Customer Appreciation Day



Santa at the Briar Sunday 18th



Green Briar Indoor

A team entered under the name of the Green Briar is competing in the MSSL indoor league in Sudbury on Sunday nights. Click the Mass United web page to see the latest standings.

Green Briar FC Social and Awards Night

Thank you to all who attended and supported the inaugural Green Briar FC Social and Awards Night. A special thank you to Luke and his Green Briar staff, to our DJ Dan Hallessy and to our MC for the night John Hickey.

Some of the awards on offer for the night.

The awards on the night included Player of the Year, Top Goal Scorer, Top Assists for each team and Goal of the Season and Clubman of the Year across the club as a whole.

MSSL Player of the Year and Golden Boot Winner Brian McGuinness

accompanied by his team managers Joe Nolan and Michael Graham

John Hickey eloquently described the merits of Player of the Year as a consistently brilliant contributor throughout the season.

OTH Player of the Year Gavin Hall



OTH Golden Boot and Goal of the Season Winner Leo O'Connor

accompanied by his Siamese twin brother John Hickey

With 19 goals on the season, and one of those being a spectacular effort from the half way line, Leo O'Connor was definitely deserving of his 2 awards on the night.

OTH Silver Boot winner John Hickey

accompanied by his team manager Gary Keane

The man was quoted as saying he'd stop the ball on the line and play a pass rather than score into an open goal. Testiment to the singular focus John Hickey had this season in securing the Silver Boot Award.

MSSL Silver Boot Winner Gary Cassidy

accompanied by his team manager and mentor Joe Nolan

Gary Cassidy scored many a fine goal this season, but it was his assists that distinguished him as he claimed the MSSL Silver Boot Award.

Clubman of the Year, Michael Graham

To add to the lighter side of the evening there were 2 special awards commissioned to acknowledge some of the more colourful characters involved with the club.

Larry, Curly and Moe enjoy the plaudids of Own Goal of the Season

For not knowing half the rules he needs to know, John Hickey

was presented the GBFC Biggest Horse's A$$ Award by Paul Glynn

AO Ball

The American Outlaws is the US Mens National Soccer Team's supporters group. Some friends of Green Briar FC are involved with the Boston Chapter and help organise the annual AO Ball.

Speaking from experience, I know it is a great time. It is held at An Tua Nua in Boston with a cool DJ, cool atmosphere and other cool people from the New England soccer community. The night may also include a raffle of exclusive soccer paraphernalia.

Although it is titled "AO Ball" and smart dress is encouraged, I know I saw one attendee last year with a tuxedo t-shirt and a pair of Air Force One's. Good times!

The most important aspect of the evening is that all moneys raised from ticket sales and raffles goes to a great cause. America Scores is a charity that helps under priviliged kids in the Boston area by inspiring healthy living, lifelong learning and leadership.

Read further details below. Click here to buy your tickets.

I hope to see you there.

"Goal of the Season" candidates

The Goal Of The Season will be decided tonight at the Green Briar FC Social, with attendees being asked to cast their vote for any goal they deem worthy.

Consider this however, between the two teams the Green Briar has amassed a staggering total of 91 goals scored. Discounting forfeits and opponent's own goals that helped us along the way, that brings the total down to 82 goals from 27 Green Briar players throughout the season.

To help jog your memory, I have selected a few goals that may or may not be on your list but definitely caught my eye this season.

1. Eamonn McCarney vs Medford Soccer (Apr 10th 2011 Playstead Park, Medford MA)
Trailing 2-1 away from home entering the final minutes of the match McCarney produced some magic. A deep corner from Gary Cassidy was only half cleared to the far side of the box. Eamonn McCarney had pulled off the back post and collected the ball. Taking two touches to settle he exploited the space he was given to rifle a shot across the keeper which sent the net bulging as it went in at the far post.

2. Gary Cassidy vs Celtic FC (May 8th 2011 Columbus Park, Boston MA)
Trailing 1:0 at half time, Gary Cassidy took little time to restore parity. A marauding run by David Lally out of the back saw him cross half way and lift a delightful ball over the defense to Gary Cassidy. The Limerick-man had stolen a march on the defense and yet had the composure to find an exquisitely weighted lob over the keeper to find the net. We are used to seeing Gary come up with special goals, but this one ranks highly even for him, considering the pitch conditions and the game situation.

3. Michael Graham vs Harvard (May 29th 2011 Fillippello Park, Watertown MA)

After 30 minutes of spurned chances the deadlock was finally broken with a beautiful strike from 25 yards. A ball over the top from Paul Glynn on the right wing was mistimed by the Harvard defender and Michael Graham settled the ball to play a neat one-two with Gavin Hall on the edge of the box. After receiving the return ball he found space for a shot from outside the area. His effort looped and dipped into the top left corner over the despairing keeper.

4. Gary Cassidy vs Canon Sportif (June 12th 2011 Danehy Park, Cambridge MA)
Adding to a goal he scored from a free kick earlier in the tie, Gary Cassidy completed his brace in style. Braima Samati was released down the right wing on 62 minutes. With a quick touch and look up he delivered a great cross to the far post to an unmarked Gary Cassidy. Gary took the ball on his chest and struck a volley which he deliberately lobbed over the keeper into the top of the net. It has been said of the great players that the game slows down, especially in the highly contested environment of the final third. Gary's elegant control and finish was completed with such an efficiency of movement that it looked like it was in slow motion. Yet another quality finish to add to his 2011 season's portfolio.

5. Keith McLoughlin vs Lusitanos (Aug 10th 2011, Veterans Stadium, Lawrence MA)

With 2 minutes remaining in the tie, Keith McLoughlin ensured the Greens would leave Lowell with a point after a heated affair. Fernando DelPieri came out of his goal to take a free kick from inside the Briar half. Most players had advanced to the 18 yard box in an attempt to make something happen. The ball was flighted to the edge of the 18 where Leo O'Connor rose and met the ball to flick it goalwards. Still in the air, Peter Miller dipped low to head it backwards into the path of Keith McLouglin who had found a yard of space at the back post. On the half volley, Keith sidefooted the ball to the right corner of the net leading to rousing celebrations from the visitors.

6. Kevin O'Donnell vs Fernandes (Sept 7th 2011, New Bedford MA)

On a waterlogged pitch Kevin O'Donnell completed a splendid victory for the Greens..... The winner was fashioned from a mistake by the Fernandes defense. A defender lost control of the ball when getting bogged down in one of the numerous puddles. Michael Graham reacted quickest and pushed the ball down the right wing into space. Chasing his own ball, he got there first and played a centering pass into the box. Kevin O'Donnell controlled the ball on the penalty spot and shaped a beautifully curling shot into the right corner of the net, a superb finish, a superb winner.

