Match Reports
Small Sided Games
Under 7
Riverstown Cougars 9 – Waterloo 0
The Cougars remain unbeaten in this season’s small sided league after a comfortable win against a very young Waterloo. In fact only one of the twelve players on duty for Waterloo will be over age for next season.
Christopher Buckley opened the scoring, when a brilliant pass from Mark Callanan put him through. The big sloping pitch made it difficult for the team playing uphill with the effect of the game becoming very one sided. Riverstown added further goals from Eric Nolan, Alan Doyle and Mark Arnold before the second period was complete.
The third fifteen minute period was even more one sided then the first two and the Cougars added to their goal tally with some great goals from Oliver Compton, Colin Dowling, James Crowley and Charlie Allen.
Best for the Cougars on the day were Billy Condon and Kian Tobin
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Ballincollig 1 – Riverstown Tigers 0
The Riverstown Tigers travelled to the Regional Park last Sunday to play the return fixture against Ballincollig. The Tigers had beaten the West Cork side in the home tie by just one goal, so a close game was expected.
The Tigers travelled with twelve players and rotated the keeper for the three periods.
The Tigers are very lucky to have three outstanding goalkeepers in Matthew Brewster, Darragh Staunton and Rory Mc Grath. All three enhanced their reputations with some brilliant goalkeeping today.
It proved to be a tight game with very few chances, as the two teams were evenly matched. Ballincollig had two outstanding players in defence and between them they prevented the Tigers from creating too m any clear cut chances. The Riverstown defenders were also having a good game, led by Aidan Ryan, Kevin O Sullivan and Dylan O Connor.
The only goal of the game came fifteen minutes into the game when a shot was parried by Matthew in goal and the rebound was tucked away by a Ballincollig forward.
The following Riverstown players also had great games: Cian O Callaghan, Scott Murphy and Eoin O Keeffe.
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Bandon 1 – Riverstown Tigers 3
The Riverstown Tigers travelled to Bandon last Thursday to play the only team that they had failed to beat this season. This added incentive was all the motivation needed as the Tigers produced an outstanding performance to overturn the earlier loss.
The Tigers dominated from start to finish and were extremely unlucky not to add to their score.
Jojo Mbowoua opened then scoring from ten minutes into the game when he shot powerfully into the roof of the Bandon net.
The second goal was probably the best goal that the Tigers have scored all season. It started with an interception from Ivan Tripp. Ivan passed to Wayne O Hallorhan, whose thirty yard pass to Jack Darcy opened up the options for Jack. Ronan O Gorman made a run from inside to out and Jack picked out the perfect pass to give Rona the opportunity to make it 2-0. Ronan didn’t disappoint and calmly stoked the ball into the bottom corner of the net with his weaker left foot.
Bandon pulled a goal back form a penalty, given very harshly when a coming together of players resulted in the Bandon player falling over.
The next couple of minutes was a nervous affair and only a great save from David Shanahan prevented a Bandon equalizer.
The midfield trio of Cian O Callaghan, Craig Carey and Jojo were playing out of their skin, while Matthew Brewster taxed the Bandon forwards with his policing of the situation.
Wayne O Hallorhan completed the scoring when he finished after a mazy run through the heart of the Bandon defence.
Others to shine in this overall team performance were Dan Harrington and Eoin Tobin.
Under 13 Division 2
College Corinthians A 2 - Riverstown FC 4
Riverstown ending their league run with another comprehensive win, and 12th win in a row. We were 3 up inside 10 mins courtesy of a Conor Kiely hat trick whose finishing was of the highest order for each goal. They were playing fantastic passing football and were tearing Corinthians apart, Rokib Lahadjo was unlucky not to score when his 20 yard shot hit the crossbar. Then after 15 mins, casual defending allowed Corinthians to grab a goal back, but within a couple of minutes Conor got his 4th goal of the game and his 28th of the season with another textbook finish.
In the second half Riverstown did not play as well, and to Corinthians credit they started to play much better and they got a 2nd goal with 20 mins to go. They continued to press and forced a series of corners and free kicks but the defence again held firm when the pressure was on to close out the game.
