BREAKING NEWS

Kieran McGlinchey

Lisahally management team, Rory Kirk and Danny Brown, have issued a statement in response to the claims that Kieran McGlinchey was dropped for the game against Bentleys last Sunday:

"The management would like to state that Kieran McGlinchey was not dropped but rested. He came off injured against Strand and could not train the following week at our training session. In the interests of the team he was rested with the view of coming on during the match, which he did."

This statement will no doubt come as a relief to worried fans, but speculation over the dynamic defender's future is still rife. Indeed, a source close to McGlinchey told the Listener,

"Kieran's got a big heart and a strong determination to play every game, so you can understand his disappointment at not starting. I can't say much, but he could very well be seeking a move elsewhere. I'm told the potential move involves free tickets into Sugar on a Sunday night."

At present, there has been nothing official emanating from the McGlinchey camp regarding his future, but Lisahally fans will be hopeful that they can hold on to one of their more promising players.

Lisahally Uninspiring in Defeat

Lisahally 2-4 Bentleys (29.08.10)
Lisahally succumbed to their first defeat of the season at home to Bentleys on Sunday. It was a hard pill to swallow for Lisahally, who had dominated the first half, taking the lead on two occasions, but as the famous saying goes, 'It's a game of two halves' and the second half was one which Lisahally fans and players should try to forget.

There were a number of changes to the Lisahally starting lineup that defeated Strand; notable absentees included defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, and injured semi-pro, Paul Lowry. A source close to McGlinchey said:

"Kieran being dropped has sent shockwaves around Strathfoyle. Nevermind Mark Duffy, this man was 'Mr. Consistent' for the past two seasons and was arguably Man-of-the-Match last week against Strand. I don't know how you can justify dropping a player like that. I'd be worried now that he might seek a move elsewhere. I've already heard rumours that Ciaran Dunne is offering him a pint and a packet of Mega Meanies every Sunday to play for Downey's."

Interestingly, self-styled role-model, Mark Duffy, made a return to right back, while popular kamikaze centre back, Christopher Nicholl partnered Jai in the heart of the defence. Super-sub, Cathal O'Kane started on the left-wing and free-scoring Peter Doherty joined Barry Murray in attack. Amazingly, "Iron" Dan Collins once more failed to make the bench, which is a startling indication of Lisahally's new-found strength in depth, something that Dan acknowledges to be "a good headache to have". The Bentleys team included two Strathfoyle men, with Ryan O'Kane playing in the unfamiliar centre-back role and Nathan Strawbridge playing on the left-wing.

The beginning of the game was extremely tentative, with both sides failing to create any clear-cut chances. Indeed, for the first five minutes of the game, the crowd was much more entertained by the shocking state of one Bentleys midfielder, who appeared to be utterly stocious as he staggered gracefully up and down the windswept Beechwood pitch. Such was the hilarity of it that the guy was even heralded as the new 'Poster Boy' for Sunday League football. However, Lisahally soon found a breakthrough after a passage of play, as a cross fell to Peter Doherty, who smashed the ball past the Bentleys goalkeeper. Lisahally had once more found their rhythm and began to create numerous goalscoring opportunities, but Lisahally's almost trademark lack of killer-instinct ensured that these chances were wasted. One attack saw Noel O'Donnell thread through a ball to Peter Doherty, who comically scuffed his shot with his left foot. It seems that Doherty was attempting to silence his critics on the sideline, who had previously derided his ability (or lack thereof) to score with his left foot. It would prove to be a costly miss, as Bentleys scored soon after when the Lisahally defence completely failed to deal with a low corner, allowing former Lisahally youngster, Nathan Strawbridge, to tap in from six yards.

The Strathfoyle Men responded instantly when another pin-point cross from Cathal O'Kane found Barry Murray, who made it 2-1 to Lisahally. It was all smiles at half-time. Lisahally were undoubtedly the better team, yet, oddly, the second half proved to be a disaster of nightmarish proportions as Lisahally conceded three goals without reply. While Lisahally were slow to start in the second half and Bentleys began to look markedly more composed, there was no shortage of chances, with goalscorer Peter Doherty finding many opportunities to score. However, the diminutive forward, who is Lisahally's top goalscorer this season, failed to convert any of the chances, leading the fans to jokingly suggest that he had somehow borrowed Paul Lowry's boots for the second half.

