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UNDER 14 PREMIER LEAGUE
KINSALE 2 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 1 Riverstown finished their league campaign on a losing note against Kinsale where a win would have eased their relegation worries. They now have to wait on other results to know their fate. Riverstown battled hard all through this game and took the lead from a Luke Foran goal but Kinsale piled on the pressure in the second half and were rewarded with two goals. UNDER 13 PREMIER LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 1 TRAMORE ATH 1 This was always going to be a really tough game for Riverstown as Tramore were
flying high in the division. Riverstown knew defeat would surely mean
relegation and these lads were not going to let their club and most importantly
themselves down. GIRLS UNDER 16 CUP FINAL RIVERSTOWN F.C. 1 DOUGLAS HALL 1 (after extra time : Riverstown win 3 - 1 on penalties The recent run of form finally paid dividends as underdogs Riverstown captured the Noel O’Mahony Cup against highly fancied Douglas Hall at Turners Cross. Playing in front of a large Riverstown support, the girls were naturally very nervous in the opening minutes and indeed had to defend against waves of Douglas pressure. But defend they did and slowly but surely got to grip with the game. GIRLS UNDER 16 LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 5 PASSAGE 0 Riverstown’s great form continued with this comprehensive victory over Passage. Another Lorna Mylod hat trick along with goals from Andrea Houlihan and Lisa Cummins gave the home side another three points in their climb up the league table. The two early season walkovers have now proved costly as Riverstown would surely have been battling for the title. 4 – 0 at the break having played with the strong wind and dominated the proceedings, Riverstown were expecting a strong Passage challenge in the second half and while the visitors did push forward with a lot more gusto than in the first, it was Riverstown who found the net again and ran out very comfortable winners.
GIRLS UNDER 16 LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 1 DOUGLAS HALL 1 Following on last weeks great result, Riverstown continued their progress with a great draw against league leaders Douglas Hall. What made this result all the more encouraging was the fact that they had to turn out without 5 regulars. This was surely not evident in the first half when they took the game to Douglas and had the lion share of the possession. With a number of players playing out of position, it was indeed an experimental side but everybody put their shoulders to the wheel and gave a great performance. This was rewarded with the opening goal after 15 minutes through Lorna Mylod. The second half was a back to the wall display with Douglas going all out to get something from the game. But just when it looked like Riverstown would hold out for another famous victory with the defence repelling everything that came at them, the Douglas pressure finally paid off when they capitalised on one of their many corners to tie the affairs with ten minutes remaining. Douglas tried hard for the winner but the home side were not going to give away another after their heroic performance and so held on for a well-earned point. These two sides meet again in the Cup final and it should produce another cracker. GIRLS UNDER 16 LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 3 WILTON UTD 1 This was surely a milestone for Riverstown F.C. Under 16’s on a day that they finally came of age and realised that they are equal to the best in the League. UNDER 13 STAR CUP 2ND RD PARK UTD 0 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 2 This was a very competitive match but Riverstown always had the edge as their top division status showed. The home side who were near the top of the first division started well but rarely troubled Cillian Brosnan in goal. In sayingthat though Riverstown didn't over exert the Park keeper either and in fact the first shot on target was the opener which came on 15 mins. UNDER 14 PREMIER LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 2 DOUGLAS CORINTHIANS 2 Riverstown were a little dissapointed with a share of the spoils in this their penultimate league game as they still search for safety points.
Having gone behind to an early goal, they fought back well and began to put their stamp on the game. When they went 2 - 1 ahead with about 15 minutes remaining they must have felt they had the three points in the bag. Unfortunately straight after their lead goal they became rather sloppy and left the visitors in for their second which was well put away following a very good cross.
So with one game left Riverstown will be hoping they can get the three points which would guarantee safety and which would be no more than they deserve after their very up and down season.
