Lisahally Triumph over Trojans

Trojans 0-1 Lisahally 26.09.10

The Lisahally players grafted admirably this Sunday in order to ensure that they ran out 1-0 winners against Trojans at the Brandywell. A tremendous header from colossus Barry Murray following a pin-point cross from Peter Doherty was enough to separate the teams. The victory is a massive boost for the Strathfoyle men and it has lifted the whole dressing room, with manager Rory Kirk lavishing praise on his players; a stark contrast to the previous week. He was quite pleased with the result and said,

"The team played with pride and passion and showed the doubters what they are made of. We have to make sure we keep it up now."

Emmett Kirk made a return from Stateside and showed no signs of jet-lag. He quipped that his new boots that helped him in this respect, claiming that they gave him "extra stamina". Nevertheless, the entire team worked hard to win the game and fan-favourite Stevo McAllister was proud of the performance, suggesting that the team showed "the heart that can win us the league". Despite the victory, there was bad news for commanding left-back Aidy O'Kane, who suffered ligament damage following a collision. However, the fans are hopeful Aidy will be back before the end of the season.

Lisahally have a reputation for being perennial title-contenders, forever grasping for promotion to the Premier Division, but it's clear that the team want to rid themselves of this reputation by winning the league and it seems that the belief has been instilled in the team by the management (and of course the vibrant fans).

Return for Stevo?

Following Lisahally's disappointing 1-1 draw at home with Phoenix last Sunday, the team has been at the receiving end of a scathing verbal tirade from the management. Passionate player-manager Rory Kirk has voiced his disappointment at the result, but also expressed concern at the performance, suggesting that "a big improvement is needed in future", if the team wants to maintain its push for promotion. Kirk needed a full day to cool off before he could bring himself to speak on the matter. He said,

"[T]he team has to play as a team. We can't have individuals playing for themselves. Remember, there is no 'i' in 'team'."

Indeed, Ronan Whoriskey, a Lisahally stalwart who is currently enjoying a loan spell in Australia, was shocked at the news and suggested that some players need a wake-up call:

"I would have a few words. Some people want to take it easy for some reason, but not me. A bit of sweat, blood and thunder goes a long way."

Interestingly however, the poor result has led some sections of Lisahally supporters to call for certain players to come out of retirement, in order to galvanise the team. One such player is former Lisahally play-maker, Stevo McAllister. During his playing days, McAllister was widely considered to be one of Lisahally's most creative players and was unquestionably an integral part of the team which recently won the First Division Cup. McAllister was a versatile player, who played in various positions for Lisahally and the threat he posed from set-pieces was almost unrivalled. Since his retirement, the midfield wizard has been a regular spectator at Lisahally games and has always endeavoured to show his support for his second favourite team (the favourite, of course, being Arsenal). When asked about the recent result, McAllister, in typical fashion, was positive. He said,

"We'll be back stronger next week. We need all the 'dogs' [players] barking though!"

However, he remained equivocal when quizzed about a prospective return to Lisahally.

"I don't know at the minute. Obviously I love Lisah' and want to help them in any way I can, so if I was desperately needed then maybe. You might say I'm 'semi-retired'. I have been considering going into management or coaching and I recently had the honour of co-managing The Single Men in their annual game against The Married Men. Add to that the extensive knowledge I have accumulated over years of playing Championship Manager and Football Manager and I think it's fair to say that my CV is impressive. So maybe I could assume a coaching position to help Rory and Danny."

While it remains unclear as to whether or not McAllister will make a return to Lisahally, it's obvious that the Lisahally team needs to focus on the aim of promotion and the management will be hopeful that the players band together as a team to realise this goal.

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Mighty Mullan

Last week, Conor Mullan came off the bench to score his first goal of the season for Lisahally in their 4-0 demolition of local rivals, Maydown. This week, it seems that he could be in line to start against title-contenders, Culmore and, while it remains to be seen whether the young man can hold down a starting place, Lisahally fans are glad that the powerful forward is finally getting his chance.

