Sunday, May 22, 2011

CHAMPIONES!!!!

What a night!!!!!!!

If Carlsberg did finals.....

And it started badly too, with Lucan scoring after only 90 seconds after a ball from the right. But Allenton didnt let the early goal affect them and pushed hard and had some good chances and the equaliser came through a great header from Barry Dwyer.

The rain came down in buckets and the sides went in level at half time.

Lucan were making all the noises at half time but Allenton came out stronger and could have made it 2-1 after a great move involving Barry, Thomas and Mick - only for the Lucan centre half to make a great challenge. With about 25 minutes to go, Mick played a brilliant ball into Thomas who slid it round the keeper into the corner of the net, 2-1 Allenton!!!

Barry had a chance to put the game to bed only for a last minute block to keep Lucan in the game.

But Allenton held on until the final whistle to become Sidney Bedlow Cup Champions 2011!!!

The whole squad was brilliant on the night -

Kevin pulled off a great save in the dying minutes to keep us ahead

Rob was solid at right full and kept the Lucan winger quiet, as did Andrew on the other side.

Johnny and Paul didnt give the Lucan strikers a sniff all day.

Barry and Billy were excellent, keeping Lucans playmakers quiet for the whole contest.

Mark Gahan had a hand in the first goal and Bobby was tireless up and down the wing all day.

Mick was his usual self, hassling the Lucan defence and provided the assist for the winner, a great ball.

Mark Boland came on and did a great job, in midfield and in the latter stages at right-full, putting in some great tackles.

Ryan ran and ran and ran to keep the Lucan defence busy late on.

Alan marshalled the middle of the park excellently when Billy had to go off through injury.

A big thanks to Marcus for helping with Physio duties also.

And a huge thanks to Tommy who has put in 3 years to the team, he has helped us become the team we are today and his contribution will be sorely missed.

I want to say thanks to all involved for coming to support us on the night, it is a proud moment for the club and for all the hard work that everyone involved has done.

VIVA LA CHAMPIONES!!!!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

7 days and counting......

Only 7 days until the end of Allenton's season and with all the ups and downs, it finishes with the Sidney Bedlow Cup Final in VEC against Lucan United next Saturday.

Our last league game takes place on Monday, against a Francis side looking to secure a win to confirm them as champions. Our form needs to turn around after heavy defeat to Moorfield on Wednesday just gone - Mick scoring our only goal compared to Moorfields six.

The Final is kicking off at 7pm in the VEC in Terenure and all are welcome, in fact the more the better to cheer us on as we look to finish the season on a high!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Farewell to an Allenton Veteran

As last Wednesday was his last outing in Allenton colors for at least a year, we wish Andre all the best in Canada - he will be missed not only on the pitch but off the pitch aswell. Best of Luck...

Allenton hit 7 past Clontarf

With only 3 games to go and nothing to play for in the league for either team, you might have expected a drab quiet game but Allenton and Clontarf served up 10 goals between them.

Allenton had some great chances and couldve scored early on, a header off the bar from Thomas. The goal came soon after, a ball from the right fell to Thomas after a deflection and Allenton had the lead.

The pressure continued with long rang efforts from Bobby and Andre, and Billy almost added one after beating a number of players to the edge of the box.

Mick stepped inside his man and fired a great shot to make it 2 and it started to get a little easy.

Uncertainty at the back on 3 occassions meant that after Mick had scored his 2nd and Andrew had added a goal to the tally, Allenton were up 4-3.

Cue Mick for his obligatory hat-trick our in St Pauls College, his second against the same opposition.

Ryan then sealed the victory with 2 goals, and Allenton couldve had a lot more, Billy again going close, as did Mark Gahan.

A good win to keep everybody interested in the last two league games and everyone with more than one eye on the final on the 21st.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Out of the Race

A day to be forgotten - went 2-0 down early and after Barry headed home a Marc Gahan corner we looked to get back into it. The referee then wrongfully gave Limekiln a pen to kill the game off, then sent two of our players off after the final whistle for nothing. The game finished 3-1 to Limekiln.

So our hopes of winning the league are all but gona and chances for promotion are very slim, but with the Bedlow Cup Final to come on May 21st we still have a lot to play for.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

The Final Countdown

What a day!!! After drawing 3-3 in the last minute against Moorfield a couple of weeks back - Allenton expected a battle against the hosts in the semi-final of the Bedlow Cup, and they got one...

Having started with a changed formation, Allenton created a number of chances and came close through Bobby only for the Moorfield keeper to stop his effort from close range.