Overall this has been a fantastic season with only 2 defeats in 23 games played including league, cups and friendlies. Every player has played their part and the improvement this season has been remarkable. Expections will be high that next season we can go one step further and win the league title.
Under 13 Division 2
Crosshaven 0 - Riverstown FC 4
Riverstown put a dampener on Crosshavens league celebrations and ruined their undefeated record with a comfortable 0 – 4 victory.
Going into this match they were confident of keeping their winning run going, and after Conor Kiely opened the scoring in the 10th minute there only looked like being one winner. On 20 mins Rokib Lahadjo waltzed through the Crosshaven defence and scored a goal that Messi would have been proud of. They continued to press but at half time it was 0 – 2. Into the second half and after 10 mins Riverstown got a penalty after a deliberate handball, which Peter McCarthy confidently buried into the corner. Then with 10 mins remaining Paul Leopald showed great skill to beat 2 defenders and cooly slot the ball home. Crosshaven pressed for a consolation but they were unable to get passed James Sweeny in goals or the defence which again were fantastic.
This was their11th win in a row and this all round team performance again showed how much they have improved this season.
Under 13 Division 2
Wilton United 0 - Riverstown FC 2
Riverstown won their 8th game in a row with a great performance away to a full strength Wilton side. We suffered a blow in the 1st minute when Paul Lepoald went off injured with an ankle injury which hopefully will not rule him out for long. Wilton were taking the game to us and were very strong in midfield, but after 5 mins Luke Hackett fed Conor Kiely a beautiful through ball who continued his amazing scoring run with another great finish. After this goal we started to settle and after 25 mins Conor got his 17th goal of the season with another great finish. To their credit Wilton never gave up and they were unlucky not to score when an indirect free kick went straight into the net only to be correctly dissallowed. In the 2nd half we played better and were getting on top in the middle of the park, although James Sweeney pulled of a magnificent save diving full length to divert a great shot round the post. Wilton were denied a consolation in the last minute when they hit the bar. This was a great result in our push for the title as we now enter the last 3 games.
Under 13 Division 2
Mallow United 0 - Riverstown FC 1
Riverstown came away from Mallow with a valuable 3 points which opens the gap at the top of the table to 7 points. Mallow played very well throughout the game and in this form they should move up the table. We took the lead mid way through the first half with Conor Kiely expertly finishing off a through pass from Jordan Robb. We were unable to add to our lead but with our defence again playing fantastic we held out for our 5th successive clean sheet. Although we did not play our best football, the effort from all players was fantastic and we ran out deserved winners.
Small Sided Games
Under 7
Everton 3 Riverstown Cougars 5
Riverstown travelled to Coffeys field in Togher to play Everton on a day of gorgeous sunshine and heavy showers. The ten players that travelled didn’t seem to mind the rain as much as the coaches who were struggling to keep their papers dry.
The previous two under seven games had been very one sided with big wins for the Cougars over Marys and Waterloo.
This game was to be the exact opposite. It turned out to be the game of the season so far with both teams playing great football in a spirited competitive manner, but in a friendly enjoyable way.
The opening goal came when a fine shot from Eric Nolan was saved and James Crowley was at hand to hit a sweet strike past the helpless Everton keeper. The back two of Tope and Kian Tobin were having terrific games. Time after time either Kian or Tope Oladipo stopped each Everton attack.
The first period ended with the solitary James goal separating the sides.
The second period belonged to Everton. They came at the Cougars with attack after attack and deservedly scored three goals without reply. The score going into the final 15 minutes was 3-1 to the Togher boys.
For the first time this season the Cougars had to come from behind and show character and determination. The fight back began right from the kick off. Charlie Allen was having a great game in Midfield along side Alan Doyle and Kian. Charlie scored all three goals in the comeback with the second in particular being a peach.
The whole team deserve great praise for their attitude and never say die approach.
Team from: Odhran Sheppard, Tope Oladipo, Kian Tobin, Alan Doyle, Christopher Buckley, Colin Dowling, James O’Regan, Charlie Allen, Eric Nolan, James Crowley.
