After an enforced break of two weeks due to the inclement weather, we were back playing football again last weekend, with cup and league dominating the fixtures. There was just one game lost, Railway at home to Castlebridge.

Blackwater’s victory at home to Pinewood catapult the Ballinameela side to top of the premier, but with three more games played than their rivals. Youghal Utd lost again on the road, while in a wonderful game of football, Cappoquin overcame Clashmore in a real bottom of the table tie.

The Brideview club had a very good weekend with three victories, defeating neighbours Valley Rangers in the cup, winning in the 1st division with the youth team victorious against Churchvilla.

Valley Rgs had a miserable Sunday with both teams losing in the cup, while holders Lismore won at home against Kilworth.

In the 1st division, Glenview are back in the mix with a home victory against Accrington, while in section B, Brideview’s home win against Kinsalebeg see three teams battling for top honours.

NED BARRY PERPETUAL CUP

Valley Rgs A 2 Brideview A 3 – aet

When the draw was made a few weeks back, this was the tie of the round. On a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon in Conna, and on a pitch that held up well, both teams served up an entertaining game of football. It was a cup tie, a local derby, and at the end of 90mns, the sides were level and we had to go to extra time to separate them. To the neutral, the standard was high and this is a credit to both teams and to referee Joe O’Riordan, who kept the game flowing as much as possible.

Brideview took the lead after about 20mns when a long ball allowed Thomas Ryan run in behind the defence to give Farrell in the Valley goal no chance. Credit Valley, they came storming back and on 33mns a John Hurley free from the wing was touched past Billy Sheehan by Shane Kearney. But back came Brideview and they regained the lead with a wonderful team goal – “Basher” played the ball down the wing to Ryan, he played it to Curley, onto Kearney to the inrushing Paul O’Brien and the ball was in the back of the net to give the visitors the half-time lead.

12mns after the restart Valley were back level. A Ray McCurtain free was headed to the net by the unmarked Shane Kearney. Play swung from end to end, but Valley held the upperhand in the middle of the park with Kearney giving an outstanding performance. Brideview brought Michael Curley out of defence to midfield to nullify Kearney’s influence and this seemed to work. After 90mns the sides were level.

Extra time was 5mns old when Brideview were awarded a penalty which Michael Curley converted and this was the last score of the game. Brideview can thank J P Grey, Basher Henley in defence, Michael Curley when moved to midfield, Eric Curley, Paul Kearney and Paul O’Brien.

Valley were disappointed to lose out to their neighbours for the second time in a few weeks. In Shane Kearney, they had the best player on the park, with the Carrs and Jason Roche all trying hard, but could not get the scores required.

Brideview travel to Pinewood in the next round and Valley can now concentrate on retaining the league title. Colour Scheme – both teams passed.

Mogeely 3 Valley Rgs B 2

Leading at the break 3-0, Mogeely felt they were already in the next round, but Valley’s second string had other ideas and we had a very exciting last 15mns.

Mogeely went into an early lead through John Donovan. Ethan Hayes then converted a penalty and when the same player scored again before the break, the tie seemed to be over. However, Valley had other ideas and Kieran Cotter scored from the penalty spot. Ronan Carr then added a second, however Mogeely held on for the victory and a home tie in the next round against Cappoquin.

Lismore 2 Kilworth 0

Cup holders Lismore opened their defence of the Barry Cup with a victory against Kilworth at the Castle Farm Ground on Sunday morning last. On a cold morning and on a soft playing surface both teams had chances in the opening half but it was Lismore who led at the interval thanks to a Brendan Landers penalty.

In the 2nd half Lismore were reduced to 10 players when they had a player sent off but they scored with 25mns remaining through Kevin O’Donoghue. On the day Lismore played the better football, were always in control and now head to Fitzgerald Park to play Kinsalebeg in the next round. This was a game that Kilworth needed to win to keep their season in tact, as their prospects of avoiding relegation are disappearing, but they were not strong enough for the home side. Both teams play each other again next Sunday in the league, again in Lismore.

Inch B 0 Caherdrinna 3

Caherdrinna secured victory against Inch B at Sexton Park on Sunday afternoon in their cup debut. The North Cork side led at the break thanks to a John Frewen goal. In the 2nd half Kevin Gould doubled the score and Jack O’Shea added a third. The better team on the day won and while Inch tried hard, they were up against a much stronger and better team. This was a good result for the Caherdrinna club and it sets them up nicely for a local derby against neighbours Accrington in the next round.

