Match Review: SCC Firsts vs Gaelic Lions FC

• GK Ronnie Smollett
• DF Jack Cullinane
• DF Jahan Rezai
• MD Anthony Garreau
• ST Aleksandar Duric
• ST Liam Shotton
• -- Andrew Hutcheon
• -- Ross Plain
• -- Adam Bowden
• -- Chris Meyer
• -- Owen Monaghan

• MD Enrique Sanchez
• ST Robert Eziakor
• -- Mike Hemmingway
• -- Callum Jenkins
• -- Dominic O'Shea

3 in a row

SCC went into the third game of the season knowing how difficult this game was going to be. With a less than impressive record against the Gaelic Lions last year, this game would be a good test to see how far our new look squad has come. SCC started extremely slowly, dwelling on the ball and giving it away too easily. We eventually settled into the game, keeping better possession of the ball. The Lions were playing as expected. Sam was getting on the ball and trying to find space behind our full backs. On the whole this was dealt with quite well from the SCC defense. Both teams were working hard without creating much clear goal scoring opportunities. The opening goal of the game came after somewhat fortunate circumstances. A shot came into the Lions GK who let it spill to the onrushing Hutcheon who finished in the bottom corner. The came continued with SCC having the majority of possession and the Lions trying to counter on the break. Some half chances for both teams for the remainder of the first half, but neither could add to the score line. 1-0 at half time was greeted by a somewhat unhappy manager. SCC needed to improve their performance if we wanted to take all 3 points from the game. The second half started and the Lions started having better possession of the ball. Good delivery from corners and set pieces was causing us some problems. The lions then had a great opportunity to make it 1-1. A mix up in the SCC defense led to the Lions striker being through on goal. Vegas Ronnie in goal was able to spread himself well and pull of a magnificent save to keep SCC in the lead. SCC job looked like it was going to get even harder after the sending off of Hutcheon on 60mins. A foolish challenge by the striker lead to 8 Irish players, one slightly overweight English lad, a token Scotsman, 3 Leprechauns and even 2 pints of Guinness made their way down from Harry’s to get involved in the incident. The referee and his assistant had no idea what was going on and Hutcheon got his marking orders. Play resumed and French Anthony had returned from hiding in the trees to a far better SCC performance. With SCC down to ten men they stepped up their game. Looking a better team with more determination. SCC then added to the score line as Duric half volleyed the ball home to make it 2-0. The Lions continued to try and get back in the game which they nearly did as Smollet in goal decided to forget the rules and pick up a back pass. Thankfully the resulting free kick went over the bar. A few man hugs after the game, nearly a tongue and all was forgotten. MOM Lions – Could of went to Macca for being asked to leave the premises and sober up at Dempsey, however Mescall gets the nod for having a solid performance throughout. MOM SCC – Ronnie Smollet in goal. Just returned from a long injury lay off, and stepped up when we needed him most.

• Petesy O'Brien MD
• Sam Balls MD
• Brian O'Reilly --
• Neil Corrigan --
• Stephen Moran --
• Conor McHugh --
• James Flynn --
• John Mescall --
• Anders Jensen --
• James Riddoch --
• Simon Lloyd --

• Liam McGinley DF
• Brett Bowman --
• Conor Burns --
• Keith O'Leary --
• Liam Parker --

Blood on the tracks

Game number three of the new Cosmo season and the Lions nice easy start continued against a lacklustre and frankly obese looking SCC side. The echo of one of Oli's screams over at Turf City reached us just in time and signalled to the start to our game at Dempsey. Mervyn realised he had his work cut out for himself when SCC set their stall out early doors with a series of absolutely brutal fouls. They were clearly frustrated because they couldn't get the ball. Ballsy was running amok, his nickname briefly changing from 'Ballsy' to 'Ciaran McGoldrick 10 years ago' such was his masterful performance in the centre of the park. He was SO GOOD. SCC's one attack of the first half saw them score a goal which was a rubbish one. The second half started and the Lions were simply irresistible again hitting the bar five times and looking really excellent in their three year old jerseys. Macca had a canary over a terrible decision by the linesman and got sent to Orchard Road to have a long, hard look at himself. He came back later though and the linesman didn't notice! Take that, the man! It was at this point that proceedings took a sinister twist. Hutchy had a massive gun in his shorts, which Mervyn didn't see and he took it out and shot Petesy, who immediately died. Everyone lost their temper. Seriously, you can't even shoot anyone anymore. It used to be a physical game in my day. Everybody calmed down while Hutchy was put into the police car but then we all started fighting again while he was being taken to Changi Prison. The fighting continued until the wee hours. Well, between myself and the missus at any rate. The Lions were tipping at 99.999999% possession when SCC broke up the pitch and scored a second goal, which was a dagger in the heart and the game petered out to a disappointing end for the brave Lions. MOM for SCC goes to Ronnie, who made the difference when he had to with some fine saves, when he wasn't being chased by a load of wasps. He was run very close by Enrique, who's 20 minute cameo was different class. MOM for the Lions goes to Mescall, who is really good at shouting the word 'John's', really loud. Great game, Anto. Looking forward to the next game mate.