7. Leo O'Connor vs Peru Sport (Oct 16th 2011, Stoughton MA)

According to the 2010/2011 Laws of the Game as regulated by FIFA, under Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play (Page 29 of Laws Of The Game) under the heading Definition of kick-off it states: A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off. The Green Briar succeeded in scoring from the kick-off against Peru Sport, although not directly. The Pair that beat the Full House contrived to manufacture a precious assist also. John Hickey played an exquisite 6 inch pass into the path of Leo O'Connor. John also completing the difficult task of making sure the ball went forward from the kick-off. After that all the hard work was done. Leo had the simple task of lobbing the keeper from 50 yards. A great goal showing presence of mind and excellent execution!

8. David Coen vs Peru Sport (Oct 16th 2011, Stoughton MA)

An immediate response to a Peru equalizer was duly supplied by the midfield maestro. Davey Coen sent a long pass to Michael Graham who settled the ball and brought Gavin Hall into the play. Gavin beat a man and played it back to Graham who's squaring pass was drilled into the net by Davey Coen from 20 yards. A terrific finish and a beautifully worked move involving 3 players and spanning 50 yards.

9. Braima Samati vs Lowell United (Oct 16th 2011, East Boston MA)

The completion of a stunning comeback against MSSL cup finalist was capped by a great goal from the striker. The icing on the cake and the rubber stamp of a terrific performance by Tom Caldwell saw him deliver a freekick into the box that was met on the full volley by Braima Samati. The young man making no mistake in timing his run and meeting the delivery perfectly as the ball flashed past the keeper for the Briar's fourth of the tie.

Click Here For Season Stats

The Social is this Friday night

You and your significant other are invited to attend the Green Briar FC Social Night and Awards Ceremony. The night will include a sit down meal with wine, open bar, DJ after the meal and the presentations of the coveted awards.

All proceedings will be held in the Kinvara Room of the Green Briar Pub. The seating will be limited to 50 people, so please contact John Hickey, Paul Glynn or Michael Graham to secure your ticket asap. Further details below.

What: Green Briar FC Social Dinner / Awards Ceremony
Where: Green Briar Pub (Kinvara Room)
When: Friday 18th November
Time: 7:30PM, food served at 8:00PM
Cost: $50 Per Ticket
Includes: Sit Down Meal with Wine, Open Bar, DJ, Awards

O'Donnell sets the tone for a great win

United Int'l 1:5 Green Briar O30's

In a somewhat poetic symmetry, the Green Briar finished their Fall season as it had begun, with an inspired victory in terribly wet conditions. Just as they opened their campaign with a win over Fernandes & Friends, they finished in similarly impressive style with an emphatic win over the Division champions. Those wins serve as impressive book-ends to a season that was over all a disappointing one.

The fact that the Briar needed a result on the last day of the regular season to avoid relegation paints a grim picture of what was a very subpar campaign. The margins between the teams in the division this season were fine. A yellow card here, a missed chance there, these are the things the Greens are left to rue.

The Briar finished on 10 points after losing 2 due to yellow card accumulation. Looking back on the season it is easy to count another 10 points that were squandered from winning positions, sometimes comfortable winning positions.

The statistics of the season also tell a tale of their own. The Green Briar were the top scorers in the division with 22 goals, but they also had the worst defense, conceding 22 goals. That's a goals against average of 2.2 goals per game over the 10 game season. It is hard to win anything when spotting your opponent such an advantage.

That observation is not an indictment of the Briar defense either. There are 11 players on the pitch at any one time (Governor often times being the exception!) who are responsible for maintaining a clean sheet. On 10 occasions Gary Keane sent his men out with that task and on 10 occasions they failed. Not a single clean sheet for the Fall season.

On the up side however, after the terrible run of 4 defeats mid season, the Briar finished the Fall on a run of 5 games unbeaten.

Looking at the 2011 Spring and Fall seasons as a whole there are plenty of positives to draw from. Let's not forget that 2011 was Green Briar's inaugural season. Gary Keane and Paul Glynn along with the GB Committee established a viable and successful Over 30's side that claimed silverware in its first season.

The dedication of Glynn and Keane shouldn't go unnoticed. There is a lot more to a Club than a game of a Sunday. Paul Glynn works tirelessly behind the scenes, securing field permits, rating match officials, dealing with the league commissioner and attending board meetings. On the other hand, Gary Keane is a talented player that has been stricken with injury in recent months. To man the sideline all season and commit so much time to training and game days, knowing he'd rather show us how it should be done, is commendable.

Let's get back to the small matter of the game itself. Needing the victory to distance themselves from the bottom of the table, the players were focused on the task at hand. United Int'l had taken the 3 points in the 1st meeting and nothing less than 3 points would have done for the Briar in the return fixture.

With the first attack of the game Kevin O'Donnell tested the keeper, a test he duly failed. Kevin's powerful shot from 20 yards found its way through the keeper and into the net for the very early lead. The following minutes of the game belonged to the Briar. Good movement and passing opened up the United defense on a few occasions and the lead was almost doubled by Leo O'Connor.

Gavin Hall was in command of the middle as usual and set Michael Graham away down the left. His first time cross was beautifully flighted to the back post to an unmarked Leo O'Connor, whose eyeballs were dilating in anticipation of the blog write up describing what he was to do next. Unfortunately, O'Connor did not finish spectacularly, but instead got his legs in a complete tangle as he attempted the volley with his right foot, when in fact a left footed finish was warranted.

United conjured up a terrific equalizer minutes later. Gaining possession at the edge of the box the United midfield advanced the ball unchallenged and dispatched a wonderful strike to the top left corner of the net. The Briar response was immediate however.

Excellent interplay between John Flannery, Michael Graham and Davey Coen resulted in a free kick on the edge of the area. Kevin O'Donnell was injured on the play, but would be able to return later in the match. Davey Coen took responsibility of the kick and drilled it low past the wall and onto goal. The United keeper spilled the rebound into the path of Conor Hannick. Rejuvenated from his recent adventures in Florida, his tanned dome glistening under the flood lights of Kelly field, Hannick had the simple task of restoring the lead and picking up a goal to go with his 2 assists on the season.

Soon after, Petey McNamee and Gavin Hall combined well down the right to slip John Hickey through on goal. John steadied himself and struck the ball low and hard to the corner of the net. Another classy finish to add to the catalog for the season.

The fourth was not long coming either. This time Hickey turned provider, as again United were exposed down the right. John Hickey's beautifully weighted diagonal ball tempted the keeper off his line as strike partner Leo O'Connor attempted to latch onto the pass. O'Connor won the race to the ball and learning from the mistakes of his previous chance, clipped the ball over the keeper with his left foot and watched it skip home between the puddles.

A terrific half of football from the Greens but the job was only half done. United seemed to up their game in the second half and held the territorial and possession advantage. Clear cut chances were at a premium for United however as long range efforts were the fruits of their labour. One of those efforts hit the left hand post, but was cleared to safety as the Briar defense held firm for the remainder of the match.

