Tuesday Match Reports

Azzurri Division 2B League

PORTLAW 1 – 0 CRUSADERS AFC

Our 2B squad travelled to Portlaw to face the high flying Tannery men, and gave as good as they got throughout. Comments from the home side afterwards indicated they felt they came away with more than they deserved, having underestimated the Crusaders side. In truth, the chance of the game fell to Cian O’Neill in the first half, connecting to Devin Enright’s cross with a bullet header and forcing a world class save from the home keeper who, with the help of the post and crossbar, kept them in the game. An opportunistic finish from Portlaw saw them take the lead early in the second half, very much against the run of play. The remainder of the game played out with a number of stoppages, a few knocks and fewer chances, with both sides cancelling out the other in terms of attacking, and the home side running down the clock. Many thanks to Portlaw for a great game, and we look forward to having them over to Whitfield later in the season.

Best for Crusaders were Jordan Daniels, Cian O’Neill, Paddy O’Neill and Tommy Smyth.

Azzurri 4th Division League

CRUSADERS AFC 1 – 4 KILMACOW

On a near-perfect surface, diagonally striped by Francie earlier in the day and manicured over the weekend by Willie Power and his team of landscape experts (sponsored by Geoff’s – “the alternative venue”), our 4th division entertained a strong Kilmacow side yesterday evening. With Paul Lawrence still making his way back from Bilbao (and still living in the Fergie-era), and Peter, Norman and Duckie unavailable, the elders still managed to give a good account of themselves on the night. A case of one side took their chances, and the other didn’t it seems, we finally got on the scoresheet after 55′ thanks to Patrick Egan, but after several chances had gone abegging earlier in the game, this was a case of “what might have been”. Thanks to Kilmacow for a good game, and we hope you found your way home from Butlerstown safely. ☺️

Best for the home side were Patrick Heffernan (a welcome returnee after injury), Niall Kelly (slowly regaining his prime fitness levels, Domino’s have sent a search party), Shane Hunt (on another night, could have had 2 or 3) and John Rockett 🟨.