Combined Counties Shield First Round:
Ballybrittas FC 3 – 0 LOFFA FC
A gutsy gritty performance by LOFFA FC on a difficult playing surface in the first round of the Combined Counties Shield played on Sunday against local rivals Ballybrittas FC resulted in a disappointing 3 – 0 defeat.
The match itself started slowly as both teams measured each other up and in the early exchanges both keepers were required to make routine saves. However, this slow period broke nearing 40th minute when Ballybrittas nodded in directly corner giving them a 1-0 lead. It was felt this was undeserved, as LOFFA FC man of the match Christopher O’Neill was dominating in his attacks and causing opposition a lot of problems on the left wing and David Finn as industries in his central midfield position. But lightening struck twice in favour of Ballybrittas, when the home team were awarded a penalty just before the end of the half, which was dispatched neatly as half time loomed.
After some stern words were said at half time, LOFFA FC came out into the second half on the offensive with debutante Mark Gorman and Centre half Darren Kirwan both striking the woodwork with headers. O Neill, Michael Power, Stephen O Reilly and Paul Hoolihan were trying to force Ballybrittas to defend, however they lurked dangerous on the break with defenders Sean Dunne, Kirwan, Gary Lanigan and John Fagan stretching to maintaining the assault.This tactic benefited the home team late on as LOFFA FC were stretched by committing men. Ballybrittas found space in the box to neatly finish past Martin Malone from 10 yards to make it 3-0. Late on Lanigan went close with a curling free kick in which the home sides keeper saved smartly.
Training remains the same, 8.00 pm Wednesday at Portlaoise Leisure centre and on Friday at 7.00pm a Portarlington Leisure Centre.
We are having a LOFFA FC Fund Razor shave of in Kavanaghs Pub Portlaoise on November 29th at 8.00pm. All welcome for a great night of razor sharp fun. Participants should contact Michael Power and Gavin McDonald.
