Under 14 Premier Match Reports 2005/06

This highly entertaining and competitive game is one, which Belvo will have mixed feelings about. On the one hand they will feel hard done by not to take away all 3 points, but, at the same time will be extremely pleased with their overall performance.

The game also witnessed, what must be, the goal of the season as Belvo captain Paul Corry capped a superb individual performance by scoring a remarkable goal which wouldn't look out of place at this summers World Cup finals.

Right from the off, Belvo's mid-field of Corry, Stephen Traynor and Stephen Relihan set about imposing themselves on the game, by playing at a very high tempo, pressing the ball and giving their opponents little or no time on the ball.

Once possession was won, their quick, one touch passing was giving Belvo the upper hand and causing Lourdes problems, although the home side were first to threaten Belvo keeper Danny Henry making a fine double save to deny the home side.

After this however, Belvo's defence settled down, dealing with Lourdes' long balls forward, while centre halves Neil Harney and Jason Finn were winning the physical battle with the home teams front two.

With this sound defensive base, the three Belvo mid-fielders really came into their own with Corry, Traynor and Relihan playing numerous neat one-twos to create chances to play in the pacy Stephen Doyle down the right.

However, when the breakthrough came it was far more direct. Neil Harney's deep free kick was turned behind for a corner on the left. Lee Dixon's brilliant in-swinging delivery eventually dropped to Tom Meade after being blocked, and he fired the ball into the net for his second goal in as many games.

Then it was time for Corry's wonder goal. After brilliantly out-manouvering three Lourdes' players in the middle of the pitch, Corry played the ball wide to the advancing right full, Robert Dowling Byrne, who then returned the ball inside to the unmarked Corry.

On receiving the ball, Corry opened out his body and let fly with a vicious swerving, dipping shot which flew in the top right corner, giving the 'keeper no chance and sparking wild celebrations. It was a goal which was good enough to win any game, but however it wasn't to be the case here.

Minutes before the half-time break, Lourdes played a ball over the top of the Belvo defence. Despite their striker being at least 10 yards offside, the referee amazingly allowed play to continue and the Lourdes striker lifted the ball over the on rushing Henry to make it 2 - 1.

Having conceded so close to half-time, Belvo needed to remain extremely tight at the re-start, but, instead, within 30 seconds had their lead wiped away. A harmless lofted pass caught out Belvo's hesistant defence, and despite 'keeper Henry rushing out to avert the initial danger, the ball fell nicely to a Lourdes player who then lobbed the ball over everyone into the empty net.

Gary Burke came on up-front for Lloyd Cooney while David O'Connor replaced Stephen Doyle. Belvo continued to play some good passing football and they stretched the Lourdes' defence on number of occasions, but were unable to provide the vital touch in front of goal.

The home team might have snatched all three points, late on though, when a brilliant dipping half volley from almost 30 yards crashed off the cross bar and then dropped to a Lourdes player whose rebound skimmed the top of the bar on its way over.

And so at the final whistle it remained even at 2 - 2. This was a much improved show from a Belvedere side who have under performed in recent matches.

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A disappointing result for Belvedere in a match in which they dominated the play, but failed to convert the many chances they created.

Home Farm were very physical, and shortly into the match the referee cautioned two of their players for late challenges.

On ten minutes, Stephen Doyle burst through the visitors' defence, but with only the 'keeper to beat, he blasted the ball over the bar.

Shortly afterwards, Lloyd Cooney should have scored from a cross into the box, but his header was off target, with the 'keeper beaten.

Early in the second half, Home Farm were reduced to ten men when their striker was red carded for a late challenge on right full Robert Byrne, who had to be carried off injured.

Belvo controlled the mid-field area with some neat passing movements from Stephen Traynor, Stephen Relihan and Paul Corry, while the back four dealt comfortably with any thing the visitors offered.

Indeed Belvo 'keeper Danny Henry didn't have a shot to save in the match, and he was on hand to avert any possible danger as Home Farm played long balls over the top.

Belvo continued to press the play in search of an opening goal, and they went close on three occasions, but efforts from Gary Burke, Corry and Cooney all failed to break the deadlock.

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After a lengthy absence with a broken foot, Belvedere captain Paul Corry marked a welcome return to the starting line-up with the decisive goal against St. Joseph's Boys at Sallynoggin on Saturday.

Corry's first half penalty may have been the only goal of the game, but this was by no means a reflection on the match. Belvo dominated the game from start to finish, but were wasteful in front of goal, something, which, on another day, may have cost them dear.

