Mixed Fortunes Again - Sat. 24th Nov. 2007

The "B" Squad was at home on Saturday November 24th against Pioneers' FC in Division 3A of the Leinster Senior League. Unfortunately, with just eleven players available to the "B" Squad due to illness the task proved just too much on the day. Despite having a number of good chances, there was little the lads of the "B" Squad could have done to stop Pioneers' coming away with a decisive win. Final score: DLTFC 0 : Pioneers' FC 3. Whilst, up at St. Benildus College in Stillorgan, the lads of the "A" Squad had a comfortable win against St. James' Athletic FC in Division 3. Final score: St. James' Athletic FC 0 : DLTFC 2

A Win in the Wally Winn Cup

Whilst, the "B" Squad enjoyed a rest due to the double-booking of our pitch by the League, the "A" Squad was in action in the Wally Winn Cup at home against Mount Tallant on Saturday 17th November 2007. Despite the heavy rain and loss of three key players due to the automatic one-match ban imposed for receiving Red Cards in truly farcical circumstances last week, the lads of "The Town" were, at last, on top form. Their first cup match in the Leinster Senior League was very eagerly awaited and the enthusiasm of the lads was much in evidence during a hard fought game with few real chances on offer. But not for the first time, Jay Kane, brought his undoubted experience and skill to bear on this game with two fine goals for "The Town" one in each half. Final score: DLTFC 2 : Mount Tallant 1 (pictured right, Jay Kane, Deputy Manager of the "A" Squad).

12 Goals Conceded by our Teams

Yes, another bad day for "The Town" as the two squads conceded goals without reply on Saturday 10th November 2007. The "A" Squad was away to Ballyoulster United in Celbridge, Co. Kildare in the LSL Div. 3, whilst the "B" Squad in LSL Div. 3A was likewise away to Whitechurch United in South County Dublin. The outing to the plains of Kildare by the "A" Squad was not the sporting occasion that all had hoped for as the match was ruined by an excessive use of the whistle and nearly sixty stoppages. In utter frustration, voices were raised and tempers flared as most of the decisions made by the referee only served to produce a pitifully farcical encounter. Yellow Cards were doled out for any questioning of the Referee, even when asked to explain the nature of the transgression attracting the Yellow Card. Exacerbated by a perceived unreasonableness on behalf of the Referee, Dún Laoghaire lads received three Red Cards for protesting at both the inconsistency of his decisions and the total absurdity of the situation. This point was also well understood and appreciated by the opposition. Final score: Ballyoulster Utd. 4 : DLTFC 0. Whilst back in South County Dublin and as if to absolutely compound a very bad day for "The Town" the lads of the "B" Squad seemed to simply loose the plot. Our defenders and midfielders were in total disarray giving the Whitechurch lads opportunity after opportunity to score - five in the first half alone. Unbelievably, needless dissent amongst the ranks led to two Red Cards. This coupled with injuries left a depleted side to finish the game as another three goals were added by Whitechurch in the second half again without reply. Final score: Whitechurch Utd. 8 : DLTFC 0. The Board will be reviewing this situation at its next meeting and will most certainly demand prompt and effective action on a number of fronts, including discipline and training.

Vice Chairperson Elected

The Board of the Club at its meeting on Monday 5th November 2007 unanimously elected Mrs. Anne Traynor of Shanganagh Cliffs to the position of Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Club. Anne has been a member of the Board of Directors since the Club moved to Shanganagh Cliffs and her kind assistance, advice and weekly support of our players on the sideline has been very much appreciated by the lads and the other members of the Board. As a very active resident in the Shanganagh Cliffs estate, Anne brings to the Club the all-important local knowledge as the numbers of players from the Shanganagh / Rathsallagh / Shankill area continues to grow. Anne also brings to this important position skills obtained through many years of community activism and development work in the Shanganagh area, including youth services etc. Anne takes over from the Club's co-founder Abrahim Abdul-Wahid who resigned as Vic-Chairperson to continue his studies in Abertawe (Swansea), Wales. The Board and all the members of the Club wish Anne every success in her new position as Vice-Chairperson of our Club.

First Walkover Conceded in Club's History

On Saturday November 3rd 2007, a day that will live in infamy, Dún Laoghaire Town Football Club conceded its first ever walkover in its five year history. The "B" Squad was scheduled to play Tymon Rovers FC at Kingswood in Tallaght and due to "the flu" only six players were able to show up for this match at the meeting point outside Trinity College Dublin. Amongst those struck down by influenza was the Manager, Yahaya Shehu, who tried hard to call out a team from his sick bed. David Mooney from Dalkey was on hand to take over and met four of the players at Trinity with goalkeeper, Derek McAsey, arriving a few minutes later. In an effort to prevent further inconvenience to the lads of Tymon Rovers FC, frantic phone calls were made to their Secretary and the League Divisional Secretary, Dominic Quigley. The latter confirmed that our offer to reschedule the match and to pay for the referee was not acceptable and that Tymon Rovers FC opted for the walkover, three points and three goals. The "A" Squad, on the other hand, wasn't due to play this week and therefore, the lads settled down, no doubt pints in hand, to enjoy the Arsenal v Manchester United match that afternoon. The League Tables for the Saturday Division 3A matches are available on www.lsl.ie