Cultured midfielder, Michael Cooke, replaced tough-tackling Emmett Kirk on the right-wing and the Lisahally management, evidently frustrated by the poor finishing, showed no hesitation when they substituted Peter Doherty for Jason Kam. Indeed, Lisahally's complacency was punished when a mistimed challenge allowed a Bentley's forward through to calmly convert past the Lisahally goalkeeper, making the score 2-2. With twenty minutes to go, Lisahally frantically chased the winner and a long ball over the top from Aidy O'Kane released Jason Kam free on goal. However, the young man's composure was practically non-existent, as he lost his footing and literally took a nose-dive, squandering yet another chance. There were humourous cries of 'Penalty!' from the Lisahally bench and one fan quipped that he was blinded by his dazzling yellow boots, but the laughter soon ceased when Mark Duffy was embarrassingly caught out of position, allowing Nathan Strawbridge to hammer home to make it 3-2 to Bentleys. Following this concession, there was a stark change in attitude from Lisahally, as Bentleys adopted a defensive approach with the aim of shutting out the opposition. Experienced midfielder, Noel Coyle replaced the tired Cathal O'Kane and Decky Brown was replaced by Kieran McGlinchey. Strangely however, McGlinchey was played on the left-wing, as opposed to his more familiar role in defence. As the clock ticked closer to the final whistle, Lisahally changed to 3-4-3 with Noel Coyle dropping into defence and Mark Duffy was sent forward in a desparate bid to salvage a point. The gung-ho mentality encouraged the creation of a number of chances, but Lisahally could not find a way through the determined Bentleys defence and the final nail in the coffin came when Lisahally lost possession in midfield, once more allowing the Bentleys forward through on goal. The Lisahally goalkeeper valiantly saved the initial shot, but was unluckily beaten by the second and the game finished 4-2 to Bentleys.

After the game, former player Stevo McAllister was vociferous in his criticism of the performance. He told the Listener,

"I predicted that Lisah' would triumph easily by two goals, but it wasn't to be. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Hospital passes, reckless challenges, poor finishing and mis-timed headers. The second half was terrible. I hope Rory and Danny can sort this out. Hopefully it's just a blip."

The major criticism, it seems, is what "Iron" Dan Collins previously described as the 'erratic' selection policy of the management. This was perhaps most obviously manifested in the decision to drop Kieran McGlinchey, but there were also questions raised over the motive behind the timing and manner of the substitutions, which caused upheaval to the midfield. Nevertheless, what is certain, is that this loss provides an even bigger incentive to triumph against local rivals Maydown next week. Indeed, if Lisahally are to bounce back with a win and maintain their promotion drive, there will need to be a drastic improvement.

Match Preview: Lisahally v Bentleys (29.08.10)

This weekend's fixture sees Lisahally take on new-comers Bentleys at the Strathfoyle Arena. The Strathfoyle Men are determined to extend their winning streak, which would keep their hopes of promotion alive, but they may find it to be a difficult task against Marty Strawbridge's outfit. In their two games to date, Bentleys have suffered defeat against Culmore, but defeated Maydown easily. However, this fixture will be their first real task, as perennial title-contenders Lisahally are a side very much in form.

Lisahally management will face a selection headache before Sunday, as several players remain doubts with injuries. Key players such as Emmett Kirk and Peter Doherty sat out training yesterday evening while new signing, Aidy O'Kane and defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey picked up a knocks. There was some good news however, with the return of veteran centre-back Shaun Whoriskey, who took part in training. Midfield playmaker, Michael Cooke, and tenacious midfielder Peter "Mayhem" Mahon also took part in the rigorous session. Interestingly, Lawrence Mullan, a former Lisahally legend, also joined in, fuelling rumours that he may be assuming a coaching role at the club. Fallen star, Mark Duffy, who has recently been relegated to the bench, was one player who desperately needed to make an impression on his coaches and indeed his teammates and it seems he did so. Rory Kirk has expressed his appreciation of Duffy's commitment:

"Mark came in and gave 100%. He played well enough in the training game and I'm glad that he's taken heed of our advice. He's a true professional that lad."

Duffy claims to have reformed and said,

"They told me they wanted to teach me a lesson and I can tell you it's 'Lesson Learned' for Big Duffs. I gave my all in training and there'll be no partying before games now."

