The Oscar Traynor Centre was the venue again this year for the 2009 Belvedere managers' match on Saint Stephens Day. Not deterred by the freezing conditions on the day, this fixture once again brought together many Belvedere legends of the game.  

News came through that the "free scoring" Fran Pierce wouldn't be playing as he had been called into work earlier that morning. Also missing was another ever present stalwart at the Belvedere Managers match, Gerard Mooney who was laid low with a chest infection.

The assembled greats wearing the yellow jerseys, included Paul "Spoon" Flynn, Damien Byrne, Philip White, Fergus McCabe, Tony Burke, Anto Duggan, Darragh O'Reilly and Sean Deegan,  while their opponents on the day wearing the traditional Belvo blue tops, included Ray McCann, Mick Byrne, Gerry Brown, Philip Byrne, Thomas Morgan, Brian O'Callaghan, and the father and son double act of Thomas Kenny senior and junior. 

The difficult conditions presented by the frozen pitch didn't inhibit the "massive array of talent" on display, and the match started off as usual at a blistering pace which lasted for all of two minutes. Skipping over challenges while "sprinting" down the flanks in true Spurs style, Fergus McCabe caused early panic among the Blue's defence. However, on hand was Gerry Brown who was his usual calm self as he headed the ball clear of the danger zone. 

However it was the Blues, who drew first blood after 10 minutes with a well taken goal and they doubled their advantage shortly after with another by Thomas Kenny junior. They appeared to be coasting until, five minutes later, Damien Byrne, showing some class touches on the ball, was taken down in the box and referee Kieran O'Reilly immediately pointed to the penalty spot, much to the displeasure of the Blues. Despite suggestions of brown envelopes for the ref, the penalty decision stood and the spot kick was expertly converted by Fergus to make it 2 - 1 at the break. 

Spectators who braved the elements on the day included Peadar Behan, Larry Hayden, Martin Cooke, Eddie Foy and Vincent Butler. A half time round of applause was held for Peadar who sustained a back injury during last years match. Thankfully he has recovered well. 

The second half produced more "sparkling" football, with latter day legends Mick Byrne and Gerry Brown showing touches of brilliance for the Blues, while Philip White in goal was called on to make some great saves to deny the Yellows. However, the equaliser wasn't  long coming and there was nothing the 'keeper could do to stop it. Following a lovely move down the left wing by Tony Burke, Anto Duggan whipped in a great cross for Paul Flynn to score at the near post.  

The Blues reorganised themselves quickly and started to take control again. A lovely passing movement involving Ray McCann, Thomas Morgan and Philip Byrne found Thomas Kenny junior wide on the left. Thomas looked up and delivered an inch perfect in-swinging cross into the box for his dad to brilliantly head home, a great Belvo father and son one-two!!!!! 

With time running out the Yellows pushed forward looking for an equaliser. Good approach play from Darragh O'Reilly and Brian O'Callaghan set up Anto Duggan and he neatly applied the perfect finish to level the score at 3 - 3. Shortly afterwards final whistle sounded, and the result was then decided by a penalty shootout  in favour of the Yellows.

Another enjoyable Belvedere Managers' match played in the right spirit and finishing with hand shakes all round. The after match refreshments were in Smyths of Fairview, during which the match was relived in great detail and with no little exaggeration. Among those who dropped in were Ray McCann's parents Mary and Jim ( Maxie ) the former Republic of Ireland International. Maxie was in great form and everyone in Belvo was delighted to see him looking so well following his health problems during the year. 

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