Belvo settled early in this encounter, enjoying plenty of possession and patiently trying to create openings. They were having particular joy down the right hand side as full back Robert Byrne and winger Stephen Doyle linked well, with the latter regularly using his explosive pace to get beyond the home team's left back and send in testing crosses.

Indeed, it was from one of these runs and crosses that Belvo almost broke the deadlock. Doyle's cross was only partially cleared with the ball looping up into the air. As the ball dropped, Gary Burke's excellent first touch set himself up and he let fly with a rasping half volley, which was clawed away by the Joey's 'keeper.

Centre halves Garvan Broughall and Neil Harney both went close as they drove forward, before left full Jason Finn almost scored the goal of the season. Collecting the ball just inside his opponents half, Finn carried the ball forward. After hurdling 3 or 4 challenges, he then rounded the out-rushing Joey's 'keeper before hitting the side netting from an acute angle.

It was a defender, again foraging forward, who won the decisive penalty for Belvo. Following a neat one two with Burke, Broughall burst into the penalty area before being chopped down. The returning Corry calmly slotting home to the 'keepers right.

Further chances were created through Doyle's running, with Burke putting him in behind the full back once again, but his cross/shot flew across goal and wide.

The second half saw more of the same from Belvo, again dominating possession of the ball and the pacey Doyle giving his opponent a torrid time. However, more chances came and went with Belvo failing to add the finishing touches and this could have cost them. Mid-way through the second half, Joey's big number 9 went through, only to slide the ball wide.

This proved to be Joey's only real chance but, Belvo's lack of urgency meant the closing stages were tighter and slightly nervier than they should have been. Nevertheless, the three points gained keeps Belvo at the right end of the league table, having won their last three outings.

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The one nil score line doesn't do justice to Belvedere's performance on the day as they bounced back from two recent defeats to secure all three point against Saint Kevin's Boys at Fairview Park.

The away fixture between the two teams at Shanowen Road in January had ended in a 1 - 1 draw, in what was a very physical match, which saw Belvedere captain Paul Corry carried off injured following a bad tackle.

This time however, Belvo were not going to be intimated, and from the whistle they took the game to their opponents, with Stephen Traynor and Tom Meade in command of the mid-field area.

Belvo enjoyed the majority of the possession as they pressurised the visitor's defence time after time. Saint Kevins defended deeply, knocking long ball out of defence, which were dealt with comfortably by Belvo.

Danny Henry in goal had very little to do in the match, helped by his back four of Robert Dowling Byrne, Garvan Broughall, Neil Harney and Jason Finn who were solid throughout the match.

The winning goal was scored mid-way through the first half following a period of sustained pressure by Belvo. Good work down the right saw a dangerous ball delivered into the box by Stephen Doyle and when the visiting defence failed to clear, Aaron Harding was on hand to hammer the ball home from close range.

Belvo should have increased their lead before the half time break as both Gary Burke and Ronan Holohan both went close, following some lovely interchange play.

In the second half David O'Connor replaced goalscorer Harding on the left, as Belvo continued to take the game to their opponents. Gary Burke continued to cause problems for the visitor's defence with his balls skills in the box.

Ronan Holohan was unlucky not to score when he headed just over the cross bar from a great in-swinging corner kick by O'Connor from the right.

Lloyd Cooney came on for Doyle, while Lee Dixon replaced Holohan, as Belvo sought to wrap up the match. But despite creating further chances they failed to increase their lead.

The visitors rarely troubled the Belvo defence in the second half, but they might have equalised late in the match, only for some good tracking back by O'Connor who cleared the danger when Belvo failed to deal with a deep cross into the box.

At the final whistle, it was Belvo who deservedly took all three points and they will be hoping now to build on this win in the weeks ahead.

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The journey home from Galway on Saturday evening seemed that much longer for Belvedere, having crashed out of the SFAI Cup by the only goal of the game. But things might have been different for Belvo had they taken their chances on the day.

In a tight opening period, both sides battled hard on to gain control of the play. The teams played contrasting styles of football, as Mervue defended deeply, launching long balls out of defence, while Belvo looked to get the ball down and play their usual passing game.

Belvo had the better of the play early on and they stretched the Mervue defence at times. Gary Burke found Stephen Doyle with a lovely pass out on the right wing and Doyle raced past the full back onto the end line. But, he sliced his cross and the ball went harmlessly out for a goal kick.

