Match Preview: Lisahally v Don Bosco's (14.11.10)

With Lisahally currently top of the First Division table, each fixture is crucial if the Strathfoyle Men are to maintain their impressive bid for promotion. However, this Sunday's game against Don Bosco's is a game that has an extra edge to it for Lisahally supporters.

Two seasons ago, under the stewardship of Topher Whoriskey, Lisahally defeated a strong Don Bosco's side in the First Division Cup final to take the cup home to the Strathfoyle Arena. Since then, both teams have developed a type of mini-rivalry and games between the two sides are often filled with drama, with the Creggan side inevitably providing tough opposition.

Lisahally captain Noel O'Donnell leaves Bosco's' midfielder Keith Toland in his wake in the 2008 Cup Final

As Lisahally aim to continue their march toward the title, management duo Rory Kirk and Danny Brown will be preparing their players for a tough task, placing an added emphasis on focus and determination to succeed. Fortunately for Lisah', there is a clean bill of health, with key players such as Aidy O'Kane making a return to the squad and Rory Kirk is expecting to hear all the 'dogs' barking.

*As part of the mental preparation before the game, The Listener suggests that each Lisahally player takes a bit of time to watch the video below, which will hopefully encourage focus.

View from the Stands: Gary 'Banger' Bryson

The Listener recently caught up with a man who is widely considered to have been one of Lisahally's most dedicated fans. However not only was he an avid fan, Gary 'Banger' Bryson is sometimes viewed as one of the 'Lost Boys' of Lisahally, because despite his undoubted ability, 'Banger' never got the chance to display his skills in a Lisahally shirt. As a result, he is often viewed as the Andy Reid to Topher Whoriskey's Giovanni Trapattoni. Speaking from the Southern Hemisphere, Bryson shares his thoughts.

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Gary Bryson before scoring the winning penalty during last year's annual 'Married Men versus Single Men' game. (Photo: Ronan Whoriskey)

Lisahally Listener: Good evening Gary, The Listener is delighted to have the opportunity to interview one of the greatest goal-scorers in Strathfoyle history. How are you?
Gary Bryson: Yeah I'm not bad, all is very well over here in Australia!

LL: Now that you are based in Australia, do you miss getting up on those cold Sunday mornings to watch your favourite local team?
GB: I never miss the cold weather back home but I do miss the games. Great entertainment provided week in week out.

LL: Have you been keeping up to date with the fortunes of Lisahally?
GB: Yeah now that I've moved to a city in Brisbane I can get online more and keep up to date with folk back home.

LL: What do you think about the change of management?
GB: I was always a big Topher fan but I was delighted when Rory decided to take the job. When he retired I said many times that he would go into management. You can ask him yourself and he will tell you. I did however recommend him for the Maydown job. [smiles cheekily]

LL: With Lisahally currently top of the league and on course for promotion, do you think they can maintain their form? If so, who do you think will be key to success?
GB: I can't really comment as I havent watched many of the games. That said, from what I've heard from Mark Duffy, he should get the Player of the Year award. Although I don't know if he is being biased but I wouldnt put Mark down for one to blow his own trumpet. [laughs]


LL: You have built up a reputation as being a deadly finisher, with many Stra-Heads dubbing you 'Van Bangelrooy', given your similarity to Ruud Van Nistelrooij. Do you ever feel that your talents were unduly overlooked by the Lisahally management?
GB: Listen, when I was younger I was always confident in terms of scoring goals. I think the problem with me not making it at Lisah' was the fact my that my overall ability was overlooked. Most Stra Heads dubbed me a 'joker' and claimed that I didnt take it seriously enough. With Topher being an old-fashioned manager too, I was never going to be considered for a callup. I think I was was judged on everything other than my goalscoring credentials, which was a pity.

LL: You famously scored the winning penalty in last year's 'Married Men versus Single Men' game and with this years' coming up, will you be making a reappearance?
GB: I'm afraid I wont be making an appearance this year. I would love to land back on a helicopter and grab the winner but that's something which I don't think will happen.

LL: Who would you consider to be Lisahally's best ever player?
GB: Lawrence 'Libby' Mullan is my favourite all time Lisah' player. I've played against him for the Single Men and he's a hard player to get past.