Under 13 Division 3
Riverstown FC 2 Carrigaline United A 0
In their second home game in a week Riverstown took on Carrigaline in Pigeon Hill on a breezy evening. The match began slowly with neither side able to assert themselves and much of the first half was spent in the middle zone of the pitch. On a few occasions Riverstown broke clear of the Carrigaline defence but were unable to convert the opportunities.
The score at half-time was 0 – 0.
Almost immediately after half time Aaron N’Dongo was brought down in the penalty area and a penalty was awarded to Riverstown. Eddie Barry calmly converted the penalty making it 1 – 0 to Riverstown. Riverstown continued pressing but were again unable to convert the opportunities which was becoming a major issue for the team as their defence has held firm in most of their matches this season conceding only four goals.
Riverstown made a few changes and in the 15th minute of the half Andrew Whyte made it 2 – 0 to Riverstown with a well taken goal. Carrigaline were unable to make any inroads on the Riverstown defence and the match ended with a final score of 2 – 0 to Riverstown.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Conor Murphy, Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Declan McCarthy, Stephen Kennedy and Jack Redmond.
Under 13 Division 3
Innishvilla FC 0 Riverstown FC 2
Riverstown travelled to Innishvilla for their return match and their second match in the week.
Riverstown began brightly and from the kick-off Gavin Walsh was put through on goals and with only the goalkeeper to beat he kicked the ball against the goalkeeper’s legs which was then cleared. Innishvilla then went straight onto the attack and were extremely unlucky not to score when a well taken shot hit the cross bar and was cleared.
The match was being played at a frantic pace and Gavin Walsh was given another great opportunity to score but hit it straight at the goalkeeper. Innishvilla also came close to scoring on a few occasions but the deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute when Gavin Walsh opened the scoring to make it 1 – 0 to Riverstown which was also the half time score.
Riverstown began the second half brightly but were unable to add to their score until the 20th minute of the second half when Gavin Walsh scored his and Riverstown’s second goal.
Robert McElhinney had another storming game at centre half with Eddie Barry and Kelvin Lynch working like Trojans in midfield.
Riverstown ended the match as 2 – 0 victors and this win took Riverstown to the top of the U13 Div 3 league.
This was a much better performance from Riverstown and the team showed a lot of heart which they now need to take into their away fixture against Midleton on Sunday 2nd. Riverstown are going to have to solve their lack of goal scoring prowess if they want to finish second to Everton who are still unbeaten in the league.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Conor Murphy, Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Ronan Crowley, Declan McCarthy, Cian Ahern and Jack Redmond.
Under 13 Division 3
Midleton FC 0 Riverstown FC 0
Riverstown went into this away match in Knockgriffin Park top of the league and were expecting a hard match from a never say die Midleton team.
Riverstown began the match well but kept giving away possession and ended up continually chasing the ball.
Ten minutes into the match Eddie Barry landed awkwardly after jumping for a ball and his ankle gave way and had to leave the pitch. There was not much constructive play during the match and the only opportunities were a few long range efforts from Shane Healy.
The match ended in a 0 – 0 draw and somewhat dampened Riverstown’s aim of finishing second in the league as both Glounthaune and Midleton have matches in hand and Riverstown’s final match at home to Everton on the 4th May in Pigeon Hill will be a difficult match considering Riverstown’s current match form.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Conor Murphy, Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Declan McCarthy, Cian Ahern and Jack Redmond.
Under 13 Division 3
Riverstown FC 0 Everton FC 1
In Riverstown’s final match of the 2009/10 season they played host to Everton who need to win this match in order to be crowned league champions. Riverstown needed at least a draw to cement their position as league runners up.
The match began brightly with both teams being cautious in their play. Riverstown had a few breaks but their inability to take advantage of these chances were allowing Everton to become more confident and in the 15th minute the Everton right winger lost his marker and only 3 fantastic reaction saves from Michal Sady’s prevented Everton from going ahead. The match was fairly evenly balanced and the Riverstown defence of Jack O’Neill, Stephen Kennedy, Greg Grantham, Conor Murphy and Michal Sady’s in goal holding firm.