On 10 minutes, Ronan Holohan found himself clear through on goal, following a mistake by the Mervue defence. With the 'keeper frozen on his goal line Ronan smashed his shot off the cross-bar, much to everyone's disbelief and horror.

Mervue continued to play long balls out of defence up to their talented striker who caused problems for the Belvo defence at times with his pace and skill, but he his efforts on goal were denied by 'keeper Danny Henry.

The only goal of the match was scored on 20 minutes following a cleared corner kick on the right. From the resulting deep cross in the box the Mervue centre half rose unchallenged at the far post to head the ball home.

Belvo tried to break down the home defence in search of a goal with some neat passing movements, but they were met with strong defending by Mervue with long clearances.

Lloyd Cooney replaced David O'Connor for the second half as Belvo sought to force an equaliser. But, with their one goal advantage Mervue chased, hustled and tackled as they sought to deny their visitors control of the ball.

Indeed, at times the match became quite physical and a number of yellow cards were shown to both sides.

Mervue defended even more deeply as Belvo sought to break their defence down. However, the home striker remained dangerous on the counter-attack and Belvo had to call on 'keeper Henry on two occasions to deny him.

Mervue also had a good call for a penalty kick when their striker was clumsily bundled over in the box by a Belvo defender, but the referee waved play on.

Midway through the second half, Aaron Harding came to replace Gary Burke on the left, followed shortly by Lee Dixon who substituted for Stephen Doyle on the right flank, as Belvo went in search of the elusive equaliser.

But, the last 20 minutes of the match was stop-start with injuries to players and this proved very frustrating for Belvo as they needed to keep up the pressure.

There was at least 8 to 10 minutes playing time lost in the second half due to stoppages but the referee somehow only allowed 3 additional minutes in the end.

Belvo continued to bombard the home rear guard as the clock ticked on but they were unable to apply the final touch when it mattered and Mervue managed to clear the danger.

Hopes of an equaliser were raised however, when in the dying minutes of the match Belvo were awarded a direct free kick for a foul on the edge of the box, but centre half Garvan Broughall's shot was hit off target.

At the final whistle there were great celebrations by the Mervue players and supporters, in contrast to a very disappointed Belvo team who's hope of a good SFAI Cup run had ended, for this season at least.

After the match Belvedere congratulated Mervue United on their win and wished them the best in their cup run.

Finally, a sincere word of thanks to Mervue United for their hospitality on the day and for the lovely refreshments in their excellent club house after the match.

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Unbeaten in the league so far this season, Belvedere faced their strongest challenge yet on Saturday with the visit of as last season's treble winners Crumlin United to Fairview Park.

In a closely fought encounter, few chances were created in the first half as both sides battled for control of the match. Stephen Relihan and Tom Meade worked hard in mid-field for Belvo competing strongly for the ball.

Belvo's defence remained solid as they dealt with anything Crumlin threw at them in the first half. When the visitors did breech the back four, 'keeper Danny Henry was on hand to avert the danger, and so it remained scoreless at the half time break.

Ten minutes into the second half, Belvo should have taken the lead when mid-fielder Tom Meade ran at the Crumlin defence, side-stepping two players, before setting up Ronan Holohan with a lovely pass in front of goal, but the striker shot wide of the target, when a goal looked odds on.

But, instead of Belvo going in front, it was the visitors who scored first, following a momentary lapse of concentration by the home defence which allowed the Crumlin striker in to score.

Belvo continued to press in search of an equaliser, and substitute Gary Burke in attack caused problems for the visitor's defence with his skilful runs in the box.

However, with 10 minutes remaining, Belvo pressed the self destruct button when, under no pressure, they gave away possession at the back and then, in a comedy of errors, failed to clear the cross from the right, which was then bundled into the back of the net by the Crumlin striker.

It was a cruel lesson for this Belvo team who, despite having competed strongly for most of the match, paid the price for their two lapses in the end.

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A place in the draw for the last 32 of the SFAI Goodson Cup awaits Belvedere following their comprehensive win over local rivals Sheriff Y.C. at Alfie Byrne Road on Saturday.

Team captain Paul Corry opened the scoring for Belvo on 10 minutes when he fired home from the penalty spot, after Lee Dixon was fouled in the box.

Sheriff equalised shortly after with a well taken goal, following a break away out of defence down the left side, as Belvo failed to track back.

However, Belvo continued to play some good possession football and went ahead on 15 minutes thanks to Lee Dixon scoring with a great shot from outside the penalty area, which gave the home 'keeper no chance.

