Result: Abbeyside FC 1-2 Crusaders AFC

Azzurri Division 2B

22nd April 2026

Abbeyside FC 1-2 Crusaders AFC

The N25 from Waterford is a fine road, without a pothole nor a traffic light to be seen by Faha’s high ditches, past the weeds at Downey’s Cross before the Cunnigar comes into view as one coasts downhill into the county’s 3rd town (after the city and, of course, Tramore).

Lacking several key players, including playmaker Odhran O’Donnell, marauding left back Ben Kavanagh and the suspended Cian O’Neill, Hayes & Murphy somehow ended up with their largest match day panel of the season so far, with the returning Eoin Daly and Recruit Jordan Wall both major bonuses. Keeper Paddy O’Neill even managed to be on time despite his boss insisting he work back after sleeping through his alarm earlier in the day.

Captain Halpin elected to play into the gentle first half breeze, though it could be argued that the home side had marginally more possession in the first 45 when the 40 minutes of cloud-ball hang-time was discounted, with the best chance of the half falling to the home side after a 35th minute corner which was cleared off the line by Jim Brennan.

After the restart and subsequent loss of the 15th match ball of the evening, it didn’t take Crusaders long to settle playing up the hill however, with Zak O’Connor coming from deep with a late run to finish in the 50th minute after a razor-sharp pass from Ray Balogun. Indeed, with Zak playing a deeper role than usual, Ray ran the lonely line admirably up top and got his reward just 4 minutes later, burying an O’Connor pass to bring the score to 2-0.

Abbeyside, buoyed on by their sizeable home support, turned to their bench for inspiration. However, in the current climate of outlandish petrol and diesel prices, never have we appreciated our loyal travelling Crusaders support and our flag-waving Clonard Park fanboys more as they cheered and clapped as each Abbeyside attack was repelled by the excellent Richards brothers and the outstanding Jim Brennan. Twins Evan “Seven” Kiely and Ben Brophy continued to prod for an elusive third goal with veteran Tommy Smyth proving a thorn in the side of villagers’ creative abilities, breaking up attacks before they could register on the xG machine.

Despite a late goal from the home side, the Whitfield men finished with air to spare and headed over the ring road for a well-earned McD’s milkshake before hitting the N25 again, eastward-bound; top of the table and eagerly awaiting the visit of Dungarvan Utd this Saturday to Whitfield Park.

Goal scorers: Zak O’Connor & Rahman Balogun

Player of the match: Andrew “Sleeves” Richards