UNDER 13 PREMIER LEAGUE KILREEN ATH 1 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 3 This game was a decisive moment in this age groups season as they had to win their remaining games to stay clear of relegation. Even though still in the cup, you could see that premier league survival meant a lot to these lads as they took the field. A determined and focused Riverstown side, stung from criticsm for a poor season to date, took to the field against a strong Kilreen team. UNDER 14 PREMIER LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 3 TRAMORE ATH 1 Riverstown took three valuable points in their bid to avoid relegation with a hard earned victory over Tramore. With the wind conditions ruining the chance of playing good football, Riverstown took advantage of playing with the gale in the first half to take a 2 - 0 lead in at the break with a Gary Kelly-Lynch goal on 10 minutes and Luke Foran just before the half time whistle. On play they should have probably been further ahead as they turned to play into the elements. Tramore put them under a great deal of pressure in the second half but good goalkeeping by Brian McHugh and solid defending by the back four kept the visitors out. As the game was approaching it's end, Tramore eventually got the breakthrough and probable felt that they might get something from the game but it was the home side who stepped up a gear in the final minutes and made sure of all three points when Luke Foran scored the third on the last play of the game.
GIRLS UNDER 18 LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 0 BALLINCOLLIG 2 Riverstown’s final Under 18 game of this season was played in gale force conditions at a very cold Knockraha. Really this was a game that was dominated by the biting wind. Riverstown, playing with it in the first half had most of the possession but could not make it pay. The second half saw Ballincollig take over with the gale advantage and the difference was they found the net from a cross from the left wing which carried in the wind. They scored their second with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot when a Riverstown defender unfortunately handled in the box. No doubt if the conditions were better this game would have been a cracker as both sides played very good football and were very evenly matched but it’s Ballincollig who finish with the three points and Riverstown can look forward to next season. Best for Riverstown were Niamh Johnson, Gillian Dennehy, Nikki O'Sullivan and Deirdre Breen.
GIRLS UNDER 16 CUP SEMI FINAL RIVERSTOWN F.C. 0 HILL ALBION 0 (after extra time - Riverstown F.C. win 2 - 1 on penalties) A real cracking cup tie between the neighbours. Riverstown had the more possession all through the tie, especially in the second half but the Hill, playing with a sweeper behind their back four were not going to be broken down on the day and held out the constant wave of Riverstown attacks right through the game. Extra time could not decide the tie, so it was the down to the lottery of penalties. Playing in goal for the first time in her short career, Stephanie Fouhy proved to be the hero of the day as she saved three penalties. Lorna Mylod and Sarah Courtney made sure of theirs which meant Riverstown did not have to take their fifth kick. It was no more than this side deserved after their turmoil start to the season. Now whatever the result in the final against the favourites Douglas Hall, Riverstown are guaranteed their day out and who knows what can happen in a Cup Final.
While all players played their part, Anne Marie Linehan, Michelle Hourihan, Stephanie Fouhy and Nikki O'Sullivan deserve special mention.
UNDER 12 PREMIER LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 3 WILTON UTD 0 Another strong performance from the u-12s yielded three league points against Wilton Utd at Knockraha. Two Michael O'Keeffe goals and one by Mark Collins were enough to secure the points. Niall Horgan, Niall Martin, Joseph Cashman, Cian Daly, John Holland, Alan Barry and the scorers all gave top drawer performances. Indeed everyone in the squad gave everything when asked.
UNDER 14 STAR CUP 2ND RD BUTTEVANT F.C. 2 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 0 Riverstown F.C. Under 14 boys went under to First Division Buttevant in the Star Cup and on the day the lads never played to their potential.
It was a disappointing result but well done to the Buttevant side who worked hard for their victory.
GIRLS UNDER 18 LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 1 WILTON UTD 8 A very understrength Under 18 Girls side went down to League leaders Wilton Utd at Knockraha. Made up of mostly Under 14 and Under 16 players, Riverstown girls played well and indeed were unlucky not to score more than the one goal, but the physical strength, experience and skill of Wilton proved too much on the day and Riverstown can look back at this game as a good experience for the young side.
Lorna Mylod's goal was a cracker, coming from a great cross from fellow Under 14 star Niamh O'Regan. Michelle Hourihan and Claire Power worked hard at midfield as indeed did Niamh Johnson at centre half.