Paul Corry was forced to retire after 20 minutes with an injury and he was replaced by wide left player David O'Connor, while Garvan Broughall moved from centre back into the mid-field area.

Michael Hood then came on at right back for the injured Robert Dowling-Byrne as Belvo maintained their grip on the game.

Lloyd Cooney scored two goals in quick succession with great finishing in front of goal, following great build-up play, and this was followed by Stephen Doyle's neat finish to make it 5 - 1 at the half time break.

Stephen Relihan replaced Stephen Traynor in midfield, while back from injury Gary Burke came on for Dixon, as Belvo maintained the pressure.

With the result well and truly beyond doubt, Belvo dominated the second half, creating numerous chances and scoring three more goals, as Cooney bagged another two, before Donal Lenihan hit a cracker of a shot to the back of the net from all of 25 yards out.

Good performances also from Danny Henry in goal, while Aaron Harding, Jason Finn and Neil Harney were also impressive in defence.

To be fair to Major Division side Sheriff Y.C, they never stopped trying, but on the day, they proved to be no match for this impressive Belvo side.

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In their first home game since early September, Belvedere comfortably overturned Drogheda Boys, scoring 4 goals without reply and, in the process kept their 3rd consecutive clean sheet.

The earlier away meeting between these two sides had brought about a disappointing 2-2 draw from Belvo's point of view, but there was never much chance of that being repeated at Fairview Park on Saturday.

Always in command, Belvo broke the deadlock after only 10 minutes when Lee Dixon's dangerous in-swinging corner was met by Stephen Doyle's powerful and perfectly placed header, which gave the Drogheda 'keeper no chance.

The home side doubled their lead mid-way through the first half with Aaron Harding grabbing his first goal for the club. A good move down the left involving Paul Corry, Jason Finn, and Ronan Holohan resulted in the latter playing Harding in with a fine through ball behind the Drogheda right full, and he kept his cool to slot the ball neatly past the on-rushing 'keeper.

Early into the second half, Belvo went 3 - 0 ahead, and what a goal it was! The impressive Stephen Doyle, who tormented the visiting left full all day with his strong, powerful and pacy runs, received the ball at the half way line out on the right. He ran inside the first two defenders, and as the defence backed off, clearly terrified of Doyle's frightening pace, he ran straight through on goal before passing the ball through the despairing 'keepers legs, for a wonderful solo goal.

With twenty minutes remaining, Belvo really put the result beyond doubt with a well taken 4th goal. Central defender Garvan Broughall met with a free kick into the penalty area and his beautifully struck volley was superbly saved by the Drogheda keeper, just as it looked to be sailing in the top corner. However, the ball then fell to striker Ronan Holohan, who made no mistake with a superb finish, to notch his 9th goal of the season.

Belvo continued to pressurise the visitors' defence and might have increased their lead even further, late on, when David O'Connor twice blasted the ball just over the cross-bar, having been put off slightly on both occasions by last ditch tackles by the Drogheda defenders.

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Not having had a competitive match for the last three Saturdays, Belvedere were somewhat rusty early on in this away match with WFTA at Kildonan Road, Finglas on Saturday.

On a very big pitch, and with the grass needing a cut, Belvo tended to overplay the ball in their own half at times, loosing possession to a spirited home side who battled hard on the soft surface.

Indeed, WFTA might have gone ahead after 15 minutes, when Belvo conceded a free kick just outside the penalty area for a push in the back, but the shot was blasted just over the crossbar.

Despite creating a number of good chances themselves, it wasn't until mid way through the first half that Belvo opened the scoring, when Stephen Doyle outpaced the home defence down the right wing before shooting to the back of the net.

Early into the second half, captain Paul Corry scored from the penalty spot to make it 2 - 0, after Ronan Holohan had been taken down in the box. And within a few minutes, it was 3 - 0 to Belvo, when Jason Finn headed home from an in-swinging corner kick.

Five minutes later, WFTA had the ball in the back of the Belvo net, but the goal was harshly ruled off-side by the referee. Immediately after this, Gary Burke scored the first of two good goals as he jinked past the two defenders in the box before shooting the ball past the helpless 'keeper.

Ronan Holohan then scored twice in quick succession with two great finishes on goal to make it 6 - 0, before Burke superbly volleyed home at the far post, following a lovely cross from Doyle, to complete the scoring.

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An away game against Home Farm is never easy prospect, but Belvo’s Under14 Premier put in a highly impressive performance on Saturday at Albert College to record a 1-0 victory over their great rivals.