When asked about his chances of reclaiming his starting position, Duffy told the Listener,

"There's no better man. You watch me on Sunday, I'll grab the headlines again, because 'The Prodigal Son' will have returned!"

From 'Superstar' to 'Sub-erstar'

Last season he was phenomenal. He could do no wrong. The young man was widely considered to have the potential to be the 'Next Big Thing' to hit Lisahally since 'Crying' Dick Tracey. However, fast-forward just one season and shockingly, it seems that Mark Duffy's star is on the wane.

The versatile full-back has found himself on the fringes at Lisahally this season and, to his disappointment, he is fast becoming acquainted with the substitute bench. When asked about his situation, Duffy said,

"What can I say? The man's not happy. I mean, let's admit the facts here, Mark Duffy can't be on the bench."

In the final game of pre-season, Duffy was substituted early on leading fans to believe that the defender had been injured. Their fears were allayed however when Duffy started the opening game of the season against Beechtree, but once more, Duffy was taken off ten minutes before half-time. In the following game, Duffy was relegated to the bench, a reality which he is struggling to accept. Duffy told the Listener,

"What more do the managers expect from the big man? More to the point youngfellow, I'll be sitting down with my agent [Alan Duffy] to assess the situation and if I'm not in the managers' plans, then obviously I'm going to have to consider other options that are available to me."

In response to the ongoing media speculation over the Duffy's future, Lisahally's management team of Rory Kirk and Danny Brown today issued a brief statement clarifying the club's position on the matter:

We, the managers at Lisahally Football Club, would like to unequivocally state that Mark Duffy remains a part of our plans; as such we would kindly discourage speculation over the player's immediate future. However, recent developments concerning the discipline of the player with regard to his social life have left the club with no other option but to impose stringent disciplinary measures, with the aim of discouraging a repeat of such behaviour. The club simply can not and will not have players turning up for training and matches in "a bad way". We sincerely hope that Mark Duffy will benefit from this action and strive to improve his behaviour and his performances in future.

It remains to be seen what will become of Duffy's future, but Lisahally fans are hopeful that the whole affair will be resolved sooner, rather than later.

Lucky Lisahally Edge Victory

Strand United 1-2 Lisahally (22.08.10)

Lisahally continued their campaign for promotion on Sunday morning with a hard-fought victory over Strand United at Lisnagelvin. Splendid goals from striker Barry Murray and diminutive midfield dynamo, Peter Doherty overturned the early 1-0 deficit to complete the comeback and seal victory for the Strathfoyle men.

Fresh off their momentous 6-0 opening day victory over Beechtree, Lisahally were keen to maintain their push for promotion with a win over Strand. There were several changes made to the team which triumphed so easily over Beechtree, with versatile defender, Kieran McGlinchey moved to centre-back and speed-demon Paul Lowry starting on the right-wing. Decky Brown partnered Noel O'Donnell in midfield, while Emmett Kirk joined Barry Murray in attack. However, the real talking-point was undoubtedly the controversial decision to start with talisman and self-styled superstar, Mark Duffy, on the bench.

Strand started the game the livelier of the two sides, playing some attractive football and exploiting the gaps in Lisahally's untried midfield. Lisahally's midfield were evidently frustrated by Strand, as Noel O'Donnell uncharacteristically lost possession and Decky Brown committed a number of reckless fouls in dangerous positions. Indeed, this would prove to be their undoing, as a poorly timed tackle from Decky Brown gifted the opposition a freekick outside the box. A quick pass into the box landed perfectly at a Strand player's feet, who wasted no time in smashing the ball past the Lisahally goalkeeper.

Lisahally's sense of urgency was quickly heightened and Paul Lowry moved into the more familiar forward position, with Kirk assuming the right wing role. Strand instantly felt the impact of Lowry's lightning pace, as he raced clear of the last man, only to prematurely blast his shot straight at the Strand goalkeeper. As the Strand management breathed a sigh of relief, Lisahally fans and coaches alike were furious and berated their team. However, the equaliser came minutes before half-time, when Barry Murray charged after a loose ball and catching the Strand goalkeeper off his line, found the net with a fantastic placed shot.