Mullan comes from a family with a strong football tradition; a pedigree of sorts. His uncle, Gerry Mullan, was a fine footballer who made his name in the Irish League playing for Ballymena, Glentoran, Coleraine and he even had a spell (albeit a rather brief one) at English side, Everton. Gerry would go on to win 4 caps for the Northern Ireland national team and he was, at one stage, the most expensive Irish League player. Mullan's cousin, Philip Lowry, is an IFA under-21 international currently playing for IFA Premiership champions, Linfield. However, it his father, Lawrence "Libby" Mullan, who Lisahally fans will be most familiar with. "Libby" is widely considered to be one of the most gifted footballers to have graced the Lisahally shirt. Indeed it is said that the Limavady man was the original poster boy for football in Strathfoyle, combining subtle good-looks with outrageous ability. "Libby" was one of those rare players who had the capacity to slot in and do an effective job in any position and his versatility was, without doubt, a key ingredient to Lisahally's successes in the early '90s.

With this in mind, Conor Mullan has big boots to fill if he is expected to emerge from behind the colossal shadow of his father, but it is a challenge that the 23 year old is relishing. He told the Listener,

"I'm fitter than I've ever been. At the start of the season I was on the fringes and it didn't look like I was going to get into the team, but I went down to the pitch and did extra training hoping to give myself the edge and it's finally paying off. It was a great feeling coming on and scoring against Maydown."

Mullan began his football career as a central defender and he was renowned for his robust tackling and commanding heading. Indeed, it is interesting to note that it was in the centre-half position that Mullan played a vital role in helping the Strathfoyle Youth Club win a Limavady based tournament. However, as time went on, Mullan abandoned his defensive style, instead favouring a more attacking position. Mullan's first club was indeed Lisahally, who were then managed by the legendary Topher Whoriskey and Chris Tracey. Mullan stayed at Lisahally for two seasons and although he played only a minor role in the team, the young man contributed his fair share of goals.

Despite his obvious ability, Mullan found his opportunities for first team football limited and frustration drove him to transfer to Maydown F.C., which unsurprisingly elicited cries of "Judas!" from upset fans. Nevertheless, it was a move which rewarded Mullan with an abundance of first team football, as he became the engine of the Maydown midfield. He spent two fruitless seasons at Maydown before his desire for glory led him to re-sign for his former club. Mullan explained,

"I had a good experience with Maydown, even though we struggled. I learned a lot from it and I got a lot of game time, but I felt that the time was right for me to go back to Lisah'. They won the cup two seasons back and I think I matured enough in my time away to challenge for a place."

It's clear that Mullan's intentions are to consolidate his position in the Lisahally team and to win trophies, but when faced with comparisons to his father, he is nonchalant:

"My da was a good player and he still bangs them in when he joins in at training. We're different players though. My aim this season is to help Lisah' get promoted. It doesn't matter where I'm playing, I'll do my best. Those rumours about me claiming that I'd score a hattrick before the end of the season are false by the way! If I score one every game, I'll be happier. I'll be even happier if I get my shin pads off Mark Duffy!"

This Sunday's top of the table encounter with Culmore is sure to be a stern test for young Conor Mullan and Lisahally fans will be hoping that the powerful forward is on form.

Other Team News
Lisahally v Culmore (12.9.10)
Aidy O'Kane looks set to return to the team, following his ankle injury and there could possibly be a reshuffle in defence. Otherwise, there shouldn't be any drastic changes to the squad which triumped over Maydown.

“ El Classico “ Abandoned Early

A record crowd of 71 people turned up on a beautiful Sunday morning to watch the much anticipated derby match, between Lisahally and Maydown. The strathfoyle men brushed their rivals aside, leading 4 goals to nil before the match ultimately had to be called to an end. Goals from Cathal O kane, Barry Murray, Noel O’ Donnell and Conor Mullan sealed the victory as Lisahally cruise further towards that premier league promotion. The real talking point came around the 70th minute when experienced left back Brian Devine suffered a serious injury to his ankle, which resulted in the match to be called to an end.