The two sides played with contrasting styles, Belvo’s controlled possession football while Home Farm had a physical, more direct approach. This made for an interesting encounter throughout.

Belvo’s midfield duo of Paul Corry and Stephen Traynor were excellent all afternoon. Their clever use of the ball allowed Belvo to control the pace of the game, particularly in the 1^st half.

A feature of the opening period was Belvo’s ability to hold onto possession of the ball, moving it from side to side, stretching the home defence in an attempt to create space out wide for either David O’Connor or Stephen Doyle to exploit.

This approach created a number of promising situations for Belvo, especially down the right through Doyle. In one such move, Stephen Traynor played a lovely through ball between Home Farms centre half and left full to release Doyle.

His pace took him to the dead-ball line where he fizzed a dangerous ball across goal which was met by Ronan Holohan only for the home side’s ‘keeper to pull off a fine save.

Holohan was not to be denied, however, as it was he who grabbed what turned out to be the decisive goal in the first half. Nice link-up play down Belvo’s left resulted in a free kick in the inside left position.

A teasing, in-swinging delivery from Lee Dixon was met by strike partner Holohan with a glancing header to give Belvo the lead.

The second half saw Home Farm play with a greater urgency and, despite Belvo still enjoying the lions share of the ball and creating numerous chances to add to their lead, they caused problems on the break.

Belvo’s defence of Robert Byrne, Aaron Harding, and centre halves Garvan Broughall and Jason Finn dealt with most things that the Farm threw at them.

On a few occasions, however, when balls over the top beat Belvo’s back four, the reliable Belvo 'keeper Danny Henry, who had a fine game throughout, was alert to the danger.

In the end, Belvo’s clever retention of the ball and controlled play allowed them to collect all three points and maintain their unbeaten start to the league season.

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Belvedere's under14 Premier ran out 5-2 winners at Brickfield Park on Saturday in a game for which the phrase "It's a game of two halves" was coined. Belvo were excellent in the first half with some delightful attacking football and plenty of goals, but were the complete opposite in the second half and were almost made pay for it.

The first half of this game was all Belvo as time after time they opened up the St Pat's defence through quick, incisive passing and off the ball movement. The home side couldn't live with Belvo and the scoreline of 4-0 at half-time could even have been greater.

The opening goal came after 5 minutes when Belvo had a free just inside their own half. With the St. Pat's defence switching off, Ronan Holohan peeled away from his marker and Garvan Broughal picked him out with a perfectly flighted pass over the top. Ronan's first touch was excellent and after seeing his first shot saved, he finished off left footed at the second attempt.

Minutes later Belvo increased their lead, again through the highly impressive Holohan from a set piece. Lee Dixon's corner was whipped in low and Holohan met it beautifully on the volley at the near post with his heel to flick the ball past the St. Pat's keeper.

At this stage of the game Belvo's swift movement of the ball had Pats chasing shadows and it wasn't long before number three arrived. Throughout the first half, Belvo were having great success down the left hand side with Aaron Harding, David O'Connor and Holohan linking up time and again to good effect and it was from one such move that the third goal arrived. All three of the above players were involved in the build up which freed O'Connor.

His cross from the end-line looped out to the edge of the penalty area where Lee Dixon coolly controlled the dropping ball with one touch before firing home. Belvo's fourth again came from the left, this time with a dangerous ball across the face of the Pats goal being met by the in rushing Stephen Doyle at the back post for his 2nd of the season.

Belvo could have been further in front before the break but it stayed at 4 for the beginning of the 2nd half. After such a comprehensive first half display, one could be forgiven for thinking Belvo may win by a cricket score but that certainly wasn't the case. From the re-start, Belvo never got back to playing the type of football they were in the first half as they gave the ball away far too cheaply. This allowed St Pats the chance to come into the game more.

The warning signs were there for Belvo as St. Pat's left full crashed a fierce free kick off the cross bar, while Belvo looked far less comfortable in defence in the second half. Hesitancy and indecision at the back for Belvo resulted in the home side pulling back 2 scrappy goals, as Belvo began losing their composure and control of the game. Indeed, the hosts could even have reduced the deficit further and even equalised before Belvo finally returned to what they were doing in the first half.

This time it was down the right as the ball was held up by Lee Dixon, who released Stephen Doyle on the overlap. His low cross to the near post was met brilliantly by Donal Lenihan, who, having run across the defender, diverted the ball past the keeper to restore the 3 goal cushion and settle Belvo down again.

