Dún Laoghaire Town 0 : Rathoath Harps 3

Not even the presence and strategic guidance of former Chairperson Abrahim Abdul-Wahid, home from Abertawe (Swansea), could prevent another defeat for the "B" Squad playing at home to Rathoath Harps FC from County Meath on Saturday 27th October 2007. The first half went reasonably well with both teams missing easy chances delivered by mistakes on both sides. However, with a goal disallowed for each team, both teams went into the break goaless. Changes by Manager Yahaya Shehu five minutes into the second half proved too little and maybe, too late as the lads from Rathoath put three goals by keeper Derek McAsey as Dún Laoghaire's defence opened-up time and again. An injury to Declan Daly and the sending off of Jack Bwalya on a Red Card depleated "The Town" leaving the final score:- DLTFC 0 : Rathoath Haprs FC 3 (referee Alan Turner) (pictured Ian Kane wearing number 16 battles hard to keep possession)

Good Performances by Both Squads

The "A" Squad was at home to Terenure College on Saturday 20th October 2007 in a match that was frustratingly exciting and very fast throughout. This was a return match that the lads of "The Town" looked forward to with considerable gusto and they weren't in any way disappointed. Once again, the locals of Shanganagh were out in force to shout on "The Town" and they were treated to a very tense game and despite many chances, it was nil all at the break. The second half, once again, produced many chances but it wasn't until the last twenty minutes of the game that the lads of "The Town" were clearly in control. A disallowed goal was hotly disputed by the players, Manager and the many spectators at the game - but the referee was having nothing of it. Then in the last five minutes - the long awaited Dún Laoghaire goal was brilliantly executed by the young and very talented Dean Kelly from Shanganagh. Final score: DLTFC 1 : Terenure College 0. On the same day, the "B" Squad travelled to the beautiful grounds of the historic Malahide Castle in north County Dublin to meet Malahide United in what proved to be an excellent game. The lads of "The Town" were in control of the game for most of the first and the greater part of the second half, however, the unavoidable absence of goalkeeper Derek McAsey proved to be the chink in the armour. But manager, Yahaya Shehu, based on solid training over the last two weeks, rallied his troops to deliver a sound performance against Divisional leaders Malahide. The only goal for "The Town" came from the very strong and skillful boot of David Mooney from Dalkey. Final score: Malahide 2 : DLTFC 1 (pictured above, "B" Squad Manager, Yahaya Shehu)

"B" Squad Played a Stormer in St. Anne's Park

The "B" Squad was away to Pioneers' FC on Saturday 13th October 2007 (match report to follow)

"A" Squad Concede 17 Goals in 3 Matches - What's Up Lads?

The bad luck continues for the "A" Squad as they concede another 6 goals with no reply against Monksfield on Saturday October 13th 2007. This result brings the total number of goals conceded in the last three games to a staggering 17 - what's gone wrong lads? The game started well and indeed, for the first twenty minutes the lads of "The Town" looked as if they were going to easily get the better of Monksfield. Monksfield's first goal was followed by two more before the break. But very shortly after the first Monksfield goal things started to go very badly wrong as Monksfield or, more accurately, the referee, vigorously played the off-side rule to deny "The Town" any chance of an equaliser. Indeed, unbelievably the lads from "The Town" were "caught" off-side no less than seventeen times by a very officious referee who refused to listen to any protests on the matter from players or the sideline. Remarkably, Monksfield had no such problem nor indeed, had they any problems with any alleged infringements of the game such as placing a foot over the sideline to get water or having water bottles brought on to assist downed players. The rule book and whistle were certainly much in evidence and very questionably so on a number of occasions. But, to their credit, the Dún Laoghaire lads accepted this awkwardly unusual situation with dignity - which brought some very supportive comments from the opposition at the end of the game. Final score: Monksfield 6 : DLTFC 0 (pictured above, the kick off at Monksfield)