The death knell of the tie was provided by John Hickey. What else can be said without digging out every superlative to make the point? The man knows how to finish! Petey McNamee was again instrumental in the move. Petey beat his man and delivered a low cross from the bi-line. Leo O'Connor succeeded in dummying the ball as the cross made its way to the centre of the goal. Hickey gleefully took the chance to slam home his 9th of the campaign from all of 3 yards.

Hickey was in rare form at this stage. Safe in the knowledge that he had secured the O30's silver boot, the tricks came out. In the final moments of the game he played a cheeky back heel to Brendan Joyce to create a decent look at goal for the Galway man. Brenny's shot was high however and the Green Briar's assist king was denied a highlight reel moment.

And so the 2011 campaign comes to a close, next week's Banquet/Social will be a time to reflect and relive all the Club has achieved in its first year. From great goals, to huge gaffs, there will be plenty to talk about and plenty to look forward to for 2012.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Meehan, Hannick, Flannery, O'Donnell, Hall(c), Coen, Graham, O'Connor, Hickey, Joyce, McNamee, Nassar, Kelly

Game for November 10th

Please be at the field at least 30 minutes in advance of Kick Off

United Int'l vs Green Briar O30's ( 7:00PM Kick-Off  )

Kelly Field (Grass)

83 Turtle Pond Parkway
Hyde Park MA 02136 (Map)

One point not enough for Over 30's

Green Briar O30's 1:1 Medfield

A single point from the second to last game of the season was simply not good enough. The Green Briar must sweat it out for a few more days as relegation from Division 4 is still a cold hard reality.

The Briar's last game of the season comes up this week against United International, the Division Champions. A tough test, but they say the Table doesn't lie. If the Briar are worthy of Division 4 status they'll need to pick up the necessary points to survive.

Today's performance saw plenty of goal mouth action from the Briar and a good defensive performance as well, but unfortunately the cutting edge was lacking.

The best of the opening action fell the Briar's way. Michael Graham and John Hickey spurned good opportunities before McElwain broke the deadlock. Good work down the right by John Hickey resulted in a nice cut back to McElwain. Cool control and an even cooler side footed finish broke the deadlock.

Medfield began to grow into the game after that and were close to leveling on a couple of occasions before they finally found the equalizer. Conor Bagnell was dispossessed in the left back position and the shot from the edge of the area found the net over the diving keeper.

In response the Briar created a couple of excellent chances. From a corner, David Coen saw his header beaten away when it looked to be goal ward bound and later Dan Kilber-Stearns dug out a beautiful cross to the back post. Michael Graham was left unmarked, but his header to the far post was wide of the mark.

Other good chances fell to PJ Kelly, who couldn't get a shot away from a scramble in the box and Michael Graham volleyed goal wards only to see the Medfield keeper claw the ball out of the top corner of the net.

The second half was more of the same from the Briar. John Hickey found the net early in the second half as he turned home a cross from the right. The linesman gave offside when it looked like John was behind the ball when it was played into the box.

The chances kept coming for the Briar. Paul Fallon and his defense were solid at the back allowing the Greens to commit players forward. From a low driven corner into the box, David Coen challenged the keeper for the ball but the scramble resulted in a free out rather than the lead.

As the game entered the closing stages the two best chances of the half went begging. John Hickey was only six yards from goal when a driven cross flashed across the box. A simple touch was all that was needed to beat the Medfield keeper, but he was unable to connect and the chance was gone.

The closest the Briar came was in the final minutes. A long ball skipped past the Medfield defense and Michael Graham latched onto it. He rode the defender's attempted challenge and played a right footed shot past the keeper only to see it cannon off the base of the post and back into the keeper's arms. So close, but a microcosm of the Green Briar's Fall Season.

A very good defensive performance by the Briar today. A single point gained, but with Peru Sport holding the tie breaker against the Greens it certainly will be a nervous finish to the season as plenty of permutations and outcomes are still possible.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Meehan, Coen, Flannery, Kilber-Stearns, Hall, McElwain, Joyce, Graham, Hickey, Kelly, Bagnell, Nassar, Shursky

Game for November 6th

Please be at the field at least 30 minutes in advance of Kick Off

Green Briar O30's vs Medfield ( 8:00AM Kick-Off  )

Fillipello Park (Grass)

110 Arlington Street

Watertown MA 02472 (Map)

Green Briar Social Dinner and Awards Ceremony

You and your significant other are invited to attend the Green Briar FC Social Night and Awards Ceremony. The night will include a sit down meal with wine, open bar, DJ after the meal and the presentations of the coveted awards.

All proceedings will be held in the Kinvara Room of the Green Briar Pub. The seating will be limited to 50 people, so please contact your team manager to secure your ticket asap. Further details below.

What: Green Briar FC Social Dinner / Awards Ceremony
Where: Green Briar Pub (Kinvara Room)
When: Friday 18th November
Time: 7:30PM, food served at 8:00PM
Cost: $50 Per Ticket
Includes: Sit Down Meal with Wine, Open Bar, DJ, Awards

Horse's Ass Award Poll

Over 30's earn a point, but throw 2 away

Green Briar O30's 3:3 Foxboro Freaks

The away fixture against Foxboro earlier this season saw the Briar lose all 3 points from a comfortable 2-0 half time lead. The home fixture in Watertown would have similar story lines for the Briar as they yet again failed to hold a lead and relinquished their grasp on the 3 points in the last 5 minutes of play.

The opening exchanges of the game were even and Foxboro yet again proved to be a worthy match for the Greens. The opening goal was gifted to Foxboro after a poor sequence of defensive play in the Briar penalty area.

Conor Hannick seemed to have the situation under control as he shepherded the ball out for a goal kick. The ball failed to cross the line however, and having to deal with it he chose to turn and attempt a clearance on his weaker left foot. The clearance fell to a Foxboro striker 10 yards from goal whose shot somehow got through Paul Fallon when it looked like he had everything behind the ball.

In response the Briar fashioned a chance through David Coen and Leo O'Connor who played the ball through to Michael Graham down the left. His attempt to find the far corner was well wide of the mark as he let his shot go between keeper and defenders.

Parity was restored shortly afterwards. David Coen earned a free kick on the edge of the box, and stepping up for the kick himself he sent a beautiful strike to the top corner on the keeper's side of the goal.

As the second half got under way it would be Foxboro who would get their noses in front once again. A break down the right hand side was not closed down quickly enough and the squaring ball was met in the 6 yard box for the 1-time finish and 2-1 lead.

The equalizer from the Briar came 1 minute after the restart as the urgency of their play was lifted. Route 1 was chosen by Conor Hannick as he delivered a booming ball over the top with enough back spin to hold up on the dewey surface. Leo O'Connor ran onto the ball and eluding several defenders he sent a sweet shot arrowing to the bottom left hand corner of the net.

