Double Trouble

Last weekend Lisahally defeated rivals Trojans on the hallowed turf of the Brandywell to finish the 2010-2011 season as 'Double' winners.

Champions
From left to right: Danny Brown, Noel O'Donnell and Rory Kirk

The success is unprecedented and is undoubtedly a strong testament to both the players' and managers' determination to transform the fortunes of the club. Indeed, the fortunes of the club have been remarkably transformed, and Lisahally Football Club once again occupies an important place in the heart of the Strathfoyle community, with games on Sunday regularly drawing a large number of spectators. Such a development is a welcome one because it provides the community with something to rally around, which fosters a healthy sense of community spirit. I, for one, hope that it continues long into the future.

Meanwhile, we have a long Summer ahead of us, and it is a perfect opportunity for the community of Strathfoyle to work together to further improve the fortunes of Lisahally Football Club and, arguably, the overall quality of life for those who reside in Strathfoyle and in the surrounding area of Enagh. The establishment of Lisahally youth football, for example, would be a start, as it would present a wonderful outlet for sports and recreation. The progress of the club will be a slow process, but, the team has shown what can be achieved in the space of one season. Hopefully, with the support of the community, greater progress can be made a reality.

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.

Exclusive Interview: One on One with Rory Kirk

Ahead of the 'revenge tie' against Bentleys, the Lisahally Listener was fortunate enough to get an exclusive interview with one half of the Lisahally management, Rory Kirk. A tenacious character, Kirk offers an insider view of life on the touchline of one of Derry's finest Sunday League teams.

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Lisahally Listener: The season thus far has been fairly successful and despite a few minor blips, Lisah' are currently on course for promotion. Are you and Danny confident that your team can maintain its prodigious form?
Rory Kirk: We are confident we can maintain this form and we are aiming for the league title. Promotion will be a bonus but we want to finish first. As long as the team can stay focused we will achieve this.

LL: Many Lisah' fans have been surprised by the run. What would you say has been the secret (if any) to success?
RK: A few things. Pride, passion, fitness, respect and belief. Simple things like maintaining the ball and when lost go and get it back. Hound the opponents down and disrupt their play.

LL: Rumour has it that you have borrowed inspiration from Al Pacino's speech in Any Given Sunday. Can you confirm this and if so, why did you use this particular speech?
RK: This speech is a favourite of mine as it is very relevant to any team. I used it as a player when we won the cup two seasons ago and it has stuck with me. It has everything to get you hyped up, in my opinion.

LL: Several Lisah players have recently moved on to newer pastures; semi-pro Paul Lowry has moved to Manchester, Ronan Whoriskey is supposedly "on loan" in Australia and who could forget the transfer saga of Kieran McGlinchey. How have Lisah' been coping and will there be new signings in January?
RK: We are always on the outlook for new players that can add to the team and are willing to bust their balls for the team. We won't sign show ponies. Players moving on is part of the game, but we have a squad this year to cope unlike previous years. No one is irreplacable!

LL: How did the Kieran McGlinchey saga affect the team?
RK: Not in the slightest bit. If a player wants to join another team for free pints and grub, good luck to him. No one player is bigger than the team. This issue is closed for the team now.

LL: Has it been difficult dealing with Lisah's so-called 'big' personalities?
RK: It is hard at times as certain players think they are bigger than the team. This is not the case and whenever any of them step out of line we have a word with them and that sorts it. Discipline is key to the team at the minute. If any player has a problem with it I have a simple solution: Get your boots and find another team. There is no 'i' in team and never will be as long as I am in charge.

LL: You were renowned for your passionate playing style and it seems like you've carried that on into management. Do you think you'll ever make a return to play?
RK: I am in a position now that I have a good squad and team to ensure that I am not required as they are playing my game out on the pitch for me. Before I took up this position I said that more youth had to get the chance, as the team had become stale and happy with 3rd place every season. The youth have grasped this chance and hopefully 'The Monk' will not be required...but I haven't gone away you know!

LL: How well prepared is the team for the revenge tie against Bentley's?
RK: The team will be very focused and the desire will be there to beat Bentleys. I feel when we last played them we all let ourselves down with lack of belief and experience in the second half. This will not be the case this time and we will be barking for 90 mins. We want our 3 points back.

LL: Any final thoughts?
RK: The management would like to thank yourself for the hard work you do promoting, the fantastic local support, the players for sticking with us and giving us a chance and training hard at training, but remember one thing: no one player is bigger than the team and a few at the minute think they are. If we maintain the desire, pride and passion we will win this league with, don't forget, a squad. Keep up the support and we will keep winning. WOOF! WOOF!