Both Teams Concede 6 Goals

Another bad day for both teams as the "A" Squad conceded 6 goals to St. James' Athletic FC at home, whilst the "B" Squad did the same away to Palmerstown United. The performance of the "A" Squad will certainly give Manager Japo Kelly much to think about as mistake after mistake heaped on the pressure as St. James' took full advantage of a very disorganised defence. Though it would be unfair to just blame our defenders - the rest of the players were frequently out of position with the inevitable results. Directions from Japo and Deputy Manager, Jay Kane, left those on the sideline wondering whether any of our players were listening. At times the midfield was in total disarray as anything reaching our forwards was swiftly dispatched by St. James'. With less than twenty minutes to go some semblance of order began to slowly emerge as the lads of "The Town" finally started to show their real form and potential - but alas, it was all too little and far too late to save the game. The only goal for "The Town" came, once again, from the very talented Dean Kelly. However, if there was a "Man of the Match" award for this game it would have to go to our youngest player, Gary Leonard, who never gave up against lads nearly twice his size. Final score: DLTFC "A" 1 : St. James Athletic 6. (pictured above, Luke McMahon, Karl Waddington and Captain, Paddy Kershaw). The "B" Squad playing away to Palmerstown United got off to a very bad start with goalkeeper, Derek McAsey, held up in traffic and other players out through injury. Though, the first goal of the match came from "The Town's" Tiziano Makanzu (pictured below) the rest of the first half was simply a disaster as the Palmerstown lads put five goals away with comparative ease. With no clear strategy, chaotic defending and an apparent inability to seize any chance whatsoever, the halftime whistle put an end to the embarrassment. With their regular goalkeeper in place for the second half, the lads picked up their game and really showed their metal as two halves couldn't have been more different. Palmerstown only managed one goal in the second half as the lads of "The Town" clearly took control of the game. Our second goal came from the very skillful boot of Thierno Bah . But like the lads of the "A" Squad, finding form late in the game couldn't save the day for the "B" Squad either. Final score: Palmerstown 6 : DLTFC "B" 2

2 : 0 Lead Thrown Away in 2nd Half

The omens were certainly not with "The Town" on Saturday 29th September 2007 as the confusion caused by the double-booking of our pitch by the League continued right through to the kick off against Tymon Rovers FC. The Club's Development Officer, Ian M. Kane, endeavoured to sort out this mess by accommodating both the "A" Squad and the "B" Squad with matches scheduled for 12.30hrs and 14.30hrs. But despite calls to the secretaries of both opposition clubs, the Referee and the two Divisional Secretaries of the League, agreement could not be reached and in the end, both matches were cancelled. The two Squads were advised by text of the cancellation. Then at the eleventh hour, Tymon Rovers FC confirmed that they could field a team for a 14.30hrs match against the "B" Squad in Division 3A. Ian then set about rearranging the referee and confirming matters with the Divisional Secretary of the League. All was OK - match on. Then suddenly on Saturday morning panic set in as the "B" Squad Manager, Yahaya Shehu, discovered that he could not field a full team. Thanks to the Shankill based members of the "A" Squad - Joe Clancy, Gary Leonard, Declan Daly, Jonathon Corcoran and Dean Kelly, along with other "A" Squad members, Ian M. Kane, Kevin Plunkett and goalkeeper, Daniel Wildes, we were back to full strength for the 14.30hrs kick off. For much of the first half the game was a very evenly matched affair with neither side making any decisive breaks until the first goal for "The Town" came from Dean Kelly. Early in the second half the tallest player on the pitch William Murrayho (pictured above) delivered the second for "The Town" from an excellent header. For most of the players in this team facing Tymon Rovers it was the first time they had ever played together and this caused some confusion and indecision which lead to two easy goals for the opposition. Final score: DLTFC 2 : Tymon Rovers 2 (Referee Alan Turner). The Board wishes to thank the members of the "A" Squad who made themselves available at very short notice for this match to assist the lads and the Manager of the "B" Squad. Good on ye lads!!