In the 21st minute the Everton right winger lost Conor Murphy again, broke clear and scored a great goal. Everton went into the break with a 1 nil advantage.
The second half began much the same as the first ended with the Riverstown forwards unable to build on the good work being done by the midfield duo of Kelvin Lynch and Robert McElhinney. The match ended with a 1 – 0 victory to Everton who were crowned league champions with their victory.
All in all it was a fine performance with Greg Grantham having an outstanding match at centre half.
Generally, it was a fine season for the team whose defence was key to their results, only having 5 league goals scored against them all season. So well done to all the entire squad and thank you for the fine effort you all put in. Thank you also to Ken O’Neill, Kieran Lynch, Martin Kennedy and Damien Sady’s for assisting with training and match preparations. Thank you also to the fine band of parents who followed our matches and assisted with transport to our away matches.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Conor Murphy, Stephen Kennedy, Greg Grantham, Robert McElhinney, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Ronan Crowley, Declan McCarthy and Cian Ahern.
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Avondale United 1 Riverstown Tigers 5
The Tigers won their second game of the weekend, when beating Avondale 5-1 in Beaumont.
Wayne O’Halloran continued his goal-scoring streak with two more great goals. The first was a spectacular shot from fifteen yards and the second was a fine finish after a great pass from Rona Browne.
Ivan Tripp who went on to have a brilliant game opened the scoring when he turned in a Jojo Mbowoua left wing cross.
Rona O’Gorman scored on his debut for the Tigers in between Wayne’s goals and David Shanahan converted the fifth goal with an assist from Ronan O’Gorman.
Cian O’Callaghan was awesome in midfield as was Scott Murphy up front.
Others to stand out were Rory McGrath in goal and later in defence and also Matthew Brewster in the same two positions.
Team From: Rory McGrath, Matthew Brewster, David Shanahan, Dylan O’Connor, Jojo Mbowoua, Ivan Trip, Ronan O’Gorman, Scott Murphy, Ronan Browne. Cian O’Callaghan and Kevin O’Sullivan.
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Carrigaline United 3 Riverstown Tigers 5
The Riverstown Tigers U8 team made it three wins from four games, on Friday when they defeated Carragline in an entertaining match in Shanbally. The Tigers used all twelve players in a very close match with a Carragline side that were also in their league last year.
The opening goal of the game came within the first two minutes when a Wayne O’Halloran corner took a slight deflection of one of the Carragline defenders and sailed into the top corner.
The tigers defence led by Aidan Ryan, David Shanahan and Dan Harrington were having a great game. They prevented the Carragline forwards from having any meaningful use of the ball and on the two occasions their defence was breached Matthew Brewster in goal made two brilliant saves.
The second period saw Jojo Mbowoua make some tremendous runs down the right wing. His accurate crosses created chance after chance for the Riverstown forwards. Wayne scored two great goals to give the Tigers a comfortable lead and when Jack Darcy volleyed in the fourth it looked all over.
Some fine play from Carragline and some casual defending enabled Carragline to get back into the match with two quick goals in succession. The game was now end to end with the Riverstown lads holding on to their slender 4-3 lead.
With just two minutes remaining a perfect through ball by Cian O’Callaghan put Ivan Tripp through. Ivan squared to Matthew, who coolly scored his second of the season to complete a deserved 5-3 victory.
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Riverstown Tigers 1 Bandon 3
The U8 Tigers lost their first game of the season, when going down 3-1 at home to Bandon. It was a very even match with both sides defending brilliantly throughout the opening 15 minutes. Kevin O’Sullivan was playing a blinder in central defense along side Ivan Tripp, while behind them Matthew Brewster, playing in goal made some fine saves. Darragh Staunton was causing all sorts of trouble up front and was unlucky not to have scored on a couple of occasions. In the middle of the park Jack Darcy was having a superb game. Time after time he took on the Bandon defense, and only some fine goalkeeping prevented him from opening the scoring.
The second period was a repeat of the first. defenses were on top and chances were far and few between. The game at this stage had the look of a 0-0 about it.
With only five minutes remaining in the game Riverstown took the lead. Wayne O’Halloran, who had been drafted in because of a late withdrawal made his way through the Bandon rearguard and drove home a beauty to give the Tigers a 1- 0 lead.