John Hickey produced the next piece of inspired play. His run down the right and delivery into the box was excellent and but for lady luck he could have added to his goal total on the season. On this occasion however, the ball sailed over the keepers head and cannoned off the far post. Michael Graham attempted to make the rebound count but the Foxboro defense held out.

With David Coen retired from the game through injury, Peter McNamee, Gavin Hall, Brenny Joyce and Conor Bagnell were all lifting the Briar's performance as they looked to gain the lead for the first time on the day.

The Briar's third goal came ten minutes from the end. Leo O'Connor sent PJ Kelly marauding down the left wing. The Clare man entered the box at full tilt and squared a beautiful ball across to Leo who followed up the play. With one touch to settle and an exquisite curling shot to the top corner to find the net, the Kerry man surely must have thought he had won it for the Briar.

It took all of 5 minutes this time for the Briar to self destruct. Entering the final few minutes of the game Foxboro sprung the offside trap but Paul Fallon was alert to the danger and rushed from goal to clear the ball from outside his area. Taking exception to the challenge from the advancing forward Fallon retaliated as he returned to goal.

The incident was spotted by the referee and resulted in a direct free kick from the edge of the Briar area. The Briar failed to set themselves up correctly for the kick however. The wall had one too many players in it and with the keeper's view obscured the Foxboro player placed the ball with ease into the keeper's side of the net.

A costly 2 points thrown away by the Briar who seem to find new ways each week of conceding goals. It is interesting to note that Foxboro are in play off contention with only 2 wins on the season (the same total as the Green Briar). Going forward, Leo O'Connor continued his fine season now totaling 18 goals in 18 games.

Division Champions United International are up next as the Briar look to secure their Division 4 status in the final weeks of the season. A clean sheet next week would greatly help in that task.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn(YC), Concagh, Hannick, McElwain(c), Graham, Hall, Coen, Flannery, Hickey, O'Connor, Kilber-Stearns, Kelly, Bagnell, Joyce, McNamee

Green Briar end season with a win

Green Briar FC 4:2 Lowell United

Lowell United were the visitors for the final game of the season and with their team having one eye on the MSSL Cup Final the Briar players were confident of getting a good result to take into the off season.

Playing against the wind and into the sun in the first half proved very difficult for the Greens. Although playing an under strengthed Lowell side the Briar still managed to find themselves 2 goals down at the half. And it could have been 3 if not for a great foot save by DelPieri as the half came to a close.

Despite conceding in the first half the Briar had chances of their own. Davey Coen spurning the best chance and he contrived to shoot wide from 6 yards.

Knowing that the conditions would be in their favour in the second half the Briar had a quiet confidence at the half time break. Fifteen minutes into the second half and the Greens were level, proving their confidence was not misplaced.

Firstly Tom Caldwell drove forward with the ball from midfield. His pass found Davey Coen unmarked in the box and with a cool left footed finish the Briar were on their way back.

Next Mickey Sexton was the provider as he played a squaring pass in the box for the on rushing Brian McGuinness. Brian found the net with his 6th of the campaign.

A five minute spell around the half hour mark of the second half saw a flurry of action. Mickey Sexton made his own luck from a booming kick out from DelPieri. Mickey got behind the defense and slotted home his fourth goal in four games.

Two minutes later Keith McLoughlin received a straight red card for a dangerous lunging challenge. Even Keith would agree he left the referee no option but a straight red.

Lowell would try and capitalise on the chaos in the following minutes and almost did. A shot from the egde of the box hit the cross bar and rebounded into play 6 yards from goal. With DelPieri sprawling after his attempted save, Gary Clarke came in with a timely challenge on a Lowell striker that was ready to finish. Clarke managed to disrupt the effort enough so that the goal ward header went high, clipping the cross bar and out for a goal kick.

A slice of luck that the Briar have been waiting for all season. The icing on the cake and the rubber stamp of a terrific performance by Tom Caldwell saw him deliver a freekick into the box that was met on the volley by Braima Samati. The young man making no mistake as the ball flashed past the keeper for the Briar's fourth of the half.

Finishing the season on three good performances against the likes of Lowell Utd and Olympiakos and picking up 6 points as well, is no more that the players deserve for their hard work in Green Briar's inaugural season. We'll be looking to keep the current squad together this winter in an indoor competition run by the MSSL as we look forward to building on the foundations that were laid this year. Thanks to all involved in the club who help both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

Line Up: DelPieri, Claus, Doonan, Hannick, Clarke, McCarney(YC 35'), Caldwell, McGuinness, McLoughlin(RC), Coen(c)(60'), Sexton, Samati(55'), Hennessy(30')

Good win for Over 30's

Peru Sport 3:4 Green Briar O30's

According to the 2010/2011 Laws of the Game as regulated by FIFA, under Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play (Page 29 of Laws Of The Game) under the heading Definition of kick-off it states: A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off.

The Green Briar succeeded in scoring from the kick-off against Peru Sport, although not directly. The Pair that beat the Full House contrived to manufacture a precious assist also. John Hickey played an exquisite 6 inch pass into the path of Leo O'Connor. John also completing the difficult task of making sure the ball went forward from the kick-off. After that all the hard work was done. Leo had the simple task of lobbing the keeper from 50 yards. A great goal but it was all about the pass.

The next 15 minutes of the game saw plenty of chances go begging for the Briar. Kevin O'Donnell was enjoying the freedom of Stoughton down the left wing and was doing well with the space afforded him.

Although numerous chances went begging Kevin O'Donnell's downward header from a Kilber-Stearns cross was expertly palmed away to safety by the Peru goal keeper.

Peru's first chance at goal was converted clinically. A long ball over the top caught the Briar defence out of position. The lively Peru attacker carried the ball to the edge of the box and dispatched a great shot to the net. Tom McElwain who had started in goal was unlucky not to keep the effort out as he got a hand to the ball but was unable to turn it away.

Arriving late, but coming straight from the Office (Howl at the Moon), Paul Fallon took up his position in net soon after parity was restored.

The Electric combination of John Hickey and Leo O'Connor would again provide the Briar the lead. Leo O'Connor advanced the ball from the right into the Peru area and squared to an unmarked Hickey who slid the ball home for his impressive 7th of the season.

Peru would come again however. A sweeping move across the field saw a Peru attacker strike from the right hand edge of the area. Paul Fallon seemed to be caught wrong footed but managed to parry the effort nonetheless. The rebound was cleaned up by the Peru striker and was sent home for the equalizer from 6 yards.

The Briar would come back with an immediate response. Davey Coen sent a long ball to Michael Graham who settled the ball and brought Gavin Hall into the play. Gavin beat a man and played it back to Graham who's squaring pass was drilled into the net by Davey Coen from 20 yards. A terrific finish.