Bad Day for "The Town" as Both Teams Concede 5 Goals

Both teams from Dún Laoghaire Town FC were playing away in Crumlin on Saturday 22nd September - the "A" Squad against Transport FC at the Transport Club ground and the "B" Squad at Brickfields Park against Blackforge FC. It was the "B" Squad's first match under their new Manager, Yahaya Shehu, who took over from Abrahim Abdul-Wahid on Tuesday 18th September 2007 - his appointment is due to be confirmed at the new Board meeting. But is was not a good day for the lads of "The Town" as both teams were heavily outmatched as each conceded five goals with the "A" Squad only managing to score one in reply. The "B" Squad were level at two all at halftime with goals from Gelsom Gomes and Timson Aigbe, but the second half proved disastrous with a further three goals for Blackforge FC. The only Dún Laoghaire goal for the "A" Squad came from the reliable boot of Joey O'Reilly and again the opposition proved the stronger and more focused side scoring five goals against a team reeling from the sending off of Jay Kane midway in the second half. Both benches agreed that the sending off was very harsh and as if to cap matters for "The Town", the "B" Squad also lost a valuable player to a red card as Bruno de Carvalho was forced out of the game in Brickfields. To make matters worse the"B" Squad had to find a replacement for goalkeeper, Derek McAsey, who unfortunately had to sit out the second half through injury. Following a request by Yahaya, two players from the "A" Squad were released by Manager Japo Kelly for the "B" Squad game and, indeed by all reports, both André FitzPatrick and Kenneth Gorry gave a good account of themselves during the second half at Brickfields. The "A" Squad match was also the first game for two more signings from the Shanganagh area, Declan Daly and Jonathon Corcoran. Final scores: Transport FC 5 : DLTFC "A" 1 and Blackforge FC 5 : DLTFC 2. (pictured above, Kevin Plunkett recovering from a knock in a tough game against Transport FC). Finally, the Club very much appreciated the kind assistance it received from the renowned local artist and arts educator, Veronica Heywood, you helped with the transport of players between the two Crumlin venues.

Abrahim's Last Match in Charge

The "B" Squad was at home on Saturday 15th September to Palmerstown United for Abrahim Abdul-Wahid's last match as Manager before he departs for Swansea to study for one year. Indeed, Abrahim's departure will also mean that he will resign from the Board of Directors after five years of service to the Club. Unfortunately, the match was not what Abrahim had planned as his going-away present as the lads failed to capitalise in a match that they clearly dominated for the first half and much of the second. Two great goals from Palmerstown though didn't succeed in diminishing the spirit of the Dún Laoghaire lads who frustratingly put the ball across the Palmerstown goal eight times before Tiziano Makanzu finally found the net. Once again, the local lads from Shanganagh, including many "A" Squad players, came out in great numbers to support the lads of "The Town". The match was also watched by the Manager of the "A" Squad, Japo Kelly, who greatly admired the skill and gutsy determination of Abrahim's squad. (pictured above, Goalkeeper Kennedy George & the lads see off an attack on goal by Palmerstown in the first half) Final score: DLTFC 1 : Palmerstown Utd. 2. (Ref. Gheorge Breja-Dorel)

Both Teams Arrived & No L.S.L Referee

The home fixture against Malahide United had to be abandoned as no Leinster Senior League referee turned up on Saturday 8th September 2007. Both teams had arrived on time and very shortly it became apparent that no referee would be available for this important Division 3A match. The Club Chairman had contacted several League officials during the week in order to obtain the name of the referee and finally, he was advised by one of the Referee Assessors that a referee would attend for the match but that he hadn't a name. Based on this information contact was made with Malahide to ensure that they had the directions to Shanganagh Cliffs. Calls to the Referee Allocations Officer, who was in Bratislava for the Republic of Ireland game, and to the Divisional Secretary and a Referee Assessor failed to resolve the situation. Late phone calls from the pitch to LSL referees resident in the Greater Dún Laoghaire, including some retired referees, still produced nothing. The suggestion of having an official from either Club referee the game was not acceptable to the Malahide management for insurance and other reasons. Nothing further could have been done by Dún Laoghaire to allow the match go ahead. Whilst, the officials of this Club sincerely regret the inconvenience suffered by the lads and management of Malahide United, it is clear that the fault in this incident fully rests with the League organisers.

Dún Laoghaire Town 1 : Blackrock College 1

A team plagued with injuries and clearly suffering the absence of some of its key players was lucky to come away with a draw against Blackrock College on Monday 3rd September 2007. This home game was always going to be a difficult one with injuries from Saturday's match leaving a weakened defence for "The Town" whilst the Blackrock side proved to be a far stronger team than the one we previously encountered at Newtownparklands. It could be said that the teams were rather evenly matched this time out, however, with key players like Paddy Kershaw and Karl Waddington missing from the defence, the pressure was on the Lads. Blackrock's goal in the second half was clearly due to silly mistakes and a little confusion in the ranks. Once again, one of our young signings from Shanganagh, Dean Kelly, delivered for "The Town" from a series of brilliantly executed passes by Daniel Cruise and Jay Kane. Another new signing from the Shanganagh area and former Borough Celtic player, Joe Clancy, (pictured above) made his debut for "The Town" at this match with a strong performance. The game was watched by a good number of spectators from the locality - all shouting for "The Town". Final score: DLTFC 1 : Blackrock College 1 (Dean Kelly). (Referee:- Michael Dolan)