In what seemed to be a stark indication of intent, Lisahally made two changes at half-time, with Mark Duffy introduced at right-back and Lisahally's exotic new signing, Jé Roberto, replacing Decky Brown. Lisahally appeared to be much more assured in possession and disciplined in defence in the second half, but they struggled to make any clear-cut chances, such was the determination of Strand's defence. Aidy O'Kane created a number of chances when he surged down the left wing, but the majority of Barry Murrary's shots were blocked by the heroic defending of Strand. In a scramble in the box following a Peter Doherty cross, Paul Lowry found himself in acres of space, but the striker blazed the ball over the bar. Lowry was then substituted for Cathal O'Kane, who slotted in at left-wing, while Peter Doherty assumed the forward position.

Cathal O'Kane proved to be an inspired substitution yet again, as he linked up with Aidy O'Kane and threaded a marvelous through-ball to Peter Doherty, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper before drilling the ball into the net to make it 2-1 to Lisahally. However, following the goal, the Strathfoyle men adopted a defensive mentality and played quite deep, encouraging the Strand attack to commit men forward, which caused considerable distress for the Lisahally defence, who, by sheer luck avoided conceding. Defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, was taken off towards the end of the game as a precaution and Noel O'Donnell filled in admirably at centre-back for the final five minutes of the game as Lisahally fought to hold on to their lead.

Lisahally Off To A Flyer

Lisahally 6-0 Beechtree (15.08.10)

The reign of Brown and Kirk was officially underway as Lisahally opened the new D&D season at the wonderful Strathfoyle Arena on a fine August morning with an impressive 6-0 victory over the recently relegated Beechtree. Goals from Noel O’Donnell, Emmett Kirk, Cathal O’Kane and Paul Lowry condemned Beechtree to an utterly embarrassing rout, raising questions as to the former Premier Division side’s capacity for a promotion drive.

Lisahally made an immediate impact on the game, flooding men forward in numerous attacks on the Beechtree goal and their positive attitude was soon rewarded, when Paul Lowry was fouled in the box, winning a penalty. However, seasoned utility player, Jai White, was unable to convert the penalty. Nevertheless, it was not long before Lisahally took the lead, with a tremendous strike from Noel O’Donnell. Beechtree failed to respond and Lisahally continued their relentless assault on goal, with former Letterkenny Rovers and Institute maestro, Paul Lowry creating numerous chances for himself, only to shamefully squander them. Naturally, the vibrant Lisahally supporters teased the little man, but they quickly forgave him, attributing his utterly reckless finishing to the fact that he was carrying a slight knock.

A frantic scramble in the Beechtree box following a corner saw Emmett Kirk find the net for the second, just before Lisahally maverick, and self-professed role-model Mark Duffy, hobbled off with a mysterious leg injury (in all probability sustained the night before). He was replaced by "Iron" Dan Collins, who had previously voiced his disapproval over what he termed the “awfully erratic selection policy” of the new management after being overlooked for the final pre-season game, saying that it was "a disgrace", complaining that he "didn't even receive a text". Noel O’Donnell’s terrifically placed shot finished a delightful Lisahally move for the third and striker Paul Lowry eventually found the net to make it 4-0 before the half-time interval.

New Lisahally management duo, Danny Brown and Rory Kirk were, as one might expect, pleased with the scoreline, but were keen to stress the importance of staying focused for the remainder of the game, asserting "We want you to play as if we're 1-0 down!". Indeed, Lisah' started the second half equally as positively, creating numerous chances, including several 'one-on-ones', but their alarmingly diabolical finishing left players and fans increasingly frustrated. On one occasion, substitute Dan Collins, to the sheer astonishment of fans, beat the offside-trap. Unfortunately his shot was hammered directly at the thankful goalkeeper. Winger Kyle Barr, who has recently returned to action following a rather lengthy sabbatical, was also subject to criticism for missing an open net.

Noting the distinct lack of guile in the Lisahally attack, the managers made some substitutions, with Cathal O'Kane entering the fray late into the second half. It proved to be an inspired substitution, as the enterprising left-footed player immediately added a goal, beating the Beechtree 'keeper from a considerable distance with an outrageous lob. Emmett Kirk grabbed his second of the game and made it six for Lisahally when he latched on to a poor kickout from the Beechtree goalkeeper, volleying the ball powerfully into the back of the net.