Entering the second half there was a renewed sense of confidence from the Briar. Using the space that Peru were affording them the Briar wingers were creating chances and keeping the ball well, but no finished product in the final third was forthcoming.

Leo O'Connor did manage to steal a yard on his marker in the box and was brought down for an easy penalty decision. The Kerry man dusted himself off and scored from the spot, his club leading 16th of the season.

Getting our first victory in a number of weeks was never going to be easy. Peru hit the post on one break away and managed to bring the game back to 4:3 when more indecision at the back led to an easy tap in for the striker.

A more nervous finish that the performance deserved but one that the team was able to navigate in order to leap frog Peru Sport and get off of the bottom of the table ahead of the big game versus Foxboro next week.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Concagh(YC), Hannick, McElwain(c), O'Donnell, Hall, Coen, Kilber-Stearns, Hickey, O'Connor, Nassar, Flannery, Kelly, Graham, Joyce

Clean Sheet + 5-Spot = 3 Magnificent Points

Green Briar FC 5:0 Suchi FC

The first clean sheet of the MSSL campaign was a while coming but was definitely worth the wait. The Briar were coming off of a great performance in defeat versus Boston Olympiakos the previous week and were looking to turn another good performance into points this time around.

Mickey Sexton put in a great effort on the day. The Englishman had been struggling to find his range in front of goal lately but would get things right on this occasion, contributing a brace and an assist for his day's work.

David Coen and Tom Caldwell both scored their first for the MSSL side this season and Eamonn McCarney added to his total with a nice finish from a Mickey Sexton pass.

The Briar have put together some good performances in the second half of the season and enter their final match versus Lowell on the up.

Line Up: DelPieri, Claus, Doonan, Hannick, McLoughlin, McCarney, Caldwell(YC), McGuinness, O'Connor, Coen(c), Sexton

Over 30's Stop The Rot

Green Briar O30's 2:2 Fernandes & Friends

Not the desired 3 points on this occasion, but avoiding defeat is certainly a step in the right direction for Gary Keane's men.

Taking the lead in the first half through Leo O'Connor, after a beautiful move down the wing by Kevin O'Donnell was the start the Briar was looking for. But with confidence levels wavering lately and without a clean sheet in the Fall season, the team was unable to stamp their authority on proceedings and went into the break 2:1 down.

Unfortunately both goals were conceded without the services of our regular starting goalkeeper (John Flannery nobly deputising between the sticks). Green Briar's #1 Paul Fallon had yet to wipe the sleep from his eyes after another long night at his favourite haunt 'Howl at the Moon'.



After the restart the Briar were looking to get back into the tie. John Hickey and Leo O'Connor, partners both on and off the pitch, managed to combine up front for the equalizer. The electricity between the strike duo has been palpable recently and yet again they would come up trumps to find the equalizer to earn the Briar a point.

An acceptable result considering the run of form recently and the Briar will look to build on this in the coming weeks.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Concagh, Hannick(YC), McElwain(c), O'Donnell, Hall, Coen, Kilber-Stearns, Hickey, O'Connor, Shursky, Nassar, Flanders, Bagnell

Golden/Silver Boots Have Arrived

Here are the prestigious pieces of hardware that are up for grabs for top goals and assists contributors. One set of golden and silver boots per team.

Games for Oct 16th

Please be at the field at least 30 minutes in advance of Kick Off

Peru Sport vs Green Briar O30's ( 10:00AM Kick-Off  )

Stoughton High School (Grass)

232 Pearl Street

Stoughton MA 02072 (Map)

Green Briar FC vs Lowell United ( 4:00PM Kick-Off  )

East Bost Memorial Park (Turf outside stadium)

150 Porter Street

(Intersection Porter St and Logan Airport Service Drive)

East Boston, MA 02128 (Map)

Games for October 9th

Please be at the field at least 30 minutes in advance of Kick Off

Green Briar O30's vs Fernandes and Friends ( 9:00AM Kick-Off  )

Fillipello Park (Grass)

110 Arlington Street

Watertown MA 02472 (Map)

Green Briar FC vs Suchi FC ( 4:00PM Kick-Off  )
East Bost Memorial Park (Turf outside stadium)
150 Porter Street
(Intersection Porter St and Logan Airport Service Drive)
East Boston, MA 02128 (Map)

Training Wednesday 12th

We will attempt to hold Club Training on Wednesday October 12th at Rogers Park in Brighton under the lights.

Rogers Park (Map)

90 Rogers Avenue
Brighton MA 02135

Over 30's yet to turn the corner

Medfield 2:1 Green Briar O30's

 

The half way point in the fall season was reached on the worst possible note, with a fourth consecutive defeat. Sitting on a total of 3 points for the season one would think the campaign is well and truly over, but hold the phone. First place (11pts) may be a tough ask but second place (8pts) and a playoff berth is still attainable, albeit the second half of the season would need to be navigated flawlessly.

On Sunday the Briar opened brightly. Michael Graham spurned a glorious opportunity in the opening minutes. A cross field ball skipped passed the last defender on the slippery surface. Reaching the ball just on the edge of the box he took the shot on the half volley and got it woefully wrong, sending the ball skywards instead of goalwards.

A costly miss, as the Briar would fall victim once again to two more catastrophic lapses of concentration when defending set pieces. On both occasions the Greens were punished from corners by 1: losing the first ball in the air and 2: reacting slowly to the second ball allowing easy tap ins. The quick succession of both goals conceded and the striking resemblance between them was a total embarrassment to everyone in a Green jersey.

Yet again the Briar found themselves behind the 8-ball and yet again it was all their own doing. At 2-0 down it would be difficult for the Briar to overturn the lead as they've struggled to find consistency in their build up play and in front of goal recently.

At the end of the 1st half the Greens sparked into life. Vlad Shursky retrieved a cleared ball from the Medfield area and with a spinning shot caused all sorts of problems for their keeper. The rebound was not capitalized upon and the chance to enter the half with a sense of renewed purpose went awry.

In contrast to the 1st half, the Briar took complete control of the ball and the tempo of the game in the second, in search of a way back into the tie. Davey Coen and Gavin Hall were gaining the ascendancy in the middle as they tried to get the front men and the wings involved in the play.

The lead was halved half way through the second half. A free kick from a central area was delivered long to the back post. Michael Graham timed his run to get behind the defense and headed across the keeper to the far side of the net.

With renewed vigour the Greens pushed for the equalizer. Davey Coen worked the keeper with a stinging shot on one occasion and Marty Tiffany was bundled over clumsily in the box but no decision was forth coming from the referee. Petey McNamee was unlucky not to get on the end of a decent cross from the left wing, as it seemed like nothing good would fall the way of the Green Briar.

