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.