Two spot kicks see Over 30's continue good run

Green Briar O30's 2:1 Rovers FC

The first visit on the season to Filippello Park was sure to be an interesting prospect as the Green Briar O30's welcomed a dangerous Rovers FC side. The playing surface in Watertown has left a lot to be desired in recent seasons and Sunday morning was no exception as both sides' first touch would be given a thorough examination on the bumpy surface.

The first half was somewhat of a stalemate as the sides found themselves relatively well matched. Clear chances were few and far between. Rovers FC sent the Briar keeper scrambling when they produced a bounding shot that went just wide after a poor defensive header.

At the other end, John Hickey nearly made his own luck when he made a powerful run into the box. When his touch left him down at the crucial moment, he nearly profited from the Rover's keeper spilling the ball back into his path. The second ball could not be converted however.

Other good work in the first half saw David Coen get a couple of shots away from the edge of the box but they failed to trouble the Rover's net.

The second half started as the first half ended, with tough battles in the midfield, little wing play and even less activity in front of goal. Gary Keane then introduced three sets of fresh legs and the tie seemed to turn in the favour of the Briar. It was Brendan Joyce, John Flannery and John O'Brien who immediately made an impact with high energy play leading to good work down the left hand side.

The deadlock would be broken after some nice work down the right. John Hickey watched as his marker misjudged a bouncing ball. His subsequent run and pass found Gavin Hall in space on the right hand side of the area. His bouncing cut back to the edge of the box was challenged for by David Coen and his Rover's marker. Gaining position on his man the Rover's player had no choice but to haul Davey down for a penalty kick. Leo O'Connor stepped up and made no mistake, slotting the ball nicely to the keeper's right.

Rovers came right back and had the ball in the net when a free kick from the left hand side produced a scramble at the back post. The player who got the final touch was deemed to be offside however.

The next action saw John Flannery combine with John O'Brien who in turn cut back to John Hickey. His touch and low shot to the near post was stopped superbly by an agile save low to the keeper's right.

Rovers threatened once again from a free kick, this time from the right hand side. The delivery to the back post was met by an unmarked attacker and his header found the net off the far post. Question marks continue to hang over the Briar's ability to defend set pieces, however on this occasion they were unlucky not to get a free out as Leo O'Connor's marker had climbed all over his back.

Green Briar responded positively and immediately created a great chance. Leo O'Connor again was instrumental when he drilled a low cross from the right to John O'Brien. The pitch did not help the big man as an untimely bobble saw the ball flash across the 6 yard box instead of finding the net.

Minutes later a deep corner from John Hickey was caught sweetly on the volley by John Flannery. Although catching the ball well, the shot found its way back to Hickey. This time, a measured cross caused panic in the Rover's defense. John O'Brien applied pressure and a ricochet from the Galway man would strike the arm of the defender for yet another penalty. Leo O'Connor would duly oblige with a carbon copy of his first kick to secure his brace.

As the game entered its final moments Keane yet again rung in the changes in an attempt to secure the victory. John Hickey was withdrawn in favour of the dangerous target man Eli Nassar, John's scoring streak ending after 3 weeks. Vladimir Shursky was also introduced to inject a bit of much needed pace up top.

The final action of significance was from Rovers FC. David Coen's clearing header from a Rovers cross came dangerously close to the net, but a corner was the result. It would be Coen again who would rise majestically to clear the delivery from the corner as the Briar finally dealt with a set play competently.

Half way through the spring season the Over 30's find themselves unbeaten and well positioned to kick on towards the playoffs.

Line Up: Keane, Glynn, Hannick, Concagh, McElwain(c), O'Donnell, O'Connor, Coen, Hall, Walsh, Hickey

Subs: Graham, Flannery, Joyce, Bagnell, O'Brien, Nassar, Shursky