information I gave you on the nations domestic Champions was that they had drawn Georgian heavyweight side Dinamo Tblisi, and thumped them 4-0 at home in the First Leg. Surely that would be enough of a cushion to see them through to the Second Qualifying Round? Well, they couldn't have come much closer to making a mess of that, as they were beaten 3-0 in Tblisi in front of over 16,000 at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium. After being a goal down at the break, two more goals in the opening seven minutes of the second half looked like being the prelude to 'The Glens' being dumped out of Europe. Miraculously though, they managed to get through the remainder of the match without conceding any further goals, and they were into the Second Qualifying Round. After avoiding the Best Placed sides, they would be hoping for a kind draw. It wouldn't quite go that way though, as they were paired against the 32 times Champions of Bulgaria, and the well assembled squad of CSKA Sofia. They would host the First Leg at The Oval, and put in a strong showing, but lost 2-0, a goal in each half from Norwegian Under-21 International winger, Erlend Thorvaldsen, and Bulgarian Under-21 star, Atanas Zehirov. Glentoran would be less fortunate in the Second Leg however, as they were put to the sword by CSKA in the Bulgarian capital. New £35,000 signing and former Under-19 International striker, Yordan Etov opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Within the next eight minutes, CSKA had another two, Etov's second coming after a Vladislav Zlatinov free kick. A second half goal from right sided utility player Yordan Todorov completed the misery, as Glentoran lost 6-0 on aggregate, and the Northern Irish annual short lived European experience was over for another season. Not that many at Knockramer Park would have been paying too much attention to that Second Leg. No sir, Celtic fans were instead looking forward to seeing a new signing today. At 35 years old, Willie Boland may now be heading towards the twilight of his football career when it comes to playing. But the midfielder, who is just 2 Senior appearances away from reaching 400 in his career, brings invaluable experience to our playing squad. He rejected offers from both Ballinamallard United, and Coagh United. A one year deal at £65 per week represents very good value for us, and the 11 times capped former Republic of Ireland Under-21 International still has plenty to offer I believe. Particularly adept at the defensive side of the game, Boland isn't likely to trouble the scoresheet too often, he has only found the net four times in 398 appearances to date. But the former Coventry City, Cardiff City and Hartlepool United player, will bring something a bit different to our midfield. A bit of steel that will perhaps be necessary at this new found level for us. He isn't a stranger to everyone in our squad either, as Boland spent last season as a team mate of Jordan Baker's with Dorchester Town on England's south coast. The fans are once again delighted with the new signing, something we have heard quite a lot this summer. With two more players to arrive on pre agreed transfers on the 1st September, this deal represents the end of our transfer business for the summer. I have to say, I'm very happy with the squad we have assembled too. Friday 6th AugustConor McAnallen is back in training following the arm injury he picked up in pre-season. His return means there is going to be a huge struggle for the right back spot in the First Team now. Both Martynas Kubeckis and Callum O'Connor played well in that spot when given the chance in our opening two League matches. The next match is scheduled for ten days time, away against Carrick Rangers, who we beat in last years Northern Irish Cup run. Saturday 7th AugustWithin a day of that fixture with Carrick Rangers being highlighted, it's been postponed. Rangers will now be facing Donegal Celtic on that date in the Antrim Cup, and the match is rescheduled for the 1st of September, the day our two new, bright, young talent signings are arriving at the club. With that change in the fixture list, our next game is scheduled for a fortnight today, a home League match with Ballinamallard United, who beat us last season in an Intermediate Cup match after we played out a draw in pre-season, but they have taken just a point from their opening two League matches. Tuesday 10th AugustWe have a new Cup competition that we're involved in this season, the Northern Irish League Cup, which for us is the replacement for the Intermediate League Cup that we won for each of the last two seasons but no longer take part in. It's our first time taking part in this competition since I arrived at the club, and we enter at the First Round stage. We're drawn against fellow First Division side, Institute, and we'll play the First Leg of the tie at their Riverside Stadium on Saturday 28th August. We'll then host the Second Leg on the following Tuesday, which means yet another change of schedule for that League match against Carrick Rangers, which has now been pushed back to the following Saturday. The current holders of the League Cup are Cliftonville. Thursday 12th AugustMore good news on the injury front, as Niall Lavery has also now returned to training after recovering from his injured groin. Saturday 14th AugustOur Under-18's began their season today, and opened up their Group 2 campaign with a 2-1 win over Larne at Knockramer Park. Star of the show was attacking midfielder Jonathan Lindsay, who set up both first half goals for Gary Patterson and on loan striker David Carroll. Sunday 15th AugustFantastic news from the ticket office, as they announce that season ticket sales have more than doubled from last seasons number of 48, up to 101. At £59 a pop, we have made just under £6,000 from season ticket sales. Any fans who are paying per game will pay £5 at the gate this season. Monday 16th AugustThe good news continues, and Justin Miller is latest of our injured players to return to training. The South African/British new signing has been out for around three weeks with a knee injury. Thursday 19th AugustIt's entirely possible that Queen of the South have done exactly what we did a few weeks back, and have now decided to try and style it out. Keith Gillespie, the former Manchester United, Newcastle United and Northern Ireland player, has been released by Scunthorpe United, who he has spent the last season and a bit with. When we found out he was on the market, we looked into trying to bring him to Knockramer, but Gillespie has decided that while he won't officially retire from playing till next summer, he's actually only interested in a non-playing backroom staff role, specifically, as a physiotherapist. The Scottish First Division club have offered him that very role. Friday 20th AugustTomorrow will be our third meeting with Ballinamallard United since my time in Ulster started. Last summer we drew with them in a Friendly, before losing to them in November in the Second Round of the Intermediate Cup. Both of those matches took place at Ferney Park, and tomorrow we'll play them at Knockramer Park for the first time. The bookies have us as short odds favourites to pick up our first win over them this weekend. Saturday 21st AugustOur Under-18's start off the day with a noon kick off at Lakeview Park, where they take on Loughgall's youngsters. There is plenty to like about sixteen year old centre back John Bowers' early progression, the 6'4 left footer can also play at left back, where he started today. But he stuck with type today, going up for a corner, and putting a towering header in at the far post. The lead wouldn't last though, as centre back Tom Robinson put through his own net, and the match ended 1-1. Northern Irish First Division Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Ballinamallard United Attendance :- 284. Weather :- Dry, 16c. This is the first of four games in a period of eleven days, a situation we're more prepared for than we've ever been in the past. There is just one change from the midweek side today though, as Lee Shepherd plays at centre half in place of Glenn Walsh. There are more changes on the bench however, with both Justin Miller and Willie Boland in line to make their club debuts, while Conor McAnallen could make his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury. Jordan Baker is also recalled to the matchday squad. United are very much like us, they like to keep the ball on the deck and pass it around. They did a lot of that in the early stages of this match, with the ball ending up on the left flank with former Police Service of Northern Ireland full back, Philip May, and a tricky winger who very much resembles David Sinton in that he likes to come inside off his left wing, Calum O'Shea. The latter crept across the park, and set up opposite winger Jason Gillespie, who lashed a shot over the top. That set the tone for the first half, with Mark McConkey and O'Shea both going close with long range efforts. As the half hour mark approached, Gillespie's low cross from the right caused problems, and Paul Baron nudged it towards goal. Marc Fegan stuck out a leg to block it, Stephen Havern tried to dive through the forest of legs to end the danger, but it squirmed from his grasp, and he was fortunate Lee Shepherd was there to boot it off the goal line. Sensing we were on the ropes, United continued to push forward, Darren Higginbotham holding up the ball, before squaring it to full back Alan Strain, who's dipping shot took the top coat of paint from the cross bar on it's way over. It took us till two minutes before half time before we created a chance of note, Callum O'Connor receiving the ball from a throw in, and playing it to Lukasz Adamczyk on the corner of the box. With one of his trademark piledriver shots not on, he threaded a pass across the box instead, picking out David Sinton, who shot across goal and was inches away from finding the far top corner and putting us ahead against the run of play. We would come even closer in injury time, Sinton cutting infield off the left wing, and sending a short pass to Adamczyk, his rising shot striking the top of the bar and flying over. We had been second best for long periods of that first half, yet could have so easily reached the half time break with a lead. I told the players that maybe they had already rode out the storm. Maybe I was right too. Callum O'Connor sent the ball down the right touchline, and Aaron McElwee chased it down. The teenager won the race, and slung the ball into the middle towards the edge of the six yard box. A defender stopped dead, anticipating the ball arriving to him. But it didn't. Stephen Magennis arrived at pace, slid in front of him, and diverted the ball high into the roof of the net, right under the cross bar, giving us a lead that had looked unlikely during that first 45 minutes. Now we had something to hold onto, but judging by the pressure that was put on us in the first half, we're going to have some job holding on to our advantage. But as United pushed forward, we were trying to catch them with swift counter attacks, and almost succeeded when Raymond Fitzpatrick rolled his marker on the edge of the box, and picked out McElwee near the penalty spot, but he sent his shot just wide of the post. We weren't going to get away without having to soak up some pressure though, and a cross from Cathal Beacom caused all kinds of problems. The ball pinged around our penalty box, before finally arriving at the feet of Baron, who let fly with a fierce shot from ten yards out, which crashed back off the underside of the cross bar before being cleared by a combination of Shepherd and Fitzpatrick. With ten minutes left, and United now throwing players forward, we won a corner. Adamczyk sent it low into the near post area, Shepherd diverted it goalwards, Johnny Pollock managed to get enough on the ball to keep it out, and May was first to the loose ball and put it behind. While he retrieved the ball, I made a double change. O'Connor hadn't been great today, and Conor McAnallen replaced him, while in midfield, an almost invisible Andy Hamilton also came off, and Willie Boland came on for his Celtic debut. Adamczyk sent over another corner, this time to the far post, where the ball was turned into the net from six yards out. Through the crowd of players, I initially thought the scorer was Fegan, as he emerged from the pile first. In fact, it was left back Aidan O'Kane who had side footed the ball home for his first goal for the club. That was game over as far as I was concerned, and with a few minutes left, I set out to protect our clean sheet, replacing Fitzpatrick with Justin Miller, as we went to five at the back. United would still have a chance to make a game of it though, May's late corner met at the far post by Baron, who's low shot beat Havern, but was kicked off the line by man on the post, McAnallen. Job done. Lurgan Celtic (0) 2 - Stephen Magennis (48), Aidan O'Kane (81)Ballinamallard United (0) 0Stephen Havern; Callum O'Connor (Conor McAnallen 80), Marc Fegan (capt), Lee Shepherd, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Andy Hamilton (Willie Boland 80); Aaron McElwee, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick (Justin Miller 86), Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Michael Downey, Jordan Baker.Bookings :- None.Possession :- 47% - 53%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). They say it's a hallmark of a good side, don't they? A team that can grind out a win when they were not at their best, and not the best side in the match on a given day. I think that accurately describes our Saturday afternoon. We improved in that second half, and then picked our punches. A clean sheet looked unlikely for much of the afternoon, but we got the job done, and move top of the League after netting seven points from our opening three matches. We might well get stronger yet too, as after the match, I get some good news. James McLean will be back in training with us on Monday. So when a journalist told me in the press conference that I was being named as the odds on favourite for the job at Coca-Cola League Two side Lincoln City, I told him that he'd be wise not to put any money on that happening. There was still plenty of work to be done here for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 19, 2018 Author Share Posted January 19, 2018 Sunday 22nd August 2010That rumour that I would be the recipient of an offer from Lincoln City was widely reported in the Sunday newspapers and sports gossip columns of the internet. Flattered by the attention, and surprised that a club from the Football League was aware who I was, much less were seemingly interested in hiring me, it wasn't a club that were going to lure me away from Lurgan at this point of my career. I feel we are building the makings of something really good at Knockramer Park, and I don't want to leave and let someone else either benefit from that work, or even worse, pull it apart before it had reached it's potential. Monday 23rd AugustWe've never been in a League where they have a 'Team of the Week', so this is a new thing for us. Four of our players have been selected for that, Aidan O'Kane, Lukasz Adamczyk, David Sinton and Stephen Magennis. The games are going to come thick and fast up till the end of the month, and we have an away trip to play Limavady United tomorrow night. United come into the game in fourth place in the early League table, and we'll be looking to knock off a second 'United' side within the space of a couple of days. Tuesday 24th AugustThe Transfer Deadline is one week from today. Not that it will make too much difference to us. We are not expecting to do anymore incoming business, though I'm still hoping a few of our young homegrown players may get the chance to go out on loan. The biggest question will be if the two youngsters who are set to arrive on September 1st, will be able to play. Technically, they will be arriving after the Deadline. I can honestly say I have no idea. Northern Irish First Division Limavady Showgrounds, Limavady Limavady United v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 214. Weather :- Dry, 24c. Changes were made, and landmarks were about to be hit today. The first of six changes came in the defence, where there were two selection changes from the weekend, and a landmark. Conor McAnallen would start for the first time this season, coming into the side at right back to replace Callum O'Connor. In the centre of the back four, Marc Fegan would have yet another partner, this time it's teenage centre back Paul Davidson, who is making his Lurgan Celtic debut today. The midfield pairing are both changed, Lukasz Adamczyk and Andy Hamilton are replaced by Aidan Sweeney, and Willie Boland, who makes his first start for the club after debuting from the bench on Saturday. This will also be Boland's 400th Senior match. On the right wing, Aaron McElwee is rested, switching places with Michael Downey who gets a start today, while up front, Raymond Fitzpatrick is rotated out of the matchday squad, with Jordan Baker taking his starting place, and Krasimir Georgiev coming onto the bench. Stephen Havern makes his 50th Senior appearance today, and they have all come in our colours. The start of this game looked like Ballinamallard all over again, as we spent long periods being pinned back into our own half. The mercy was that Limavady were not managing to get many shots in, with the exception of Seámus Brown's 8th minute effort, which Stephen Havern tipped over the bar. When we did manage to get into the United half, we had an appeal for a penalty turned down, Michael Downey making it all the way to the byline, before he felt he was toppled by Joe Gray, but the ref was unmoved. The man in the middle was equally as unimpressed when Tony Clyde went down under what I have to say, looked a perfectly timed challenge by young debutant, Paul Davidson. The United forward stayed down, while centre back Joe Wilcox remonstrated long and loud with the ref, doing enough to earn himself a caution, but still no penalty. Frustrated, that would bring about another spell of intense United pressure, but their crossing was poor, and they were unable to create anything of real note, other than a pretty tame Shane Whoriskey shot from the edge of the box that Havern easily dealt with. That frustration for our hosts would be magnified when just before the break, Aidan Sweeney moved the ball into the path of David Sinton. Our winger moved into the corner of