LL: Any final thoughts?
GB: I'd like to tell the Lisah' players to keep barking the way they have been barking and hopefully the league title is on its way. I also would like to bet anyone who believes the single men will be beaten by the married men this year cause it aint gona happen. Thank you Listener!

Exclusive: Mark Duffy opens up to The Listener

At the beginning of the season, Mark Duffy looked a shade of the man he was the previous season, but the self-proclaimed role-model has since reformed. The dynamic player has made himself a permanent feature in the Lisahally side this season and is held in high regard by fans, team-mates, coaches and perhaps most importantly, by himself.

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Lisahally Listener: Hi Mark, thanks for agreeing to do the interview, how are you?
Mark Duffy: I'm feeling fantasic at this present moment. I'm just basking in the glory of two of the finest goals the Lisah' faithful has ever witnessed.


LL: After amazingly struggling to get into the team at the start of the season, you have worked hard and now find yourself a regular on the right side of midfield. Was it difficult for you to cut out the partying and the women?
MD: Well, for me it was a mental battle but thankfully I overcame my demons! The management stated that they only dropped me to give me a good kick up the ass and that has certainly worked - just look at the Big Man's performances in the past four matches! I would also like to state that I definitely miss the partying, but, from what I've heard, the women are missing 'Big Duff' more!

LL: How do you feel about Lisah''s chances of promotion? Is this squad capable of winning the league? Are you enjoying your football?
MD: Well, to be honest, at the start of the season I was hating every minute of it, but recently I have hit form and the excitement has come back. At this present moment Lisah' are top of the table by a point - thanks to Mark Duffy barking with two amazing goals - but Lisah' have a thing for throwing it away. However, with the new management in place hopefully that won't be allowed to happen.

LL: Players coming and going is part of the game, but Lisahally experienced a massive transfer saga at the beginning of the season with Kieran McGlinchey, who decided to leave for Downey's. What is your opinion on the matter?
MD: Everything within the Lisah' camp was kept 'hush-hush' on this issue but 'Big Duff' never lies to his loyal followers. Of course it has a negative effect on the team, as the young man was one of our best players in the last few seasons. As a young man myself I can see the temptation of free food and free tickets . Imagine how many 'hurs' I could get with the all the free tickets every week?! Eh?! [laughs]

LL: Considering that you are a friend of McGlinchey's, there were rumours that you may have been tempted to follow in his footsteps, especially with the allure of free alcohol and crisps. Did you ever consider leaving your local club?
MD: At the start of the season I wasn't enjoying my football and my career took a turn for the worst when I was left on the bench after being a regular figure for the past few years. So it definitely did cross my mind to leave the Stra' Arena for good, but I sat down with the management and they explained it was only to teach me a lesson and I was going to be an influential figure in their plans for the future. As you can see now I'm like a new player, with the whole team supporting me every step of the way.

LL: The Listener understands that you are now resuming your studies in Derry. Some fans have branded you as an inspiration. Do you find it difficult to balance football with your studies?
MD: Well, I must admit when I was in Belfast things were a bit crazy. There were women every night - but that's just the sort of thing that 'Big Duff' is used to! But now that I am home, everything has changed because the 'Big Man' is watching every single move I make, so there will be no messing about and turning up drunk for matches. This goes to show that even a party animal like myself can change his ways, so there is definitely hope for Stevo yet!

LL: Who would you say is your role model?
MD: My role model? Hmm, now that is a hard one! Well I would definitely have to say my da because, just look at the man! Fifty years of age but doesn't look a day over twenty-five and he's still battling on! That's something Shaun can't even say because he's around thirty and he's broken down completely!

LL: What are your goals for the rest of season?
MD: My primary goal is to help the "team" win the league and hopefully a few cups along the way. Then I'd like to score a few more goals. Top goal-scorer wouldn't be too bad would it? [Laughs]

LL: Any final thoughts?
MD: Well my two screamers at the weekend definitely deserve a mention. Both of them put Emmett Kirk's tame effort to shame. No better man you know!

Victory Edges Strathfoyle Men Closer to Title

Lisahally 4-1 Culmore (7.11.10)

Lisahally claimed a crucial victory today as they ran out 4-1 winners over Culmore at the Strathfoyle Arena. The win sends the Strathfoyle Men to the summit of the table and as the title race heats up, the management remains hopeful that they can maintain this prodigious form until the end of the season.