With time running out it looked like another slender victory for Riverstown, but to their credit Bandon kept going and scored a deserved equalizer.
The Riverstown confidence was rocked and Bandon took advantage scoring two late late goals to win this close fought battle between two fine footballing teams.
Best for the Tigers were Rory McGrath, Cian O’Callaghan and Jack Darcy.
Riverstown Cougars made it two wins out of two so far this season when defeating Waterloo. This was the U7’s first home game of the season and they were eager to maintain their 100% start. Riverstown used their big squad again today, managing to play twelve of their players over the forty-five minutes.
Five players made their debuts in the game and they can all be happy with their performances. The score at the end of the first period was 2-1 to the Cougars and plenty goals were scored during the second and third periods.
Amongst the scorers today for Riverstown were: Colin Dowling, Charlie Allen, Alan Doyle, Mark Arnold and Eric Nolan.
Small Sided Games
Under 7
St. Marys 0 Riverstown Cougars 7
The Cougars began their season with a convincing victory over a very young St Marys side. This was the first taste of organised football for many in the squad and it was an encouraging start for the Riverstown boys. Colin Dowling opened the scoring when he expertly finished from close range. Colin went on to have a great game in the middle of the park.
The first period of fifteen minutes ended with a slender 1-0 to the Cougars. The second period was very one sided, as Riverstown put four more past the Mary’s keeper without replay. James Crowley scored his first of the day when he hit a curling right foot shot high into the top corner of the net. James added his second when he finished following the move of the match. A long clearance from the tough tackling Tope Oladido, found Christopher Buckley. Christopher passed first time to Charlie Allen, whose slide rule pass put James through on goal.
If James goal came during the best move of the match, then surely Billy Condons finish must take the accolades for shot of the game. Billy let fly from twenty yards as his shot sailed sweetly into the roof of the Mary’s goal.
The third period was a more even affair with teak tough tackling from Kian Tobin preventing the Mary’s players from gathering momentum.
The scoring continued as Odhram Sheppard despatched his shot following an incisive pass from Mark Callanan and James completed his hatrick after some running repairs to a facial injury. The final goal of the game was scored by stalwart defender Tope, as he stormed forward to ram home the seventh Cougars effort on this sweltering evening.
There were some outstanding displays from left full Darren O’Keeffe, the all action James O’Regan and midfielder Jack McGrath.
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Riverstown Tigers 4 Ballincollig 3
The Tigers played their second game in three days against a very good Ballincollig side. With seven different players taking to the GACA pitch than had played against Douglas on Friday it shows the strength of the squad.
Ballincollig came at the Tigers from the kick off and only some fine defending from Matthew Brewster and Aidan Ryan prevented the tigers from going behind.
The Ballincollig goalkeeper was having a brilliant game at the other end preventing Scott Murphy and Alan Clark on a couple of occasions from opening the scoring. With ten minutes played Ballincollig took the lead with a volley into the roof of the net.
The second period was a better one for Riverstown. Chance after chance was now being created and finally after three corners in succession JoJo Mbowoua finally slammed the ball home. The reshaped midfield of Wayne O Halloran, Craig Carey and Kevin O’Sullivan were now dominating their opponents and it was not long before Jojo added his second following a great pass from Eoin Tobin. Jojo completed his great hat-trick with a tremendous strike past the Ballincollig keeper to bring the second period to a close with a 3-1 lead for the cougars.
The third period was a nervous affair with both teams having chances to score. Ballincollig did so twice in a five-minute spell of dominance. However with the game looking to be ending at 3 a piece, up stepped Matthew Brewster to score his first goal for the club. He ran through following a brilliant pass by Wayne and coolly slid the ball past the advancing keeper to bring a very successful conclusion to the Academies weekend. Played 3 won 3
Small Sided Games
Under 8
Douglas Hall A 3 Riverstown Tigers 5
Riverstown U8’s won their opening game of the season, when beating Douglas Hall 5 – 3 after a thrilling game in Moneygourney.
