Abbeyview v Harryville Homers 11-08-06 O'Kane Cup

[musampa]

Early start to the campaign lads, and what a game to get us going. Should be a good game for any neutrals to watch and First Division Homers will start as favourites to go through, but the 'View's' home record at the Forum is excellent and I'm expecting a very open attacking game from both sides. This early season game against quality opposition will do us more good than harm whatever the result, looking forward to it.

[Sammy T]

good luck lads

[Weeman]

I agree with you stevie. This will be a good game to show any strenghts and weaknesses and as you say no matter the result, will only do good.

If the flowing football can continue on the forum pitch there is no reason why an upset can happen. It would be good if you's can score a few to get of the mark and get the confidence up of the forwards.

[musampa]

Abbeyview 1 Harryville Homers 2

A lively start from the home side saw them playing some neat passing without really finding the final ball to trouble the Homers defence, although young Ryan Carson was put through in the 15th minute only to shoot wide of the far post with the keeper beaten. Homers main threat came from set pieces with their physical advantage and after a number of near misses from corners and free kicks, Homers Davy Lowry latched onto a free kick from just inside the Abbeyview half and beat the home keeper with a neat header from 12 yards for the first goal of the game. Abbeyview responded shortly after with Carson again getting put clear by Andy Robinson, only to see his shot tipped wide by the keeper. Both teams also had half-chances to score before the break with Homers coming close by hitting the outside of the post. Abbeyview started the second half the better and brought on Stephen Brown and Graeme Mitchell to provide some width down the flanks, and on 60mins from a great run down the wing by right-back Scott Magee saw him play a neat ball in between the Homers defence and this time Ryan (Zola) Carson made no mistake with a great shot over the keeper to make the game all square. Chances at both ends then followed with Abbeyview clearing a mis-hit shot of their goal-line and Abbeyview's Stephen Brown shooting just past the post and Chris Perks (Man of the Match) breaking into the box with a great first touch only to put his shot over the bar. Homers winner came in the 85th minute when after a harsh free-kick awarded against Scott Magee, the ball was floated over to the back post where centre-half John McDowell rose well to squeeze a great header into the far post for the winner. No complaints about the result, could have went either way, and the energy and committment from the young lads was first class. Lots of praise from the Homers management and players after the game says it all.

Well done lads, great performance against a quality side. Best wishes to the Homers in the next round.

[Jaba]

Watched this match last night. Abbeyview will be a hard team to beat in the 2nd. Played some good stuff. A younger and fitter team than the Homers who had a mixture of old and young legs playing for them. Hope this doesn't upset them but I think its fair to say that Abbeyview just lack a bit of quality. Couple of good chances early on (1 on 1's) but didn't finish either. Horror tackle early on by the big man at the back for Abbeyview. You should see the gash on the Homers player's leg. Sandy just ticked him off and end of story. Game was played in the right spirit having said that. Abbeyview will be reasonably happy with how they played. Homers need to improve.

[Weeman]

A lot of new young faces that will only get better as each match goes on.

[musampa]

Yeah Chris, the young lads will only get better as the season goes on, and if we can keep ourselves in the top half of the table come the new year, we have every chance of the play-offs again. Have lost a large number of quality and experienced players in the last 2 seasons, so this season is very much a new experience. We'll def be competitive I can assure you, but inexperience may tell in the bigger games. No.1 priority as you know mate every season, is getting a few points on the board and out of the relegation places, thats the short-term goal.