Have your say on Kirk's interview. Comment below.

Lisahally Uninspiring in Defeat

Lisahally 2-4 Bentleys (29.08.10)
Lisahally succumbed to their first defeat of the season at home to Bentleys on Sunday. It was a hard pill to swallow for Lisahally, who had dominated the first half, taking the lead on two occasions, but as the famous saying goes, 'It's a game of two halves' and the second half was one which Lisahally fans and players should try to forget.

There were a number of changes to the Lisahally starting lineup that defeated Strand; notable absentees included defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, and injured semi-pro, Paul Lowry. A source close to McGlinchey said:

"Kieran being dropped has sent shockwaves around Strathfoyle. Nevermind Mark Duffy, this man was 'Mr. Consistent' for the past two seasons and was arguably Man-of-the-Match last week against Strand. I don't know how you can justify dropping a player like that. I'd be worried now that he might seek a move elsewhere. I've already heard rumours that Ciaran Dunne is offering him a pint and a packet of Mega Meanies every Sunday to play for Downey's."

Interestingly, self-styled role-model, Mark Duffy, made a return to right back, while popular kamikaze centre back, Christopher Nicholl partnered Jai in the heart of the defence. Super-sub, Cathal O'Kane started on the left-wing and free-scoring Peter Doherty joined Barry Murray in attack. Amazingly, "Iron" Dan Collins once more failed to make the bench, which is a startling indication of Lisahally's new-found strength in depth, something that Dan acknowledges to be "a good headache to have". The Bentleys team included two Strathfoyle men, with Ryan O'Kane playing in the unfamiliar centre-back role and Nathan Strawbridge playing on the left-wing.

The beginning of the game was extremely tentative, with both sides failing to create any clear-cut chances. Indeed, for the first five minutes of the game, the crowd was much more entertained by the shocking state of one Bentleys midfielder, who appeared to be utterly stocious as he staggered gracefully up and down the windswept Beechwood pitch. Such was the hilarity of it that the guy was even heralded as the new 'Poster Boy' for Sunday League football. However, Lisahally soon found a breakthrough after a passage of play, as a cross fell to Peter Doherty, who smashed the ball past the Bentleys goalkeeper. Lisahally had once more found their rhythm and began to create numerous goalscoring opportunities, but Lisahally's almost trademark lack of killer-instinct ensured that these chances were wasted. One attack saw Noel O'Donnell thread through a ball to Peter Doherty, who comically scuffed his shot with his left foot. It seems that Doherty was attempting to silence his critics on the sideline, who had previously derided his ability (or lack thereof) to score with his left foot. It would prove to be a costly miss, as Bentleys scored soon after when the Lisahally defence completely failed to deal with a low corner, allowing former Lisahally youngster, Nathan Strawbridge, to tap in from six yards.

The Strathfoyle Men responded instantly when another pin-point cross from Cathal O'Kane found Barry Murray, who made it 2-1 to Lisahally. It was all smiles at half-time. Lisahally were undoubtedly the better team, yet, oddly, the second half proved to be a disaster of nightmarish proportions as Lisahally conceded three goals without reply. While Lisahally were slow to start in the second half and Bentleys began to look markedly more composed, there was no shortage of chances, with goalscorer Peter Doherty finding many opportunities to score. However, the diminutive forward, who is Lisahally's top goalscorer this season, failed to convert any of the chances, leading the fans to jokingly suggest that he had somehow borrowed Paul Lowry's boots for the second half.

