Clontarf FC v Beechlawn Rovers FC
St Anne’s Park, 31-10-2009

8 goals, 5 penalties and 2 red cards made for a thrilling contest between the two bottom sides of the Premier division on Saturday afternoon. Beechlawn Rovers came into this game having failed to score in their last four outings and so were determined to get back on track against their fellow struggler's. However Rovers failure to deal with straight balls over the top of the defence all season was evident again in the opening minutes when Clontarf were given an early lead against the run of play.
The early goal sparked the game into action and Beechlawn Rovers were on the attack straight away, playing some neat football in midfield and using the wings to good effect. Rovers made 3 changes to the side that was cruelly knocked out of the Amateur cup last time out. Damo Murphy moved up into the attack alongside Michael McCabe, Stef Power returned to the midfield to partner Orey Roche and Colly Roden came into the centre of defence with Luke Mulvaney moving out to right back.
Indeed Damo Murphy started the game very brightly, holding up and laying off the ball to his midfield. Rovers were level in the match good play out on the left wing saw Mick Ennis put in a good cross and after the ball was not dealt with by the Clontarf defence, Damo Murphy was at the back post to prod home the equalizer.
The game continued to flow as the small pitch allowed for constant attacking movement from both sides. However it was Clontarf who were next to get themselves on the score sheet. They’re lively striker proving to be a real thorn in the Beechlawn’s side all afternoon. But both sides went into half time with the scores equal after Rovers were awarded the first of the 5 penalties of the day. Orey Roche received the ball from Michael McCabe and burst into the box only to be upended by the Clontarf defender. Damo Murphy made no mistake with the spot kick.
The second half saw Beechlawn Rovers start with some real vigour and they put the home side on the back foot straight away. Some neat interchanging from David Denham and Mick Ennis on the left wing so Spidermick put a sweet cross into the box but Damo couldn’t make the most of the opportunity. However Rovers didn’t have to wait long to get the goal they deserved and it was man of the match Damo Murphy to score it with his 3rd of the game. Rovers were on top and continued to attack the home side and only for a few questionable decisions by the cheating scumbag of a ref, who had a massive beard, they could have added to their tally.
However things took a turn for the worse when on 65 minutes, a corner from Clontarf gifted them a way back into the game when Shane Denham handled a goal bound shot when there were two players behind him in line to clear the ball. The cheating scumbag of a ref, who had a massive beard, had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and gave Denham a red card to add to his woes. Clontarf dispatched with the penalty to equal the scores once again.
Michael McCabe moved to right midfield leaving Damo Murphy to lead the line on his own up front as Rovers would face an uphill battle to gain control of the game. They did however enjoy a lot of possession of the ball as they looked determined to gain 3 points from the game, pushing forward at every opportunity looking for the goal they craved.
Yet again though, Rovers handed the home side another huge advantage when a goal bound shot was handled on the line by the diving Stef Power and he received a straight red card for his actions and gifting Clontarf with another penalty. John O'Rourke kept his side in the game though with a fantastic save to keep the scores level.
The only change of the game came when Eoghan Russell came on for the injured David Denham. Before he could get settled into the game though, Clontarf were awarded their third and most contentious penalty of the game. Rob 'Hollywood' Harvey being penalized for what seemed to be only standing his ground as the ball trickled out for a corner. Indeed even the Clontarf players seemed surprised by the cheating scumbag of a ref, who had a massive beard, ’s decision. They took advantage of their luck however to dispatch with the kick and lead the game once more.
Beechlawn Rovers were not going to let game die away and continued to press on in the dying minutes and perhaps got the luck they deserved when a Eoghan Russell shot from outside the box hit the hand of a defender and the fat, tubby-custard sized ref pointed top the spot once more. Damo Murphy hammered home the kick to get his and Rovers fourth of the match. Nothing more than Rovers deserved.
Clontarf nearly stole the game though, as from the kick off they audaciously fired straight at goal but John O'Rourke was well placed to stop the shot.
So in the end the two teams had to take a share of the points. Rovers however will be disappointed not to have taken the 3 points, even having gone done to 9 men for a period of the game.
Next up for Rovers is a match at the 90,000 seater capacity Beechlawn Park to mid table Beaumont Athletic. A game that has previously brought its fair share of goals and cards in the past.
In other news, the Saturday Division 1 side picked up their first points of the season when they drew two all against Club Everton in what they hope will be a kick starter to their season.

Team Line up:

John O'Rourke (GK)

Mick Ennis (LB)
Luke Mulvaney (RB)
Colly Roden (CB)
Rob 'Hollywood' Harvey (CB)

David Denham (LM)
Shane Denham (RM)
Stef Power (CM)
Orey Roche (CM)

Damo Murphy (FW)
Michael McCabe (FW)

Subs:
Kev Feeney
Eoghan Russell (for Double D, 66mins)
Dan Judge