Under 13 Premier Match Reports 2005/06

Lee Swords, playing in an advanced midfield role, scored from close range after a wonderful Adam O'Brien cross. A minute later striker Graham Parkinson had the chance to make it two-nil but he shot straight at the goalkeeper.

The resulting corner was whipped in by Swords and Luke Dillon found the net from inside the six-yard box to make it 2-0. Greystones gave themselves hope just five minutes later as they scored against the run of play. A cross into the box was brialliantly headed into the net by a Greystones striker.

Belvo regained control and scored their third after 17 minutes. Captain Danny Joyce cooly slotted in the first of his two penalties after a handball in the box. Minutes later O'Brien smashed an un-stopable shot towards goal, unfortunately for him it crashed off the crossbar and out with the 'keeper stranded.

However, the tricky winger was not to be denied as on the stroke of half time he hit home the rebound from eight yards after Parkinson saw his shot saved. On 31 and 34 minutes Parkinson had chances to grab his second and third goals of the evening but he shot wide on both occasions.

Two minutes later it was 5-1, as Luke Dillon rounded the goalkeeper before passing to Parkinson who had the easy task on scoring from six yards. The number 13 is unlucky for some but not for Adam O'Brien.

Thirteen minutes from time he scored the goal of the season, spotting the 'keeper off his line, he brilliantly chipped into the top corner from 25 yards. Joyce made it seven from the spot on 50 minutes while Parkinson got his second seven minuted from time.

Three wins in their last three league games and a fourth place finish for Belvedere, they will hope to carry this form into next season and with a few quality signings they will hope to be genuine title contenders for next season.

Belvo team - Smith, Roche, Corcoran, N Byrne ( G O'Brien, 35), McMahon,
Swords, A O'Brien, Joyce, Humphries, Parkinson, Dillon.

Report - Jamie Moore

After a late change of venue, Belvedere arrived at a sunny Richmond Road in confident mood, and in hope of securing another three points in their quest to secure third place in the league.

Goalkeeper Craig McKeown unfortunately picked up an injury in the warm up so under 12 'keeper Dean Smith came into the team.

Belvo dominated the early part of the game and were unlucky not to take the lead in the fifth minute when striker Graham Parkinson saw his over-head kick crash off the post and out.

It was Parkinson who had the games second chance of any note, he headed over the crossbar from eight yards after a great cross from defender Lee Swords.

Two more chances followed in quick succession, first Swords shot over from 20 yards, while just two minutes later winger Dylan Byrne went on a mazy run down the right wing before cutting inside and shooting over.

Just as it was looking like nil-nil at half-time, Belvo were dealt a great slice of luck. Byrne, again after a wonderful run, whipped in a curing cross towards goal and unluckily for the Stella Maris goalkeeper it flew into the far top corner of the net to send the visitors in 1-0 up at the break.

Two minutes after the restart mid-fielder Danny Joyce had his curling free-kick well saved by the 'keeper. But, not to worry for him or Belvo, because just 60 seconds later up popped defender Neil Byrne, otherwise known as "Pidgeon", to head brilliantly into the net from a Swords' corner kick to give his side a 2-0 lead.

Fifteen minutes from time Belvo made a double substitution, with Johnny O'Sullivan and Luke Dillon replacing Neil Byrne and Aaron Humphries.

The last two chances of the game fell to the away side, Joyce having his shot saved while Dillon missed a good chance, as he shot wide from eight yards.

Belvo team - Smith, Swords, Roche, N Bynre (Dillon, 44), McMahon, Madden, D Byrne, Joyce, Humphries (O'Sullivan, 44), Parkinson, O'Rourke.

Report - Jamie Moore

Not having had a league game for over a month, Belvedere returned to the site of their controversial cup semi-final win of last season, Tymon Park, to take on relegation threatened Templeogue United.

A good opening spell from the visitors saw them take the lead after only five minutes. Mid-fielder Tommy Madden was hacked down in the box and Danny Joyce stepped up to confidently stroke home the penalty.