Following the disappointment of their first defeat last week to Bentleys, Lisahally were determined to put that behind them and return to their winning ways. There were some changes to the team that lost to The Bentley last week. ‘Hard Hitting’ Decky Brown had to fill in at left back as the inspired Aidy O Kane was ruled out due to an ankle injury. Tenancious midfielder Noel Coyle partnered Noel O Donnell in the centre of the park while young Cathal O Kane happily started for a second week in a row on the left wing. Interestingly enough, defensive lynchpin Kieran McGlinchey sat on the side lines but only as a spectator. A fact that the young centre half is still finding hard to accept . McGlinchey had this to say :

“ There is nothing worse than a man like myself to be sat here on the side of pitch on Sunday morning. This will not happen next week but I can assure you it will not be Lissa I will be playing for. I have got my transfer to Downeys and hopefully I will be starting for them next week. The free pint and bag of mega meanies was too tempting to reject.”

The Maydown team fielded a few Strathfoyle men themselves as towering centre half Brain O Kane partnered former Lisahally man Davey Kennedy in defence, while the versatile Christopher ‘Packy’ Maguire started in the heart of the Maydown midfield.

The Strathfoyle men started the brighter of the two sides as Lisahally almost scored 20 seconds into the game when a cross from young Cathal O Kane picked out Barry Murray in the Maydown penalty area but his shot went inches wide. The first real chance of the game came in the 10th minute when midfield ace Noel O Donnell dropped a pass over the top of the Maydown defence, which hard tackling Emmett Kirk latched onto. The Lisahally forward charged into the box only to be brought down by former Lisahally man Davey Kennedy and the referee had no choice but to award a penalty. Shouts from the Lisahally management ordered captain Noel O Donnell to take the penalty as the reliable Jai White had missed a penalty two weeks before, O Donnell was not interested in what the managers had to say as he went over to the centre half and told him to take the penalty. Jai confidently stepped up as he took the long nervous walk to the other end of the pitch, only for his penalty to ricochet off the post out for a goal kick, much to the disappointment of the Lisahally players and fans alike. Spirits were soon lifted though 10 minutes later as hardworking left back Decky Brown exploited a huge gap in the Maydown defence as he released Cathal O Kane down the left hand side of the pitch. The young left winger could not believe the amount of space he found himself in as he approached the Maydown box, only to be caught in two minds on whether to cross the ball or shoot. A huge shout from the sideline urged the young man to shoot which he had no hesitation to oblige with a low shoot which went through his brother and Maydown centre half Brian Okane legs and found the bottom right corner of the net. Cathal, a former Maydown player himself, was delighted to have scored past the team that never really give him a chance as a youngster and he made sure he celebrated in style. Ten minutes later, the Strathfoyle men added a second as a cross from midfield dynamo Peter Doherty found Emmett Kirk on the left hand side of the Maydown penalty area, who then shifted the ball back across the box to the feet of Barry Murray who struck a weak shot that appeared to be in slow motion but yet somehow trickled over the line. The rest of the first half remained a one sided affair as Lisahally calmly controlled possession with Maydown offering little in response. It was only a matter of time before the Strathfoyle men added the third and it came from some great work down the right hand side of the pitch when self styled role model Mark Duffy made a good run into space and then supplied a pinpoint cross into the box which captain Noel O Donnell coolly finished from close range. The third goal seemed to spark something in the poor Maydown team as they made there first attack on the stroke of half time, as a long range shot from a midfielder had Watty the Lisahally keeper scrambling across his net, only for the shot to bounce of the outside of the post. The first half came to an end along with shouts from loyal Lisahally fan and local legend Ralph Dixon chanting, “Davey, Davey give us a wave!” Referring to former lisahally man Davey Kennedy who had a knightmare first half, much to the delight of the home fans.