the box, and then went down under a clumsy, but otherwise innocuous looking challenge from Adam McCart. This time the ref did point to the spot. McCart was booked for the challenge, and Brown would join him for his furious protests. Meanwhile, near the penalty spot, Michael Downey bounced the ball nonchalantly, waiting to be given the go ahead to take the penalty. Despite a pretty long wait till the whistle was blown, Downey was cool, and he kept his shot low, and close enough to the corner to keep it out of Eamonn Gallagher's reach, and we had ourselves a half time lead. As far as I was concerned, I really needed my players to follow Downey's lead, and keep their cool, as I felt that the United players were on the edge of losing their tempers this evening. Willie Boland was looking very assured in our midfield, and he linked with Downey early in the second half, and the winger picked out Stephen Magennis, who was trying to keep alive his run of scoring in each League game so far this season, but that effort just missed the target. Joe Gray was looking like the biggest threat for the hosts, as he made a sparkling run from halfway on the right, cruising infield and into the box, Havern beating away his shot, and Gray volleying it into the floor and wide as it came right back to him. With the game approaching the halfway point of the second half, we had a chance to double our lead, Marc Fegan heading the ball back over the United defensive line, and Jordan Baker beating the offside trap. The striker strode forward, and tried to pick his spot from the edge of the box, his low effort beat Gallagher's dive, hit the post, then hit the back of the keeper, but rolled agonisingly wide of the upright. The corner came to nothing for us, but the ball was lifted out of the box and out to the right, where full back Paul McLean had moved out of the penalty box and was very advanced, taking the ball into the acres of space he had to run into. As our defence scrambled to get back, McLean made his way to the right channel of the penalty box, before squaring it across the box. He picked out midfielder Neil Campbell, but who should pop up right in front of him, sliding across the turf to block the shot, none other than veteran midfielder Boland, who had done superbly to get back and put out the fire. United were getting desperate now, and Gray skewed a shot well wide when he was in a good position, while Clyde screamed for a penalty once more when Wilcox went down after tangling with Aidan Sweeney, earning nothing more than a booking. With seventeen minutes left, I made my changes, bringing off both my wingers and a striker, Sinton, Downey and Magennis, and replacing them with a defender and two midfielders, Glenn Walsh, Niall Lavery and Aaron McElwee. We would now be playing with a back five, Boland and Lavery sat in front of the defence, two in midfield, and just Baker up front. With the team set up to defend and counter attack, it was a surprise that we nearly got an immediate second goal. Sweeney's free kick was curled into the middle, the ball was only cleared to Boland, and after shaping to shoot, he cleverly picked out a pass to the well postioned Lavery, but he couldn't find a gap to put the ball past Gallagher. Finding a second goal was of secondary importance however, the most important thing was keeping United out, and we didn't even give them a sniff of an equaliser late on. Limavady United (0) 0 Lurgan Celtic (1) 1 - Michael Downey (45 pen) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Paul Davidson, Aidan O'Kane; Aidan Sweeney, Willie Boland; Michael Downey (Niall Lavery 73), David Sinton (Aaron McElwee 73); Jordan Baker, Stephen Magennis (Glenn Walsh 73).Unused Substitutes :- Martynas Kubeckis, Krasimir Georgiev.Bookings :- None.Possession :- 50% - 50%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). Another win, and another clean sheet, as our great start to the season continued. It's now ten points from our opening four League matches, though we do lose our top spot, as Glebe Rangers go by us by virtue of their better goal difference after a 3-0 win at home to Bangor. That's the end of our League schedule for the month of August, as our next two matches are both Cup ties. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 21, 2018 Author Share Posted January 21, 2018 Wednesday 25th August 2010There is a surprising lack of interest in loaning any of our young players. Either they are not as good as I think they are, or the clubs in the Second Division are uneducated morons with no eye for talent whatsoever. It can't be me, so it must be them! Unless anything changes in the next week, it looks as though Dennis Simpson, Nigel Hagan, Gary Fay and Johnny Maguire will be staying with us in our Reserve side until at least the end of the calendar year, if not the end of the season. The Under-18's continue their good start to the campaign with a 4-2 win against Ballymena United this evening in the Under-18's Cup. John Bowers found the net once again, but United levelled the match by half time. Things didn't look so good for our youngsters when Gary Mercer put the visitors in front in the 77th minute, around a quarter of an hour after Tom Robinson had missed a chance to put us back in front from the penalty spot. But on loan striker David Carroll netted twice in the 84th and 87th minutes to turn the game on it's head, and Gary Carson finished the scoring in injury time to put our boys into Round Two. Friday 27th AugustTomorrow we'll make the fifty mile trip to Drumahoe, where we'll face Institute in the First Leg of our Northern Irish League Cup First Round tie. They come into this tie sitting in seventh in the First Division, with just one win from their five League matches to date, but they are still considered to be very much the favourites for the match. They have losses against two sides that we already have wins against, Ballinamallard United and Limavady United. This is their first season back down in the second tier since we started this save. They finished a very respectable 6th place in the Premier Division in 2008/09, but then dropped all the way down to bottom of the table last season. Saturday 28th August Northern Irish League Cup, First Round, First Leg Riverside Stadium, Drumahoe Institute v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 187. Weather :- Gusty, 22c. The deck is shuffled once more for this match, as we make six changes in our quest to at least make sure we go back to Knockramer in midweek with a chance of putting ourselves into the next round. Conor McAnallen and Paul Davidson both come out of the back four, replaced by Justin Miller at right back, and Lee Shepherd coming into the centre of the defence. The midfield pair are also both switched, with Aidan Sweeney and Willie Boland replaced by Lukasz Adamczyk and Niall Lavery. On the wing, Michael Downey was the match winner from the spot last time out, but he is replaced by Aaron McElwee, while up front, Jordan Baker is replaced in the lineup by Bulgarian striker, Krasimir Gerogiev. After returning to training, James McLean is on the bench today. It was a very quiet start to the match, as the sides cancelled each other out in midfield. The game almost exploded into life in the 18th minute, David Sinton ghosting past a couple of challengers before a defender got a foot in to halt his progress near the edge of the box. Sinton still had the ball though, and he backheeled it to Niall Lavery, who hit a curling shot that hit the frame of the goal right on the angle of upright and cross bar. A series of quickfire corners around the half hour mark brought about the first period of sustained pressure from Institute, but all they had to show for that was a long range Michael Ferguson effort that was well over the top. The best chances of the first half would actually arrive late on. Firstly, an Aidan O'Kane free kick was curled to the back post from the right channel, and Krasimir Georgiev's eyes will have lit up, as his defender couldn't get around his big frame to get goal side. But the striker volleyed right into the turf and it bounced up wide of the target. At the other end, our marking was awry from a deep throw in, and Kenny Camlin found himself in on goal with an angled run. But Stephen Havern stood tall and pushed his shot away towards the penalty spot. The keeper would get plenty of help, as both Lukasz Adamczyk and Marc Fegan crowded out Adam Stansfield as he attempted to put the loose ball in. Goalless at the break, and that suited us just fine. I asked my players to simply keep the work rate high, and we would get a couple of chances to snatch a valuable away goal. Aaron McElwee took a knock late in that half, nothing too serious, but enough to make it worthwhile taking him off, and earlier than planned, James McLean came on for his first action of the season, which meant Sinton moving over to the right. Philip Lowry and Ross Johnston both picked up early second half bookings for Institute, but the latter tried an ambitious through ball from halfway on the hour to try and release Camlin, but Havern was quick off his line to thwart that attempt. Within a minute, they tried the same again, this time Simon McWilliams sending the ball down the middle from centre back. Both Fegan and Justin Miller moved from a sprint down to a jog as they anticipated Havern coming off his line to deal with it. But the keeper had stayed where he was, and Camlin nipped between the two, brought the ball under control, and rifled a low shot past Havern and put the home side one goal to the good. Camlin's pace was causing us a problem, and within ten minutes of scoring the opening goal of the tie, he was proving to be a nuisance one again. Stansfield held the ball up, and then clipped it over Miller into the left channel, where the striker had moved. Camlin muscled his way into the box and goal side of our right back, and attempted to pick out the far top corner, mercifully for us, putting it a yard the wrong side of the target. With time ticking down, I made my remaining two changes to see if we could spark something and get level before the Second Leg, and Lavery and Georgiev were replaced by Andy Hamilton and Raymond Fitzpatrick. That saw us establish a bit of late pressure of our own, with Fitzpatrick fizzing the ball across the goalmouth after collecting it on the byline from a throw in. It missed everyone, but rolled to Miller, who tried to catch Michael Doherty out with a surprise shot, the home sides skipper getting a good hand to it and keeping it out. The corner produced a goalmouth scramble that saw Fegan have the ball at his feet about 8 yards out, but three defenders threw themselves in to make the block, and the chance disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. Institute (0) 1 - Kenny Camlin (60)Lurgan Celtic (0) 0Stephen Havern; Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt), Lee Shepherd, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Niall Lavery (Andy Hamilton 79); Aaron McElwee (inj - James McLean 45), David Sinton; Krasimir Georgiev (Raymond Fitzpatrick 79), Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Martynas Kubeckis, Glenn Walsh.Bookings :- None.Possession :- 44% - 56%. Man of the Match :- Kenny Camlin (Institute). Obviously a defeat is never an ideal result, however, we have certainly given ourselves a good chance of progressing after that close match. The Second Leg will take place on Tuesday evening back at Knockramer, as we bring to a close what has been a very busy opening month of the 2010/11 season. 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neilhoskins77 Posted January 24, 2018 Author Share Posted January 24, 2018 Monday 30th August 2010That defeat on Saturday was our first of the season. But we would have an immediate chance to avenge that one, as we play them again at our place tomorrow night. We were very competitive against them on the weekend, and I quietly liked our chances of turning the tie around and progressing into the next round. The bookies however, did not like our chances. Not one little bit. They have Institute at 1/6 to win the Second Leg, and even shorter odds still to progress into the next round. Tuesday 31st AugustGame day, and also Transfer Deadline Day. Clubs in Northern Ireland have until midnight to make their final moves and bolster, or trim, their squads this year. With two new arrivals due tomorrow, we have a squad much larger than we're used to dealing with, and as such, we have no interest in bringing anyone in today. Any transfer activity at Knockramer today will be exits, and will need to be well timed too as we have a match to deal with. Northern Irish League Cup, First Round, Second Leg Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Institute - (Institute lead 1-0 on aggregate) Attendance :- 170. Weather :- Dry, 22c. There is some rotation once more for tonight, as I go for a strong side to try and overturn that First Leg deficit. In the back four, Conor McAnallen is brought in at right back, while Justin Miller remains in the side, but is moved to centre back, with Lee Shepherd dropped. Niall Lavery is not fit enough to play again today, so he is also dropped, with Andy Hamilton brought back into the side to partner Lukasz Adamczyk in midfield. There is another change on the right wing, Michael Downey brought in to replace Aaron McElwee, while up front, Jordan Baker takes the place of Krasimir Georgiev, who is rotated out of the matchday squad again today. The warm weather of late summer had scorched the pitch at Knockramer Park somewhat, and some areas looked bereft of grass. It didn't bother us too much though, as in the 13th minute, Michael Downey danced past a couple of challenges on the right wing, and then swung a cross into the middle. It looked to hot to handle, but Jordan Baker produced a moment of magic, chesting the ball down and away from two defenders, and then sliding his shot past Michael Doherty and into the net for his first ever goal in Lurgan Celtic colours. With parity restored, the game tightened up a bit, Institute relying on the crossing from the left of former Manchester United youngster Jimmy Derbyshire, while our left sided player David Sinton was doing a grand job with his defensive responsibilities. But our deficiency in defence from the First Leg would nearly bite again in the 34th minute. Derbyshire curled the ball over the top of our defensive line, and Kenny Camlin's chase bore some fruit as our defenders once more gave up the chase, believing the ball would run through to Stephen Havern. This time however, Camlin would not punish us, as he blasted the ball high and wide of the goal frame. We were a goal ahead at the break, leaving the tie all square. 45 minutes remained for either side to get the goal required to progress. Conor McAnallen and Andy Hamilton had to combine early in the second half to prevent Camlin moving into our box and having another go at goal. Baker had more luck at the other end, once again getting on the end of a cross from Downey, keeper Doherty managed to beat that one away. Twenty minutes into the second half, Andy Brown tried his luck from 20 yards out, his curling and dipping effort was headed for the top corner, until Havern got fingertips to the ball and managed to push it over the cross bar. Sean Roddy's inswinging corner was headed from right under the bar by McAnallen. The ball would arrive right back to Roddy, who curled it straight back in, the ball beating Havern's dive, but kicked off the line by Aidan O'Kane, who hadn't left his position on the post from the original corner. We had escaped by the skin of our teeth, and moments later, fortune would smile upon us. Havern's goal kick was huge, and bounced just outside the Institute penalty box. Simon McWilliams got in front of Stephen Magennis, and headed it back to keeper Doherty. The keeper controlled the ball with his feet, then tried to fall on it, and missed. Magennis gleefully slid the ball into the net, and we had ourselves an aggregate lead. We were in good spirits, and Lukasz Adamczyk passed to Baker, who spun on the edge of the box, and let a shot go that flew well over the top. Hamilton would only achieve a similar result when he tried his luck following good work from Justin Miller and Adamczyk. I would make some changes, Adamczyk replaced by Willie Boland as we went a little more defensive, and Sinton making way for James McLean, as we tried to ensure that when we did get the ball, we had plenty of pace to counter attack. It wasn't quite a counter attack, but the ever trusty set piece, but it worked either way. Downey sent over an 80th minute corner, and Baker planted a downward header firmly into the bottom corner of the net to make it 3-0 on the evening, and 3-1 over the tie. Institute didn't have it left in them to launch an all out assault, though they were nearly gifted a route back into the tie with just three minutes remaining, Marc Fegan missing a tackle on Sam Winnall, his centre half partner Miller not doing a great job of bailing him out, and sub Stuart Surgenor would get the chance to keep the tie alive. Havern had another ideas, keeping his effort out, and confirming our place in the next round! Lurgan Celtic (1) 3 - Jordan Baker (13,80), Stephen Magennis (68)Institute (0) 0(Lurgan Celtic win 3-1 on aggregate)Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Justin Miller, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk (Willie Boland 76), Andy Hamilton; Michael Downey, David Sinton (James McLean 76); Jordan Baker, Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Conner, Paul Davidson, Raymond Fitzpatrick.Bookings :- None.Possession :- 53% - 47%. Man of the Match :- Jordan Baker (Lurgan Celtic). There were most certainly times this evening where we rode our luck. But we have produced another good result, and we end the opening month of the new season with a win that should put us in high spirits to move into September. There were scouts at this evenings match, notably from Forest Green Rovers of the Blue Square Premier League. But they were not there to look at our players this time, and there would actually be no movement for us at all on what turned out to be a very uneventful Transfer Deadline Day at Knockramer Park. Tomorrow would see two new young players arrive at our little club, as we looked to make this the season we pushed on even further. Things were looking good at Knockramer Park right now, but we couldn't afford to become complacent. There was still plenty of work to do. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Share Posted January 25, 2018 Wednesday 1st September 2010September would be a busy month for us, featuring six matches, including four in the League. It would also start with the draw for the Second Round of the League Cup though after we managed to overturn our First Leg deficit last night. Manager of the Month results for August are in, and it's Glebe Rangers boss Derek Donaghy who takes the honours this month after his side were unbeaten in their three League matches, and also won both legs of their League Cup tie with Bangor. He beat myself and Dave Norman of Ballinamallard United to the award. Our two new signings have been confirmed, and the fans are particularly excited about the arrival of now 20 year old forward, Neil Brown. 6'2, left footed and capped once at full International level by Bermuda in his debut season as a Senior footballer, the lad with the British passport brings a little bit of everything to the party. Great in the air, very competent with the ball at his feet, a hardworking team player, and he possesses sprinter level pace and acceleration. Most certainly one to keep an eye on I believe readers. Also signed, and now a Lurgan Celtic player, is Alex Owen. He turns 18 a week from today, and is an out and out striker. Born and raised in Conkary, the capital city of the West African nation of Guinea, this young man is also a British passport holder, and we have brought him in from FC Feindouno on a Free Transfer, despite him playing just two Senior matches. Another left footer, and also a six footer who can develop to be a very well rounded striker. He's not unlike his fellow new arrival, but he is a few years behind him, and will be a longer term project. He could be about to make history though, at least for this save, and he hasn't even arrived in the country yet. That's because before he comes to Northern Ireland, young Alex is in the Guinea Under-19 squad for a match against Botswana tomorrow. Should he play, he'll be the first current player for Lurgan Celtic under my management to play International football. As it's the start of a new month, the Board are keen to let me know how things are going. They have moved on from James McLean, with new left back Aidan O'Kane the new darling of the Knockramer Park boardroom. They have however mentioned that we made a loss once again this month, to the tune of almost £4,500. As of today, the club are £36,500 in debt. I'm still getting paid, right? The draw has been made for Round Two of the Northern Irish League Cup. With the Premier Division clubs not yet involved, we were guaranteed to be drawn against a fellow First Division side. We came out of the hat first, and were drawn against Armagh City, who we have played just once since I arrived. That meeting was in December of last year, and saw us bounced out of the Mid Ulster Cup in the First Round. This one would once again be a two legged tie, and we would host the First Leg a fortnight on Saturday, with the Second Leg on the following Wednesday evening. With us facing City on the Tuesday before in a League match, our two sides will meet three times in just over a week. Thursday 2nd SeptemberIt wasn't the perfect day for Alex Owen. He was selected to start for Guinea Under-19's against Botswana, becoming the first player in my Lurgan Celtic history to play International football while contracted to the club. But he only managed to play twenty three minutes of the 2-1 defeat, before being forced to leave the park with a facial injury. He is due to arrive in Ulster for the first time on Saturday, but will now be out of action for a week or two. Friday 3rd SeptemberAlex Owen won't be in the country in time to watch tomorrow afternoon's League match, as we travel to face fifth placed side, Carrick Rangers. We have only played them once, and that was back in February this year, when we turned them over at Knockramer in the Northern Irish Cup Quarter-Final tie. Holding that win over Rangers doesn't hold any sway with the bookies, who have the home side as favourites for this encounter. Saturday 4th SeptemberOur weekend began with the Under-18's lunchtime kick off at Knockramer Park against Oxford United Stars' youngsters. On loan striker David Carroll continued to push his claims for a place in the First Team squad in this Group 2 League match, as he netted twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 win for our youngsters. Northern Irish First Division Taylor's Avenue, Carrickfergus Carrick Rangers v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 235. Weather :- Dry, 11c. Since his start on the opening day of the season, Lithuanian right back, Martynas Kubeckis, has waited very patiently for his next opportunity. That chance comes today, as he is rotated back into the side for the trip to Carrickfergus. There is also a return for Lee Shepherd today, as he replaces Justin Miller in the starting eleven. Willie Boland replaces Andy Hamilton in the midfield, while on the wings, David Sinton is moved across to the right, to accomodate the first start of the season for James McLean on the left flank. New signing Neil Brown is on the bench today after only being in the country a few days. The home side were pumped up for this one, and nearly had the lead inside two minutes, Warren Patton coming infield off the left wing and sending a low, curling shot inches beyond the far post. They continued to pressure us, Tyson Gray whipping a corner into the near post, where Colin Downey glanced a header against the cross bar. For the first time this season, I could say we weren't playing very well. We were giving the ball away cheaply, but fortunately we weren't punished, Gary Wilkinson and Matt Stedman both missing the target with further chances. Ciaran Clarke went close with a curling free kick that only just swerved away from goal at the last moment. In the 25th minute, we finally pulled up our socks, and started playing a bit. Within a minute of each other, Stephen Magennis forced a great save from Gregg Shannon, and when the ball came back into the box, Jordan Baker scuffed a shot wide. On the half hour, Rangers winger Patton jinked infield again, tackled in the penalty box by Martynas Kubeckis. The home fans and players all made their claims for a penalty, but the ref was unmoved, and our Lithuanian defender got on with it, clearing the ball from danger. Wilkinson sent another effort over the bar, before the key moment of the first half arrived. Baker sent a diagonal pass into the box, and Willie Boland found himself much further forward than he would usually feature. He only just had time to bring the ball under control, before he was brought down by Clarke, who injured himself in the process. The ref pointed to the spot, and we would be given a chance to go into half time with a lead. Top scorer Magennis took the ball, and placed it on the spot, but then inexplicably pulled the penalty wide of the post. That was a big chance, and it was gone! Jordan Baker took a knock in first half injury time, and rather than risk him for the second half, he is replaced by new arrival Neil Brown. The dreadlocked Bermudan forward is making his debut for Lurgan Celtic this afternoon. David Sinton tried to get us up and running early in the second half, skipping past a couple of tackles as he made his way into the box via the right corner, and then curling a shot that just cleared the cross bar. At the other end, Patton popped up in the middle of the park and let a shot go, that one hit the top of the cross bar and went over. But then on the hour, the breakthrough came. Magennis collected the ball on the byline from a throw in, and then sent it back to Boland on the edge of the box. He quickly squared it across the 18 yard line, where Aidan O'Kane was arriving. The left back kept his head down, and put his foot through the ball. It flew past Shannon, and went high into the net, and we had a lead. We would now try and ram home our advantage, and Neil Brown moved out into the left channel to collect a long diagonal ball, and showed a glimpse of his electric pace, the defender doing well to get back at him and put the ball behind for a corner. Lukasz Adamczyk's inswinging corner swerved tantalisingly through the Rangers six yard box, but no one could get the vital touch to put it in. With subs warming up and changes being prepared, good work down the left between Brown, James McLean and then O'Kane, led to the ball finding Boland in the box once more. This time the veteran midfielder did get his shot away, but the ball flashed across goal, and wide of the far post. That would be his last contribution to this match, as he was replaced, along with Magennis, by Andy Hamilton and Raymond Fitzpatrick. While we hadn't been able to put the game to bed, the points were still there on the table for us. But in the 83rd minute, Tyson Gray played a one-two with Chris Lins, and from the touchline, he sent over what was meant to be a cross. The ball swerved off his boot, and curled right inside the near post, leaving Stephen Havern stranded. That late, and a fluke as well, it almost felt as bad as a defeat, even though we'd go home with a very respectable point. Carrick Rangers (0) 1 - Tyson Gray (83)Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Aidan O'Kane (61) Stephen Havern; Martynas Kubeckis, Marc Fegan (capt), Lee Shepherd, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Willie Boland (Andy Hamilton 74); David Sinton, James McLean; Jordan Baker (Neil Brown 45), Stephen Magennis (Raymond Fitzpatrick 74).Unused Substitutes :- Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller.Bookings :- None.Possession :- 44% - 56%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). It wasn't all bad news of course. With Cup games going on, and there only being one other League fixture on today, the point was enough to take us back to the top of the League by a point from an inactive Glebe Rangers. We'll travel to face them next Saturday, but before that, we would return to Knockramer Park, where we would face Ards on Tuesday night. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted January 28, 2018 Author Share Posted January 28, 2018 Sunday 5th September 2010While we were playing our domestic match, the Northern Irish national team were starting their campaign to try and qualify for the 2012 version of the UEFA European Championships, which would be jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Drawn into the seven nation Group E, they started off in Belfast against Sweden, and managed a very credible 1-1 draw thanks to a very late equaliser from Reading defender, Chris Baird on the occasion of his 40th cap. There were away wins for Germany and FYR Macedonia, against Latvia and Azerbaijan respectively. It was Israel who had the rest on this particular match day. The Green Army would have that next Wednesday, and will be next in action in October, when they'll travel to play Israel and FYR Macedonia. I'm not quite sure what's going on at Scottish First Division side Queen of the South. They have decided to wait until a couple of days after the Transfer Window ended before touting their star striker, Stewart Kean. They tell us we can have him if we want him, for the princely sum of £675,000. Clearly they were wasting their time offering him to us, we could sell everything and everyone we owned, and we'd still need to sell a streets worth of houses on top. Swansea City of the Coca-Cola Championship would make an offer though, albeit of a reduced amount of £250,000. The Scottish side accepted the offer, and the deal was done by the end of the day, with the transfer scheduled to be completed in January. Monday 6th SeptemberAidan O'Kane and Andy Hamilton are both named in the Division's Team of the Week, the latter surprisingly so, as he only came on as a substitute for the final sixteen minutes of the match. The players would get another opportunity to showcase their talents tomorrow night, as we would welcome Ards to Knockramer Park, a match that we were short odds favourites for. Our opponents come into the match in 9th place, while we would be looking to reassert ourselves as we go into the match holding the status of league leaders. Tuesday 7th September Northern Irish First Division Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Ards Attendance :- 274. Weather :- Dry, 7c. The changes are made once again, Conor McAnallen reinstated to the right back slot, while Marc Fegan is rested for the first time this season, and Justin Miller joins Lee Shepherd at centre back. The midfield pair are also rotated, Lukasz Adamczyk and Willie Boland making way for Niall Lavery and Andy Hamilton today. James McLean doesn't feature from the start today after playing on the weekend, David Sinton switches back across to the left, with Michael Downey playing on the right. The changes are completed up front, with both Jordan Baker and Stephen Magennis coming out of the side, Raymond Fitzpatrick and Neil Brown will start, the latter making his full and home debuts for Celtic today. I won't pretend to know the reason why, but we got off to an awful start, and found ourselves a goal down with barely two minutes on the clock. Ryan Newberry's thrown in was flicked on by Kyle McCleery, and Stuart Long connected with a low half volley from the edge of the box, which skidded off the surface, and beyond Stephen Havern's dive, giving the visitors an early advantage. If anything, that goal galvanised us into action, and we were so close to levelling the match in the 10th minute, David Sinton setting off on a mazy run as he went further and further across the box, before trying to send the shot back across goal, and it was just inches past the far post. Sinton would be involved again in the 19th minute. He stretched the Ards defence with a long ball across the park from left to right, which picked out Conor McAnallen. The full back played a square inside pass to Andy Hamilton, who then slid it down the right channel of the box. Michael Downey did very well to realise he would have been offside, and he let the ball go, where Neil Brown not only beat Andy Murphy to the ball, but then held the centre back off with ridiculous strength, shielding the ball, before sliding it past Andy McDonald to open his account for the club. McDonald was called upon ten minutes later, Hamilton hitting a curling drive from distance, the keeper just getting across in time and push it around the post. A quick pair of bookings followed for Ards players, and Downey would join them ten minutes before the break, Niall Lavery's through ball split the visiting defence, and Raymond Fitzpatrick dispatched it into the net, only to be flagged offside. Downey's protests were too long and loud, and he had his name taken. For what it's worth, the striker did appear to be just off when the ball was played. Both sides would have the chance to go into the break with a lead, Fitzpatrick took advantage of Dean Keenan being on a booking to spin around him and curl a low shot towards goal, McDonald pushed that one away. The other booked player was Brendan Lowe, and the Ards striker nearly put his name on the scoresheet, his driven shot hitting the outside of our upright. With all to play for, I told my players to be disciplined, and make sure they buried the chances that came their way. Ards started the second half in the same high spirits they had the first half though, and Downey had to make sure he got his timing absolutely perfect when he made a last ditch tackle in the box. Ards didn't make that good spell count, and they would be undone by a touch of magic in the 64th minute. There didn't seem to be much in the way of danger when Hamilton passed to Brown about 35 yards out. But the defender got too close to him, and Brown spun away from him, and then showed his pace, running between two more defenders, and into the box, before lifting the ball over an advancing McDonald, and watching on as it dropped into the far bottom corner of the net, before continuing his run to celebrate with his new adoring public. When sub Gerard Walsh broke our offside trap just two minutes later from a long ball, and sent his shot well wide of the target, it was noticeable that the visitors heads went down. Brown would pass up a chance to shoot with his hatrick a possibility, squaring the ball instead to Fitzpatrick, who just missed the target. I made a trio of changes in the 76th minute as we looked to turn the screw a bit, Justin Miller, Lavery and Sinton were replaced by Glenn Walsh, Aaron McElwee and James McLean. And while Brown's goal was superb, it would soon have some competition to even be the best goal in this match. Aaron McElwee started the move with a tackle in midfield, and sent the ball on to Fitzpatrick. After holding it up, he pushed it left for James McLean, who ran it all the way to the byline before fizzing it across the box. Downey did well to bring it under control at all on the far side of the box, and then laid it back for McElwee to walk on to. The teenage midfielder didn't take a touch, he just hit it, connecting with an absolute screamer that flew off his boot from 25 yards out, and crashed into the net off the underside of the bar. It was a top notch goal, and he became the second player to get off the mark in our colours tonight, as we consolidated our spot at the top of the table. Lurgan Celtic (1) 3 - Neil Brown (19,64), Aaron McElwee (80)Ards (1) 1 - Stuart Long (3) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller (Glenn Walsh 76), Lee Shepherd, Aidan O'Kane (capt); Niall Lavery (Aaron McElwee 76), Andy Hamilton; Michael Downey, David Sinton (James McLean 76); Raymond Fitzpatrick, Neil Brown.Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Connor, Krasimir Georgiev.Bookings :- Michael Downey 36.Possession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- Neil Brown (Lurgan Celtic). What a first start that was for our Bermudan striker, and he crowned the performance with a superb second goal that had the fans in attendance wondering what is possible with him leading the line. The reality is, we now have a couple of very good strikers, and a supporting cast that look more than capable of chipping in. Is it too early in the season to be reassessing our targets? Glebe have been held to a 1-1 draw away to Institute, leaving us with a three point lead after six matches, though Glebe have a game in hand. It doesn't sound a lot, but we travel to play them on the weekend, and we can negate that game in hand entirely with a win. We're around a quarter of the way through the League season, and challengers for promotion will rise and fade, but early indications are that we could well be in the mix. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oche balboa Posted February 6, 2018 Share Posted February 6, 2018 Great stuff @neilhoskins77 Hope you doing well Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 4, 2018 Author Share Posted March 4, 2018 On 06/02/2018 at 17:09, oche balboa said: Great stuff @neilhoskins77 Hope you doing well Thanks very much Oche Not too bad thanks, but I'm told a return to work is still a long way off. Bit frustrating, but it is what it is. Hope all is well with you too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 4, 2018 Author Share Posted March 4, 2018 **Almost a year after it originally started, I'm picking this one back up once more, which was always the intention after spending some time on other work. However, going forward, expect match reports to be shorter, meaning more matches per update. This should allow me to play at a quicker pace. Cheers. Enjoy.** Wednesday 8th September 2010Doubling our season ticket sales this season was great, but we're also getting some good walk up sales as well. We're getting close to that 300 mark for a League match. We have an average attendance right now of 280, which is second in the Division. A large group of players have retired today. Some of them have done so rather than take up offers they had on the table. Some even refused to discuss the possibility of joining us, scandalous! Former midfielders Barry Tumilty and Chris Holland, strikers Jason Euell and Gareth Seddon, and winger Lee Galbraith were amongst those who made the decision to hang up their boots. With Northern Ireland getting the night off in Group E of the UEFA European Championship Qualifiers, they could only look on as three more games in their Group took place. Germany had to work harder than expected to earn a 3-1 win over FYR Macedonia in Mönchengladbach, having to come from behind to get their second win on the board. A pair of early goals in Riga helped Sweden on the way to a 4-0 win. Israel kicked off their campaign in Baku, earning a 1-0 win thanks to a second half goal from Liverpool midfielder, Yossi Benayoun. They entertain Northern Ireland next. Friday 10th SeptemberWe will travel to Ballymoney tomorrow, where the Riada Stadium will host an early season top of the table clash, as we face Glebe Rangers. The bookies believe the top of the table is about to close up a bit, as they have Rangers as the favourites to take this one, though by pricing them at 5/4, they don't appear hugely convinced. The press suspect that we're getting by on team spirit alone right now. I tell them that while we have plenty of that, it would be a mistake for opponents to underestimate the squad we have put together. Saturday 11th SeptemberIt was a horror show from our Under-18 side at The Showgrounds, and a first half treble of goals from Ballymoney United left our youngsters with too much to do. They did get one back in the second half, in form David Carroll finding the net once again, but United would have the last laugh, as they score once more to complete a 4-1 win in this Group 2 fixture. Northern Irish First Division Riada Stadium, Ballymoney Glebe Rangers v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 255. Weather :- Gusty, 11c. Marc Fegan returns to the lineup in place of Lee Shepherd, and the midfield is switched, with Lukasz Adamcyzk replacing Niall Lavery and partnering Andy Hamilton. On the wings, Aaron McElwee and James McLean come in for Michael Downey and David Sinton, while up front, Jordan Baker is back in the lineup in place of Raymond Fitzpatrick. There are places on the bench for Willie Boland and Stephen Magennis, who both return to the matchday squad. A blistering start to the match saw Aaron McElwee's cross only half cleared after ninety seconds, and Lukasz Adamczyk caught it on the rise and found the corner. Ten minutes later, Andy Hamilton took one for the team, earning a yellow card for his hatchet job on Craig Singleton, making sure it was just outside the box. And it paid off as Jack Clark curled the free kick against the angle of the goal frame. After Stephen Havern made a great stop from Chris Loney, we increased our lead, James McLean's cross pinballed around the box, before being bundled home from close range by Jordan Baker. When McLean nearly added to the lead shortly after, we were looking in good shape with a two goal half time advantage. We lost Hamilton at the break, injury meant he was replaced by Willie Boland, and within two minutes, we had also lost part of our lead. Johnny McKnight's free kick to the near post was brought down by centre back Mark Prenter, and he showed good feet to twist and turn, and find a gap to send his shot through. Adamczyk should have restored that lead almost immediately, as he got on the end of Baker's knock down, but blasted it over the top. But the roles were reversed in the 55th minute, as the Polish midfielder curled in a corner, and Baker's downward header found the net, a second of the afternoon for the striker. Glebe were not ready to roll over just yet however, and in the 64th minute, Jason Carlisle's free kick from halfway was caught with a sweet volley by Loney, and the deficit was a single goal once more. The home side had their tails up, and with the sides exchanging chances, Neil Brown missing the best of them after being played clean through on goal, I decided to try and escape with the lead we had. David Sinton and Glenn Walsh came on for McLean and Brown as we went to five at the back. It wasn't ideal, far from it, McKnight broke into the box, and lifted his shot over the bar, and then the tricky winger slung in a later cross that Lewis Cumber connected with, but full back Aidan O'Kane blocked his opposite numbers effort bravely, and the points were ours! Glebe Rangers (0) 2 - Mark Prenter (47), Chris Loney (64)Lurgan Celtic (2) 3 - Lukasz Adamczyk (2), Jordan Baker (21,55) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt), Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Andy Hamilton (inj - Willie Boland 45); Aaron McElwee, James McLean (David Sinton (81); Jordan Baker, Neil Brown (Glenn Walsh 81).Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Connor, Stephen Magennis.Bookings :- Andy Hamilton 13Possession :- 45% - 55%. Man of the Match :- Jordan Baker (Lurgan Celtic). That is now seven matches unbeaten as we prepare for our triple header with Armagh City over the coming ten days. Andy Hamilton had not suffered any damage that would keep him out of action, so he would be available for those upcoming fixtures. Monday 13th SeptemberWith our next League game coming up tomorrow night, we're right back into match preparation mode. We get some good news while doing it though, as four of our players are included in the Team of the Week. Those included are Aidan O'Kane, James McLean, Lukasz Adamczyk and Jordan Baker. We're 4/6 favourites to increase our unbeaten start to the League season to eight games, while City come into the match sitting in 10th place. Tuesday 14th September Northern Irish First Division Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Armagh City Attendance :- 282. Weather :- Showers, 19c. There was some minor rotation only for this match, Aidan Sweeney came into the midfield in place of Andy Hamilton, while on the left wing, David Sinton was in the side, with James McLean dropping to the bench. Up front, there is one final change, with Stephen Magennis taking the place of Neil Brown. On a heavy pitch, and wearing our away kit despite playing at home, we made an even more blistering start than we did last time out. Aidan O'Kane found Jordan Baker from a throw in, and he crossed it into the box, picking out Stephen Magennis, who picked out the corner of the net in the second minute. Then in the 6th minute, the same combination set up another goal down the left. O'Kane launched the ball down the flank, Baker chased it down and then sent a low cross into the middle, and while the defence concentrated on Magennis, they neglected Aidan Sweeney, who slammed home into the same corner of the net. City looked shell shocked, though they did get through the next 25 minutes. Then Magennis got to the byline, and Gary Baxter turned the cross into his own net. Trevor Anderson missed a chance to give City a way back into the match before the break, and we were forced into a change at half time once again, Justin Miller replaced by Glenn Walsh. It didn't take us out of our stride though, as just four minutes into the second half, O'Kane continued his fine form, thumping a free kick around the wall and into the bottom corner to make us 4-0 leaders. The foot involuntarily came off the gas, as it sometimes does with an emphatic lead. Austin McCann played a through ball in for Gavin McParland just before the hour, and he rounded Stephen Havern before slotting in a consolation goal. I made a couple of changes to freshen things up and keep our concentration levels high. It had the desired impact, and at times, we threatened to absolutely over run City. Glenn Walsh shot over the bar, Neil Brown hit the post. We didn't get anymore goals, but we didn't need anymore. Lurgan Celtic (3) 4 - Stephen Magennis (2), Aidan Sweeney (6), Gary Baxter (32 og), Aidan O'Kane (49)Armagh City (0) 1 - Gavin McParland (58) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller (inj - Glenn Walsh 45), Marc Fegan (capt), Aidan O'Kane, Lukasz Adamczyk, Aidan Sweeney; Aaron McElwee, David Sinton (James McLean 62); Jordan Baker (Neil Brown 62), Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Connor, Willie Boland.Bookings :- Conor McAnallen 36, Neil Brown 67Possession :- 51% - 49%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). If our League Cup ties with Armagh City are anything like as straightforward as that game was, we could be looking at another good Cup run. Those two ties are our only remaining matches of September, and we will go into the month of October with a six point lead at the top of the League, though Glebe do have a game in hand on us. With the only unbeaten record in the Division, and almost a third of the way through the First Division fixture list, could we be in line for a sensational rise into Northern Ireland's top tier with back to back promotions? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 5, 2018 Author Share Posted March 5, 2018 Friday 17th September 2010Surely Armagh City wouldn't be relishing an immediate return to Knockramer Park, as we prepared to face them for the middle match of a three game mini series. It was considered highly unlikely that their fans would travel in numbers to Lurgan for Saturday afternoons match, their season was not panning out as expected right now. Saturday 18th September Northern Irish League Cup, Second Round, First Leg Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Armagh City Attendance :- 191. Weather :- Gusty, Showers, 2c. Keen to replicate the performance from midweek, I kept the changes to the team down to just two. Willie Boland came into the midfield in place of Aidan Sweeney, who is still recovering his fitness levels. Aaron McElwee is left out today as well, with David Sinton switching from left to right, and James McLean coming back into the starting eleven. Andy Hamilton returns to the squad with a place on the bench. Mazy runs from Johnny McSorely first, and then Jordan Baker at the other end, both resulted in shots off the target in the early stages. We weren't at our best in the opening stages, sloppy passing, missed tackles. But we were never caused too many issues by City, and soon David Sinton was starting to cause their defence issues down the right wing. Normal service would be resumed as the mid point of the first half approached, Aidan O'Kane sending the ball down the left channel, James McLean beat his marker, and Lukasz Adamcyzk connected with his low cross at the near post, beating the kepper inside the upright. Jordan Baker and McLean both missed chances to extend the lead, before Baker picked out Sinton, who had crept into the box. As he tried to turn, Dave Walker bodychecked him to the floor, and Stephen Magennis drove the resulting penalty low into the net. The second half saw our dominance of proceedings continue, and again, the left flank was the source. O'Kane sent the ball long down the channel for McLean, and he cut the ball back from the byline, Baker allowed it to run across his body before smashing it into the roof of the net. Ten minutes into the second half, Adamczyk played the ball to Sinton in the box, and once again he was met by Walker, who tripped him this time, and the ref pointed to the spot again. Magennis went low into the opposite corner this time, while Walker was immediately substituted, and he went right down the tunnel instead of joining his colleagues on the bench, he had endured a torrid afternoon. I made a trio of changes of my own, booked skipper Marc Fegan, Willie Boland and Baker all departed the action, with Glenn Walsh, Andy Hamilton and Neil Brown replacing them. Austin McCann's curling effort from range hit the top of the cross bar in Armagh's efforts to at least make a game of it, but it would be Neil Brown who would have the last word with ten minutes to play. He used his strength to hold off a defender and reach Magennis' through ball, and after getting the ball out of his feet, he stabbed it into the top corner to put the seal on a superb First Leg performance. Lurgan Celtic (2) 5 - Lukasz Adamczyk (21), Stephen Magennis (45+1 pen, 55 pen), Jordan Baker (48), Neil Brown (80)Armagh City (0) 0Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt - Glenn Walsh 62), Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Willie Boland (Andy Hamilton 62); David Sinton, James McLean; Jordan Baker (Neil Brown 62), Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Connor, Aaron McElwee.Bookings :- Marc Fegan 56Possession :- 57% - 43%. Man of the Match :- Stephen Magennis (Lurgan Celtic). That really could not have gone too much better, and meant we would be able to afford the luxury of major rotation for the Second Leg tie in midweek, giving some much needed game time to fringe and young players. October will not be a ridiculously busy month as far as I can see, but if there is an opportunity to rest key players, we may as well take it. Monday 20th SeptemberI informed everyone of my decision on Monday morning, as the two Aidan's, messrs O'Kane and Sweeney were being included in the First Division Team of the Week. Tuesday 21st SeptemberArmagh is only a fifteen mile trip down the road, but I made sure no one could accuse us of wasting fans time and money, and I let the cat out of the bag. It would be a second string side, but a second string side that I believed could still get the job done. I wasn't too concerned about the result tomorrow night, but I did want to make sure that we made it into the draw for Round Three. In a press conference I told the media that the players who would be playing had been told, and the ones being left out had been informed they were being rested. David Carroll misses out on the chance of being involved. The young on loan striker has twisted his ankle in training, and will be out for up to a month. Wednesday 22nd September Northern Irish League Cup, Second Round, Second Leg. Holm Park, Armagh Armagh City v Lurgan Celtic - (Lurgan Celtic lead 5-0 on aggregate) Attendance :- 175. Weather :- Breezy, Wet, 22c. Eleven changes, and a small group of youngsters have been called up from the Reserve and Youth sides to sit on the bench, which include Guinea age group International forward, Alex Owen. In the starting eleven, young goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan and veteran left back Gareth Murphy make their first appearances of the season, and in the keepers case, his debut for the club. After Niall Lavery sent a couple of early chances over the goal frame, it was City who started to take over the match, led in particular by striker Gavin McParland. He would lift his first chance over the top after being played in, but he was causing issues again within ten minutes, and Gareth Buchanan had to make a good save from him at his near post, and needed a bit of help from Paul Davidson, who cleared the danger. Trevor Anderson would try his luck next, but his first touch was too heavy, and Lavery was quick to knock the ball away from him. When Scott Hammond hit the post, it looked like it wasn't going to be City's night. But in first half injury time, McParland got around Davidson and into the box, and slammed a low shot past Buchanan at his near post to give the hosts hopes of a comeback a shot in the arm. I wasn't too concerned, we had defended reasonably well. I quickly got worried when we showed signs of falling apart just four minutes into the second half though, Johnny McSorely slid the ball into the path of Austin McCann, and he fired across goal and into the bottom corner. We needed a goal about now to shift the balance of power, and Neil Brown blew Mark Stewart away for pace, and sent it to Lavery on the edge of the box, but William McFredrick turned his shot over the bar. My worry turned to something just short of panic however, as just after the hour, McParland tore our defence apart once more, as he jinked past Davidson, and then beat Gareth Murphy for pace, before beating Buchanan once again to make it 3-0 on the night. I made a pair of change within minutes, Murphy and Aidan Sweeney replaced by the younger legs of Nigel Hagan and Ashley McKeown. That didn't help much either, as Kieran Bell's inswinging corner was headed home by Ronnie Matchett, and our aggregate lead was down to just one single goal. Remarkably, after that goal we started to straighten ourselves out a bit, and it was Callum O'Connor who really stepped up, as he started to take charge of our back four. I added some pace to our top end with five minutes to go, as Alex Owen made his Lurgan Celtic debut as a replacement for Krasimir Georgiev. Even so, with just minutes remaining, Buchanan tried to send a clearance out wide from outside his box, and it was headed right back upfield, sub Peter McNeill lifted it over the back tracking keeper, but it cleared the bar as well, and we had survived, by the skin of our teeth! Armagh City (1) 4 - Gavin McParland (45+2,61), Austin McCann (49), Ronnie Matchett (67)Lurgan Celtic (0) 0(Lurgan Celtic win 5-4 on aggregate) Gareth Buchanan; Martynas Kubeckis, Paul Davidson, Callum O'Connor, Gareth Murphy (Nigel Hagan 66); Aidan Sweeney (capt - Ashley McKeown 66), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Neil Brown; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Krasimir Georgiev (Alex Owen 85).Unused Substitutes :- Gary Fay, Kieran Jardine.Bookings :- Martynas Kubeckis 24Possession :- 54% - 46%. Man of the Match :- Gavin McParland (Armagh City). Well, what an absolute s*** show that was! I got that pretty badly wrong, and we're lucky to be in the last sixteen. I won't take the entire blame though, as that was a pretty poor outing from a group of players who were mostly supposed to be trying to impress to force their way into the reckoning for more First Team action. Needless to say, not many will have done their cases much good today. Carrick Rangers beat Ballyclare in a League match tonight, which takes Rangers up into second spot, five points behind us. Thursday 23rd SeptemberThe draw is made for Round Three of the League Cup, and with only four First Division sides remaining, we knew we were facing a Premier Division side after watching the other three get drawn out pretty early, including an all First Division tie. When we were drawn out midway through proceedings, we were handed a chance to avenge March's defeat in the Semi-Final of the Northern Irish Cup, as we're paired with Cliftonville, who currently sit sixth in the top tier, but have only played four matches, and have won three of them. They are the holders of this Cup too, and we travel to play the away leg at the end of October, with the Second Leg a fortnight later. Saturday 25th SeptemberIt's a return to form for our Under-18 side, as they triumph 3-0 at home to Coagh United today. Defender John Bowers opened the scoring, before a brace from Gary Patterson, one at the end of each half, confirmed the victory. That leaves our youngsters in second place in Group 2. Sunday 26th SeptemberInjury news, and it caps off a pretty disastrous week for 17 year old keeper Gareth Buchanan. After making his debut for the club in the awful 4-0 defeat in Armagh, he has today broken his leg in a training session, and will almost certainly miss the remainder of the 2010/11 season. It's a huge blow for the shot stopper, and he has been sent to see a specialist for his initial care. Monday 27th SeptemberConsiderably less worrying, club captain Marc Fegan is sent home from training today after going down with the flu. The 25 year old centre back has been sent home, and is likely to be out for around a week, making him a doubt for Saturday's trip to Bangor in the First Division. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 5, 2018 Author Share Posted March 5, 2018 2010/11 Northern Irish First Division. Up To & Including Thursday 30th September 2010 | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | 1st | | Lurgan Celtic | | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 8 | +10 | 20 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | | Carrick | | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 15 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | | Glebe | | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 5 | +6 | 14 | | 4th | | Ballinamallard Utd | | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 12 | +5 | 13 | | 5th | | Wakehurst | | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 11 | | 6th | | Limavady Utd | | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 11 | | 7th | | Ards | | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 | | 8th | | Banbridge | | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 | | 9th | | Loughgall | | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 9 | +1 | 9 | | 10th | | Institute | | 8 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 8 | | 11th | | Bangor | | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 8 | | 12th | | Ballymoney Utd | | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 15 | -10 | 7 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 13th | | Armagh | | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 14 | -5 | 6 | | 14th | | Ballyclare | | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 14 | -14 | 0 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 8, 2018 Author Share Posted March 8, 2018 Friday 1st October 2010I have won my ever award, the Manager of the Month Award for September, which clearly didn't take into account the hiding we had at Armagh lat week. Three wins and a draw in four League matches saw me beat Stephen Small of Carrick Rangers and Jim McGroarty of Limavady United. We resume League action tomorrow afternoon, with a League match away from home versus 11th placed Bangor. It's my first meeting with the Clandeboye Park outfit, and in the press conference, I'm keen to stress that it's important our League form isn't allowed to suffer as a result of the trip to Armagh. The bookies have us as outsiders, though it would be fair to say that they are waiting on our promising start to the season to crumble, and they expect it sooner rather than later. I've sent a contract offer to a very interesting looking player who's contract has now expired at his current club. There was a sense that he wasn't too keen to speak to us, however, through his representative, we have offered him a deal that would nearly treble his wages, which may change his stance. The jury is out on whether he'll speak to us, but if he does, he can't join us until the New Year. The Board are satisfied with how things are going right now, and are keen to state their delight at the form of Lukasz Adamczyk. They are less pleased with young Paul Davidson however. The club lost just £4,000 in September, and are now a little over £40,000 in debt. Additional revenue streams have to be considered by the Board soon, they as of right now, they don't seem too concerned. Saturday 2nd OctoberOur Under-18 side have moved to the top of Group 2 after winning 2-0 away to Ballyclare at Dixon Park. In his first start for the Youth side, Alex Owen found the net after just five minutes. Centre back Tom Robinson missed a penalty just before the hour mark, and it took until injury time at the end of the match for the points to be made safe, Karl Chambers netting the second despite carrying an injury to his ribs that would keep him out for the next week to ten days. Northern Irish First Division Clandeboye Park, Bangor Bangor v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 210. Weather :- Dry, 13c. We're back to almost full strength today. I say almost, as we are without the skipper, Marc Fegan hasn't yet recovered from the flu, and it's Lee Shepherd who partners Justin Miller this afternoon. In midfield, Andy Hamilton joins Lukasz Adamczyk, while David Sinton is back on the right wing again today, with James McLean on the left. You won't see too many worse starts to the match than James McLean had today. The winger trod on the ball with his first touch. Then in the 8th minute, Aidan O'Kane took a throw near his own corner flag, and McLean tried to play it right back to him, but missed by a mile, conceding a corner. They say these things come in three's, and McLean completed that hatrick, as he bundled Jim McMenamin to the floor from Domininc Melly's delivery, and Barry Moran sidefooted the spot kick into the corner of the net. To the credit of McLean and his team mates, there was no dropping of heads, and they set about getting back into the game, with David Sinton in particular causing endless issues for the Bangor defence. We maybe should have had a penalty of our own when McMenamin appeared to have pushed Stephen Magennis in the back as the striker entered the penalty box at pace, but the ref waved play on. We wouldn't have to wait too long though, in the 18th minute, Aidan O'Kane curled a corner into the 6 yard box, and Jordan Baker met it with a powerful header from close range to bring us level. Bangor had a fair bit of the ball from there on, but they were forced to shoot from range, and in the 57th minute, we caught them napping. Lukasz Adamczyk won a 50/50 ball in midfield, and got it square to Andy Hamilton. He quickly played it to the feet of Magennis, who had his back to goal, and the striker played a clever reverse pass into the path of Sinton, who took the ball in his stride, and slotted it past James Blanchard and into the net. That was his first goal of the season, and he set about increasing our advantage when he ran at their defence ten minutes later, outsprinting two defenders and sending his cross into the near post, where an effort from Magennis was blocked well by Blanchard. The keeper would make another stop in the 72nd minute, and this one was even better, Justin Miller's free kick to the far post was headed onto target by O'Kane, and he once again worked the keeper, who made a superb sprawling stop. Enter the home team's talisman, Melly. He had already hit the outside of the post shortly after O'Kane's effort, and he would try again right after we had made a double substitution. He picked up the ball from a throw, ghosted past Adamczyk, and then hit a low curling shot from 30 yards out that swung out of the reach of Stephen Havern, and found the bottom corner. There would be only one chance for either side to steal all three points, and it would fall to our substitute Neil Brown, who created a yard for himself by stopping his run in the box, and he collected Baker's cut back, but drove his shot right at Blanchard, who beat it away and earned his side a point. Bangor (1) 2 - Barry Moran (9 pen), Dominic Melly (80)Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Jordan Baker (18), David Sinton (57) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Lee Shepherd, Aidan O'Kane (capt); Andy Hamilton, Lukasz Adamczyk; David Sinton, James McLean (Aaron McElwee 77); Jordan Baker, Stephen Magennis (Neil Brown 77).Unused Substitutes :- Glenn Walsh, Callum O'Connor, Willie Boland.Bookings :- NonePossession :- 49% - 51%. Man of the Match :- Dominic Melly (Bangor). A draw was probably a fair result on the day, and I could only admire the play of Dominic Melly, a player who's name had come up in the press conference as someone who could win games for his club almost single handedly. The 23 year old would certainly be worth keeping an eye on, in my opinion, with a player like him in their side, Bangor had a pretty good chance of beating the drop. We weren't thinking of things like relegation however, Carrick Rangers have won again, and our lead at the top has been reduced to three points with nine matches now played. You'll struggle to find too many who would have picked us out to be in this position though, and we remain unbeaten in League football this season. The attention was turned to Cup football briefly that evening though, as the draw was made for the First Round of the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup. That draw would see us travel to Dixon Park to face First Division rivals Ards in four weeks time. We had played them twice during my reign, both this year, a win on penalties in the Northern Irish Cup in January, and a League win against them just last month. Both of those matches had been at Knockramer Park, so how would we cope with them on our travels? Monday 4th OctoberIf there was a team in our Division that were actually called 'Team of the Week', then Aidan O'Kane would leave us to play for them, as he appears in the weekly lineup once again, this time joined by David Sinton. It was becoming more and more apparent with every passing week why O'Kane had been my top target in the summer. He has been simply superb since joining us. Tuesday 5th OctoberMy attempt to bring in Icelandic/Scottish attacking midfielder Calum Bett has failed. He mentioned that he appreciated the contract offer, but he didn't believe a move to Northern Ireland was a good option right now, and he has decided to stay with HK for now on a month to month contract. Friday 8th OctoberTomorrow we face one of our big litmus tests of this season, as we host Institute, who were relegated from the Premier Division last season. We have played them twice already this season, losing 1-0 away in the First Round of the League Cup, before overhauling them with a 3-0 win in the Second Leg at Knockramer. They have struggled to adjust to their new Division it seems, as after being made Even money favourites to win the First Division, they have won only two of their nine League matches so far. That doesn't quite tell the whole story however, as they have only lost twice as well. They are unbeaten in their last five now though, but it's us who go into the match as leaders, while Institute are starting to climb, and now sit 10th. We won't be taking them lightly, as they have some quality players. They were due to be without one of their best ones, as attacking midfielder Phillip Lowry has been called up for the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad. As it happens, he has strained his neck in training, and both club and country will have to do without him this weekend. Saturday 9th October Northern Irish First Division Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Institute Attendance :- 281. Weather :- Dry, 21c. The skipper is back, and Marc Fegan returns to the starting lineup for this one, replacing Lee Shepherd, who in turn takes over on the bench with Glenn Walsh left out of the matchday squad. In the only other change to the lineup today, Aaron McElwee is brought into the midfield in place of Andy Hamilton, who again takes a spot on the bench. It was not a good start, as in the 5th minute, Andy Brown took the ball in midfield, and spread it into the right channel. From outside the box, Neil Harkin let a shot go, and it dipped unexpectedly on Stephen Havern, who could then failed to adjust himself and could only watch the ball hit the top corner of his net. That was Harkin's first goal of the season, and Havern and ourselves had made a horrible start to a big game. We would attempt to get right back into the match, David Sinton fired over the bar, James McLean's shot was saved. After successfully trying his luck once, Harkin had another go from an almost identical spot. Havern pushed that away, at the other end, Jordan Baker smashed a shot goalwards, Michael Doherty turned it over. The two went toe to toe again from the corner, Baker's header tipped over by Doherty this time. Part three came right up, O'Kane sent over another one, and this time Baker's header beat Doherty, but not the cross bar. Another series of corners brought no reward, while at the other end, Stuart Surgenor curled in a cross that was overhit, and Havern had to claw it from off the goal line. But Havern started the second half almost as badly as he had the first, a poor clearance by the keeper found Jimmy Derbyshire only, and he lofted it back over the keepers head, Havern relieved to see it come back off the bar. We should have been putting real pressure on the visitors, but it just wasn't happening. With a little under a quarter of an hour to go, I made a change. Aaron McElwee came off, replaced by Neil Brown, as we went to three up front, and just one man in midfield, with the players directed to get that ball up the park in a hurry. But even then, it took until injury time to create a chance, Baker's flick on from Havern's long free kick was headed over the bar by Neil Brown, while Lukasz Adamczyk blasted over the bar in a last ditch attempt from long range. Lurgan Celtic (0) 0 Institute (1) 1 - Neil Harkin (5) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt), Aidan O'Kane; Aaron McElwee (Neil Brown 77), Lukasz Adamczyk; David Sinton, James McLean; Jordan Baker, Stephen Magennis.Unused Substitutes :- Lee Shepherd, Callum O'Connor, Willie Boland, Andy Hamilton.Bookings :- NonePossession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- Neil Harkin (Institute). The unbeaten start to the League season is over after ten games. If you'd told us that would be the case at the start of the season, we'd have probably arranged for you to be sectioned for your own safety. So why am I disappointed? Well, in the League, I think that was supposed to be our first big test, and we had failed it. It's hard to pick holes in a keeper who has been for the most part, superb over the last few seasons. But the errors were starting to become more notieable and frequent from Stephen Havern. Has our goalkeeper reached his peak? Have we reached the limit of our ability with this goalkeeper? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 10, 2018 Author Share Posted March 10, 2018 Sunday 10th October 2010While we were having our unbeaten run dismantled, Glebe were winning away from home against Banbridge. Our lead at the top of the First Division has been obliterated within weeks, and we're now top of the League only by virtue of goals scored, as Glebe are level on points with us, and have an identical goal difference as well. Carrick Rangers sit third, two points behind us, with Ballinamallard United and Loughgall a further three points back again. There was very little attention on what was happening in the domestic schedule though, and that was because the Senior National team were putting in one of their best performances for years! In Group E of the UEFA's 2012 European Championship Qualifying, they were playing 35th ranked nation, Israel, in Ramat-Gan. The Green and White Army may have been fearing the worst when Chelsea striker Ben Sahar struck in the 7th minute. They need not have worried though, as Rangers in form target man Kyle Lafferty equalised within minutes, and Burnely's striker Martin Paterson gave the Irish the lead midway through the half. And things got even better in the second half, as Lafferty netted a second while Chris Baird scored two minutes later, sealing a famous 4-1 win. There were also wins for Sweden and FYR Macedonia, with the Irish travelling to face the latter on Wednesday night. Monday 11th OctoberIn shock news, Aidan O'Kane is selected in the First Division Team of the Week. Wednesday 13th OctoberThe Second Round of the Under-18's Cup was played today, with the matches brought forward to 3pm kick off's, so they didn't clash with the International later in the day. Our youngsters went to Armagh and were superb at Holm Park. They won 5-0, and it could have been more. David Carroll and Tommy Murphy scored in the first half, Alex Owen then missed a penalty before scoring just over an hour in, and then full back Dave Boyd scored twice from the spot after the hosts were reduced to ten men. That was very much the starter before the main course though, as in Skopje, it was FYR Macedonia who had the majority of the ball, and the chances. They failed to put any of them away though, and Nigel Worthington's side held out for what could end up being a priceless point away from home when the Qualifiers reach their conclusion this time next year. Wins at home for Sweden and Germany see them leading the way on ten and nine points respectively, though the Swedes have played one more match. FYR Macedonia sit in third spot with seven points from their four matches, with Northern Ireland behind them in fourth with five points from three games. Israel are the only other nation with points on the board, with three from their trio of matches. Saturday 16th OctoberIt's back to League action for the Under-18 side, as they faced Ards at Knockramer Park in Group 2. On loan striker David Carroll is full of goals, and he strikes another inside the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, the lads couldn't hold onto that lead, and Patrick O'Hagan equalised in the 70th minute to earn Ards' youngsters a share of the points. Sunday 17th OctoberI had decided to go out and try and get us an upgrade at goalkeeper. Dean Kiely might have just turned 40 years old and retired from International football seven and a half years ago, but he has almost 700 appearances in the Barclays Premier League and Coca-Cola Football League. He was a regular for Charlton Athletic for 6 years after they paid £1 million for him, five of those seasons in the Premier League. After three appearances at that level for West Bromwich Albion last season, he moved to a much lower level, playing for Brickfield Rangers in Wales this season. He jumped at the chance to join us, but the Board veto'ed the deal, refusing to sanction his wages when we're already over the budget. Saturday 23rd OctoberThr Under-18's were in a very busy period while the Senior's had no games. Today they solidified their position at the top of Group 2, as they won 3-1 in Castledawson against Moyola Park. There was another missed penalty from Alex Owen early on, and Park went in front in the 65th minute through Scott Marshall. But three goals in the last 20 minutes from David Carroll, Mark Ferguson and Peter Hogg made sure the youngsters went home happy. Tuesday 26th OctoberWe're back in action tomorrow night, as we travel to Belfast to take on Cliftonville in the First Leg tie of the Third Round of the League Cup. We're second favourites in this one, and an away goal will be our target, while trying to keep Cliftonville at bay as best as we can. Wednesday 27th October Northern Irish League Cup, Third Round, First Leg Solitude, Belfast Cliftonville v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 187. Weather :- Dry, 17c Not only is this a fairly important and prestigious Cup, but it has also handed us an opportunity to really enhance our reputation by turning over the current holders and one of the nations biggest sides, who have played in Europe this season. With that in mind, I make just one change from the defeat against Institute, as Andy Hamilton comes into the side to replace Aaron McElwee, who goes onto the bench. And what a start we made as well! In the 8th minute, Justin Miller's throw in found David Sinton on the right corner of the box. The winger put his head down and sprinted past a defender, before slinging a a cross from the byline to the far post, where James McLean met it with a header to net his first goal of the season. The Premier Division side were having issues breaking us down, until the half hour mark. Conor Downey sent over an inswinging corner to the far post, where Shea Campbell climbed above Aidan O'Kane and headed an equaliser. We thought we had gone right back in front, a counter attack started by Jordan Baker, who got it back from Sinton's cross, and he sent it through to Andy Hamilton, who tucked it in, but hadn't held his run long enough to stay onside. By the time we had reached the early stages of the second half, both sides had resorted to shooting from range, Harry Pell and Lukasz Adamczyk with wild efforts at either end. Our Polish midfielder would have a much closer effort from 20 yards out as the hour approached, but a third effort midway through the half was once again way off the mark. I made a pair of changes, Willie Boland providing some more grit in midfield in place of Andy Hamilton, while Neil Brown brought some size and pace to our front line in place of Stephen Magennis. Cliftonville hadn't caused us any problems in the second half, but with a minute to go, and our last sub just made, the ball found it's way to Downey on the edge of the box, and he let fly, Stephen Havern attempting to redeem himself with a superb reaction stop to tip it over the bar. That corner came to nothing, and led to a counter attack of our own. When that broke down, Aaron McElwee squared the ball across the edge of the box, and Adamczyk had one more go, this one smashing off the cross bar and away to safety. Cliftonville (1) 1 - Shea Campbell (30)Lurgan Celtic (1) 1 - James McLean (8) Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt), Aidan O'Kane; Andy Hamilton (Willie Boland 77), Lukasz Adamczyk; David Sinton (Aaron McElwee 87), James McLean; Jordan Baker, Stephen Magennis (Neil Brown 77).Unused Substitutes :- Lee Shepherd, Callum O'Connor.Bookings :- NonePossession :- 38% - 62%. Man of the Match :- Shea Campbell (Cliftonville). Nearly two thirds of the ball possession against one of the best sides in the country. I've always tried to encourage my side to play football the right way for the most part, but I think that shows we're certainly doing something right. We got a very pleasing result as well. If we could keep Cliftonville out in the Second Leg at Knockramer, we would be into the last eight. We're starting to build a bit of a reputation as a good Cup side, and we would have another chance to show it again in our very next match. Friday 29th OctoberThat match would see us open our Intermediate Cup campaign, with a First Round fixture away to Ards. It had not been a good season so far in Ballyclare, as both of their First Division sides looking entrenched in a relegation battle, though Ballyclare were in far more trouble than Ards. Still, not many people were expecting us to get turned over in our final match of October. Saturday 30th OctoberDean Kiely is clearly very keen to join us at Knockramer Park. This morning he accepted an ammended contract offer to join us for just £50 a week. Granted, it's still an increase on what he is being paid at Brickfield Rangers, but it is only a third of what he was asking us for. The Board are still not playing ball though, and have once again blocked the transfer. If I want Kiely in the New Year, I will have to move some players out first. Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, First Round Dixon Park, Ballyclare Ards v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 185. Weather :- Dry, 20c. I'd learned a valuable lesson from that match against Armagh City last month, and took it much easier on the squad roation for this one. While it wasn't very high up the list of priorities, it was still a chance to win a Cup. Martynas Kubeckis came in at right back, while Glenn Walsh and Lee Shepherd were partnered together at centre back. Willie Boland and Niall Lavery would make up the midfield, with Aaron McElwee on the right wing, and Neil Brown starting up front with Raymond Fitzpatrick. Both the Montserrat and Bermuda National Team managers are here today to run the rule over Shepherd and Brown respectivley before their next squad announcements. Our first chance would come in the 11th minute, Raymond Fitzpatrick heading wide at the near post from Aidan O'Kane's inswinging corner. Meanwhile, Ards dangerman Jordan Hughes soon tee'ed up Stuart Long, who's long range effort was just wide of the mark. In a match where tackles were flying in, the ref made a rod for his own back by booking both Glenn Walsh and Aaron McElwee. Then James McLean hoofed the ball up the park, the back pass to Andy McDonald saw a heavy touch from the keeper, and Raymond Fitzpartick took it off his toe, and Neil Brown slid it home. As our two strikers celebrated, the linesman lifted his flag, deciding slightly belatedly that Fitzpatrick's challenge on the keeper was a foul. The out of favour striker was keen to make up for that, and crashed a header from an O'Kane corner against the bar. I didn't make any changes at the break, but I should have. The ref was always going to continue to hand out yellow cards, and two minutes in, he gave one to Glenn Walsh after he tripped Gerard Walsh on the edge of the 'D'. That was his second, and we were down to ten, sacrificing Fitzpatrick to bring on Callum O'Connor. Despite being a man down, we were still doing ok, and when Stephen Havern launched a quick counter attack, McLean went between two players and into the box, before Ryan Newberry tugged his shirt, and the ref awarded us a penalty. McLean picked up the ball and took the kick himself, but blasted it high over the bar. Then we found ourselves behind, Kyle McCleery squaring the ball to Long, and he let fly from 30 yards out, the ball swinging away from Havern's dive and just finding it's way inside the post. We would hit back almost immediately though, O'Kane swinging in another corner, and sub Callum O'Connor half volleyed home his first goal for the club. Now we were looking on top despite being a man down, and McLean almost made ammends for his miss from the spot, cracking in a left footed drive on the turn that McDonald saved superbly. Neil Brown made a great run down the right with ten minutes to go, and then set up Aaron McElwee, but the midfielder could only hit the side netting. With McLean trying a bit too hard to do a bit too much, I made a change, taking the winger off, moving Brown to the left, and brining on Krasimir Georgiev. That move paid off quickly, Brown turning on the burners, Tony Teggart tried, and failed, to foul him outside the box, Newberry caught him inside, and we had another penalty. With McLean off, it was left to captain for the day, O'Kane, and he smashed his spot kick high into the net, right under the cross bar to give us the lead. Brown made another great run late on, going all the way himself before McDonald saved his low drive at goal. And as I made a late change to kill some time off the clock, we were awarded an incredible third spot kick of the afternoon from the restart, O'Kane's corner to the far post, and Jason Lappin was judged to have fouled Brown. Up stepped O'Kane once more, and it was same spot and same result with virtually the last kick of the game. Ards (0) 1 - Stuart Long (61)Lurgan Celtic (0) 3 - Callum O'Connor (64), Aidan O'Kane (83 pen, 90+3 pen) Stephen Havern; Martynas Kubeckis, Glenn Walsh, Lee Shepherd, Aidan O'Kane (capt); Willie Boland, Niall Lavery (Aidan Sweeney 90+1); Aaron McElwee, James McLean (Krasimir Georgiev 81); Raymond Fitzpatrick (Callum O'Connor 48), Neil Brown.Unused Substitutes :- Justin Miller, David Sinton.Bookings :- Aaron McElwee 17, Glenn Walsh 28. Sent Off :- Glenn Walsh 48Possession :- 46% - 54%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). It would be fair to say that Ards were aggrieved with the award of three penalties in our favour. I wasn't too happy myself either, as I thought Glenn Walsh's red card was a little harsh, to me, the punishment didn't fit the crime as he committed only two fouls in the match, and was booked for both. Already under a warning from the FA, I thought it wise to keep my mouth pretty much shut after the match. Before any questions, I explained that I wouldn't be making any comment on the penalties or the red card, or anything to do with the officiating at all. When I was bombarded with those questions, I simply answered no comment, until I could get out of there and head back to Lurgan. It was a very short press conference. While we were making our way home, the draw was made for the Second Round, and it was kind to us. We would face four times competition winners Chimney Corner at Knockramer Park in three weeks time. They are firmly entrenched in the relegation battle at the foot of the third tier, having collected just seven points from their eight matches to date. On our last meeting nearly a year ago, they beat us 3-1. The biggest question right now however, was would I still be in charge of Lurgan Celtic when that game came around? I had applied for another job............ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 10, 2018 Author Share Posted March 10, 2018 2010/11 Northern Irish First Division. Up To & Including Sunday 31st October 2010 | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | 1st | | Lurgan Celtic | | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 20 | 11 | +9 | 21 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | | Glebe | | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 16 | 7 | +9 | 21 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | | Carrick | | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 4 | +8 | 19 | | 4th | | Ballinamallard Utd | | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 14 | +6 | 16 | | 5th | | Loughgall | | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 12 | +5 | 16 | | 6th | | Limavady Utd | | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 11 | +1 | 15 | | 7th | | Institute | | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 14 | | 8th | | Banbridge | | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 13 | | 9th | | Bangor | | 10 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 13 | | 10th | | Armagh | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 12 | | 11th | | Wakehurst | | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 11 | | 12th | | Ards | | 10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 14 | 18 | -4 | 10 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 13th | | Ballymoney Utd | | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 16 | -11 | 9 | | 14th | | Ballyclare | | 10 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 19 | -17 | 1 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 12, 2018 Author Share Posted March 12, 2018 Monday 1st November 2010I wouldn't want anyone to think that I was getting cabin fever, and was desperate to leave Knockramer Park, as that wasn't the case at all. However, I am ambitious, and the club don't seem in any real rush to reward me with an improved deal for my work in improving the fortunes of the club. After being relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship in 2008/09, there was a real expectation on Derby County to bounce right back up. But that didn't happen, and they missed out on the Playoffs by a win despite changing managers part the way through the season. Now at almost exactly the same point of this season, they have sacked their manager again, with John Ward's side down in the third tier's relegation zone. The thought of a crack at turning around one of the great old names of English football was an appealing one, and I threw my hat into the ring. Unfortunately, I was a little late to the party, and The Rams had already made their decision. The fact that they hired Andy Cale from The New Saints, the Champions of Wales, shows that my ambition may not have been quite as pie in the sky as some may have thought. You may well see more applications from me in the future, as there is the potential for more jobs of interest to come up. The fact that the club didn't kick up a stink about me eyeing up jobs elsewhere either hasn't exactly deterred me. In fact, the Board are pleased with how things are going, with the exceptions being the signing of Krasimir Georgiev, and the loss of just over £6,000 last month. But I may need the club to spend some more money that they don't have, as later in the day, our first choice and only real Senior goalkeeper at the club, Stephen Havern, twists his ankle after falling heavily in training. He will be out for between five and six weeks, and I can't bring anybody in at the moment. With Gareth Buchanan suffering a broken leg last month, it looks like on loan keeper Dean Dixon will be handed his big chance. Tuesday 2nd NovemberWe start to clear some salary room for a new keeper, and out of the door is Bulgarian striker, Krasimir Georgiev. It really hasn't worked out for him at Knockramer Park, though he could quite reasonably point out that he was never given a real run in the team. For me, that's another good reason why we shouldn't continue to pay him £110 a week. He leaves on a Free Transfer, though we have to pay him a substantial sum. Thursday 4th NovemberA second player leaves today, and this one was a much more difficult decision to have to make. Veteran left back Gareth Murphy has been here for fourteen seasons, and has never played for another club. He headed home the promotion winning goal last season, but has spent this season on the sidelines. He leaves with our best wishes for whatever he chooses to do next. Friday 5th NovemberIt's not even worth having a bet on us for tomorrow afternoon I'm told, as we're 1/6 favourites to beat Wakehurst at home. They beat us to the Second Division Title in 2008/09, and then finished a very credible fifth last season in this League. They didn't start too badly this year either, but three defeats on the bounce has sent them freefalling down into 11th place, and into a relegation fight that they were hoping to avoid. With Cup football set to dominate the coming weeks, this is scheduled to be not only our sole League match of November, but it's our last one until the week before Christmas. Saturday 6th NovemberAlex Owen might not be the best from the penalty spot, but that he doesn't mean he can't find the net. Our Under-18's provided yet another enthralling contest, as they came from behind at Knockramer Park against Newington. It was Owen who had put us ahead in the 7th minute, but two goals in as many minutes saw the visitors go in front. David Carroll equalised just before the half hour, and Owen netted what would prove to be the winner in first half injury time. Northern Irish First Division Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Wakehurst Attendance :- 267. Weather :- Wet, 7c. It's back into League action, which means it's back to full strength, well, almost. The big exception to that is in our goal, where we're now down to third choice custodian, and on loan 17 year old, Dean Dixon. He has played ten times for our Youth side this season, and has earned four clean sheets, but this will be the Senior debut for the lad who is with us for the season