Back in 3a after a short spell in 3b and it seems like we've never been here before.
Only two of our opponents this season were around when we last hit the dizzy heights of 3a, Sportslink & Moorfield, with no less than 7 brand new clubs and 2 who have been relegated promoted since 09.
Having lost a few in the summer(Alex, Paul, Alan, John Paul), we gained a few also, in Adam(Splinter), Ian Monks, Paddy Cosgrove. Even still we've had to recruit help in the first few games as injury has taken its toll on Mick, Ian, Splinter,Paddy and Richie.
At this stage we have played 4 league games, one called off due to a team folding and another due to the crazy weather of Monday last. Here's a quick rundown
Springbank 2 - 2 Allenton
Having headed to Rathcoole Park on the back of some promising pre-season performances, we were hoping that our UCFL experience would help us overcome a young Springbank side. It looked that way for the most of the game. Thomas scored a header in the first half from a long throw, although he scored he doesnt really remember it as the keeper finished what he started and went through him.... Allenton cruising and Marc Gahan had some chances but the 2nd goal evaded us. Until Splinter, after a long ball found him on the edge of the opponents box early in the 2nd half, hit a speculative effort towards goal, which the Springbank keeper dropped in the net and helped cement the lead. Then we decided that the game was over, and let Springbank back in, scoring 2 from over the top of our back four and putting them level with little time left. We did try and push for the winner but to no avail and left with a bad taste in our mouths vowing revenge in the valley in the return fixture.
Brookfield Celtic 2 - Allenton Utd 3
Best way to describe this game is the villan/hero take on it. Billy had put Allenton ahead with a fine header, and we were cruising, 1-0 at half time and it looked like the only result. Brookfield came out fighting, nicked one back and after Bobby was stupidly caught in posession, we were 2-1 down and looking worried. Bobby redeemed himself after latching onto 2 seperate balls and cooly finishing twice to give us our first victory of the season in our first home game.
Huddleboard 0 - 5 Allenton Utd
With injury still hampering us, we welcomed back Paul and Alan, who helped make our next away and only midweek fixture of the early campaign a successful one. Tymon Park and for a change a nice evening, and opposition that could quote a squad of 27 made it a daunting task. But after Marc Gahan had turned in the first and the Huddle No.6 scored a spectacular headed O.G, the result was only heading one way.
In the second half, Andre added, a rare left footer, and Andrew got off the mark for the season, bringing the keeper one way and cooly passing it the other side of him. As is the standard, Alan came off the bench and grabbed a goal, making the result and clean sheet secure.
Allenton 2 - 3 Francis F.C
Francis F.C came to the valley and this always looked like an interesting clash, and it proved to be so. Francis had lots of experience and it showed, and they were value for their lead. Johnny Redmond blasted a ball straight into the top corner to make matters even and even though the visitors scored again, a breakaway move resulted in a tap-in for Marc Gahan to level the tie.
The hosts had a number of chances in the second half but the controversial penalty awarded by the ref who was standing at least 45 yards from the incident put paid to any hopes of a share of the points. A really good game of ball played in a tough but good spirited way and we look forward to the return in Brickfields later in the season.
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