Cultured midfielder, Michael Cooke, replaced tough-tackling Emmett Kirk on the right-wing and the Lisahally management, evidently frustrated by the poor finishing, showed no hesitation when they substituted Peter Doherty for Jason Kam. Indeed, Lisahally's complacency was punished when a mistimed challenge allowed a Bentley's forward through to calmly convert past the Lisahally goalkeeper, making the score 2-2. With twenty minutes to go, Lisahally frantically chased the winner and a long ball over the top from Aidy O'Kane released Jason Kam free on goal. However, the young man's composure was practically non-existent, as he lost his footing and literally took a nose-dive, squandering yet another chance. There were humourous cries of 'Penalty!' from the Lisahally bench and one fan quipped that he was blinded by his dazzling yellow boots, but the laughter soon ceased when Mark Duffy was embarrassingly caught out of position, allowing Nathan Strawbridge to hammer home to make it 3-2 to Bentleys. Following this concession, there was a stark change in attitude from Lisahally, as Bentleys adopted a defensive approach with the aim of shutting out the opposition. Experienced midfielder, Noel Coyle replaced the tired Cathal O'Kane and Decky Brown was replaced by Kieran McGlinchey. Strangely however, McGlinchey was played on the left-wing, as opposed to his more familiar role in defence. As the clock ticked closer to the final whistle, Lisahally changed to 3-4-3 with Noel Coyle dropping into defence and Mark Duffy was sent forward in a desparate bid to salvage a point. The gung-ho mentality encouraged the creation of a number of chances, but Lisahally could not find a way through the determined Bentleys defence and the final nail in the coffin came when Lisahally lost possession in midfield, once more allowing the Bentleys forward through on goal. The Lisahally goalkeeper valiantly saved the initial shot, but was unluckily beaten by the second and the game finished 4-2 to Bentleys.

After the game, former player Stevo McAllister was vociferous in his criticism of the performance. He told the Listener,

"I predicted that Lisah' would triumph easily by two goals, but it wasn't to be. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Hospital passes, reckless challenges, poor finishing and mis-timed headers. The second half was terrible. I hope Rory and Danny can sort this out. Hopefully it's just a blip."

The major criticism, it seems, is what "Iron" Dan Collins previously described as the 'erratic' selection policy of the management. This was perhaps most obviously manifested in the decision to drop Kieran McGlinchey, but there were also questions raised over the motive behind the timing and manner of the substitutions, which caused upheaval to the midfield. Nevertheless, what is certain, is that this loss provides an even bigger incentive to triumph against local rivals Maydown next week. Indeed, if Lisahally are to bounce back with a win and maintain their promotion drive, there will need to be a drastic improvement.

Match Preview: Lisahally v Bentleys (29.08.10)

This weekend's fixture sees Lisahally take on new-comers Bentleys at the Strathfoyle Arena. The Strathfoyle Men are determined to extend their winning streak, which would keep their hopes of promotion alive, but they may find it to be a difficult task against Marty Strawbridge's outfit. In their two games to date, Bentleys have suffered defeat against Culmore, but defeated Maydown easily. However, this fixture will be their first real task, as perennial title-contenders Lisahally are a side very much in form.

Lisahally management will face a selection headache before Sunday, as several players remain doubts with injuries. Key players such as Emmett Kirk and Peter Doherty sat out training yesterday evening while new signing, Aidy O'Kane and defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey picked up a knocks. There was some good news however, with the return of veteran centre-back Shaun Whoriskey, who took part in training. Midfield playmaker, Michael Cooke, and tenacious midfielder Peter "Mayhem" Mahon also took part in the rigorous session. Interestingly, Lawrence Mullan, a former Lisahally legend, also joined in, fuelling rumours that he may be assuming a coaching role at the club. Fallen star, Mark Duffy, who has recently been relegated to the bench, was one player who desperately needed to make an impression on his coaches and indeed his teammates and it seems he did so. Rory Kirk has expressed his appreciation of Duffy's commitment:

"Mark came in and gave 100%. He played well enough in the training game and I'm glad that he's taken heed of our advice. He's a true professional that lad."

Duffy claims to have reformed and said,

"They told me they wanted to teach me a lesson and I can tell you it's 'Lesson Learned' for Big Duffs. I gave my all in training and there'll be no partying before games now."

When asked about his chances of reclaiming his starting position, Duffy told the Listener,

"There's no better man. You watch me on Sunday, I'll grab the headlines again, because 'The Prodigal Son' will have returned!"

From 'Superstar' to 'Sub-erstar'

Last season he was phenomenal. He could do no wrong. The young man was widely considered to have the potential to be the 'Next Big Thing' to hit Lisahally since 'Crying' Dick Tracey. However, fast-forward just one season and shockingly, it seems that Mark Duffy's star is on the wane.

The versatile full-back has found himself on the fringes at Lisahally this season and, to his disappointment, he is fast becoming acquainted with the substitute bench. When asked about his situation, Duffy said,

"What can I say? The man's not happy. I mean, let's admit the facts here, Mark Duffy can't be on the bench."