The opening goal was slightly controversial, Moorfields number 8 slipped his marker and headed goalwards and looked like it didnt cross the line, but linesman and referee gave the goal, Allenton 1 down at half time bu by no means out of the game.

A rousing effort in the second half was asked for by Tommy and was given, with a ten minute spell that put us in front, first through Thomas with a header after a long range free-kick and then by Mark Gahan after a great breakaway move.

Moorfield equalised after a ball fell kindly for their number 9 who slotted it under Kevin.

The midfield battle was being won and Moorfields talisman in the first game couldnt get his foot on the ball as he was constantly pressured.

Cue chances at both ends and in injury time a great chance for Andre to win it after header back across the box by Billy, only to spoon his left foot effort wide.

In extra time Kevin pulled off two great saves to force the shoot-out, and Allenton got through it after 8 kicks each. Moorfield had a chance to win it after 5, but their number 10 blazed over.

A fantastic win and a great match that had everything, every single player involved worked very hard and all deserve their plaudits.

Roll on 3/4 weeks time when we face Lucan Utd in what should be a hotly contested final in VEC,Terenure.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Allenton 0-3 Springbank

A match that we needed to win to keep pace with the others in the title race, ended in disaster, conceding 3 soft goals.


A big effort needed to buck the trend in our Semi-Final on Saturday.....

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Down and Out

A bit of a sour day - missing 2 regulars(Mark Boland and Mick) and having to finish the game with 10 due to injury to Mark Gahan.

Francis were not the team we expected and although they had a couple more chances, we defended comfortably for most of the game. Francis made the most of their opportunities and led 2-0 with not long to go. A freak decision by the ref who said the ball crossed the line when it clearly hadnt, killed the game as a contest and although we got a consolation goal late on, it wasnt anything to celebrate, out of the shield at the first hurdle and now have to concentrate on our league and cup games coming up in the coming days.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

2 points dropped....

Not much to say about last nights game, very difficult conditions. Cloncastle barely had a shot but then again neither did we - second half we pushed on but just couldnt find the net - 2 points dropped and 5 games to go.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Allenton 4 - 1 Rialto Madrid

Another home game to make it 5 on the trot and our 3rd game in 7 days, Allenton faced a Rialto side that shared the spoils last time out with a late equaliser.

Sporting a slightly changed side, Allenton didnt have a great first half and although Thomas hit the bar and Mick forced an error at the back that hit the bar/post, the teams went in level and Allenton really needed to up their game.

The second half was a completely different affair, Allenton dominating proceedings, defending well and closing down space in the midfield. Thomas opened the scoring after a pull-back to the edge of the box for Mick and although Rialto equalised, Allenton continued to press.

The introduction of Ryan changed the shape and he scored a cracker in the far corner with the outside of his boot.

Andre then benefited from a slice of luck to see his effort scramble over the line after 2 attempted clearances.

Rialto tried to counter by deploying 3 in the middle, but at this stage Billy, Andrew and Andre were controlling all that was happening.

The icing on the cake was a goal for Mick to make it 4-1 and kill the game off completely, with the back four and Kevin keeping Rialto at bay in the late stages.

Another win to keep Allenton in the hunt for the title and with an away fixture to Cloncastle on Monday.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

A Point Gained.

Going into Wednesday's game you would be forgiven if you thought Moorfield were favourites considering the games in hand they have. But Allenton aimed to write the script from the first kick and started the first midweek game of the year in such a high gear.

It should have been 11 v 10 early in the game, a brilliant move saw Billy clean through only to be taken from behind. A free-in and everyone expected the red to follow, but the ref kept his cards in his pocket.

Allenton went in front when Mick turned his man on a breakaway and fed Marc Gahan to slot under the advancing Moorfield keeper.

As the half went on, Allenton had some good spells, and all the work was undone when we conceded a 4th or 5th free-kick within range, and the No.11 duly obliged by leaving Kevin stranded.

Second half, we took the game to Moorfield, with the back-four performing well under pressure, giving us a platform to get the midfield further up the pitch.

It finally paid off when Marc Gahan was felled and converted the subsequent penalty to make it 2-1.

Just when you thought there would be no-more twists and turns, Moorfield equalised and it was game on again.

The game should have been beyond Moorfield at this stage, Marc Gahan failing to complete his hat-trick from close range.

With 7 to go Bobby stepped inside and launched a spectacular effort in the top-corner and we were almost there.