Lisahally took an early lead in the first half through talismanic midfielder, Noel O'Donnell, whose determination to play despite injury was somewhat of an inspiration to his teammates. However, Lisah' appeared to sit back after the goal and Culmore began to flood men forward in an attempt to find an equaliser. It looked like Culmore were certain to score, but stark defending and acrobatic goalkeeping ensured that Lisahally retained their lead and they eventually found another, as Emmett Kirk applied a wonderful finish to a swift counter-attack, making it 2-0 to the home side. Following the concession of the second goal, Culmore's urgency increased and the 'Toffs' deservedly found a goal before half time.

Despite leading 2-1, the Lisahally management team was far from happy at the display, berating the team for allowing Culmore to play. Indeed, the management remarkably made two substitutions at half-time, much to the surprise of the fans, with veterans Noel Coyle and Shaun Whoriskey entering the fray. Such a display of ruthlessness serves as a timely reminder that the new Lisahally management will stop at nothing to stamp out any element of weakness in the team.

In the second half, Lisahally played with renewed vigour and the half-time substitutions proved to be inspired. Lisah' pressed tenaciously and each player hustled, chasing down every ball, allowing Culmore no time to play. This added impetus came at a cost though, as several Lisahally players were shown yellow cards. Nevertheless, it was an approach which eventually yielded two more goals, as 'Magnificent' Mark Duffy bagged a brace, including one goal that went in off the bar, making 4-1 the final score. Interestingly, a section of the support has expressed concern over Duffy's performance today, claiming that there is a danger that the estate will never hear the end of it.

Speaking after the game manager Rory Kirk said he was pleased and lavished praise on his team:

"Seriously, well done to the squad. Let's keep it going. The team played well, but a special mention must go to Niccs, who led by example today. Not forgetting young Peter Mahon, who did well when he came on and was unlucky not to score"

Star Man: Christopher Nicholl. The strong defender has built up a reputation among the Lisahally faithful as being reminiscent of Nemanja Vidic and today he reinforced that, leading by example and stirring up his teammates with a rallying cry befitting of a scene from Gladiator.

Match Preview: Lisahally v Culmore (7.11.10)

Lisahally will face Culmore at the Strathfoyle Arena this Sunday and, with the title race heating up, the vibrant Beechwood crowd are hopeful of another victory, which would send the Strathfoyle men to the top of the league once more. Lisah' arguably go into this game with the mental advantage, having previously defeated a spirited Culmore side, 3-2. However, a number of key players remain doubts, so the management may be forced to make some changes to the team.

Last week's game was postponed, much to the management's relief, but several players have failed to shake injuries and it is looking increasingly likely that there will be changes to the starting lineup. Talismanic midfielder, Noel O'Donnell is still unavailable, as is Jai White, while attacking full-back Aidy O'Kane is unavailable due to GAA commitments (it will be interesting to see whether O'Kane is reprimanded for dabbling in 'foreign sports'). Nevertheless, Lisahally have been able to recall 'Mr. Consistent', Shan Whoriskey and towering centre-half, John Robertson may also be available. Forward Peter Mahon is also available, providing more options in attack. Other than that, the team looks set to remain unchanged.

Manager Rory Kirk is optimistic about his team's chances, insisting that the players should be sufficiently motivated following the Halloween break. It is interesting to note that, despite not having a game last week, Kirk remained focused on his team. He did not take the opportunity to relax and instead went on a scouting mission, watching Maydown take on Strand, at the Strathfoyle Arena. It is thought that Lisahally may be considering a bid for Brian O'Kane in January, but last week, it was Christopher Maguire who stole the show in centre midfield, as a dire Maydown side suffered a 1-0 defeat to the 10-man Strand team. Kirk said:

"I was sizing up local talent for our squad. I believe that young Strathfoyle talent should play for teams in Strathfoyle"

Fans will certainly be paying close attention to any dealings in the transfer market, but the title is currently the number one priority.

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The Lisahally Listener would also like to wish Paul Lowry the best of luck with his new club, Conference North club, Droylsden F.C.