In the final game of pre-season, Duffy was substituted early on leading fans to believe that the defender had been injured. Their fears were allayed however when Duffy started the opening game of the season against Beechtree, but once more, Duffy was taken off ten minutes before half-time. In the following game, Duffy was relegated to the bench, a reality which he is struggling to accept. Duffy told the Listener,

"What more do the managers expect from the big man? More to the point youngfellow, I'll be sitting down with my agent [Alan Duffy] to assess the situation and if I'm not in the managers' plans, then obviously I'm going to have to consider other options that are available to me."

In response to the ongoing media speculation over the Duffy's future, Lisahally's management team of Rory Kirk and Danny Brown today issued a brief statement clarifying the club's position on the matter:

We, the managers at Lisahally Football Club, would like to unequivocally state that Mark Duffy remains a part of our plans; as such we would kindly discourage speculation over the player's immediate future. However, recent developments concerning the discipline of the player with regard to his social life have left the club with no other option but to impose stringent disciplinary measures, with the aim of discouraging a repeat of such behaviour. The club simply can not and will not have players turning up for training and matches in "a bad way". We sincerely hope that Mark Duffy will benefit from this action and strive to improve his behaviour and his performances in future.

It remains to be seen what will become of Duffy's future, but Lisahally fans are hopeful that the whole affair will be resolved sooner, rather than later.

Lucky Lisahally Edge Victory

Strand United 1-2 Lisahally (22.08.10)

Lisahally continued their campaign for promotion on Sunday morning with a hard-fought victory over Strand United at Lisnagelvin. Splendid goals from striker Barry Murray and diminutive midfield dynamo, Peter Doherty overturned the early 1-0 deficit to complete the comeback and seal victory for the Strathfoyle men.

Fresh off their momentous 6-0 opening day victory over Beechtree, Lisahally were keen to maintain their push for promotion with a win over Strand. There were several changes made to the team which triumphed so easily over Beechtree, with versatile defender, Kieran McGlinchey moved to centre-back and speed-demon Paul Lowry starting on the right-wing. Decky Brown partnered Noel O'Donnell in midfield, while Emmett Kirk joined Barry Murray in attack. However, the real talking-point was undoubtedly the controversial decision to start with talisman and self-styled superstar, Mark Duffy, on the bench.

Strand started the game the livelier of the two sides, playing some attractive football and exploiting the gaps in Lisahally's untried midfield. Lisahally's midfield were evidently frustrated by Strand, as Noel O'Donnell uncharacteristically lost possession and Decky Brown committed a number of reckless fouls in dangerous positions. Indeed, this would prove to be their undoing, as a poorly timed tackle from Decky Brown gifted the opposition a freekick outside the box. A quick pass into the box landed perfectly at a Strand player's feet, who wasted no time in smashing the ball past the Lisahally goalkeeper.

Lisahally's sense of urgency was quickly heightened and Paul Lowry moved into the more familiar forward position, with Kirk assuming the right wing role. Strand instantly felt the impact of Lowry's lightning pace, as he raced clear of the last man, only to prematurely blast his shot straight at the Strand goalkeeper. As the Strand management breathed a sigh of relief, Lisahally fans and coaches alike were furious and berated their team. However, the equaliser came minutes before half-time, when Barry Murray charged after a loose ball and catching the Strand goalkeeper off his line, found the net with a fantastic placed shot.

In what seemed to be a stark indication of intent, Lisahally made two changes at half-time, with Mark Duffy introduced at right-back and Lisahally's exotic new signing, Jé Roberto, replacing Decky Brown. Lisahally appeared to be much more assured in possession and disciplined in defence in the second half, but they struggled to make any clear-cut chances, such was the determination of Strand's defence. Aidy O'Kane created a number of chances when he surged down the left wing, but the majority of Barry Murrary's shots were blocked by the heroic defending of Strand. In a scramble in the box following a Peter Doherty cross, Paul Lowry found himself in acres of space, but the striker blazed the ball over the bar. Lowry was then substituted for Cathal O'Kane, who slotted in at left-wing, while Peter Doherty assumed the forward position.

Cathal O'Kane proved to be an inspired substitution yet again, as he linked up with Aidy O'Kane and threaded a marvelous through-ball to Peter Doherty, who skilfully rounded the goalkeeper before drilling the ball into the net to make it 2-1 to Lisahally. However, following the goal, the Strathfoyle men adopted a defensive mentality and played quite deep, encouraging the Strand attack to commit men forward, which caused considerable distress for the Lisahally defence, who, by sheer luck avoided conceding. Defensive lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, was taken off towards the end of the game as a precaution and Noel O'Donnell filled in admirably at centre-back for the final five minutes of the game as Lisahally fought to hold on to their lead.

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.