GIRLS UNDER 18 CUP SEMI FINAL RIVERSTOWN F.C. 0 WILTON UTD 5 If the result of this game was decided on open play then Riverstown would have had a share of the spoils but unfortunately to get anything from a game, you have to either score goals or not concede goals, which alas Riverstown failed on both counts.
They could not be faulted for their football, which matched their illustrious visitors for most of the game, but with nobody to put the ball in the net, all attacks came to nothing. At the other end the old failing of conceding silly goals conceded. It’s unfortunate really for a defence who worked hard for the full 80 minutes to concede sloppy goals that should have been avoided.
Riverstown’s full back, Ann Marie Linehan was by far the best player on the pitch and her fellow defenders worked hard as did a very busy midfield. Sarah Hyde gave her all up front but never got enough coming through to trouble the Wilton defence while Carmel Lynch in goal could not be faulted for any of the goals and indeed gave a great display between the posts.
UNDER 16 GIRLS CUP RIVERSTOWN F.C. 2 PASSAGE 0 All the odds were stacked against Riverstown at Knockraha when this rearranged tie began with the home side only able to start with 8 players. Playing against a very strong wind in the first half it looked like it would be damage limitation. But these girls were not going to be denied their day as they proceeded to play some excellent football and early on it was clear that despite the numerical disadvantage, they were going to make a game of it.
They took the lead after 20 minutes when a great through ball from Lisa Cummins put young Lorna Mylod on her way and she coolly held off the Passage challenge to put the ball into the corner of the net.
Riverstown were able to increase their number of players to 9 and this gave them more fortitude at the back so it was no surprise when they scored again through another fine Loran Mylod.
Riverstown ended the half with 10 following the late arrival of another player.
The second half was a case of hold what you have as Riverstown now playing with the strong wind at their backs, kept the defence watertight. In fact they had at least 6 corners in the second half but in fairness to Passage, they defended well. The one good chance fell to Lorna Mylod after a good through ball from Avril Fahy, but her shot went just over to deny her a hat trick.
Riverstown will have been delighted with this result and now look forward to the next round.
Best for Riverstown were Michelle Hourihan, Lorna Mylod, Lisa Cummins and Ann-Marie Linehan.
UNDER 18 GIRLS LEAGUE BALLINCOLLIG 3 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 2 The old adage about you always get what you deserve was proved totally wrong at Ballincollig when Riverstown F.C. came away with nothing in a game they dominated for long periods and had a two goal cushion ten minutes into the second half.
A cracking first half free kick from Avril Fahy, gave Riverstown the lead and it was no more than they deserved. They were expecting a second half back lash from the home side but it was Riverstown who continued where they left off and went two ahead after ten minutes when a Ballincollig clearance fell at the feet of Martina Conlon who unleashed a cracker to the back of the net.
Unfortunately for Riverstown, it went all down hill after that. Ballincollig scored their first when a corner kick looked to be harmlessly landing at the near post, but a mix up on the goal line saw the ball go in the net off a Riverstown defender.
It got worse five minutes later when Ballincollig levelled the matter with an excellent free kick.
Riverstown battled hard to regain control and when it looked like they would at least hold on for a share of the points, Ballincollig again capitalised on a free kick. Riverstown were too slow to close down the indirect kick and left the Ballincollig forward time and space to pick her spot. So once again Riverstown seemed to be the architects of their own defeat. They are playing very good football and if they can prevent these basic errors then they are a match for anyone.
Best for Riverstown were Avril Fahy, Claire Power and Deirdre Breen.
UNDER 12 NATIONAL CUP CARRIGALINE 1 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 2 The Under 12's travelled to Carrigaline in the 1st round of the Norton Cup and came away with a hard fought victory. After a scoreless first half, Carrigaline took the lead with a well taken goal. Riverstown equalised from Niall Horgan after good work from Michael Conlon. The winner came from good work on the left from Gavin O'Regan and then Michael O'Keeffe found Rory Bickerstaffe at the back post to slot home the winner. Carrigaline had one more chance but a great one handed save from Joseph Cashman saw Riverstown F.C. through.