MARI MINA PHARMACY PREMIER

Inch 3 Youghal Utd 1

Leaders since September, Youghal’s rein at the top disappeared last weekend with this defeat away to Inch and Blackwater’s victory the following day. Trevor O’Flaherty gave Youghal the lead in the opening five minutes, but Inch came roaring back with a wonderful strike from Damien Ring. Leonard Byrne put the home side into the lead, converting a penalty and this was the score at half-time.

In the 2nd half, Youghal piled on the pressure to try and get back on level terms, but could not find a way through. Richie Cunningham then scored for the home side.

Cappoquin 2 Clashmore 0

Our roving reporter informed us that this league game was one of the best he has seen all season, with plenty of good football played throughout the 90mns.

There was no score at half-time, but midway though the 2nd half Daithi Wilkinson scored for the home side. Clashmore tried hard and while creating the chances, just could not put the ball in the net. When Ian Mason added a second goal late in the game, Clashmore’s hopes disappeared and at the final whistle, Cappoquin got the points. The heat is definitely on both teams at this stage to get the points that will bring them to safety.

Pinewood 1 Blackwater 2

This game was transferred to the Ballinameela venue when the Ballinamult pitch was deemed unplayable. Pinewood took the lead through Liam Walsh. Shane Lambden equalised for the home side before the break.

In the 2nd half Blackwater came more into the game and deservedly went in front through Ger Donovan and at the end of the 90mns knew this victory had them at the top of the table.

LISMORE HOUSE HOTEL 1st DIVISION

Glenview 3 Accrington 0

This was a must win game for both teams, but more especially for Glenview. Anything less than the three points and the home team’s chances of promotion were gone. Accrington were not at full strength for this important tie, and Glenview led at the break through a Shane Bennett goal. The home side increased their lead when Shane Leahy scored. When the same player added a third goal, the game as a contest was over and the three points helped Glenview leap-frog Accrington into third place, but the Fermoy based team have a game less played.

Both teams face each other again next Sunday morning in Fermoy.

Brideview B 4 Kinsalebeg 2

To be in with a chance to win the Section B, both teams needed to have the three points at the end of the game. Goals from Dave McInerney and Clive Good had the home side in the lead before Connor McDermott pulled a goal back for the visitors before half-time. After the restart Jamie Murphy restored the two goal advantage Brideview, only for McDermott to score again to reduce the deficit. With time almost up, McInerney scored his second and Brideview’s 4th.

YOUTH LEAGUE

Brideview 4 Churchvilla 2.

PREVIEWS

This coming weekend it’s back to league football after last week’s cup games. There is a battle at the top and bottom of the premier table, which has not been as close for many seasons.

In the 1st division, the promotion hopefuls should be more clear, and in section B, we have four teams battling for the trophy.

Pinewood v Inch

Saturday afternoon at the Ballinamult venue, Pinewood and Inch will kick off the weekend. This is a game that could be the proverbial cracker, and could quite easily see a share of the points.

Cappoquin v Valley Rgs

Saturday night league champions Valley Rgs visit Cappoquin. Cappoquin have been playing very attractive football in the past few games and with a very young team from the start of the season, are beginning to pay back the confidence the management has in them since last August. Valley will start as favourites, but will not take Cappoquin for granted. Valley, as champions, must start as favourites.

Youghal Utd v Blackwater

New league leaders, Blackwater visit the team that led the league for five months, but relinquished that top spot last weekend. Youghal will be glad to be back playing in Ardrath Park, as they have lost five times this season on the road. This is a must win game for both teams, so we believe it could easily be the same on Sunday.

Brideview v Clashmore

A win on Sunday for the home team and they will be in a very commanding position with six games to play. Clashmore are in a relegation position at present as Cappoquin have a game less played and are only three points adrift. It is a must win game for the visitors, as it is for the home team, but form points to a Brideview victory.

Lismore v Kilworth

Both teams met last Sunday at the same venue in the cup, but on Sunday next it is the league and Kilworth have yet to register a point in their twelve games to date played in the league. Lismore are currently mid table. Kilworth need the points, but it maybe too late, especially if the two teams above them win their games. Lismore will start as favourites.

Railway Ath v Mogeely

Promotion hopefuls Mogeely visit Cappoquin on Sunday morning to play a Railway side that has not had a game for many weeks. A win on Sunday for Mogeely, will see them need only one more victory from their remaining four games. Railway have no hope of promotion, but will play for the pride of the club, but it is difficult to see anything other than a Mogeely victory.