On ten minutes, Belvedere forward Matthew Callaghan had to come off injured and he was replaced by Aaron Humphries, a move which saw Graham Parkinson move up-front. Belvo created three good chances before the 20 minute mark.

Lee Swords and Neill Byrne both had shots wide, while Dean O'Rourke had his shot well saved by the Templeogue goalkeeper.

The home side made the visitors pay for missed chances when two goals in six minutes turned the game on its head. A long range free-kick and a brilliantly struck shot put Templeogue 2-1 ahead at half-time.

Belvo started the second half as they began the first, on top. Parkinson forced a good save from the 'keeper while the same player had another effort just a minute later cleared off the line.

On 33 minutes, Parkinson was put through again, and the goalkeeper, who was man of the match, pulled off another great save only for O'Rourke to brilliantly smash home the rebound from a tight angle.

Just a minute later, Belvo had the chance to take the lead, but Swords' volley went just over. Belvo, having missed a number of good chances, were greatful to goalkeeper Craig McKeown who made two excellent catches from dangerous crosses.

Nineteen minutes from time Parkinson finally got the better of the 'keeper. After going through one on one, he coolly slotted home to put his side 3-2 up.

The first chance for the league leaders came after only five minutes when their red-haired striker blazed over the bar from the edge of the box.

Three minutes later Belvo created their first chance, the Kevin’s ‘keeper missed a cross but unfortunately for the home side mid-fielder Dylan Byrne had his shot blocked by a defender when it looked to be going in.

Belvo were again on the back-foot when the afore mentioned St. Kevin’s striker shot over on 19 minutes and then shot wide of the far-post five minutes later. A half time it was 0-0.

Eight minutes after the break ‘keeper Craig McKeown made a great diving save to his left to deny a Kevin’s goal and he again had to be alert when a Kevin’s striker broke the off-side trap to go one on one, only to shoot wide.

The home side had two chances to win the game towards the end, Dean O’Rourke forcing a save from the goalkeeper while ex. Kevin’s player Graham Parkinson headed wide from close range after a great cross into the box.

The last chanced of the game went to Belvo, but Anto Corcoran’s inviting cross across the six-yard-box failed to tempt any players into a finish. A decent game finished nil all.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, McMahon, Roche, Corcoran, D Byrne, Parkinson,
Joyce, O’Brien, Prizeman, O’Rourke

Report - Jamie Moore

Things started well for ’the boys in blue’ when they took the lead after only four minutes, Dean O’Rourke with a great right-footed finish into the far top corner from a difficult angle.

However, the lead didn't last very long and the visitors were back in the game when their striker shot direct from tip-off and into the net, catching Belvo goalkeeper Craig McKeown on the edge of his box.

On 15 minutes Belvo deservedly regained their lead through Graham Parkinson, although the visitors equalised for the second time nine minutes later when the striker got his second goal with a deflected shot. At half -time it was 2-2.

Two minutes after the restart Parkinson had another good chance but he unluckily headed wide from six yards. With the game nearly over, a draw looked like it was going to be the outcome until striker Sean Prizeman, returning from injury, scrambled the ball over the line to give his side the three points.

To seal the win O’Rourke bagged his fourth goal in two games with a great header from a corner.

Two wins in a row and eight goals in the process sets up Belvo nicely for a late charge for second place in the league.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, McMahon, Roche, Corcoran, Tobin (Humphries,
59), Joyce, Parkinson, O’Brien, O’Rourke, Prizeman (Dillon, 59)

Report - Jamie Moore.

Six minutes later Belvo could have went 2-0 ahead but after another great move, O'Rourke shot over from the edge of the box. The second came on 27 minutes after a nice one-two between Dylan Byrne and Sean Prizemade made space for the latter slide the ball across the six yard box for Graham Parkinson to tap in. At half time Belvo were well in control and 2-0 ahead.

The second half began like the first half ended with Belvo on the attack and on 35 minutes it was 3-0. Joeys sportingly gave the ball back to Belvo after an injury and then the visitors totally switched off as Parkinson played a great ball through to O'Rourke who lashed the ball home from 12 yards. On 40 minutes Prizeman had a goalbound shot well saved by the Joeys 'keeper.