Leo O'Connor had the ball in the net from a good pass fed into him down the right hand side by Conor Hannick. However the bane of the Green Briar's existence on the day was not the Medfield players but the trigger happy Assistant Referee who seemed to flag off side every time a ball was played into the danger area. On this one of a multitude of occasions the flag was raised incorrectly.

Though playing with a desperation their league standing deserved, the Briar were unable to convert their will into an equalizer and slipped to a fourth defeat on the spin. With 5 games remaining and a return tie with each of their opposition to come, the only way is up for the Green Briar O30's.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Concagh, Hannick, McElwain(c), Flannery, Hall, Coen, Graham, McNamee, O'Connor, Shursky, Higgins, Nassar, Tiffany, Gillick

Horse's Ass Nominees Thus Far

1. Kevin Higgins
Before a penalty kick in game 1 of the Spring season versus Lexington Eagles, Higgins confidently exclaimed 'Gimme the ball and I'll bury it'. He subsequently took a shocking penalty that was easily saved.

2. John Hickey
An away game versus Harvard saw John Hickey re-writing the offside rule, as he looked ridiculous claiming his run was beautifully timed versus the 20 yard lacrosse line on the field (not the half way line).

3. Tom McElwain
In a friendly match versus Boston Gunners, McElwain came up with a goal of the season nominee. Facing his own goal, Tom steadied himself under a high ball and volleyed with authority into the top right hand corner on the net (his own net unfortunately).

4. Leo O'Connor
The opening game of the fall season was played in torrential conditions, lashing rain and on a pitch with inches of standing water. Much to the dismay of one Leo O'Connor, who before the game went canvasing like Obama. Campaigning to anyone who'd listen in order to get the game abandoned.

5. Petey McNamee
Come back kid Petey McNamee didn't take long to find his form on the pitch as he joined the team for the fall season. In his third game versus United International he also discovered the dangers of taking a throw in. McNamee pulling up with a tweaked back that required he leave the game as he attempted to restart play and come to terms with getting old.

6. Conor Hannick
The big Mayo man somewhat tarnished his Club man of the Year reputation by sleeping in at the most inopportune time, leaving his team mates without a set of gear to start the game versus United International.

7. Gavin Hall
Govenor has the dubious distinction of commiting three acts that are normally punishable with the purchase of a round of shots for his teammates. A penalty miss and 2 red cards. Not a single shot has been purchased by the culprit in a shocking abuse of the team's rules.

8. Other nominees accepted....

Terrific performance in defeat from the Briar

Green Briar FC 1:3 Boston Olympiakos

A game versus the undefeated league leaders may have sounded like a daunting task on paper but the Green Briar players showed up ready to play and with an appetite to compete with the best outfit in the State.

With that energy the Briar drew first blood. Peter Miller's intelligent restart sent Gary Cassidy down the right wing. His cross's trajectory proved too much for the Olympiakos goalkeeper as the ball curled and dipped into the far corner of the net for a terrific start.

Straight from the restart the Briar knew that the remaining 85 minutes would be their longest of the season as Olympiakos signaled their intentions with a shot from the centre circle that nearly caught Ken Mullane napping. He succeeded in palming it onto the bar and reclaiming the rebound.

The Briar conjured up two more magnificent chances even before the 15 minute mark. With no room for error against top opposition, the Greens would rue not stamping their authority on proceedings and putting Olympiakos away while they were genuinely wavering early on.

Davey Coen saw a beautiful half volley from the breakdown of a corner kick blocked superbly within the 6 yard area. Minutes later Mickey Sexton was released over the top by Tom Caldwell. A guilt edged opportunity in a one on one with the keeper was not converted however, as his low shot was palmed away.

On the 20' mark the Briar showed naivety in their play. When controlling the tempo and slowing down proceedings was the order of the day, an ill advised quick throw, as the Greens were attacking, caused a sloppy turn over. With the team unbalanced, Olymipakos broke down the right with pace and slotted home the equalizer.

Olympiakos were growing in stature as the game continued. Ken Mullane was called upon on a number of occasions and Emmett Doonan and Peter Miller were getting all they could handle at the back.

With only a minute left in the half Mullane in the Briar goal gifted Olympiakos the lead. As a diagonal ball entered the box, Ken called off his defender's clearance in order to claim the ball himself. Unaware of an Olympiakos attacker stealing in at the back, he was second to the ball and the break fell in the six for the simple tap in.

Mental lapses and individual mistakes have been somewhat of an Achilles Heel this season, but nonetheless the Briar entered the half time break with the confidence that their team could compete.

As the second half got under way it became obvious that a tough midfield battle lay ahead in order to get back into the game. Brian McGuinness became the first collateral damage of that battle, as he picked up a nasty head injury which required 5 stitches. Later, Tom Caldwell would add to the attrition needing to retire from the game late on with a rib injury.

The first chance of note in the second half fell to Olympiakos on the 65' mark. Emmett Doonan was caught on the ball at the back and that led to a break away. Luckily for Doonan, on this occasion his keeper bailed him out of jail.

With 10 minutes remaining the Briar had their chance to equalize. Super sub Eamonn McCarney was found down the left wing by Keith McLoughlin. With a dip of the shoulder he skipped inside his marker and played the ball across the box to Gary Cassidy. His return ball to McCarney found the Fermanagh man 8 yards out with the ball head height.

The better option may have been to bring the ball down and shoot. He chose to take the header 1st time and with little pace on the pass his header lacked power and was an easy save for the keeper.

Five minutes from time, Olympiakos showed the Briar how to capitalize and punish mistakes as they finished off the tie. Keith McLoughlin, who had a fine game over all, lost possession in midfield and on the turn over an Olympiakos attacker entered the box and with a cheeky chipped ball found the net. Ken Mullane got a hand on it, and Emmett Doonan nearly cleared off the line, but ultimately the 3rd goal found the net.

The Briar can take a lot from their performance. Physically the challenge was met, but ultimately mental lapses and individual mistakes undone the Greens. The importance of maintaining a high level of concentration, and how it can help prevent individual mistakes are lessons that need to be taken on board as the Briar round out the season and look to build for the 2012 campaign.

Line Up: Mullane, Claus(70'), Doonan, P Miller, Moran, Caldwell(88' YC), Coen(c), McGuinness(60'), McLoughlin, Cassidy, Sexton(75'), Samati(30'), Hennessy(20'), McCarney(15'), Hannick(2')

Over 30's still down, but not out

Green Briar O30's 1:2 United International

Renewing the rivalry with our familiar foes was always going to be difficult, especially with the remaining games having the feel of 6 pointers. The humidity on the day would also be a key factor with player fitness being called into question.

Starting the game in our multi coloured away strip may have also played a psychological factor in conceding the lead in the 1st half and reminiscent of Manchester United's grey day back in 1996, the Green Briar would also change back into their familiar green kits at half time in the hope of sparking a revival. Contact Conor Hannick for a full run down of the strategy.