Accrington v Glenview

Accrington will have to win on Sunday if they are to mount a strong promotion bid. A win will see them level with Castlebridge on points and games and both teams will have four games to play. Glenview are still very much in the promotion race, but to continue doing so, they must win on Sunday, anything less and their hopes will be dashed. This is a must win game for both teams, Accrington will be back to full strength and will, with home advantage, start as favourites.

Brideview v Caherdrinna

This is a game the home side must win on Sunday as anything less will see lose ground on the other teams. Brideview will be favourites to take all three points, especially at home and with so much at stake.

Valley Rgs B v Kinsalebeg

Such an important game for both teams – Valley will be favourites on Sunday, especially playing in Conna and they know a victory here and they are still in the driving seat with four games to play.

FIXTURES

SATURDAY, 8th FEBRUARY

Mari Mina Pharmacy Premier – Pinewood v Valley Rgs 2.30pm A Kelly; Cappoquin v Valley Rgs 7pm E Cusack.

SUNDAY, 9th FEBRUARY

Mari Mina Pharmacy Premier – Lismore v Kilworth 11.30, J O’Riordan; Youghal Utd v Blackwater 2.30pm, E Cusack; Brideview v Clashmore 2.30pm, J O’Riordan.

Lismore House Hotel 1st Division – Railway Ath v Mogeely 11.30, K Griffin; Accrington v Glenview 11.30, S Drislane; Brideview B v Caherdrinna 11.30, D O’Sullivan; Valley Rgs B v Kinsalebeg 11.30, K Griffin.

DELEGATE MEETING

The February delegate meeting of the WWEC League was held last Monday night at Lismore House Hotel. The draw for the Liam Fitzgerald Cup was held and we will give a full account of the meeting in our notes next week. The revised draw, after the preliminary rounds of the Ned Barry Cup were completed on Sunday last, was announced.

NED BARRY PERPETUAL CUP DRAW

Following the completion of the preliminary round of the Ned Barry Perpetual Cup last weekend, the revised draw for the 1st round is –Kinsalebeg v Lismore, Pinewood v Brideview, Glenview v Blackwater, Railway v Brideview B, Clashmore v Inch A, Accrington v Caherdrinna, Castlebridge v Youghal, Mogeely v Cappoquin.

NEW SPONSORS

The WW/EC League is delighted to welcome two new sponsors for the coming season. The sponsors were announced at the delegate meeting last Monday night.

The Liam Fitzgerald Cup will be sponsored by Alan McNamee, Heating and Plumbing, Killeagh. The player/s of the year in both divisions will be sponsored by Centra, Killeagh and Castlemartyr. The league is delighted and appreciative to welcome the two sponsors.

GOLDEN BOOT

With cup football dominating last week’s fixtures, there were only a few league games played. However, in the Premier, Trevor O’Flaherty, Youghal Utd, scored again for his 15th league goal which increases his lead in the Premier Division, and at this stage is a clear leader.

In the 1st division Ethan Hayes, Mogeely, has 14 goals, while John Broderick, Glenview has 10, Alan Collins, Mogeely, 9 and there are a couple of players with 8 goals each.

CONGRATULATIONS

We congratulate Carrick Utd player, Adrain Walsh, who was selected as the Junior International Player, at the Three/FAI International Football Awards, which were held last Sunday night at the RTE Studios, Dublin.

Adrian has been keeping goal for the Irish amateurs/junior teams for many seasons, and has won every honour and trophy in Junior Football in Ireland.

LEAGUE TABLES W/E 3/2/2013

Mari Mina Pharmacy Premier

PL W D L PTS

Blackwater 14 7 3 4 24

Brideview 11 7 1 3 22

Inch 12 7 1 4 22

Youghal Utd 14 7 1 6 22

Valley Rgs 11 6 3 2 21

Lismore 12 5 3 4 18

Pinewood 11 5 2 4 17

Clashmore 13 4 2 7 14

Cappoquin 12 3 2 7 11

Kilworth 12 0 0 12 0

Lismore House Hotel 1st Division

Mogeely 12 10 1 1 31

Castlebridge 13 7 2 4 23

Glenview 13 6 3 4 21

Accrington 12 6 2 4 20

Railway Ath 11 3 4 4 13

SECTION B

Valley Rgs B 12 4 3 5 15

Kinsalebeg 12 3 5 4 14

Brideview B 12 4 2 6 14

Caherdrinna 11 3 2 6 11

Inch B 10 1 0 9 3