Oct 4, 2021 By Ger Shivnan
It was a tough weekend for the Shamrocks with a number of understrength squads finding themselves on the wrong end of the scoreline.
The only bright spot was Rob O’Neill’s Reserves winning 4-1 in sunny New Jersey against table-toppers Hoboken.
Reserves – CSL Reserves Div. 1Â
The Reserves started quickly in this contest, Ronan Harvey finished well inside the box as the referee played advantage on a penalty decision.
Seven minutes later Aaron Ashe collected the ball 30 yards from goal and he rocketed the ball beyond the Hoboken keeper into the top corner. Shamrocks continued to push on and by half time the margin could have been wider.
However, Hoboken upped their tempo after the break and this pressure told when they pulled a goal back.
Instead of giving Hoboken the impetus to strike for the equalizer it awoke the Shamrocks who took back control of the game.
Ben Jordan made it 3-1 after an assist from the industrious Liam O’Connor. It was a delightful finish leaving the keeper with no chance; just reward for a superb performance.
Shamrocks controlled the rest of the game and finished it as a contest when Darragh Coates grabbed the fourth. Coates picked up a ball in midfield, ghosted through the Hoboken defense and caressed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the square.
Coach O’Neill hailed the performance from his charges.
“It was a fantastic team display with every player playing superbly. I’m delighted with the victory and we’re looking forward to the Richmond County game next Saturday night.”
Legends – CSL Over 40s league
A weakened Legends squad performed better than the 1-5 scoreline suggests against league-leading Manhattan Kickers. One-nil down at the break Shamrocks were very much in the game.
However, a quick Kickers brace early in the second half against the run of play ended the game as a contest. Shamrocks were creating chances with Jeff Farrell hitting the post and Ger Shivnan firing a curling shot just wide from the edge of the box.
Shivnan did pull one back but the Shamrocks – who lost key defender Steve Pringle and had midfielder Johnny Keogh playing through injury – were unable to take advantage.
“We have the makings of a very good squad and it was great to add Dom Mc Cartan to the backline,” said manager John Riordan.
“We have another tough game next Sunday and then a State Cup clash the following week so we have no option but to stay positive even if the results aren’t going our way.”
First Team – CSL Div. 1.
First Team manager Stuart Colbert cut a frustrated figure at the end of a tough 3-1 loss against a well-drilled Hoboken. Shamrock’s goal came courtesy of a James Whyte header from a Christian Uy corner.
“We deserved nothing from the game,” Colbert said afterward.
“The group needs to show commitment and the willingness to do the hard work if we are to rebound in our upcoming games.”
Over 30s – CSL Division 3 Eas
The Over 30s were on the wrong end of a gallant 3-1 loss to a competitive Central Park Rangers side in the CSL Division 3 Eas.
Tommy Toal the goal scorer was one of five debutants as Coach Kevin McPhillips begins to build a squad capable of challenging for honors.
“I’m looking for the squad to settle in now and have some consistency going forward through the rest of the season,” McPhillips said.
Shamrocks Upcoming FixturesÂ
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Shamrocks Adult teams 2021/22 Season:
Men’s First – CSL Div. 1 (reigning champions)
Men’s Reserves – CSL Reserves Div. 1 (reigning champions)
Over 30s – CSL Division 3 Eas
Legends Over 40s – CSL Over 40s (Long Island Soccer League League Cup 20/21 winners)
Women’s – NYMWSL Division A
NY Shamrocks PRO Ger Shivnan will be coming on the podcast in a few weeks, stay tuned!
Kevin Grogan, a former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland youth player, has managed Shamrock’s first team in the past. See our podcast with Kevin below.