Belvo sealed victory in the 42 minute when Parkinson got his second as he headed off the post and in from a Lee Swords corner. Belvo then made a triple substitution with Luke Dillon, Tommy Madden and Michael Tobin coming on the replace Adam O'Brien, Dylan Byrne and stand-in Captain Lee Swords.

It may have been the goal scorers who were congratulated but goalkeeper Craig McKeown along with his back four, especially man of the match Mark Roche deserve the credit for a great team performance.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords (Tobin, 45), McMahon, Roche, Corcoran, D Byrne (Dillon, 45), Parkinson, Humphries, O'Brien (Madden, 45), O'Rourke,
Prizeman.

Report - Jamie Moore

Belvo's first shot came in the sixth minute when Danny Joyce shot over. After 15 minutes it was 2-0. Again a cross from the left, again a near post header, again a goal. This time however the ball was squeezed in at the near post and maybe the Belvo 'keeper Craig McKeown could have got a stronger
hand to it and kept it out.

The games turning point came in the 24th minute when Captain Danny Joyce was sent off for a late tackle in mid-field. The referee missed the foul but after protests from the Cherry Orchard sideline he produced a red card, and Belvo were down to ten men.

Just two minutes later the referee again didn't do Belvo any favours when he missed a a blatant penalty after a handball by an Orchard defender. Belvo were lucky to get into half-time only 2-0 down after the home side hit the crossbar just before the half time whistle.

The first action of the first half was the booking of the Cherry Orchard number seven for a bad foul. (maybe it sholud have been red) Belvo forced the Cherry Orchard goalkeeper into his first save of the game when he held Adam O'Brien's long range effort.

Six minutes from time Orchard scored again when the broke through and scored, even though two of their players were clearly in an offside position.

The league game in Fairview earlier in the season was abandoned due to a serious neck injury to one of the Cherry Orchard players and it looked like the same might happen again.

The same player, who had recovered from his neck injury this time injured his hip. He couldn't move and he told his manager not to move him but as a few of the Belvo players looked for the abandonment due to bad light the player was lifted off the pitch in agony so the game could continue. (The ambulance took another 15 minutes to arrive).

In the six minutes of added time Belvo finally started to play and got a goal back in the 63rd minute through substitute Graham Parkinson. A minute later it was 3-2 when Sean Prizeman scored.

As Belvo were searching for the equaliser, as usual the home line was putting pressure on the referee to
blow the final whistle, he duly obliged and Orchard got the points.

The delay for the injury was at least ten minutes but the referee only played six. Belvo had a definite hand-ball not given and Orchard scored a goal which was offside, so all in all Belvo should have got a point.

Points, however are very hard to come bye in the Lawn, especially if they risk the safety of their players when they are winning but don't when they are loosing.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, Corcoran, N Byrne, McMahon, Dillon (Parkinson, 40), D Byrne, Joyce, O'Brien, Madden (O'Rourke, 40), Prizeman.

Report - Jamie Moore

Farm created their first chance just two minutes later but a long distance shot from their mid-fielder sailed over the crossbar. After a decent first half display Belvo went into half time with the score nil all.

Belvo created the first chance of the second half with Prizeman slicing his shot wide from 18 yards. After a bad tackle by Home Farm's captain Skelly, mid-fielder Michael Tobin had to be carried off injured, he was replaced by Dylan Byrne.

Fifteen minutes from time Dean O'Rourke again tested the ex. Belvo 'keeper in the opposition goal, again the 'keeper was up to the test. Belvo's last chance in the game came four minutes from time when Dylan
Byrne's shot was saved.

After a certain foul on a Belvo player in mid-field, which the referee missed, Home Farm broke away and their captain Skelly fired an unstoppable shot past Craig McKeown and into the top corner from 25
yards.