The second half started much the same as the first half ended. With the home side producing all the chances only for the impressive Noel O Donnell to fire over the bar from inside the penalty area. Fifteen minutes into the half, the Lisahally bench began to think about resting players as the ever working ‘Iron’ Dan Collins replaced Peter Doherty on the right side of midfield, while powerhouse forward Conor Mullan replaced Emmett Kirk up front. It took just ten minutes for the powerhouse striker to make his mark on the game as the former Maydown man dispossessed one of his best friends, towering centre half Brain O Kane, on the edge of the Maydown box. Mullan produced a fine finish into the bottom corner of the net to make it four nil and ultimately finish the match. The major talking point of the whole match came with just twenty minutes remaining as Brain Devine came on and replaced midfielder Noel ‘Backspin’ Coyle. The experienced left back went into a tough challenge with one of the Maydown strikers only to come off much worst. Devine remained on the ground for five minutes before worry started to spread across the faces of players and fans alike. The whole crowd went onto the pitch to investigate and due to the shocking injury sustained to the Lisahally man, the referee had no choice but to call the match to an end. Lisahally claimed 3 more points and that one step closer to promotion but at what cost, as they may have lost one of their key players for the rest of the season.

After the match, the listener got an interview with young Cathal O Kane who could do nothing but express his delight in beating his former team :

"As I said before the match, I would terroise the Maydown defence and make my brother look a fool. I cant wait until im sitting down at the dinner table today with him, there will be some harsh words spoke but most importantly im happy to not only score but get the result."

Also, Rory Kirk issued an early statement on defender Brian Devines condition :

"Unfortunately, it is not good news for Brian. Early reports show that a bone in his ankle is broken. It is highly unlikely that the left back may play another game this season. We wish him all the best with his recovery."

Although alot of the Lisahally players appeared to be really upset about the injury picked up by one of their key players, they must try their best and put this behind them and go out next week and produce a performance much like today against title contenders Culmore.

Get Well Soon, Brian

The Lisahally Listener wishes Brian Devine a speedy recovery following his unfortunate injury. Devine sustained a broken leg from a 50-50 challenge in this Sunday's game versus local rivals Maydown.

Match Preview: Lisahally v Maydown (5.9.10)

Derby day is nearly upon us and the excitement is beginning to show around the Enagh area as Lisahally prepare to face local rivals, Maydown, at the Strathfoyle Arena this Sunday. Lisahally will be trying to put their uninspiring defeat to Bentleys behind them this weekend with a victory over their rivals. Indeed, the big derby will act as a welcome distraction from the painfully drawn-out transfer saga of Kieran McGlinchey, which has dominated headlines over the past week. Nonetheless, fans are likely to be eager to find out whether or not their beloved team can sustain a realistic promotion drive without one of their more valued assets. Maydown, who have suffered defeat in their opening two league games, feature a number of Strathfoyle-based players, including towering centre-back, Brian O'Kane and enterprising utility-player and former Lisahally man, Christopher Maguire.

As deserter Kieran McGlinchey was engaged in crunch talks with his new club on Wednesday evening, Lisahally players were diligently preparing for the big game and it looks likely that there will be a number of changes to the match squad. The talented Aidy O'Kane, who has been a revelation at left-back this season, is nursing an ankle injury and is unavailable for Sunday. Jai White is facing a late fitness test, while Peter Mahon is also struggling with a knee injury, much to the tenacious midfielder's disappointment. Mahon expressed his frustration to the Listener:

"I was poised to make a move to Galway, but opted to stay and play for my local team. It's been an ambition of mine since I was a youngster. I remember going to games and seeing the silky skills and dreamt of one day playing in front of the Beechwood crowd. I picked up this injury on Monday, so I'm sickened."

Decky Brown looks set to fill in at left-back in Aidy O'Kane's absence, while veteran midfielder and fan-favourite, Noel Coyle returns to partner Noel O'Donnell in midfield. Cathal O'Kane, who supplied the crosses for Lisahally's goals last week, retains his place in the team. Cathal has been phenomenal this season and has worked hard to force himself into the managers' plans with some inspirational performances on the left wing. He told the Listener,

"I'm delighted to be in the team. I feel fit and I'm getting my rhythm back, thankfully."