Green Briar enjoyed a wealth of chances in the first half but lacked the finishing touch in what has been a familiar story in recent weeks. Michael Graham worked the goal keeper on 3 occasions and volleyed wide from a half chance at the edge of the area. 

Leo O'Connor saw his shot blocked from an indirect kick inside the penalty area after United were guilty of a back pass. The Briar were also wasteful of two corners that were delivered into the danger area with no one taking it upon themselves to attack the ball.

As alluded to earlier, the lead was conceded against the run of play, on the break. The United attacker won the race to a ball over the top and with Paul Fallon committed to charging the ball, a first time shot under the keepers body was all that was needed to take the lead.

The Briar spent most of the second half knocking on the door for the equalizer. Leo O'Connor was again involved in much that was good from the Briar with Petey McNamee, John Hickey and Gavin Hall battling the heavy air to create from the middle.

With 15 minutes remaining it would be Gavin Hall who would restore parity. Tom McElwain found himself in an advanced position and his cross eluded the near post challenges and arrived at the feet of Hall at the back post. As we've seen earlier in the season, Hall doesn't need a second invitation to find the net when called upon as he cooly slotted home his finish.

With eyes on a winner and committing men forward, the Briar were vulnerable to the counter. United hit the post on one occasion and on another would succeed in reclaiming the lead with 7 minutes remaining.

John Flannery was being put under pressure at the right back position and a United attacker gained the bi-line and cut back sharply to allow him the space to shoot high to the top right corner of the net from a tight angle.

In the remaining minutes the Briar almost found an equalizer. John Hickey whipped in a dangerous free kick and the botched clearance was met my Conor Hannick at the edge of the 6 yard box. His downward header was heading for the corner of the net when the United keeper showed great agility to turn the ball away.

Another crushing defeat for the Greens but the performance and spirit shown on the day will hold the team in good stead for the remainder of the campaign. Other results have been falling correctly for the Briar as the struggle to regain form and it is still possible to get out of the division with 6 games remaining.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Concagh, Meehan, McElwain(c), Flannery, Hall, McNamee, Hickey, Graham, O'Connor, Bagnell, Shursky, Kilber-Stearns, Nassar, O'Donnell, Hannick, Tiffany

Training

Club Training will be held on Wednesday September 28th at 6PM.

Burr Playground (Map)

Waverley Ave

Newton MA 02458

Albania make Green Briar pay for costly errors

Albania United 5:3 Green Briar FC

Unfortunately there hasn't been a good result to report from the club at large for a couple of weeks. Both the OTH and MSSL sides have each recorded back to back losses in their last 2 outings. If truth be told, the last two fixtures for the MSSL side would fall under the category of 'winnable'.

At times during last night's game versus Albania United in South Boston one would have thought the game was won, as the Briar enjoyed a 2:1 and then 3:2 lead before errors at the back were punished and the game slipped away in the latter stages of the second half.

New signing Mickey Sexton was given the start up front with Tom Caldwell pushing out of the centre of midfield to the right wing. The two would combine early as Caldwell delivered a nice cross to the near post following a short corner with Keith McLoughlin. Sexton made an angled run to the near post to elude his marker, but his 1st time shot was wide of the mark.

On the 10 minute mark Albania took the lead. A mis-kick by Davey Coen allowed the Albania attacker to steal in behind the Briar defense and he finished clinically to the bottom left corner. A disappointing outcome to what was a promising start for the Briar.

Minutes later Mickey Sexton was at it again. This time Davey Coen would play the Englishman through and his sharp turn and shot cannoned off the underside of the cross bar and was cleared to safety.

On the 20 minute mark, Sexton was again impressing up top. A long clearance from Gary Clarke found Mickey in behind the defense, but his lobbed shot was over the bar.

Five minutes later the Briar would get their reward. Following good work down the right from Brian Claus, Mickey Sexton was hauled down in the box for the spot kick. Brian McGuinness stepped up and made no mistake as he scored his team leading 5th of the season.

The Briar were pressing for the lead as the half progressed and on 33 minutes a corner from Keith McLoughlin found Davey Coen in the box but he was unable to get the decisive touch. From the breakdown in play Sexton found Gary Clarke on the left bi-line. His low driven cross was turned home first time by Braima Samati who timed his run and finish to perfection.

As the half was coming to a close Albania began causing problems for the Briar defense. On a quick break down the left wing, Albania succeeded in ripping the Briar apart. Three lunging challenges in quick succession contributed to the danger and only for Fernando DelPieri in goal in could have been worse. Fernando's kick save averting the danger at the end of the move.

From the resulting corner kick Albania equalized on the stroke of half time. The striker reacted quickest to a near post delivery and dispatched a low header to the net despite the best efforts of Brian Claus on the post.

The second half began brightly for the Briar. Again Tom Caldwell was creating space for his team mates down the right. He found Mickey Sexton on another one of his beautifully timed runs behind the defense and he in turn helped it on to Braima Samati. Braima chose to shoot from a tight angle and with men available for the squaring pass, such a promising position was wasted.

On the 10 minute mark the Briar scored a superb goal to regain the lead. Emmet Doonan began the move in defense as he held off his marker and released Davey Coen down the left. Following a very patient build up between Coen and Keith McLoughlin, the later got behind the defense after being sprung by a great pass from Coen. McLoughlin pulled the ball back and Mickey Sexton swept home the goal from 12 yards out.

Halfway through the second half Albania began to press once again. A free kick from 25 yards out was a dangerous prospect for the Briar, but DelPieri in goal was equal to the shot. A ten minute spell after that would see the game slip from the grasp of the Briar as sloppy defending was again punished by the opposition.

Albania succeeded in equalizing and taking the lead with goals that were carbon copies of each other. On both occasions space was found down Albania's right wing and the ensuing crosses were dealt with in less than spectacular fashion by the Briar defense.

Firstly Brian McGuinness got his clearing header all wrong and the loose ball was gratefully slotted home. Then 5 minutes later it was Emmett Doonan's turn to half clear a ball and again it was returned to the Briar net with interest. A beautiful strike with the outside of the left foot curled nicely into the right corner.

The response was excellent however. Mickey Sexton found himself running clean through on goal with 15 minutes remaining. His shot was clipped under the advancing keeper but slipped agonisingly wide of the right hand post. A great opportunity for the Briar to make up for the sloppy goals they had just conceded but they were unable to convert on this occasion.

Ray Moran and BrianMcGuinness both went close with half chances created by Gary Cassidy as the minutes ticked away but the death knell in the tie came with 5 minutes remaining.

Gary Hennessy was loose with the ball as he came out from defense and the turnover was costly as Davey Coen bundled the Albania attacker over for the second spot kick of the match. John Bavota of Albania stepped up to convert and gain revenge for a penalty miss against the Briar earlier in the season.

