CRUSADERS 0 – 2 PARK RANGERS

4th Division – Whitfield Park

“Rome wasn’t built in a day. And neither is anything worth building—be it a team, a dream, or a legacy. Day by day, brick by brick, we lay the foundations for something greater than ourselves.” – Jonathan Moran – Manager

Channelling Pacino, these words were delivered with emotion by a man, stripped to the waist, proud of his charges’ progress but equally aware of the size of the task as they progress through upcoming fixtures. The message was still ringing around the heads of the squad after a midweek fixture against Park Rangers saw Crusaders succumb to a goal in each half, both of which can be attributed to a rustiness in terms of positioning and surroundings. Disappointing, but still progressive, with a matchday squad of 17 players, a new shirt sponsor deal signed (press conference next week) and the promise of better days this season through regular training and a group membership to the Pioneers.

Team: Paul Lawrence, Andrew Titley, Karl Barnaville (Capt.), John Rockett, Shane Hunt, Walter Power, Patrick Egan, Austin Hanrahan, Paul O’Neill, David Power, Paul Kelly. Subs: Gary Kent, Niall Kelly, Peter O’Byrne, Brendan Byrne, Brian Scott, Mark Kennedy

Star Player: Mark Kennedy rolled back the years with a powerful game, after an early introduction for David Power, who departed after 2 minutes to walk the dog (not a euphemism).

“Me knees are f..$£€..d with that astro” – Austin Hanrahan

Considering that the concept of training midweek was foreign to this team a short few months ago, it’s encouraging to see them progress from the couch to a “handy 5-a-side” and now onto the Whitfield Park training surface from next week. The passing has improved during this time, the scanning of the park in receipt of the ball has been rediscovered, but this team know that they need to be playing, training, stretching, talking to each other whilst on grass as a precursor to delivering results.

“I’m going home to bed” – Niall Kelly

The last time Niall donned the famous blue and red stripes, the Millenium Bug was still only a concept, Fiat Puntos were the best selling cars in Ireland and Dooly’s was still Cunningham’s. As he took to the field in the 46th minute, resplendent in his new haircut (Shades Hair Studio, Ferrybank – ask for the Crusaders Cut!), more nervous than the day he got married, the youngest, smartest and most gorgeous of the three Killotteran Kelly brothers was thinking “don’t let them see the tears”. He put in a performance thereafter which can only bode well for the remainder of his rookie Junior League season, slotting into the inside right channel in a manner that belied his youth. Clearly the after-dinner speech anecdotes referencing Rathgormack 1997 will need to be updated, but one step at a time Niall – keep those new boots cleaned, aired and polished, you’ll get your chance! One for the future, without doubt.

Special mention also to other recent newcomers Shane Hunt, Brendan Byrne, Brian Scott and Paul Kelly who have found their feet quickly and will help bring the team onwards in the coming weeks.