Only for a terrible decision of a penalty against us in the closing 2 minutes, which Kevin got a hand to, we wouldve collected all 3 points.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Allenton 3-0 Huddleboard

Allenton got back to league action after success in the Bedlow Cup last 16 and quarter finals the last 2 weekends and continued with their winning ways. Welcoming back Kevin from injury, he couldn’t asked for an easier afternoon, with very little to do. Allenton, without playing particularly well, scored just before half-time, an Andre corner turned in from close range by Mick.

To be honest, the second half was a stale enough affair, that was until Marc Gahan whipped a corner from the left straight into the net to make it 2-0. The third was a bit dubious, with Huddleboard protesting that the ball had crossed the line for a goal kick before it was pulled back for Alan to rifle home his 10th goal in Allenton colours.

Another good win, especially as Huddleboard had taken vital points off some league rivals of late, and now look forward to the visit of Moorfield to Dodder Valley for the first time since August 2008.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

On A Semi......

2 weeks in a row Allenton faced cup games at home, and twice were victorious.

Stedfast 3rds arrived in Dodder Valley having knocked out CMH in the last 16, and Allenton had beaten a strong Francis side.

An enforced change due to injury meant Eric was between the sticks, and he proved a worthy replacement again, with some brave goalkeeping and some good saves.

Allenton broke the deadlock midway through the first half, with a ball over the top from Jon Redmond who found Thomas in space, whose shot, I mean pass, found Mick who fired home from close range.

Allenton then conceded an equaliser, a header from the centre mid who towered above 2 defenders to level the game.

Although we were sloppy in spells, we continued to be the better side, and could have extended our lead after a long throw from Billy into the box was flicked on, only for the keeper to get there just ahead of Mick and Bobby.

2nd Half and with 2 changes, Thomas and Andrew making way for Ryan and Mark Gahan, Allenton tried to break the deadlock and win the tie.

With extended pressure on the right side after some great throwing from Rob and Billy, Andre broke through 2 advancing players to feed Bobby Clarke who provided a great cross and Mark Gahan powered a header back across goal and in to the bottom corner. 2-1!!

Mick made way shortly after, with the introduction of Mark Boland to help keep things tight with 15 to go. It paid off as the midfield 3 of Barry, Billy and Andre kept Stedfasts middle pair quiet for the remainder. Allenton had chances to extend the lead, with chances falling to Ryan and Mark Gahan before the final whistle.

Not an amazing performance by any account, but another great team effort, with everyone battling to the last kick. The reward, a semi-final place and 90 minutes away from a final in May.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Early breakthrough.....

Allenton went into the last 16 round of the Sidney Bedlow and faced a Francis side that sported the ex-liverpool striker Dave Speedie.

Allenton welcomed the return of Paul, Jon Redmond and Bobby and the 2 defenders were straight back into action.

A bright start saw the home side take an early lead, a slide-rule pass from Ryan to Mick who cheekily rounded the keeper to put Allenton ahead.

Allenton doubled their lead within the 1st 20 minutes, great work down the left side involving Barry and culminating in Andrew placing a shot beyond the Francis keeper.

2-0 at half time and with the back 5 five working well and the midfield duo of Billy and Andre stopping Francis from advancing, Allenton looked comfortable in the 2nd half.

The ref adjudged a penalty for Francis after a push from Jonny but Kevin sprung to his right and saved well and the rebound was cleared.

Tommy used all three subs, with Bobby, Thomas and Adam coming into the fray in place of Mick, Ryan and Andrew.

A great result which puts Allenton into the quarter final and a home tie against Stedfast 3rds.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Allenton 1 - 2 Sportslink

Looking to cement a place at the top of the league, Allenton visited a Sportslink side who have had a decent start to 2011.

A bad day for Allenton began missing the centre half duo of Jon and Paul and attacking options Bobby and Marc, meaning options were limited.

It didnt stop us starting well, a great free-kick from Andre saw Mick rise above the centre-half and plant a header in the top corner.

Sportslink equalised after a corner fell kindly to there midfielder and the sides went in level.

The second half was a crazy 45 minutes, Sportslink scoring early after a mix-up at the back. Allenton then commanded the game for the remainder, with Sportslinks manager saying if it was a boxing match, he would have thrown in the towel. Barry had at least 3 headers cleared off the line from one of our 15-20 corners, Mick headed against the post, Billy had a couple of chances, one of which went just over. Ryan also had chances but they just didnt fall for us on the day. Sportslink nearly extended their lead on the break only for Andrew's intervention.