from Linfield. At the other end of the spectrum, left back Aidan O'Kane makes the 200th League appearance of his career today. We almost made a quick start to this match, Aidan O'Kane sending over the corner, and Jordan Baker flashing a header past the far post. At the other end, Conor Gregg would have the first attempt at beating the debutant keeper, but Dean Dixon kicked it away with his left foot to avoid being beaten at his near post. Ally McIlroy would try next, but he couldn't keep his shot down, while at the other end, David Sinton found James McLean, and from the edge of the box the winger would improvise to hit an awkward looking shot that beat the dive of Neil Armstrong, but came back off the upright. Jason Murray would try his luck next, an effort from range that skidded across the wet surface, but Dixon just got fingertips on it to divert it around the goal frame. Dixon would eventually be beaten in the 25th minute, Conor McAnallen hooked an attempted clearance, McIlroy brought it down, rounded Marc Fegan, and lifted it over Dixon high into the far corner. We immediately set about getting that goal back, Andy Hamilton sending a long range effort over the bar, before sending a 36th minute effort flying into the top corner from 20 yards out for his first goal of the season. A goal apiece at half time, but the second half would not be nearly as close, and it was all thanks to Jordan Baker. He started in the 51st minute, O'Kane's cross was only headed down as the defender and Stephen Magennis tangled, Baker swept the loose ball high into the roof of the net from 8 yards out. He netted again in the 67th minute, O'Kane delivering a corner this time, and Baker meeting it with an unstoppable header, just moments after Magennis had been substituted for Neil Brown. They would repeat the trick in the 82nd minute, right after another change, Callum O'Connor replacing Fegan. This time Baker glanced O'Kane's corner into the net to complete a superb hatrick. There would be at least a consolation for our visitors, Johnny Jordan sending in a low cross, and sub Patrick Watson found himself unmarked between defenders, and guided a low shot beyond Dixon to give the score at least a little more respectability about it. Lurgan Celtic (1) 4 - Andy Hamilton (36), Jordan Baker (51,67,82)Wakehurst (1) 2 - Ally McIlroy (25), Patrick Watson (86) Dean Dixon; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt - Callum O'Connor 82), Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Andy Hamilton; David Sinton (Aaron McElwee 86), James McLean; Jordan Baker, Stephen Magennis (Neil Brown 66).Unused Substitutes :- Lee Shepherd, Willie Boland.Bookings :- Stephen Magennis 38Possession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- Jordan Baker (Lurgan Celtic). I realise a hatrick means a guarenteed man of the match, but credit where it's due for Aidan O'Kane. If he isn't the signing of the season, then there is something badly wrong. With Glebe losing, we now have a three point lead at the top of the League, and it will stay that way until at least the week before Christmas, when the next round of fixtures are played. It's Cup football that will take precedence over the coming weeks, and that theme starts right away with two more Cup draws taking place. The Northern Irish Cup is first up, and we are handed a home match with non-League side Connor FC in the Fourth Round, which will take place the day before my 33rd birthday at the end of the month. We will of course be huge favourites for that one. We have never really paid too much attention to the Mid-Ulster Cup. I might change that this season, and the draw pitts us against Annagh United of the Second Division in the First Round, which will take place on the following Wednesday, which is the last day of November. Monday 8th NovemberAidan O'Kane takes his usual spot in the First Division Team of the Week, joined this time around by Andy Hamilton and Jordan Baker of course. In possibly the worst kept transfer secret of all time, we have finally agreed a deal to bring Dean Kiely to Knockramer Park when the Transfer Window opens on January 1st. The 40 year goalkeeper with huge experience, including 8 Senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, has signed a deal for £35 a week, which will take him through to the end of the 2011/12 season. It's a step up in quality for him from the level he has been playing at this season in Wales' lower Leagues. Tuesday 9th NovemberAre we being written off too easily for the tomorrow nights Second Leg tie in the Third Round of the Northern Irish League Cup. The bookies clearly think our result at Solitude was a fluke, with some offering 10/1 on us finishing the job at Knockramer Park. I'd like to think that Cliftonville are taking us a bit more seriously than that. Wednesday 10th November Northern Irish League Cup, Third Round, Second Leg Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Cliftonville (1-1 on aggregate) Attendance :- 182. Weather :- Wet, 7c. We will go into this one unchanged from the win over Wakehurst in the League on Saturday. That match wasn't exactly a baptism of fire for our young goalkeeper, though we would expect him to be a lot busier tonight. A clean sheet would see us take a place in the Quarter-Finals. We started brightly enough, Aidan O'Kane sent James McLean into space down the left, and the winger cut into the box before setting it up for Lukasz Adamczyk, the midfielders drive across goal was just a touch too high. Soon enough though, Cliftonville were starting to cause us problems, and Conor Downey's shot curled just wide of the far post. The next chance would fall to Stephen Magennis, but he toe poked his effort just over the bar. Jordan Baker was struggling a little with a knock, but insisted he could carry on, but soon we were struggling as a whole. Downey wriggled his way into a yard of space in the box, and let a fierce shot go, Dixon pushed it away, Jamie Yates reached the loose ball first, and slid it just inside the post to put the Premier Division side in front. We were starting to look second best, Jonathan Keane and Mark Holland both just missing the target with shots from the edge of the box. When Declan O'Hara's free kick flew just wide, it looked like we would make it to the break with just a one goal deficit. No such luck. Holland played Yates into the right channel of our box, Dixon couldn't hold onto his low drive, and Shea Campbell prodded the loose ball into the bottom corner. We would lose Baker at the break as well, Neil Brown replacing him. Our best chance of getting back into this game now was the ref reducing Cliftonville's numbers as the cards became more frequent. Even that wouldn't go our way. McLean was booked, Sinton was taken off to be replaced by Aaron McElwee, and then Justin Miller was shown two yellow cards within the space of three minutes, taking any faint hopes we had of a late comeback down the tunnel with him. Lurgan Celtic (0) 0 Cliftonville (2) 2 - Jamie Yates (24), Shea Campbell (45+1)(Cliftonville win 3-1 on aggregate) Dean Dixon; Conor McAnallen, Justin Miller, Marc Fegan (capt), Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Andy Hamilton; David Sinton (Aaron McElwee 74), James McLean; Jordan Baker (inj - Neil Brown 45), Stephen Magennis (Lee Shepherd 83).Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Connor, Willie Boland.Bookings :- James McLean 67, Justin Miller 80. Sent Off :- Justin Miller 83Possession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- Jamie Yates (Cliftonville). That was a bit disappointing, as we exited the competition with a bit of a whimper. We had arguably done the hard work in the First Leg, but we couldn't replicate that performance tonight. To add insult to injury, even the defeat came at a cost, as we lost two players. Justin Miller's one game suspension we can deal with, but Jordan Baker missing the next five or six weeks with a twisted ankle is a pretty big blow for us. We still have three more Cup competitions to take a shot at I suppose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 13, 2018 Author Share Posted March 13, 2018 Thursday 11th November 2010If we were looking for positives, then they were sparse. However, it was now ten days before our next match, which we expected would be less testing than the Cliftonville match, as we would be hosting Chimney Corner next. Two of our players have been called up by their countries for the upcoming International Window. Centre back Lee Shepherd is in the Montserrat squad for their Friendly in Costa Rica, while Neil Brown will be hoping to start for Bermuda as they also play a Friendly away from home, they're facing the Turks and Caicos Islands. Saturday 13th NovemberOur Under-18's fine recent run has come to an end, as they suffer their first defeat in two months. It was Ballinamallard United who handed them the defeat at Ferney Park, with a goal late in each half. Our youngsters have also lost the services of Karl Chambers for around a month, after he damaged his foot making a challenge. Wednesday 17th NovemberIt was a very mixed day for our two players on International duty in North America today. Neil Brown's nation Bermuda were beaten 3-1 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but in just his second cap, Brown did manage to get on the scoresheet, the 20 year olds first International goal. It was a considerably less pleasant experience for Lee Shepherd, who's Montserrat side were hopelessly overwhelmed by Costa Rica, and lost 9-0. It could have been even worse for our 18 year old centre back, who was forced to endure the entire ninety minutes. Costa Rica took their foot off the gas in the second half, scoring just twice after the interval. In Europe, a sell-out crowd at Windsor Park welcomed the Group favourites to Belfast, as Germany were in town. Despite coming up very much on the short end of possession, the Northern Irish side gave it their all, but would come up second best, a single goal from Mario Gomez, a 23rd in 33 caps for the Barcelona striker, saw Germany return home with the points. They would take the Group lead from the inactive Swedes as well, while Israel beat FYR Macedonia 3-0 to leapfrog the Irish into fourth. Azerbaijan beat Latvia in the battle of the bottom two. Friday 19th NovemberAfter a decent little break at a traditionally busy time of the season, we're back into action tomorrow afternoon with a home match in the Second Round of the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup against Chimney Corner. A comfortable victory is expected by all from us, and you can actually get 12/1 at the bookies on Corner taking a place in the next round. Saturday 20th November Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, Second Round Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Chimney Corner Attendance :- 177. Weather :- Showers, 7c. Callum O'Connor steps into the back four in place of the suspended Justin Miller, while up front, Neil Brown in back in the country fresh from scoring his first International goal in midweek, and he takes the place of the injured Jordan Baker. There is one other change to the starting eleven, with Willie Boland starting in midfield in place of Andy Hamilton, who takes a place on the bench, joined by Martynas Kubeckis and Raymond Fitzpatrick. The understanding of corner routines between Aidan O'Kane and Jordan Baker was clearly going to be a miss, and that was demonstrated when Neil Brown connected with a 13th minute cross from the left back, but headed it over the bar. They would try again in the 19th minute, Brown heading downwards this time, Kyle Harris producing a superb reflex stop to keep our visitors level. Set pieces would continue to provide our best opportunities, a 32nd minute free kick from O'Kane bounced around the penalty box, before James McLean was tackled as he set himself up to shoot, the winger convinced a penalty should have been awarded, the officials deciding otherwise. McLean would try a header a few minutes later when Lukasz Adamczyk sent in a corner from the other side, but that one flew over the bar. The best chance of the first half would come right before the break, Stephen Magennis playing a first time diagonal pass into the feet of Brown, who sped into the box, rounded Harris, but made the angle too tight for himself, and his cut back across goal saw David Sinton tackled without getting a shot away. Chimney Corner had failed to threaten us at all at the other end, but they had proved to be stubborn defensively, and had reached half time at 0-0. The second half started in much the same fashion, Adamczyk's free kick was blocked by the wall, McLean's curling effort just cleared the angle of the goal frame. Magennis didn't get enough power on his shot on the hour, and then moments later, hooked a shot wide after catching Andy Westall waiting for the ball to bounce on the edge of his own penalty box. When Magennis crossed in the 75th minute, and Brown wanted too many touches and too much time before shooting right at Harris, I had seen enough, and made my three changes. Andy Hamilton, Aaron McElwee and Raymond Fitzpatrick all came on to replace Willie Boland, Sinton and Magennis. Time was ticking away though, until O'Kane moved the ball quickly into midfield, Adamczyk sent it high into the right wing, where Aaron McElwee out jumped his marker and headed the ball into the centre. Westall was caught on his heels, and Raymond Fitzpatrick slotted it low and true from ten yards out, and right in the nick of time, we had broken the spirit of our visitors. Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (89)Chimney Corner (0) 0Dean Dixon; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Callum O'Connor, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Willie Boland (Andy Hamilton 77), David Sinton (Aaron McElwee 77), James McLean; Neil Brown, Stephen Magennis (Raymond Fitzpatrick 77).Unused Substitutes :- Lee Shepherd, Martynas Kubeckis.Bookings :- NonePossession :- 58% - 42%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). We all might be waiting quite some time to see another 1-0 game that was as one sided as that one. I doubt Dean Dixon will ever get another Senior clean sheet that was more comfortable than his first one. Everytime it looks like Raymond Fitzpatrick is done at Lurgan Celtic, he comes back to remind you just how lethal he can be in the oppositions penalty box. He'll be looking to take advantage of Jordan Baker's injury setback, and Stephen Magennis' poor run of form. Right after the game, the draw is made for Round Three of the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, and we will face another Second Division club at home. This time the opposition will be third tier leaders, Larne. They won this Cup in 1970, and were relegated from the First Division last season. That match will become our final one of the year, as it will take place at Knockramer Park on Wednesday 29th December. Friday 26th NovemberA very quiet week, and we move right into the next match, which is another Cup game as we finalise our November fixture schedule. This time it's the Northern Irish Cup, and we'll be hoping to replicate our superb run of last season that saw us reach the Semi- Final stage. We appear to have a very routine opener this time, our Fourth Round opponents are Connor FC. A non-league side who play on an amateur basis and hail from Kells in the County Antrim region of the nation near the town of Ballymena. They have had to overcome a trio of non-league sides to get to this point, though the smart money is on their progress being halted tomorrow at Knockramer. Not that I suppose many people will be putting money on it when we're priced at 1/33. Saturday 27th NovemberMy birthday weekend gets underway with the first part of a double header of football at Knockramer Park. I'm not necessarily too much of a fan of these, as it doesn't do the playing surface much good. It is good for the fans though, and as usual, our Youth side deliver. Alex Owen gave them an 11th minute lead against Dergview, but the visitors equalised shortly after half time. David Carroll reinstated the Celtic lead five minutes before going off with a gashed leg that would keep him out for a couple of weeks. The youngsters had to complete the match with ten men, full back Dave Boyd was red carded in injury time. Northern Irish Cup, Round Four Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Connor FC Attendance :- 486. Weather :- Dry, 2c. Justin Miller comes right back into the lineup today after returning from his suspension, taking the place of Callum O'Connor, who in turn takes the place of Martynas Kubeckis on the bench. There is a change in the midfield too with Aaron McElwee taking a place in the starting eleven in place of Willie Boland. Up front, I reward Raymond Fitzpatrick with a start today, which sees Stephen Magennis dropped to the bench. There is also a rare place in the squad for Michael Downey. A crowd that was only fifteen souls away from equalling the club's attendance record had filed into Knockramer hoping to see some goals to warm up a cold day. They wouldn't be disappointed. Right from the off, Connor FC were pinned back into their own half, and after blasting a great 4th minute chance over the bar, Neil Brown opened the scoring just two minutes later, controlling the diagonal pass from Aidan O'Kane and sliding it under the dive of Nicky Young. He could have had another quickly, but fired right at Young. No matter, number two was quick to come, a 10th minute corner from Lukasz Adamczyk was headed in at the far post by O'Kane. Another chance would fall to Brown, who headed O'Kane's free kick delivery wide, before number three was netted after 17 minutes, Brown chasing down Justin Miller's long ball up the park, and crossed for James McLean, who was patient, before picking his spot and making it 3-0. Centre back Miller could claim number four himself, curling a 22nd minute free kick around the wall and into the top corner. He would also get number five as well just before the half hour mark, Adamczyk lofting another corner into the box, O'Kane's header hit the post, Miller side footed home the loose ball from close range. It would be half a dozen before the break, McLean picking out Raymond Fitzpatrick, who unselfishly played it square for Aaron McElwee, who slotted his shot beyond Young's reach and high into the net. Rightly or wrongly, I told the players that I didn't want to see their levels drop, and to keep their foot down in the second half. McElwee drove one across the face