It is often said that good things come to those who wait, and this Sunday, after several weeks of delay, Lisahally will be hoping that those words ring true as they face title-rivals Trojans in a game that could potentially decide the league title.
Lisahally have already beaten Trojans this season in a close-fought game at the Brandywell and that, arguably, gives Lisahally the mental advantage. However, nothing can be taken for granted and the Lisahally management have been extremely keen to stress the importance of focus and preparation for this game, a game that may perhaps become a defining moment in the history of the club.
The seemingly perennial wait for the game against Trojans has, nevertheless, been a source of unease in Strathfoyle. Many fans worry that, with no competitive games in a number of weeks, it may disrupt the team’s momentum. However, the management has been proactive, taking steps to ensure that the team remains physically and mentally sharp, including arranging friendly games and long-distance runs. The most recent friendly, against former Ulster Senior League side Drumoghill F.C., finished 2-2. Despite the result, the performance served as an indication that the players still have a burning desire to win the League.
Although the season is far from over, the new regime of Kirk and Brown has proven to be quite capable, silencing the critics; Lisahally have already achieved promotion to the Premier Division and a semi-final place in the cup. Indeed, the unprecedented success has seen attendances soar, both home and away, something which Rory Kirk admits has helped his players enormously.
The game against Trojans will take place in Strathfoyle on Sunday 16th January. The Listener urges all Lisahally fans to make the effort to attend and cheer the team on to victory. Good things come to those who wait.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Match Report: Lisahally 2-2 Drumoghill
Having played no competitive games in over three weeks due to the terrible weather conditions, Lisahally management wished to use this friendly game as an exercise of shaking off the post-Christmas match-rust. However, despite some extra helpings of turkey and ham over the festive period, the Lisahally players performed reasonably well against the Co. Donegal side, showing the discipline and skill that has already seen them gain promotion to the Premier Division.
Both teams were evenly matched at the beginning of the game, with each side creating numerous chances. Lisahally went close from several set-pieces, and were particularly dangerous on the left side of the pitch with Cathal O'Kane and Aidy O'Kane linking up tremendously. However, it was Drumoghill who opened the scoring, punishing poor Lisahally defending to snatch the lead. Lisahally continued to make chances and Peter Doherty and Noel O'Donnell unleashed a number of shots but to no avail.
Lisahally made three changes in the second half. Conor Mullan replaced Peter Doherty on the right side of midfield, Christopher Nicholl replaced Mark Duffy at right back and Shaun Whoriskey made his return to the heart of the Lisahally defence when he replaced Sean Hargan. It didn't take Lisahally long to equalise, as Emmett Kirk volleyed a dire kickout from the Drumoghill goalkeeper off the post and into the net. Such was the unwavering belief in his ability, that the young man did not even watch the ball go into the net, and instead focused on his celebration.
Lisahally continued to dominate proceedings with Noel O'Donnell orchestrating moves from midfield, but when Spike spilled an innocuous high ball, he allowed a Drumoghill striker an easy finish from close range to make it 2-1, much to the despair of the Lisahally management. Lisahally flooded men forward, using both flanks, but simply could not find a goal. Conor Mullan showed determination to attack and made several direct runs down the right side, but struggled to get crosses in. Management made a bold move when they put towering defender John Robertson up front in place of Barry Murray. Topher Whoriskey offered the big man a pint as an incentive for a goal, but none was forthcoming. Robertson did, however, come agonizingly close with a header in the last five minutes, but it was a miss that has unfortunately made its way on to the "Miss of the Season" shortlist. Lisahally's efforts were eventually rewarded in the final minutes when Shaun Whoriskey deflected in a Mark Duffy shot, making the final score 2-2.
Speaking after the game, Rory Kirk and Danny Brown were happy enough with the performance, claiming that 2-2 was a fair result for both teams, but stressed the importance of remaining disciplined and regaining fitness as the league resumes. Indeed, there will be a team run on Tuesday January 4th and Danny Brown quipped that he would be following close behind with a whip for the slackers.
Both teams were evenly matched at the beginning of the game, with each side creating numerous chances. Lisahally went close from several set-pieces, and were particularly dangerous on the left side of the pitch with Cathal O'Kane and Aidy O'Kane linking up tremendously. However, it was Drumoghill who opened the scoring, punishing poor Lisahally defending to snatch the lead. Lisahally continued to make chances and Peter Doherty and Noel O'Donnell unleashed a number of shots but to no avail.
Lisahally made three changes in the second half. Conor Mullan replaced Peter Doherty on the right side of midfield, Christopher Nicholl replaced Mark Duffy at right back and Shaun Whoriskey made his return to the heart of the Lisahally defence when he replaced Sean Hargan. It didn't take Lisahally long to equalise, as Emmett Kirk volleyed a dire kickout from the Drumoghill goalkeeper off the post and into the net. Such was the unwavering belief in his ability, that the young man did not even watch the ball go into the net, and instead focused on his celebration.
Lisahally continued to dominate proceedings with Noel O'Donnell orchestrating moves from midfield, but when Spike spilled an innocuous high ball, he allowed a Drumoghill striker an easy finish from close range to make it 2-1, much to the despair of the Lisahally management. Lisahally flooded men forward, using both flanks, but simply could not find a goal. Conor Mullan showed determination to attack and made several direct runs down the right side, but struggled to get crosses in. Management made a bold move when they put towering defender John Robertson up front in place of Barry Murray. Topher Whoriskey offered the big man a pint as an incentive for a goal, but none was forthcoming. Robertson did, however, come agonizingly close with a header in the last five minutes, but it was a miss that has unfortunately made its way on to the "Miss of the Season" shortlist. Lisahally's efforts were eventually rewarded in the final minutes when Shaun Whoriskey deflected in a Mark Duffy shot, making the final score 2-2.
Speaking after the game, Rory Kirk and Danny Brown were happy enough with the performance, claiming that 2-2 was a fair result for both teams, but stressed the importance of remaining disciplined and regaining fitness as the league resumes. Indeed, there will be a team run on Tuesday January 4th and Danny Brown quipped that he would be following close behind with a whip for the slackers.
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