UNDER 18 GIRLS LEAGUE MIDLETON 3 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 3 Despite having only 10 players on duty, Riverstown gave a sterling display to take a share of the spoils in this their opening League encounter with neighbours Midleton.
Playing excellent football all through the first half, Riverstown were rewarded with a Michelle Hourihan goal and indeed should have added to this tally before the break but for some very stout defending from the home side and some wayward shooting.
Midleton, with the extra player, were always going to fight back and indeed they did just that. As Riverstown began to tire a little, Midleton capitalised on this with a fine individual goal.
When they added a second, it looked like all Riverstown’s good work was going to be for nothing. But never underestimate this very determined outfit. A great break down the right wing by Nikki O’Sullivan and a fine cross from her was controlled in the box and put away nicely by debutante Kathleen Ryan.
It was end to end stuff after this and Midleton assumed the advantage with about 10 minutes to go when an uncharacteristic error from Deirdre Breen left them in for their third. This was unfortunate on Deirdre as she was having a terrific game at sweeper.
But never say die Riverstown kept battling on and were rewarded for their endeavour when Kathleen Ryan was again on target with time almost up.
Considering their numerical disadvantage, Riverstown will have been pleased with this result but more so with their performance.
All were heroes on the day, from Caoimhe McElhinny in goal, Niamh Johnson, Deirdre Breen (Capt), Shauna McElhinny in defence, Lisa Cummins, Avril Fahy, Michelle Hourihan, Aoife O’Callaghan, Kathleen Ryan in midfield and Nikki O’Sullivan up front.
UNDER 12 PREMIER LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 4 LEEDS 1 The 4-1 victory over Leeds by the U12s in their 1st league game was well deserved. Two cracking goals by Michael O'Keeffe,and one each by Paul O'Callaghan and Mark Collins were enough to see us through.
UNDER 15 PREMIER LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 2 KILREEN CELTIC 0 Goals from Fergal O’Reilly and Dean Grainger gave Riverstown a winning start in this season’s League opener at Knockraha.
The home side started brightly and had Kilreen under immense pressure from the beginning. The biggest surprise at the break was that this game still remained 0 – 0, as Riverstown would not have been flattered with a 3-goal advantage but they were unable to take their chances. The second half began in the same pattern with Riverstown making all the early play and eventually they were rewarded with a fine goal from substitute Fergal O’Reilly. This was followed soon after by the second, with Dean Grainger scoring his first goal for the Club.
Judging by this performance, Riverstown are going to be a serious act this season.
Best on the day were Michael McSweeney, Shane O’Sullivan, Colin Keane and Bryan Murphy.
Managers Pat Murphy and Ken Buckley will have been very happy with this display as the fruits of their hard labour are beginning to show.
UNDER 16 GIRLS LEAGUE LAKEWOOD ATH 1 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 4 3 Goals in the first 10 minutes set the pattern for this game as Riverstown proved a bridge too far for the home side. They never recovered from this whirlwind onslaught of goals from Avril Fahy, a Niamh Johnson cracker from 30 yards and another Lorna Mylod special. Lakewood did pull one back just on the stroke of half time but Riverstown, with the wind at their backs, shut up shop in the second half and really never let the more fancied Lakewood side threaten Sarah Courtney in goal. An Avril Fahy penalty in the last quarter put paid to any home comeback and Riverstown went away with their first league points but more importantly having given a display of football that would win any tie, regardless of the opposition. Best for Rivestown were Avril Fahy, Claire Power and Lisa Cummins
UNDER 18 GIRLS LEAGUE RIVERSTOWN F.C. 3 MIDLETON 0 Riverstown’s best performance of the season saw them play good, exciting football and score three excellent goals to finally take all three points in their first win of the season.They were always on top and playing against the strong breeze in the first half they got stuck in early and never left Midleton settle. All three goals came in the first half and with the wind at their backs in the second, they just sat back and were able to contend with anything that Midleton threw at them. Best for Riverstown were Deirdre Breen, Avril Fahy, Carmel Lynch and Ann Marie Linehan
UNDER 18 GIRLS LEAGUE DOUGLAS HALL 7 RIVERSTOWN F.C. 0 After their magnificent performance against Midleton, this game was a terrible disappointment for Riverstown. Missing four of their starting eleven, and with just eleven to play with, this was a very below par performance from the girls. The weather and the heavy conditions did not help but it was no excuse for their dismal performance. Douglas Hall would be very strong opposition at the best of times but they could not believe they had it so easy in this one. Ann Mariel Linehan and Niamh Johnstone tried their best as did Martina Conlon but the rest seemed to have a day off.Best forgotten about and look forward to their next outing. It could not be any worse.