A disappointing result for 'the boys in blue' but they will have every opportunity to put it right when they play Cherry Orchard at The Lawn on Tuesday night at 6.30.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, Joyce, McMahon, Corcoran, Tobin (Byrne, 37),
Parkinson (Humphries, 58), Roche, O'Brien, O'Rourke, Prizeman

Report - Jamie Moore

Two minutes before the break Belvo had another half chance when winger Michael Tobin flashed a low cross-shot just wide of the far post. As the half time whistle blew Belvo were well in control but had not scored.

Belvo were ahead 45 seconds into the second half when a ball over the top found Dylan Byrne who "toe- pocked" the ball past the advancing goalkeeper and into the net.

On 40 minutes Home Farm had their best chance of the game when a difficult ball bounced over the head of full-back Anto Corcoran, but lucky for him and Belvo, the Home Farm striker missed.

With 15 minutes left, Lee Swords had a long range free-kick well saved by the 'keeper but just a minutes later it was 2-0 after a lovely Belvo move, probably their best move all season.

Micheal Tobin won the ball back on the right touchline and player passed inside to Danny Joyce. He then clipped the ball into Byrne who flicked it on the strike partner Sean Prizeman, his low cross was volleyed into the net by Byrne for his and Belvo's second goal.

Home Farm had one final chance with ten minutes left, but the game was Belvo's and their season is back on track.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, Corcoran, McMahon, N Byrne, Joyce, Tobin ( Madden, 48 ), O'Brien, Parkinson, D Byrne, Prizeman ( Humphries, 53 )

Report - Jamie Moore

On 14 minutes, against the run of play, Shels took the lead. A corner whipped into the box was punched away by 'keeper Craig McKeown, only for the Shelbourne number 10 to head home the rebound from the punch.

A minute later, Belvo defender Danny Joyce had the first of his two chances, in as many minutes, when his lob went just over. Dylan Byrne then hit his shot just wide of the top corner from 18 yards. Then, Joyce struck a wonderful free-kick from 35 yards out, which whistled past the post and wide, with the 'keeper stranded.

Shels doubled their lead on 19 minutes as a pacey corner was flicked on at the near post by a Belvo defender and flew into the far top corner. Belvo were undeservedly 2-0 down at half time.

Ten minutes from time Belvo got a lifeline when mid-fielder Graham Parkinson headed home from a Corcoran cross. Belvo then had a couple of chance's to win it, with Tommy Madden forcing a save from the Shelbourne goalkeeper and Dylan Byrne almost getting on the end of a wayward Parkinson shot, but it wasn't to be.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, Corcoran, N Bynre ( Dillon, 56), Joyce, D Byrne, Parkinson, Roche ( McMahon 40), O'Brien ( Tobin, 40), Madden ( Humphries, 56), Prizeman.

Report - Jamie Moore

Without defenders Lee Swords and Danny Joyce, Belvo had to do some shuffling at the back with Johnny McMahon coming in a centre half and winger Michael Tobin dropping back to right back.

Belvo took the lead on only two minutes when left back Anto Corcoran played a lovely through ball to Sean Prizeman who slid the ball past the advancing ex. Belvo 'keeper Gavin Flanigan and into the bottom corner of the net.

On ten and eleven minutes Belvo had two good chances to increase their lead, first Prizeman hit the post and then Dean O'Rourke flashed a shot just wide of the far post.

It was 2-0 on 26 minutes when Prizeman's cross was wonderfully glanced into the far corner by winger Adam O' Brien. It was three nil just before half time, when mid-fielder Mark Roche's volley from a throw in found striker Dean O'Rourke who in turn smashed past Flanagan, to sent Belvo in 3-0 up at the break.

Three minutes after the restart, O'Brien got his second and Belvo's fourth of the game as he cooly finished one on one. Shortly after this, Belvo made a triple substitution as Corcoran, Prizeman and O'Brien were replaced by Luke Dillon, Aaron Humphries and Dylan Byrne.

Indeed, it was Byrne who made it five with his first touch of the game as he caught the 'keeper at his near post. Then 15 minutes from time, mid-fielder Graham Parkinson got his name on the score sheet, against his former club, as he tapped in form close range after Luke Dillon's shot rebounded into his path.