The final 5 minutes were frantic as the Briar yet again showed their spirit to get back into the tie and create chances. Keith McLoughlin found himself in front of goal with minutes remaining but was unable to dig the ball out of his feet for the close range finish. Finally Eamonn McCarney got a shot away from a tight angle but to no avail.

When scoring 3 goals one would expect to get something from the game, but the Briar were ultimately undone by poor defending and individual errors that were punished. The performance itself had a lot of positives. The Briar controlled midfield in long spells and created a number of great chances that on another night would have found the net. These are positives that will be gratefully taken into the match at the weekend versus league leaders Boston Olympiakos.

Line Up: DelPieri, Claus(65'), Doonan, Hannick, Clarke, Caldwell(65' YC), Coen(c), McGuinness, McLoughlin, Samati(60'), Sexton(75'), Cassidy(30'), Hennessy(25'), Moran(25'), McCarney(15'), Beausang, Mullane

Relieve Muscle Tightness After Games

For those of you that struggle with tight and sore muscles after games and you find that the regular warm down or stretching exercises are not enough for you to get relief, read this interesting article about how to use and the benefits of Foam Rollers.

On a similar point, read this article about DOMS, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness which is usually felt 1 to 2 days after exercise.

Finally, the old reliable R.I.C.E. method is described in this article and the use of NSAID's to promote healing is discussed in this article.

Games for September 25th

Please be at the field at least 30 minutes in advance of Kick Off

Green Briar O30's vs United International ( 9:00AM Kick-Off  )
Venue TBD
Watertown MA 02472 (Map)

Green Briar FC vs Boston Olympiakos ( 4:00PM Kick-Off  )
East Bost Memorial Park (Turf outside stadium)
150 Porter Street
(Intersection Porter St and Logan Airport Service Drive)
East Boston, MA 02128 (Map)

Jekyll and Hyde performance from Over 30's

Foxboro Freaks 3:2 Green Briar O30's

I'm not sure what is worse. Squandering another 3 points, doing so from a comfortable 2-0 halftime position or seeing the updated league table. The latter is very grim reading indeed. Green Briar sit rooted to the bottom of Division 4 after 3 games, looking up at their competition (all of them!) and racking up the card points to boot.

Speak to any player on the team and they'll tell you they have designs on back to back promotions. Speak to any player and they'll tell you this team doesn't belong in Division 4, the team is too good.

Well the team hasn't been too good to spurn chance after chance in front of goal recently, nor continue to ship a disproportionate amount of goals to other Division 4 sides. If the Briar were hungry, lively and sharp in their 1st half play today, that well had run dry by the second 45.

Players were lethargic in their play and blatantly sloppy after the break. Manager Gary Keane laid out two scenarios for the second half..."Score the next goal, and it's game over. Concede the next goal, and it's game on!". Prophetic words from the gaffer.

The Briar fell into the trap of conceding the next goal and the team on this occasion did not possess the composure, or general where with all to stem the tide that was obviously turning in the match.

The first half performance began as intended. Play was at an intensity fitting of a side looking to forget the previous week's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Peru Sport. The first two chances fell to Michael Graham but he was unable to make them count.

Firstly, Graham connected with a high ball sent long into the box, but his flick on was easily claimed by the keeper. Later he received a ball to feet at the edge of the box and with one touch to control and one to shoot, he saw his effort go the wrong side of the right hand post.

The prodigious talents of John Hickey were on display in central midfield this week after last week's absence, and it would be John who would open the Briar account again as he maintains his impressive goal a game record for the fall.

The willing running of John O'Brien was rewarded with a free kick just over 20 yards out from goal. From the ensuing kick Hickey surveyed his options. The big men were sent up from the back but their services were not needed on this occasion.

John's cultured right foot could probably juggle a bar of soap but this time he dispatched a powerful curling shot over the wall which ripped into the top left corner of the net. A superb strike that was worthy of any highlight reel.

The Briar went close soon after. Leo O'Connor beat two men down the right and squared to John O'Brien. His volleyed shot went wide however.

Minutes later the lead was doubled. Daniel Kilber-Stearns powered his way down the left wing, eating up the ground like a monster truck on meth. Gaining the bi-line his cross was only half cleared to the edge of the box. Leo O'Connor gratefully accepted the gift and rifled home to the left corner of the net.

Foxboro threatened the Briar goal just before the half when a mis hit shot from distance was redirected goal wards from the edge of the box. The effort failed to trouble Fallon in goal as he shepherded the ball over the end line. That play punctuated a half of the highest quality from the Briar, but the debacle of the second half was soon to unfold.

As mentioned, the Briar's second half play was befitting of a team who felt entitled to the 3 points on offer. The players felt comfortable enough with their 2-0 lead to mail it in and perhaps cruise to victory. They only succeeded in contributing to their own demise in the game and imploding with epic proportions.

The first lapse came from a Briar throw in the defensive third. Danny Concagh played a loose pass to Connor Hannick and the Foxboro attacker intercepted. Advancing the ball he struck a beautiful shot that found the net over the diving Fallon in goal.

Buoyed by the gift of a life line in the tie, Foxboro pressed again and equalized from a corner. The delivery into the box was unimpressive, a low squibbed ball to the near post. The Briar defense could not deal with it however. The ball was helped on to the back post where a Foxboro attacker prodded the ball home between a sea of bemused green shirts.

The Briar did produce something of a response after parity was restored. Kevin O'Donnell was set free down the left and his scooped cross was met in the 6 yard box by Michael Graham. With his back to goal though, his back header was high and over.

Later Leo O'Connor gathered the ball out side the box and sent a curling shot once again, high of the mark. The best chance to restore the lead also fell to Leo. A driven corner to the edge of the six found him unmarked and needing the slightest touch to direct the ball home. O'Connor made the deftest contact however and the ball flashed across the goal and away to safety.

Foxboro struck the killer blow with only minutes remaining and the final chapter of a tragic second half that would have made Shakespeare proud was written.

Jostling for position on the bi-line and in the Briar penalty area, Danny Concagh was adjudged to have fouled the Foxboro attacker. All accounts from a Green perspective suggest the decision was a harsh one. Not needing a second invitation, Foxboro took their third in the trifecta of gift wrapped goals presented to them and headed for the hills with 3 points in the bag.

With seven long days to think about being the worst team in Division 4 South after 3 games of the Fall season, Keane will be expecting a good response from his players at training this week as they look to right the ship against their old Division 5 foes United International. A tricky tie, but one where 3 points is an absolute must.

Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Concagh, Hannick, McElwain(c), Flannery, Keane, Hickey(YC), O'Donnell, Graham, O'Connor, McNamee, Bagnell, Shursky, Kilber-Stearns, McKenna, Gillick, Nassar, O'Brien(YC)