Best for Riverstown were Ann Marie Linehan and Niamh Johnson
Riverstown deserved something from this game but unfortunately you don't always get what you deserve so now it's the waiting game for them.
The true story though is that this game should have been over at half time.
Numerous chances were missed by the home side in a commanding first half
performance. Michael O Keefe and Shane O Driscoll were the main culprits as
they missed some good chances. Good wing play throughout the half by Sean
Crowley and Mark Barry created numerous chances for our strikers but a
combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the game scoreless.
Six minutes before half time Tramore got a free kick just outside the box. A combination of bad marking and a hint of offside saw Tramore take the lead against the run of play. The fact that this was Dean Mooney' s first touch of the game in goal tells the story. A minute before half time though saw Michael O Keefe hit the bar, which would have been no more than what Riverstown deserved!
Losing two important players through injury at half time didn’t' t help the
Riverstown cause but their determination to salvage something from a game that
they were dominating was there for everyone to see. Playing against the wind they took the game to Tramore and created chance after chance but with no reward. In the 50th minute the Tramore left back was rightly sent off for a horrendous tackle on Michael O keefe but the Riverstown striker picked himself up and got his reward soon afterward. The ball was well won in midfield by Conor Murphy,who put in another commanding performance, and played up to Daniel Roche.
The half time substitute flicked it on for Michael who was not going to miss another chance. It looked as if it was not going to be his day but he composed himself and rifled past the keeper. Both sides had chances to win in the last few minutes but it finished all square.
A well-earned point but this performance deserved a lot more. Unbeaten now in
five games Riverstown feel that survival is not a possibility but a certainty!
Best for Riverstown: Rory Burke, Conor Murphy, David White & Mark Barry.
Inspired by a brilliant back four, Riverstown began to settle on the ball and create a number of chances themselves. Half way through the first half a good move down the right involving Ann Marie Lenihan and Lisa Cummins resulted in a Riverstown corner. Midfielder Nikki O’Sullivan curled in a great ball that went through defenders and keeper alike to hit the back of the net.
This encouraged them to lift their game even more and they played some excellent football up to the break with Avril Fahy cleaning up some great ball in front of the defence and Andrea Houlihan holding it up well at the other end.
The second half saw the expected Douglas backlash as the soft rain began to fall and just when it looked like Riverstown might hold out, they were hit with a sucker blow when a harmless looking Douglas ball somehow slipped under keeper Stephanie Fouhy’s gloves. Douglas now felt they had turned the corner and applied further pressure on Riverstown. But again the back four were superb, marshalled by Michelle Hourihan and Niamh Johnson in the centre and Stephanie Fouhy made up for the goal with a series of fine saves.
So the game went into extra time with both teams going close but again both keepers were excellent in their handling. The switch of Michelle Hourihian with Avril Fahy gave Riverstown a new lease of life at midfield and they kept the ball very well to the end of normal time. Riverstown then had to repeat their semi-final experience as the game went to penalties.
Avril Fahy was first up and sent a rocket to the top left hand corner of the net. Stephanie Fouhy then brilliantly saved with her foot to deny Douglas their first. Lisa Cummins made it two and then Stephanie saved again. Sarah Courtney then had her bullet saved and Douglas scored theirs to make it 2 - 1.Top scorer Lorna Mylod then placed a beauty to the bottom left corner and so it was down to the next kick to keep Douglas in the game. But player of the match Stephanie Fouhy again saved brilliantly to send the Riverstown squad and supporters into raptures as they captured their first Under 16 title.