Wins at Home and Away

Both games on Saturday 1st September 2007 delivered results for the lads of "The Town" as the "B" Squad recorded its first win in Division 3A of the Leinster Senior League defeating Clonee United at Paslickstown. Meanwhile, at home the "A" Squad battled hard to keep its winning record in a tough game against Balbriggan at Shanganagh Cliffs. (pictured left Jay Kane and right, Tiziano Makanzu) Results:- Home, DLTFC 3 : Blabriggan 2 (Daniel Cruise, Jay Kane and Dean Kelly). Away, Clonee United 1 : DLTFC 4 (Tunde Oni, Tiziano Makanzu, Timson Aigbe and Jack Bwalya).

Mixed Fortunes for Our Teams

Saturday 25th August 2007 delivered very mixed fortunes for the two squads with a stunning victory over Terenure College for the "A" Squad at Bushy Park. The Lads of "The Town" delivered a punishing defeat on a Terenure side that came out brimming with confidence unfortunately marked by one or two jibes at our Lads on the issue of "social housing". Dean Kelly, Joey O'Reilly (pictured right) and André FitzPatrick each found the back of the Terenure net with fine goals to hammer home the 3 : 1 win over Terenure College. The "B" Squad unfortunately suffered a gruelling 5 : 1 defeat at home against Whitechurch with the only goal for "The Town" coming from the boot of the very talented Tiziano Makanzu. Results: Away, Terenure College 1 : DLTFC 3 and home, DLTFC 1 : Whitechurch 5.

Dún Laoghaire Town 1 : Brighton Celtic 2

The opening match for the "B" Squad was very much a home derby against Cornelscourt based Brighton Celtic on Tuesday 21st August 2007 at Shanganagh. For many in the squad this was their first ever experience of a league game and they were naturally nervous at the start, but that didn't last long. Dún Laoghaire Town's Timson Aigbe (pictured above) laid claim to the "B" Squad's first goal in the Leinster Senior League to equalise with an early goal by the visitors. Manager Abrahim Abdul-Wahid made some tactically changes in the second half in an effort to take the game to the opposition. However, the sides were level for much of the game until a penalty gave Brighton Celtic the lead, though, many would say that the woodwork consistently denied "The Town" a late equaliser leaving the score as DLTFC 1 : Brighton Celtic 2. (Referee Derek Caulfied)

Blackrock College 1 : Dún Laoghaire Town 6

The first away game for the "A" Squad was certainly a memorable occasion, not only for the quality of the football, but mainly for the outstanding performance of the three young players from Shanganagh, Daniel Cruise, Gary Leonard and Dean Kelly. These new signings were responsible for three of the six goals scored during this match against Blackrock College AFC on Monday 20th August 2007. The other three goals were scored by Joey O'Reilly, with two great strikes from 25yds and one from Dean McAfee who was the caption on the day. Before the match Japo put the lads through their paces. He emphasised the need for discipline and tactics drawing on the lessons learned in the pre-Season friendly games and training sessions. (pictured Gary Leonard, left and Daniel Cruise - both from Shanganagh). (Referee Hubert Kane)

Leinster Senior League Commences

The opening matches of the Leinster Senior League 2007/8 season were severely disrupted by heavy rain and waterlogged pitches around the Dublin region on Saturday August 18th 2007. Shanganagh Cliffs was an exception due the extensive drainage works carried out on the pitch last year by the Parks Department of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. The "B" Squad was do to make its LSL debut against Pioneers FC in Division 3A at St. Anne's Park in Raheny, but the match was called-off as the lads arrived at the park. So the "B" Squad will have its first match of the Season at home on Tuesday 21st August at 19.00hrs against Brighton Celtic. Despite the heavy rain and the serious traffic disruption on the M50 which delayed the Kick Off by 30 minutes, the "A" Squad's first match in Division 3 against Ballyoulster gave Dún Laoghaire Town its first points in the Leinster Senior League with a fine goal by local Shanganagh lad, Dean Kelly (pictured above right) while Dún Laoghaire's defence held solid throughout with, amongst others, defender Karl Waddington (pictured above left). Final score: DLTFC 1 : Ballyoulster 0 (Referee Willie Davenport)