The final goal of the game came after 51 minutes when Humphrie's great through ball was wonderfully chipped over the 'keeper by O'Rourke, for his second goal of the game.

Belvo's second win over this Kevin's team in the cup competitions this season was never in doubt and they deservedly advanced to the last 32 of the SFAI Troy Cup where they will play either Shelbourne, Raheny United or Millingar.

Belvo team - McKeown, Tobin, McMahon, N Byrne, Corcoran ( Humphries, 35), Madden, Roche, Parkinson, O'Brien ( Dillon, 35), Prizeman ( D Byrne, 35) , O'Rourke.

Report - Jamie Moore

One of those chances fell to Dylan Byrne who was making his first start in his new position up front, and he was put through on goal, but he rushed his chance. He tried to lob the 'keeper as he advanced off his line but his effort went wide, when he had two team mates waiting in box for a tap in.

Belvo took a deserved lead on 16 minutes when man of the match Graham Parkinson won a header in midfield, and as the ball dropped he played a lovely through ball to Sean Prizeman who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner of the net, to grab his second goal of the season. At half time Belvo were in control and led one nil.

After the break, Belvo picked up where they left off, and created a couple of good chances. They got their second after 41 minutes following a foul on winger Tommy Madden near the corner flag, and from the resulting free kick, full back Anto Corcoran's curling left-footed cross was flicked into the net by defender Danny Joyce.

With eight minutes remaining, Belvo made five substitutions - front two Dylan Byrne and Sean Prizeman were replaced by Dean O'Rourke and Johnny McMahon, while Aaron Humphries and Luke Dillon came on for midfielder's Mark Roche and Tommy Madden. Michael Tobin made his first appearance following surgery on his arm after falling on a fence trying to get a ball a month ago, when he came on for Adam O'Brien.

Belvo created two more chances in the last five minutes, one following a quickly taken corner kick when Anto Corcoran had his shot well saved by the Shels sub 'keeper, while the other fell to Johhny McMahon who missed his chance to get his first goal for his new team, as his lob went wide.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, Corcoran, N Byrne, Joyce, Roche (Humphries 52), Madden (Dillon, 52), Parkinson, O'Brien (Tobin, 52), Prizeman ( McMahon, 52), D Byrne ( O'Rourke, 52)

Report - Jamie Moore

The Kevin's 'keeper Gavin Flanagan (who played for Belvo last season) was the busier of the two goalies, but without really having to make a save. Striker Dean O'Rourke missed Belvo's beat chance when he volleyed over from 6 yards.

The breakthrough came two minutes before half time when full back Lee Swords burst forward from defence past 4 Kevin's players before smashing an un-stoppable shot past Flanagan from 10 yards. At the half time break Belvo were deservedly ahead.

Seven minutes into the second half, top scorer Swords scored Belvo's second goal when he hit a powerful shot into the top corner of the net from 25 yards out, to claim his fifth goal of the season.

With 20 minutes left, Belvo made four substitutions: Luke Dillon, Johhny McMahon, Mark Roche and Dylan Byrne came on for Anto Corcoran, Aaron Humphries, Adam O'Brien and Sean Prizeman.

Just two minutes later from an almost identical position to Swords' second goal, winger Tommy Madden found the other top corner of the net with a driven shot across the goal form 25 yards. Belvo's fourth came 9 minutes from time when sub Dylan Byrne capped off a good move with a tap in, after the Kevin's 'keeper had saved a low shot.

Belvo team - McKeown, Swords, Joyce, N Byrne, Corcoran(Roche,44), Madden, Parkinson, Humphries(Dillon, 44), O'Brien(Byrne, 44), O'Rourke, Prizeman ( McMahon, 44).

Report - Jamie Moore

With the under 11's and 12's pulling off impressive victories at Fairview Park on Saturday the pressure was on the under 13's to continue that run. Unfortunately for "The boys in blue" it wasn't to be as they were beaten 1-0 by Lourdes Celtic.

