February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
A bit of magic by C.J. Doherty (81st) and an easy finish by teenage winger Conor Hunter (84th) chalked up the Bhoys’ first-ever victory in the CSL top flight on the opening day of the 2004-05 season.
The result was sweet revenge for the Bhoys, who lost two of three meetings to Kickers last season and were beaten to the Second Division title by the Mike Fitzgerald-coached side.
Fielding new signings Mick Hennessy and center half J.P. Boyle, who earned Man of the Match accolades from coach Damien Dunleavy, Lansdowne had their way with Kickers for most of the match.
“We completely dominated it. Kickers were very limited,” coach Damien Dunleavy said.
For all their dominance, Lansdowne could not find a way past Kickers goalie Chris Schilling until the 81st minute, when Doherty collected a loose ball in the middle of the park, turned, and left fly.
Even Fitzgerald on the Kickers touchline was impressed as the ball ricocheted off both goalposts before settling into the net.
Three minutes later, Hunter, formerly on semi-pro teams with Cliftonville in the Northern Ireland League, killed off Kickers with a simple shot into an empty net after Schilling had dropped the ball.
Fitzgerald disputed the goal, claiming that it was questionable since it was preceded by a clash between his goalie and Hunter.
“We had our chances but couldn’t put them away,” he rued.
There were no such regrets for Dunleavy, who was thrilled by the game produced by his lads.
“The way we played was great. It’s an excellent start,” he said.
Lansdowne’s joy did not extend to their reserves, who lost 1-0 to the Kickers’ second team in the curtain raiser.
“We missed a lot of chances,” Dunleavy observed.
Shamrock were scheduled to meet New York Greek-American/Atlas on Tuesday night after their season-opener was postponed from last Sunday.
McCARTHY THRILLER
ASA McCarthy’s promotion bid in Metro Div. I began with a wild shootout against Ridgewood Romac at Randalls Island that ended in a 3-3 tie.
McCarthy fought back twice, through Steven Thriolle (55th) and Foday (78th) to level the scores after Bart Bettencourt (25th) had given them the lead. Anton Danut (30th) and Tudor Nitu (35th, 60th) were on target for Ridgewood.
“A good hard0fought game,” McCarthy’s John Cassidy said.
Joked Ridgewood boss Yani Anton Enache, “They had two chances and they scored three goals.”
BOYLE LEVELER
Niall Boyle salvaged a point for SC Eintracht in their Metro Div. II fixture with CD Iberia at Wards Island. His 35th minute equalizer earned Eintracht a 1-all tie.
DOWNS STEPS DOWN
Ronan Downs, the most successful coach in CSL history, has stepped down at the helm of former champs New York Athletic Club after 12 years at Travers Island.
Downs, who’s 52, will remain involved with NYAC as assistant to his prot