of goal five minutes after the break before Miller sent over another free kick, O'Kane netting his second with a spectacular diving header at the far post. The tempo of the match dropped noticeably, and apart from Adamczyk fizzing one just past the far post, the chances started to dry up a bit. So I made a trio of substitutions, Miller, Sinton and Brown all going off to be replaced by Lee Shepherd, Michael Downey and Stephen Magennis. We brought some pace back into our attacks, and McElwee's long cross field ball got Fitzpatrick goal side of his marker, though he slid his effort just the wrong side of the post. Magennis totally miscued an 80th minute chance to get a much needed goal, though he fared much better in the 84th minute, when he picked off a pass near halfway and launched a counter attack that ended with Downey's cross cannoning off a defender who was trying to stop the ball getting to Fitzpatrick, and Magennis stuffed it in from close range. We still had time for one more late on, McLean's cross was too deep, but Conor McAnallen retrieved the ball, and he played it square to McElwee. The young midfielder played a one-two with Downey, before finding the bottom corner, as we absolutely cruised into the Fifth Round. Lurgan Celtic (6) 9 - Neil Brown (6), Aidan O'Kane (10,52), James McLean (18), Justin Miller (22,29), Aaron McElwee (41,89), Stephen Magennis (84)Connor FC (0) 0Dean Dixon; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Justin Miller (Lee Shepherd 64), Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk, Aaron McElwee; David Sinton (Michael Downey 64), James McLean; Neil Brown (Stephen Magennis 64), Raymond Fitzpatrick.Unused Substitutes :- Callum O'Connor, Andy Hamilton,Bookings :- NonePossession :- 63% - 37%. Man of the Match :- Aidan O'Kane (Lurgan Celtic). Happy Birthday to me indeed, as the club set new club records for the biggest win, and most goals in a game. I don't think anyone was expecting a particularly competitive game, but I doubt anyone expected that kind of drubbing to be handed out either. It had been quite a week for Lee Shepherd, who had been involved in two 9-0 games, and had been at both ends of that scoreline. We're rewarded for that performance later that night with yet another home draw for the Fifth Round. This time, we'll face a much more tricky tie, as we take on a club we look set to potentially battle against for the First Division Title, as we'll be visited by Glebe Rangers on Saturday 8th January. The draw has also been made for the Quarter-Finals of the Mid-Ulster Cup, and if we can get past Annagh United on Wednesday night, we'll travel to face non-league club Fivemiletown United in the last eight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 13, 2018 Author Share Posted March 13, 2018 2010/11 Northern Irish First Division, Up To & Including Tuesday 30th November 2010 | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | 1st | | Lurgan Celtic | | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 24 | 13 | +11 | 24 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | | Glebe | | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 9 | +8 | 21 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | | Carrick | | 11 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 5 | +8 | 20 | | 4th | | Loughgall | | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 13 | +6 | 19 | | 5th | | Limavady Utd | | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 15 | 13 | +2 | 18 | | 6th | | Ballinamallard Utd | | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 17 | +5 | 16 | | 7th | | Armagh | | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 15 | | 8th | | Institute | | 11 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 15 | | 9th | | Bangor | | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 14 | 16 | -2 | 14 | | 10th | | Banbridge | | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 13 | 16 | -3 | 13 | | 11th | | Wakehurst | | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 17 | -3 | 11 | | 12th | | Ards | | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 15 | 19 | -4 | 11 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 13th | | Ballymoney Utd | | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 18 | -11 | 10 | | 14th | | Ballyclare | | 11 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 21 | -17 | 2 | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 14, 2018 Author Share Posted March 14, 2018 Wednesday 1st December 2010We might not be as big a favourite as we were against Connor FC on the weekend, but we're still expected to record a comfortable win over Annagh United in the First Round of the Mid-Ulster Cup this evening. We're 1/8 at the bookies against the Second Division leaders. Mid-Ulster Cup, First Round Knockramer Park, Lurgan Lurgan Celtic v Annagh United Attendance :- 173. Weather :- Showers, 6c. The only changes for tonight from Saturday's goal fest were on the substitutes bench, and they weren't so much changes, as more trimming. This competition only allows three substitutes to be named, so Lee Shepherd and Michael Downey were both left out of the matchday squad. United had absolutely no intention of letting what had happened to Connor FC happen to them next, and they showed their intent early, committing to their tackles and unsettling our players. Andrew Simmons let a shot go from the corner of the box that left Dean Dixon stranded, but cleared the bar. Liam Hubbuck also went close early, stripping the ball from Justin Miller and getting into the box, but curling his shot wide of the far post. But when we got down the other end, we showed how prolific we are, Aidan O'Kane sending in a free kick, and Neil Brown adjusted his body well to connect with a volley that beat the defender on the post, and went in via that upright. That was his 5th goal of the season, and he would add to it around five minutes later. O'Kane's corner was headed right back to him, and he sent it back into the box for Aaron McElwee, keeper Billy McCord pushed away his shot, but only into the path of Brown, who slotted the loose ball home. United were not done by a long way yet though, and full back Michael Dobbin sent the ball to the edge of our box, where Dennis Moran halted Dixon's clean sheet run with a screamer into the roof of the net. We would reinstate that two goal lead before the break though, and it was once again through a set piece. This time it was from the other side, Lukasz Adamczyk whipping a free kick to the far post, and Brown was unmarked to nod it in and complete his first ever Senior hatrick. He almost got a fourth too, but McCord blocked his fierce shot before the break. At the interval, I told the players that they were in position to close out this match, but I reckoned without United, who were in no mood to give up yet. Soon after the restart, James Gilgunn held the ball up on the edge of the box, and then laid it off to Darren Doherty, who just managed to wrap his foot around it enough to get it inside the post and reduce the arrears to a single goal. And in the 55th minute, we got our marking all wrong, as Scott Best found a mismatch against McElwee, and powered Moran's free kick delivery into the net to level the match up at 3-3. I was furious, and the players knew it, and immediately set about making amends. O'Kane whipped in a corner, this time to the near post, where David Sinton glanced a header that looked in, but a defender on the line got enough of a header on it to send it back up against the cross bar before being hacked clear. We continued to knock on the door, particularly with set pieces, and using Sinton down the right, who was cutting through the United defence like a hot knife through butter. Then in the 73rd minute, Sinton sent the ball into the box, and Brown controlled the it before going down under a challenge from Best. The ref pointed to the spot, and the United players were furious. It was a good minute and a half before Stephen Magennis could take the kick, but he held his nerve, and tucked the ball low into the bottom corner to go back in front. Sinton almost settled the argument once and for all in the 82nd minute, striking a shot from the edge of the box that beat McCord, before crashing against the underside of the bar. A couple of well timed late substitutions to kill the clock as well, and we were through, but United had given us one hell of a test. Lurgan Celtic (3) 4 - Neil Brown (17,22,36), Stephen Magennis (74 pen)Annagh United (1) 3 - Dennis Moran (25), Darren Doherty (49), Scott Best (55) Dean Dixon; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Justin Miller, Aidan O'Kane; Lukasz Adamczyk (Andy Hamilton 90), Aaron McElwee; David Sinton, James McLean; Neil Brown, Stephen Magennis (Raymond Fitzpatrick 90+2).Unused Substitute :- Callum O'Connor.Bookings :- NonePossession :- 56% - 44%. Man of the Match :- Neil Brown (Lurgan Celtic). That was some Wednesday night of entertainment at Knockramer for those that came along to watch, and we were now into the Quarter-Final of the Mid-Ulster Cup, where we would travel to face non-league club Fivemiletown United at their Valley Stadium on Saturday 22nd January. It was clear that Neil Brown was settling in very well at our club too, as in fifteen appearances, around half as a substitute, he has now racked up seven goals and five assists. Thursday 2nd DecemberStephen Havern is back in training after his injury. After two and a half years of being our first choice, and lets face it, being pretty much unchallenged, he will now have to dislodge the squads surprise package, 17 year old on loan goalkeeper, Dean Dixon. Saturday 4th DecemberOur Under-18's are back in action once more today, and they hosted Loughgall at Knockramer Park. They made life difficult for themselves once again, as they went behind in the 25th minute. But full back Dave Boyd levelled shortly after from the penalty spot, and five minutes into the second half, defender Craig O'Reilly headed home a winner as the youngsters consolidated their lead at the top of the league. Friday 10th DecemberThe Under-18's will be without their most influential playmaker for a couple of weeks. 17 year old Jonathan Lindsay has provided 8 assists in fifteen matches so far this season, but has damaged his foot in training. In entirely more positive news, and slightly ahead of schedule, striker Jordan Baker is back in training following his foot injury. Wednesday 15th DecemberLeft winger Kieran Jardine is desperate for a loan move. Too old for the Under-18's, and not yet good enough for the Senior side, he has been without football this season. Throwing himself into his training regime in anticipation of finally getting a loan move in January, the winger has strained his back over doing it in the weights room. He'll be out for around a month. Friday 17th DecemberWith just two points to their name all season, Ballyclare Comrades are rock bottom of the table, and all but done already. Their whole squad has a deflated look about them, and we will of course fancy our chances of coming away from Dixon Park with another three point haul. A price of 4/7 has us looking reasonably good value at the bookies for once. Saturday 18th DecemberIt was an away day double header today, and as always, it was our youngsters who started off the day. They kicked off at midday in Derry, where they faced their counterparts from Oxford United Stars. They left it late, in fact very late, but they ground out a 1-0 win thanks to Mark Ferguson's injury time strike. Northern Irish First Division Dixon Park, Ballyclare Ballyclare Comrades v Lurgan Celtic Attendance :- 182. Weather :- Dry, 14c There are two changes from our last match two and a half weeks ago. One is in the starting lineup, where Aaron McElwee is dropped to the bench, where he switches places with Andy Hamilton. The other change is on the bench, where Raymond Fitzpatrick once again finds himself outside the matchday squad, and Jordan Baker returns from injury to sit on the bench. We set about our hosts, and nearly had the opener within half a minute. James McLean was played into space on the left, and after blasting past a defender, he picked out Neil Brown. The in form striker struck from an angle, but put his shot both high and wide. Dean Dixon got an early scare as well, as namesake with a different spelling Chris Dickson, curled a shot that came right back off his cross bar. We were soon back on top though, and Lukasz Adamczyk sent McLean off for another run down the left. This time he teased Ryan Blayney a bit, before sending a square pass to Brown, who picked a spot just inside the near post, and dispatched the ball there perfectly to hand us the lead. The biggest surprise in the remainder of the first half was that we didn't manage to add to that lead. Adamczyck hit one over the bar, and Justin Miller curled a free kick just past the near post. Ballyclare were struggling to deal with us though, and both Blayney and Gareth Curlett picked up bookings in that first half, and losing McLean to injury didn't seem to upset our rhythm too much, David Sinton switching to the left, and Aaron McElwee came on to play on the right wing. No matter, we still had the second half to increase our advantage, and it wouldn't take too long. O'Kane's corner was headed against the angle of the goal frame, but Marc Fegan retrieved the ball and, got it back to the edge of the box, where Andy Hamilton struck a low curling shot that beat Paddy Flood and found the bottom corner. You'd be forgiven for thinking that would be enough to do for the bottom of the table side, but they showed a bit of spirit, and Dixon was forced into a save, Blayney's effort from range dipped, and our young keeper had to back pedal quickly, and show some great agility to tip it over the cross bar. He would ruin that good work in the 64th minute, Kyle McPartland pumped a free kick from his own half up the park, and Dixon should've collected it easily, but he spilled the ball and Daniel Lewis was left with an easy finish to pull the score back to 2-1. But the home sides hopes of getting something from the match were dealt a hammer blow in the 70th minute, as Sinton made a mazy run off his wing, and as he was about to enter the penalty area, Curlett made a last ditch attempt to stop him, but got none of the ball and all of our winger. The ref showed him his second yellow card of the afternoon, and our job had just got a bit easier, just five minutes after I'd switched Stephen Magennis for Jordan Baker. The returning striker wouldn't get a chance to get himself back among the goals, the best chance of the latter stages would fall to Brown. He came short to collect a near post cross from Conor McAnallen, and clipped an effort onto the target, Flood making a superb save to push it away and keep us honest, but three points better off. Ballyclare Comrades (0) 1 - Daniel Lewis (64)Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Neil Brown (16), Andy Hamilton (52) Dean Dixon; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Justin Miller, Aidan O'Kane (Callum O'Connor 89); Lukasz Adamczyk, Andy Hamilton; David Sinton, James McLean (inj - Aaron McElwee 34); Neil Brown, Stephen Magennis (Jordan Baker 65).Unused Substitutes :- Lee Shepherd, Willie Boland.Bookings :- NonePossession :- 32% - 68%. Man of the Match :- Neil Brown (Lurgan Celtic). Neil Brown continued his fine form, taking his total for the season up to eight goals now since his arrival at the start of September. With Glebe being held to a 0-0 draw away from home against Carrick, our lead at the top of the league was now back up to five points with just one match left to reach the halfway point of the fixture list. But there was a strange atmosphere that Saturday evening, and I would soon find out why. For a start, the press conference that usually occurs right after the game was cancelled, and it was literally a case of getting showered and dressed, and right back onto the bus to Lurgan. When we got there, I was called right into the Boardroom, where both the Chairman and Director were sat waiting. They cut right to the chase. They had received an approach for me, and had given the club permission to talk to me. I was handed a piece of paper with a name and contact number on, and it was suggested that I leave the room and give them a call. I did just that, and after a conversation that lasted some 40 minutes or so, I went back to the Boardroom and told them I was going to have a think about things, and would inform the club of my decision tomorrow. It was likely to be an unsettled sleep that night. Sunday 19th DecemberThroughout the course of Sunday, negotiations would continue between myself and my prospective new employers. They offered me an eighteen month deal, and I successfully managed to get an extra year added to that. There was very little room for manouvere on my wages I was informed. As the day wore on, I was made aware that a decision would need to be made, not least because the club would need to relieve the current manager of his duties and inform him of his fate. It was close to 7pm when I called the Board and informed them of my decision. I was off. They had done nothing to persuade me to stay, and shown little in the way of gratitude for what I had done to improve the fortunes of Lurgan Celtic in the last two and a half years. My time at the club was now at an end. It was time to move to pastures new. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilhoskins77 Posted March 14, 2018 Author Share Posted March 14, 2018 Ladies and Gents, We have now reached the conclusion of my time with Lurgan Celtic, and I hope you have enjoyed reading it even a fraction as much as I have enjoyed playing it. But this is not the end of the tale. No sir! It's simply a new beginning, and a chance to move onto the next phase of my plan to become a football managing great. I'll be back with part two of this career story within days. I'll leave you with some stats from my time at Knockramer Park. I'll miss this place. Lurgan Celtic FC (8/7/2008 - 20/12/2010) 895 days in charge. Honours :-Northern Irish Second Division Champions - 2009/10Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup Winners - 2008/09, 2009/10 Record :-GP 93. W 54. D 20. L 19. GF 175. GA 93. GD +82. Win Percentage 58%. Transfers :-Players Signed 25. Players Sold/Released 26.Highest Transfer Fee Paid £0. Highest Transfer Fee Received £0. Manager of the Month Awards 1. Earnings £18,000. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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