After beating Lourdes 2-0 in the away fixture at Brickfields 2 week's ago Belvo were confident heading into the game but were expecting a tough game. Manager Derek O'Brien went in with a new 4-3-1-2 formation for this game
with midfielder Graham Parkinson making his first appearance of the season after re-signing following a brief spell with St. Kevins.

Centre half Danny Joyce was pushed into mid-field which meant a first start of the season for the versatile Johnny McMahon at the heart of the defence. Full back Anto Corcoran returned to the team after missing last week's 1-1 draw with Joeys through injury. The other injury doubt Michael Tobin didn't pass a pre-match fitness test, while defender Sean Rogers also missed out through illness.

In a first half of few chances neither team was on top, with both passing the ball around the pitch without any real penetration. Belvo limited Lourdes to couple of long range efforts on goal which didn't trouble goalkeeper Craig McKeown, while Lourde's 'keeper Craig Sexton wasn't the busiest either in the first 30 minutes. The only real action of the first half was the booking on Belvo's Sean Prizeman for an unfair challenge on the Lourdes' shot-stopper. A disappointing first half ended nil-all.

Both team's came out raring to go in the 2nd half and the game became more stretched, but still though no real chances were created by either side. The goal which proved to be the winner came 6 minutes after the break when defender Johnny McMahon commited a foul near the halfway line.

Belvo fell asleep as the free quick was taken quickly by Lourdes to the feet of Sean Steward, who outpaced centre half Neill Byrne, before powering a bullet of a shot into the far top corner of the net, giving Belvo goalkeeper McKeown no chance.

Belvo's first real chance came when Tommy Madden chased down a long ball but decided not the challenge the 'keeper when he might have got their first and scored. Five minutes later, Belvo's coaching staff decided to make a double change.

Striker Patrick Hutch replaced Tommy Madden and winger Luke Dillon came on for Dylan Byrne, as they reverted to the tried and trusted 4-4-2 formation. Goalkeeper McKeown didn't have a save to make for the remaining 15 minutes.

Belvo created three good chance's to win the game. The first fell to right back Lee Swords who had a volley at the near post wide. Then, Neill Byrne had the chance to score, but he hit his shot inches wide from 16 yards, after Lourdes' goalkeeper Sexton's punch fell to him in the box. The final chance of the game fell to Patrick Hutch, with 4 minutes remaining, but he shot high and wide from 6 yards when he should have worked the 'keeper.

Belvo Team - McKeown, Swords, Corcoran, N Byrne, McMahon, G Parkinson, Joyce, D Byrne (Dillon, 42), O'Brien, Madden (Hutch, 42), Prizeman.

Report - Jamie Moore, Belvedere coach.

Belvo manager Derek O'Brien had named the same starting line-up that comprehensively beat Lourdes 2-0 last week but left full Anto Corcoran and winger Micheal Tobin failed pre-match fitness tests, so Sean Rogers and Karl Walsh came into the team.

It was a very scrappy affair with neither side controlling the game, the only talking point of the first few minutes was the booking of Lee Swords for kicking the ball away. Belvo keeper Craig McKeown didn't have a save to make for the remainder of the 1st half. At half time Joeys were definitely the happier with the score-line.

Belvo controlled the 2nd half but didn't create many good chance's. The game however came to life 9 minutes into the 2nd half when the Joey's goalkeeper game flying out of his box to try to block Sean Prizeman's shot, and unfortunately for him he blocked with his hands and was correctly sent off by referee O'Shea. Joey's had to put an outfielder in goal for the last 20 minutes and his 1st action was to save the resulting freekick from Danny Joyce.

Belvo were expected to bombard the home side's goal for the remainder of the game but the make-shift 'keeper didn't have much to do. He caught 2 good crosse's and pounced on a miscontrol by Belvo striker Sean Prizeman while 1 on 1.