Riverstown started the stronger and took a commanding 3 – 0 lead. Wayne O’Halloran opened the scoring with a fierce strike that gave the tall Douglas Hall keeper no chance. Ronan Browne made it 2 – 0 when he cooly slotted home after some fine work on the wing by Cian O’Callaghan. Wayne scored his second with another thunderous shot from an inch perfect pass from Ivan Tripp.
Douglas Hall started the second period the stronger and scored a deserved goal to make it 3 – 1. Some excellent defending from David Shanahan prevented Riverstown from conceding any further goals and with just one minute remaining in the second period Jo Jo Mbowoua crashed home a beauty from fifteen yards to make it 4 - 1.
The third period was a backs to the wall affair. Douglas Hall pushed forward and scored two quick goals to ensure a nervy final ten minutes. Some top class defending from Jack Darcy and Dan Harrington kept the Riverstown lead intact and with time running out Eoin O’Keeffe fed Wayne who ran forward and slotted past the Hall keeper to complete his hat-trick.
Senior Womens Division 1
Riverstown FC 3 - Youghal United 2
The first game of the season threw up an entertaining affair at Glanmire Community pitch on a sunny Wednesday evening.
When you think back to the first game of last season when the rain fell in torrents, this was a pleasure to play in and to watch from the line.
Youghal were coming into their first season in the Senior league and despite having a squad of very talented players who have come through the Schoolgirls ranks, it was still a journey into the unknown for them. The first 10 minutes was a typical first game of the season, with both sides a little nervous, sizing each other up and generally trying too hard.
But when Louise O’Dowd, side stepped in a Megan Spillane free kick to put Riverstown ahead, then the game began to come together. Riverstown’s experience began to show for the remainder of the first half and when Imelda Kelly, who was dominating the midfield, scored a cracker from outside the box it looked ominous for Youghal. Laura Mullins then made it 3 – 0 and a goal fest looked on the cards. But credit Youghal for making a great comeback. They weathered the storm and began to create a number of chances themselves. Then Kerri Hancock, who was working hard up front was pushed in the box and won a penalty. She duly converted herself and Youghal were back in business and playing with a lot more confidence.
Then we had an incident just before the break which probably affected both sides. Riverstown’s Laura Mullins was straight through on goal when the Youghal keeper came out to challenge her. The resulting clash had both girls on the ground, Youghal keeper with a suspected dislocated shoulder and Mullins with a bad knock to the forehead.
When the game was restarted Mullins had picked herself up and responded with a volley just inside the box to send Riverstown in leading 4 – 1.
The second half saw Youghal come into the match more and more. Elaine Walsh was making her presence felt more in midfield and Samantha Swayne was a rock in the middle of the defence. The battle of the match seemed to be between the Cork Senior teammates, Kerri Hancock and Emma Coughlan and despite Hancock always looking threatening, Coughlan won that battle, dispossessing her opponent on a number of occasions in the second half. Riverstown introduced a number of substitions and with Maggie Duncliffe and Kelly playing well at midfield and Coughlan and Emer Feerick solid at the back, they looked to be comfortable going into the last quarter. But Youghal were not going down without a fight and when Aisling Coleman did break through the Riverstown defence, she struck home a bullet to make it 4 – 2.
But Riverstown began to hold on to the ball a bit more as the game drew to a close and played out the final few minutes putting some good passes together.
So a good opening game of the season that had a lot of positive aspects to it and was played in a very sporting manner. Both sides should look forward to a good season ahead.
Team: Martina Conlon, Jennifer White (Capt), Megan Spillane, Emma Coughlan, Emer Feerick, Ann Marie O’Callaghan, Imelda Kelly, Maggie Duncliffe, Louise O’Dowda, Laura Mullins, Laura Davis. Subs: (all used) Michelle O’Callaghan, Maureen O’Driscoll, Lisa Fallon, Maria Carey
Under 13 Division 3
Riverstown FC 1 - Avondale United 1
Riverstown went into this home match in Knockraha cock-a-hoop and thinking that it was going to be a walk in the park after Avondale were unable to field a team the week before. After a good run of results and excellent all round play, the Riverstown team were unable to control or pass the ball and really struggled against a team that are at the bottom of the league.
