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.
we are animals, we eat folk like mars bars
ReplyDeleteThe funniest quote i ever heard at a footbal match,cant stop laughing!
ReplyDelete