Centre half Joyce was pushed into mid-field for the last 15 minutes and Belvo won a penalty kick with 11 minutes to go, when tricky winger Tommy Madden was hacked down in the box by the Joey's left full, resulting in as yellow card for the defender. The penalty was confidently smashed into the bottom right hand corner by Joyce, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The main turning point in the game came manager Derek O'Brien called for a free kick when Lee Swords was fouled right in front of him. The referee gave the free but then said to O'Brien " You won't shout at me". From then
on everything went the home side's way. They should have scored when Neill Byrne mis-controlled inside his own box, but luckily for Belvo, keeper McKeown did eneough to put the striker off as he hit the post form 6 yards.

With 2 minutes left on the clock the daylight robbery occurred, when goalkeeper McKeown was outrageously penalised for "kicking the ball outside the box". The resulting free kick smashed off the bar only for the ref to somehow spot an invisible hand-ball, elbow or push by a Blues defender off a Joey's attacker as the players scrapped for the rebound in the box. The ref indicated the "foul" by gesturing with his right arm, no-one in the ground could tell what he meant.

The penalty was cooly slotted home by the Joe's front man which sparked scenes of celebration from 10 man Joey's. 2 minutes later the final whistle was blown and Joeys were clearly happy with a point, and fair play to them
they battled hard and got their point. After the game even the Joey's manager couldn't understand why the penalty was given, as he spoke with the Belvo coaching staff.

Overall a scrappy game with a very disputed end.

Belvo team - Mc Keown, Swords, Rogers (Roche, 50), N Byrne, Joyce, O'Brien,
D Byrne, Walsh (Hutch, 50), O'Rourke (Humphries, 56), Madden, Prizeman

Report - Jamie Moore 

Belvo's breakthrough came after 11 minutes when a routine in-swinging corner from Belvo left full Anto Corcoran caused confusion in the Lourdes' box. The goalkeeper called the ball, but movement in front of him put him off and the ball bounced off the slick surface and flew straight into the far bottom corner, thanks to a bit of help from the foot of the post.

This gave Belvo the lift they needed and from then on they controlled the game, as goalkeeper McKeown hardly got a touch of the ball for the remainder of the match. Belvo doubled their lead 9 minutes later when another mistake by the Lourdes' 'keeper allowed winger Tommy Madden in to open his account for the new season. A low ball through seemed as if it was going to be a routine collection for the 'keeper, but having been rattled earlier by Belvo centre forward Sean Prizeman ( "Milky" ), he dropped the ball as he hit the ground under pressure from the quick Madden, who couldn't believe his luck as he cooly slotted the ball into the empty net to make it 2-0.

Belvo were forced to make a change at half time as left winger Dean O'Rourke fell ill, and was replaced by Karl Walsh who went into the centre and pushed the versatile Adam O'Brien out wide. Lourdes also made 2 half time substitutions to try to change the game, but that was in vain.

Belvo's "Man of the Match" was new signing from Shamrock Rovers Dylan Byrne. Byrne, who only passed a fitness on a thigh injury before kick-off, ran the midfield and kept the Lourdes' star centre-mid very quiet. Mark Roche was brought on with 17 minutes left, to shore up the midfield and to break up the expected barrage of attacks from Lourdes, and then striker Patrick Hutch came on for the last 10 minutes to replace the exhausted Tommy Madden who had "ran his sock's off" and got his due reward with Belvo's 2nd goal.
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Danny Joyce and Neil Byrne at centre back were solid throughout, as were full backs Lee Swords and Corcoran, and 'keeper McKeown. The tricky O'Brien was good in mid-field, while up front the tough "Milky" was a great target man and he came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

Overall, this was a great performance and a great win for the "Boys in Blue", while Manager Derek O'Brien and his assistant coaches Anto Corcoran, Tony Lynch and Jamie Moore will be very happy with their team's efforts on the day.

Belvedere - McKeown, Swords, Corcoran, N. Byrne, Joyce, O'Brien, D. Byrne,
Tobin ( Roche, 43 ), Prizeman, Madden ( Hutch, 52 ), O'Rourke( Walsh,30 )

Unused subs - McMahon, Rogers, Dillon and Humphries

Report - By Belvo coach Jamie Moore