A bad day considering the possession and chances we had but results elsewhere mean the title is still there to be won by any one of 6 teams.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Back in the hunt

In the tightest division in the UCFL - you could be excused from thinking that anyone could clinch this one. Before Saturday 7 points separated 11 of the 12 members of 3a - and although some teams have played more - it seems anyone can beat anyone as recent results have proved.

In fact, Ballymount went into this one boasting 3 wins on the bounce - and Allenton had yet to win in 2011. Two draws with Rialto and Cloncastle and defeat to Brookfield had left us thinking we had a mountain to climb to get back into the race - and yesterday helped put that right.

Allenton boasted a number of changes - with the return of Paul at centre half and the addition of Eric in goal and both had excellent games, making a number of well timed tackles and some very brave goalkeeping.

In fairness to them, Ballymount had some decent chances but were denied by some great blocks.

An enforced change to the side in the middle of the first half meant Barry went to right full and Rob slotted in beside Paul as Andrew replaced Jon Redmond due to an ankle injury. Allenton reverted to 4-4-2 and started to create chances, with Ryan skipping to the byline only for Andre to sky his shot from 6 yards.

In the second half Allenton took control and created most of the chances - a lovely move involving Mark Boland, Billy and Ryan culminating in a good save from the opposition keeper.

Mick made way on the hourmark for Bobby and had put in a good shift up until then. Mark Gahan then moved up front and soon after Allenton broke the deadlock, Ryan with a great finish.

Allenton continued to boss the game, especially the midfield pairing of Billy and Andre and the back four held firm. Andrew suffered a knock ten minutes from time and was replaced by Thomas and Allenton held on for a well deserved and well needed win.

With results going our way, Allenton are now up to 2nd in the division with 10 games left to play.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Allenton 1 - 1 Cloncastle

Back to home territory and a difficult day for Allenton – even though the sun was shining in Dodder Valley. The away side arrived full of confidence after some recent good results, including a win last weekend against Rialto Madrid.

Allenton had a dream start though, a long ball downfield from Kevin beat the centre half and Mick slid it under the advancing keepers legs to make it 1-0. Allenton then had a great chance to put daylight between themselves and the opposition after Mick was brought down in the box, but he failed to convert the resulting spot-kick and Allenton went in 1-0 up at half time.

The second half was a different affair with Cloncastle taking the initiative and limiting Allenton to a couple of long range efforts, including one from Andre that went close. Ryan and Adam came on for Thomas and Andre as Allenton looked to close out the game. Disaster struck when a speculative Cloncastle effort was spooned into the Allenton net after it flicked off Mark’s head, leaving Kevin with no chance.

The game died out after this on a heavy pitch and finished 1-1. 2 points lost rather than a point gained.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Losing Ground

Another week, another 5 goals conceded and could have been more - two missed penaltys gave us a bit of a boost but 2 goals to get us back to 3-2 and even though we were getting back into it they finally converted a pen and then scored on the break late on. Not much to say about it - just not good enough and a 5-2 defeat to a team that Francis beat 6-1 last week doesnt say much about our current form. Hopefully we can sort ourselves out and get back to winning ways sooner rather than later....

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Not A Good Day.....

I’ll keep this one short and not so sweet – playing a very experienced VEC side – outclassed on the day - mistakes that would normally go unpunished were capitalized on. 4-0 down at halftime. Much better second half performance and game finished 5-0. Back to league fixture this weekend – hopefully we can regain some of the form we produced pre-Christmas.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Last Kick Agony for Allenton

Having a few training sessions under the belt, and the snow all gone, Allenton got back to league action against Rialto Madrid – who spent the winter break on top of Division 3a.

To say that the conditions were poor would be an understatement – the pitch is the worst surface in Brickfields park with so many humps and bumps and this was added to by the incredibly strong winds.

Allenton started brightly enough, with Mark Gahan opening the scoring with a tidy finish, but Rialto created a fair few chances also, including what many thought was a penalty but the ref correctly identified as a dive.

With the wind against us in the second period, we feared a backlash but the back four defended brilliantly and Kevin had a great game between the sticks, pulling off some fantastic saves. The midfield pair of Billy and Andre started to close down their playmaker effectively and we kept them to longer range efforts.

Allenton were denied a certain penalty when the ref gave a free-in – even though the handball happened about 3 yards inside the box. We created chances but failed to convert.

Heartbreak came when in the 95th minute – the ref allowed a goal that was at least a yard offside and we had to settle for a point. A disappointing end but a great second half performance from the team.