Riverstown went 1 – 0 up just before halftime with a well taken Gavin Walsh goal.
The second half was better for Riverstown and the ball was finally being controlled and passed around. Avondale were playing a very successful off-side trap and the Riverstown forwards were unable to beat this trap and were caught off-side time and time again.
With the match practically over Avondale mounted a good attack which the Riverstown midfield and defence were unable to clear and Avondale equalised with 5 minutes to play.
This was a disastrous result for the Riverstown team who will now have to pick themselves up for their home match on Sunday 18th against Innishvilla.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Jack Redmond, Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Ronan Crowley, Declan McCarthy, Stephen Kennedy, Conor Murphy and Padraig Manning.
Under 13 Division 3
Riverstown FC 3 - Innishvilla 0
Riverstown went into this home match against Innishvilla at GACA in a subdued mood after their abject performance against Avondale earlier in the week.
Riverstown began brightly and began pushing the ball around and were soon creating goal scoring opportunities. Shane Healy was moved to the right hand side of midfield and this soon began paying dividends with some superb crosses and corners which were unfortunately converted into goal. In the 23rd minute after another of these crosses Eddie Barry bundled the ball into the net to make it 1 – 0 to Riverstown. This was the halftime score.
The second half began much the same with Riverstown making much of the play and in the 13th minute Eddie Barry made it 2 – 0 with a superb free kick. Michal Sady’s in the Riverstown goal was not troubled at all in the 2nd half. Jack O’Neil and Conor Murphy were having solid games at fullback as were Robert McElhinney and Greg Grantham at centre back.
Riverstown continued to dominate and were eventually rewarded with their 3rd goal when Kelvin Lynch took advantage of a great through ball from Greg Grantham.
This was a much better performance and Riverstown now need to ensure that they build on this for their next matches against Carrigaline at home and Innishvilla away.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Conor Murphy, Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Ronan Crowley, Declan McCarthy, Cian Ahern, Stephen Kennedy and Jack Redmond.
Under 13 Division 2
Riverstown FC 2 - Wilton United 0
Riverstown continued their good run with a win against a very good Wilton team played in difficult conditions. Playing into the wind in the first half they had chances to score with Jordan Robb unlucky to see a 25 yard shot hit the post, shortly after this Conor Kiely hit the post also. Wilton were playing well in the middle of the park, but again Riverstown’s back four were solid and James Sweeney in goal had a quiet night.
Into the second half and Jordan Robb opened the scoring with a neat finish from a Paul Leopold corner. In the last minute Kiely got the second, tapping home after great work from Paul Leopold on the wing. This was a great result as Wilton played very well and although Riverstown were not at their best, this was another important win and extends their lead at the top of the table.
Under 13 Division 2
Riverstown FC 3 - Passage 0
Riverstown made it 5 wins on the trot as they ran out comfortable winners against Passage.
Conor Kiely opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a great finish after a great through ball from Jordan Robb. Conor doubled the lead 10 minutes later being in the right place to score from a rebound from Jeff Hodder’s shot which was well saved by the keeper. For the rest of the half Riverstown dominated the play with Jeff unlucky to score on two occassions. Into the second half and Passage created their first real scoring chance but James Sweeney pulled off a great save.
With 15 minutes to go, Conor wrapped up the 3 points with a cool finish after the keeper had pulled off another fine save, for his 2nd hat trick of the season. This was another fine all round team performance with the defence again outstanding with their 4th clean sheet in the last 5 games.
Under 13 Division 3
Glounthaune United 0 - Riverstown FC 2
Riverstown were finally able to kick-start their league assault after all the rain cancelled matches with an away match against top of the league Glounthaune. Being a local derby there were the usual tensions and this showed in the first half with neither side dominating. After a run of cup and friendly matches where Riverstown played really well against senior league teams, they now appeared to be scared of holding onto the ball.
During this first half neither goalkeeper was troubled with much of the play in midfield.