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This may not go down as one of the finest games ever to be played at Fairview Park, but it must certainly be among the most hard fought and competitive. A late equaliser prevented Belvo from edging this encounter, although a draw was probably a fair result over the course of the game.

The game exploded into life in the opening minutes with both sides having very good chances. Lourdes were the first to go close as they broke at pace down the right. A fine cross from almost the end-line deceived Belvo 'keeper Danny Henry, but proved too high for the Lourdes' forward to convert.

After that it was Belvo who began to create chances. Stephen Doyle's pace and power saw him beat the full back, before whipping in a perfect cross to the unmarked Lee Dixon at the back post, but he failed to make the desired contact with his header and the Lourdes' keeper gathered. Next to go close was Paul Corry, who twice fired just over from almost identical situations as the ball sat up for him on the half- volley at the edge of the box.

Clear cut chances were few and far between there after as the physical aspect of the game became more prominent. In fact the visitors were overly physical at times and Belvo's centre half Neil Harney had to be carried off the pitch after a particularly bad challenge. He was replaced by Stephen Traynor in mid-field while Garvan Broughall moved back to centre half.

At this point it was Lourdes who were gaining the upper hand through their superior strength. They were winning the majority of the loose balls but still couldn't really manage a breakthrough. Belvo had a chance on the break as Lee Dixon looked to get in behind the visitors' defence, but he was up-ended and the resulting free-kick was easily dealt with.

Belvo made two changes at half time, with Donal Lenihan coming in for Michael Hood at right full and Tom Meade coming in to replace Stephen Relihan. The game continued to be more of a physical battle than a football one, although the home side did play some neat passing football at times. Belvo eventually made the breakthrough when Ronan Holohan was taken down in the box following a great run from the left.

Paul Corry then stepped up to coolly convert the resulting spot kick. Within a few minutes, Belvo had the ball in the net again when Stephen Doyle brilliantly met with Corry's excellent cross from the left, but to everyone's amazement, the referee somehow ruled it offside. From here on Belvo more than matched Lourdes physically and looked good for the win, until they conceded a soft goal late on, to give the visitors a share of the points.

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With a number of new players and a new management team, Belvedere's under 14 Premier side opened their league campaign with a convincing 6-0 victory over newly promoted WFTA at Fairview Park on Saturday.

The very early stages were scrappy as Belvo tried to get control of the game, while WFTA did their best to make it as difficult as possible for them. The mid-field area was quite crowded, as neither side wanted to give anything away.

Belvo battled to gain the upper hand as Paul Corry, Stephen Relihan and Garvan Broughal in midfield began to find the feet of front two of Lee Dixon and Ronan Holohan. Stephen Doyle, wide on the right, and Aaron Harding, pushing forward from left full were supplying the width, and it was from the right that the breakthrough came.

A neat link up near the touch-line saw the ball make its way to Relihan. He crossed low into the feet of Holohan, who's excellent first touch allowed him to fire brilliantly past the keeper. The second goal was a great example of how effective set pieces can be, when a teasing delivery from Harding caused confusion in the box, before Doyle nodded home.

Belvo were never really tested at the back, where Danny Henry in goal, Michael Hood, Neil Harney, Jason Finn and Harding dealt comfortably with anything that came their way. Despite not really playing as well as they may have liked, the home side extended their lead further before half-time, with two more very well taken goals.

Stephen Relihan scored the 3rd goal when he latched on to a loose ball at the edge of the box and finished low and hard into the bottom corner. With only minutes remaining in the first half, Holohan then grabbed his second and Belvo's 4th goal when he met a perfect in-swinging cross from the right with a fine header, which gave the keeper no chance.

The second half saw Belvo play with more fluency, and soon after the re-start the impressive Lee Dixon capped a fine personal performance with a well taken goal, after racing past the host's defence. Impressive performances also from Stephen Traynor, Ryan Byrne, David O'Connor and Donal Lenihan in the 2nd half, while Gary Burke grabbed himself a fine individual goal late on.

Having being played through with a wonderful pass from Ryan Byrne, Gary rounded the goalkeeper, and despite being clipped by the 'keeper, managed to chip the ball in from an almost impossible angle, to make it six nil.

WFTA kept plugging away however, trying to grab a consolation goal and they nearly scored with a great shot on goal, only to be denied by Belvo 'keeper Danny Henry's brilliant full stretch one handed save.

Considering this was the first competitive game together for a number of the Belvedere players, it was a decent performance and a well deserved victory.

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