Young Cathal also warned his brother, Brian O'Kane, that he is in for a surprise this Sunday:

"Brian? He's playing for a second-rate side and I'll prove that this Sunday. If he thinks he's going to grab the headlines, he can think again, because I'll be terrorizing their defence."

Interestingly, Wednesday's training session saw "Iron" Dan Collins play particularly well alongside semi-retired Stevo McAllister, which can only bode well for his chances of making the match squad on Sunday. Remarkably, "Iron" Dan hasn't made the Lisahally squad in two weeks, so he was determined to make an impression. The versatile player told the Listener,

"I'm not that disappointed, in all honesty. I think that it's good to have competition for places because it pushes everyone to try that extra bit harder, but hopefully I've done enough to get picked this week"

The general consensus is that player-manager, Rory Kirk was one of the better players at the training. He netted two 'wonder goals', reaffirming that he still has the 'va-va-voom' required to play at this level, but it was Lisahally legend, Lawrence Mullan who stole the show, as he bagged a hattrick. Kirk praised Mullan's natural ability, suggesting that some of Lisahally's players could learn a thing or two from the seasoned goalscorer. Indeed, Lawrence's son, Conor, has big boots to fill, but he hopes to emulate his father and has vowed to score a hattrick before the end of the season.

Probable Lisahally Lineup:
"Watty", Duffy, Jai, Nicholl, Brown, Doherty, Coyle, O'Donnell, C. O'Kane, Kirk, Murray

McGlinchey Signs for Downey's

The Listener may be based in Galway at the time of writing this article, but the news that Kieran McGlinchey has left Lisahally has certainly resonated far and wide. It is understood that the strong defender was deeply hurt by the decision to omit him from the starting lineup in the league game against Bentleys last week. As such, he immediately informed his agent to find him another club. McGlinchey confirmed the transfer earlier today:

"After the Bentleys game, I had to reassess where my future lay. Did I want to be on the sidelines at First Division games, or did I want to be playing at the highest level and partying at the highest level? This move gives me the latter. It's a dream move almost. Talks were initiated on Sunday afternoon, but stalled on Tuesday as Downey's failed to meet my demands [free entry on Sunday nights, plus two bags of Mega Meanies before each match], but they amended their offer accordingly and I happily accepted."

In response to the shock transfer, Lisahally management released a statement, which focused less on the player, but placed emphasis on the word 'team', suggesting that no player is bigger than the club:

The management would like to wish Kieran all the best with his new club and thank him for his service. Lisahally will be playing Maydown at the Strathfoyle Arena on Sunday at 11:30 am. Support your local TEAM. Big crowds are expected so come early. Up Lisah'!

McGlinchey's intentions became crystal clear when he failed to turn up for training on Wednesday evening. After the training session, the Listener caught up with fan favourite, Sean 'Bhoyo' Ferguson, who seemed unfazed. When asked about McGlinchey's future, Ferguson replied,

"That's it. He's gone. Lisah' will go on without him."

Indeed, the nature of McGlinchey's transfer raises many questions. Fans will ask whether or not the management made the right decision in resting McGlinchey, favouring kamikaze Christopher Nicholl instead of risking the talented defender. One Lisahally fan appeared sympathetic with the management, but also disappointed at losing McGlinchey:

"I understand where the managers are coming from. [McGlinchey] didn't finish the game against Strand and he couldn't finish mid-week training, so why would they risk starting a player who might have to come off after ten minutes? That said, players like McGlinchey are rare these days, especially in the First Division. I'm definitely disappointed at the way he has left us."

Other supporters were much more emotional in their reaction, with some angrily branding him a 'Judas'. Such reactions are of course undertstandable, if slightly melodramatic. However, perhaps the most important question, as the Lisahally management have alluded to in their statement, is, can one player be bigger than the team? Indeed, as several pundits have suggested, McGlinchey's shock departure from his local club may be an indication of the increasingly arrogant mind-set of the modern footballer.

The Lisahally Listener would love to hear what the fans think of this transfer, feel free to add your opinion in the comments section.