After a talking to during half time, Riverstown started the 2nd half with purpose and Gavin Walsh opened the scoring for Riverstown in the 1st minute. Riverstown began playing far better and were keeping possession of the ball now. Eddie Barry and Kelvin Lynch were now dominating midfield and were getting the ball wide to Andrew Whyte and Shane Healy on the wings. This domination paid off and Gavin Walsh scored his and Riverstown 2nd goal in the 13th minute.
The defence of Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Jack O’Neill and Jack Redmond held firm which resulted in Michal Sady’s in goal having a very quiet match and not being called on to make any saves.
With the clock running down Riverstown made a few changes in an attempt to add more goals. Declan McCarthy came close, bringing out the best of Adam Mylod in Glounthaune’s goals. The match ended with a 2-0 victory to Riverstown.
This was a fine result for Riverstown who now have two matches in quick succession, Midleton A at home on Thursday 1st April and Avondale A away on Easter Sunday.
WELL DONE LADS!
Team: Michal Sady’s, Jack O’Neill, Jack Redmond, Robert McElhinney, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Kelvin Lynch, Andrew Whyte, Shane Healy, Gavin Walsh, Aaron N’Dongo, Padraig Manning, Declan McCarthy, Stephen Kennedy and Cian Ahern
Under 13 Cup
Riverstown FC 3 - Midleton A 1
A comfortable win in the cup makes it 4 wins on the trot for Riverstown. Peter McCarthy hit the bar in the 2nd minute from a free kick. They went ahead midway through the first half with a great shot from Adam Brennan and then immediately after this Conor Kiely doubled the lead. Throughout the half Riverstown had all the play but were unable to add to the lead.
In the second half Kiely got his second after picking up the ball on the left wing, turning inside and chipping the keeper. That is now 10 goals in 11 games for Conor this season. With the tie over at 3 – 0, they eased off and allowed a consolation for Midleton in the last 5 minutes.
Under 13 Division 2
Youghal United 0 - Riverstown FC 4
Riverstown went to the league leaders feeling confident after beating them 4 1 at home earlier in the season. Right from the kick off Riverstown took control and took the game to Youghal, after 15 minutes Conor Kiely opened the scoring with a good finish from a corner, minutes later Jordan Robb should have doubled the lead but his shot was straight at the keeper. Then on 20 minutes Conor latched on to a through ball and expertly finished into the corner of the net from a tight angle. Half time was 2 – 0 and Riverstown were totally dominating the game. Into the second half Conor got his hat trick with another well taken finish, with 10 minutes to go Jordan Robb got the 4th with a shot from the edge of the box. Overall a great team performance with all 14 players involved playing well.
Under 13 Cup
Riverstown FC A 0 Castleview 1
On Sunday 21st February Riverstown U13a hosted premiership team Castleview in a 2nd round local cup match in Knockraha. This was after Riverstown’s fine 3-1 victory over Mallow in the previous round.
Riverstown were quietly confident of getting a result in this match but were soon brought crashing to earth with a fantastic Corey Crowley goal in the 5th minute for Castleview. Riverstown knuckled down after this and began playing attractive attacking football. A number of chances were created in the first half and unfortunately Riverstown were unable to convert them and went into the break 1-0 down.
The second half began much the same as the first half ended with Riverstown taking the initiative but were unable to capitalise. There were a number of excellent performances from the Riverstown boys with Greg Grantham slightly shading them with a superb performance at centre half. With the team now playing now playing a possession game and putting fantastic effort in during their matches, great expectations are expected of the team in the rest of their league campaign.
Unfortunately, Riverstown have played only 3 matches and have lot of ground to make up. However, it is felt to be a good thing by the team management as, it will mean more regular matches which will keep the boys in match mode and keep their performances at peak.
Riverstown are playing 1st division team Rockmount in a friendly on the 6th March in an effort to maintain their momentum as matches have again been postponed due to opposing teams’ cup commitments.
Team: Michal Sady’s, Kelvin Lynch, Conor Murphy, Stephen Kennedy, Greg Grantham, Jack O’Neill Eddie Barry, Robert McElhinney, Gavin Walsh, Shane Healy, Andrew Whyte, Padraig Manning, Jack Redmond, Aaron N’Dongo and Cian Ahern.