Every Riverstown player played their part on the day and those subs not used had all played their part during the campaign.
Team lined out as follows: Stephanie Fouhy (goalkeeper), Ann Marie Lenihan (right back), Sarah Courtney (left back), Michelle Hourihan (centre half), Niamh Johnson (centre half), Lisa Cummins (left midfield), Claire Power (right midfield), Avril Fahy (centre midfield), Nikki O'Sullivan (centre midfield), Lorna Mylod (striker), Andrea Houlihan (striker): Substitutes: Kathleen Ryan for Claire Power (injured), Niamh O'Regan for Andrea Houlihan (extra time), Sarah Hyde (not used), Ann Marie O'Callaghan (not used), Aoife O'Callaghan (not used), Sarah O'Callaghan (not used).
Best for Riverstown were Lorna Mylod, Andrea Houlihan, Claire Power and Michelle Hourihan
Best for Riverstown were Anne Marie O'Callaghan, Claire Power, Avril Fahy and Kathleen Ryan.
From the kick-off, Riverstown were determined to stamp their authority on this game and got stuck in in every department. With Nikki O’Sullivan and Avril Fahy dominating centre midfield, they were able to give quality ball to their forwards and it was no surprise when Lorna Mylod gave Riverstown the lead with a great individual goal, having rounded a number of Wilton defenders before giving their keeper no chance. To Wilton’s credit, they played their best football after this and did apply a good deal of pressure on the home defence who had looked solid up to this stage. With Riverstown losing their focus for a period, Wilton eventually capitalised when they broke through the offside trap to level the affairs.
After the break, Riverstown once again stepped up a level and it was Lorna Mylod again who broke the visitors hearts with another dazzling run before claiming her second. The home side now began to dominate affairs and launched attack after attack on the Wilton goal. One such attack resulted in a great run from Kathleen Ryan before she was upended in the area. The resulting penalty was taken by the dynamic Mylod who claimed her hat trick despite Wilton keeper’s best efforts to get to the ball. So it finished 3 – 1 and Riverstown had finally found the belief in themselves that they are a very good side.
A pin point Alan Barry free kick to the back post headed into the corner by Michael O Keefe.
Riverstown were on top for most of the half but could not turn their possesion
into goals. A number of times Rory Burke and Sean Crowley combined well down
the right but a lack of cutting edge left this cup tie a long way from over at
the break.
Park started brightly in the second half but between them, Conor Murphy and
Stephen Crowley kept Park's star striker out of the game and so they failed to
build any attacks. Early in the second half the game was effectively over as
half time substitute Daniel Roche pounced on hesitant defending and tapped the
ball home. Good work down the right between David White and Michael O Keefe
created the chance which Danny buried. That was the final nail in the coffin as the game went dead after this. This was a match of few chances but Riverstown were always in control and hope for a good draw in the next round.
Best for Riverstown: Rory Burke, Conor Murphy, Mark Barry & Alan Barry.
From the first whistle Riverstown got at them with David White and Alan Barry
running the midfield. On 15 mins a free kick from Alan Barry was dropped by the keeper and alert team captain, Mark Barry, pounced on the rebound to finish past the despairing keeper. There was no let up in this performance as Riverstown pushed for a second knowing that Kilreen were rattled. Shane O Driscoll tapped home the second from another superb Alan Barry free kick just before half time.
Kilreen' s manager had strong words with his team at half time as they took the
game to the away side. The must win situation that Riverstown found themselves
in, due to a string of defeats, was beginning to become evident. Nerves got the better of the lads as the composure seen in the first half went out the window.
A goal straight from a corner on 45 mins gave Kilreen a glimmer of hope. A
string of free kicks and corners from Kilreen really tested the Riverstown
defence but a superb performance by Dean Mooney in goal kept them at bay. With
five mins to go a great break away from Riverstown ended in a goal of the season contender from Michael O Keefe.
Fully thirty yards out he saw the keeper off his line and belted it past him to wrap up a thoroughly deserved and well needed three points.
Best for Riverstown : Rory Burke, Conor Murphy, David White and Stephen Crowley.
