Match Photographs

Bridge united played St Pats in their first venture into over 35s soccer. Bridge started brightly and forced the Pats keeper into a good save in the first few minutes. Within 10 minutes Bridge were in front when William Flood controlled a cross at the back post and smashed it into the bottom corner of the net. Five minutes later Bridge was 2 up. A shot from 25 yards deceived the pats keeper at his near post and bridge were in heaven on their Carlow league senior’s debut. The next action was in the bridge goal area where Paul foley made a good save from the pats centre forward. Pats had settled into the game now and were moving the ball around. Bridge on the other hand could not find their own men with passes. St Pats pulled a goal back with Shane Fitzharris winning a header at the back post from a Simon Rea corner. Bridge then proceeded over the remaining minutes of the first half to concede 4 free kicks just outside the penalty area. The pats free taker Simon Rea was dangerous, and Bridge should have heeded the warning. The first two narrowly cleared the cross bar but the third was planted in the top corner and free number 4 went into the bottom corner as Rea was in fine form and put the visitors three goals to two up at half time. The second half was controlled by pats who moved the ball well and finally made the points safe with another free from long distance this time from Ian Fleming who shot deceived everyone and ended up in the net. Bridge created nothing of note in the second half. Best for bridge were Gordon Breen, Colin Madden and Keith Glynn. David O’ Neill when introduced showed intelligence on the ball. Best for St Pat’s was Cathal Ryan, Shane Fitzharris and Simon Rea.

St. Fiacc's FC has yet to win in this competition.
Form: L D L D

Bridge United has yet to be beaten in this competition, having won 2 out of its last 4 games.
Form: W D D W

St Annes 0 0 Bridge United

This was to be the first goalless draw of the new season in what was a game dominated by defences. It was a tight game with very little clear cut goal chances. Bridge played with a wind in their backs and a slight incline in their favour in the first half. Bridge probably shaded the chances in the first half but each time they got behind the St Anne’s defence , the goalie was quick off his line or quickly down to smother the chance. The second half continued in much the same vein. Bridge forced a series of corners and centre back Mark Connick directed one header goal words, but the goal palmed it over the cross bar. Great defensive work from Dave Gorman and Mark Kelly at the back kept the visitors out. St Annes introduced Kieran Kelly into midfield, and this gave the opportunity for Gary Walsh to push upfront and a great ball from Joby Brophy put Gary through with a fantastic curling shot bounce back from the crossbar. Minutes later Cormac Farrell found room and saw his shot just wide. Bridge continued to press and nearly won the game in the dying minutes when Keith Glynn got on the end of a passing move in the six-yard box it looked as if he would score but a St Annes defender made a great tackle to knock the ball away. Ended 0-0 with the home side much happier with their first point of the season after 2 defeats. Best for St. Anne’s was Dave Gorman, Mark Kelly and Gary Walsh.

For bridge, Paul Foley in goal was assured in dealing with anything that came his way, Colin Madden was composed at sweeper, James Barcoe had a strong game at right back, got forward regularly and was probably the bridge man of the match on the night. Keith Glynn in the middle kept the ball moving for bridge and Mick Brennan when introduced looked like he had the pace to trouble St Annes but a hamstring twinge put paid to his night.

New Oak Boys 4

Bridge United 0

New Oak eased into the next round after this comfortable win over their Kilkenny opponents on Sunday.

The hosts got off to the perfect start when David O’Shea broke down the right wing and his cross was deflected past the keeper for an unfortunate own goal with just five minutes on the clock. New Oak continued to push forward and doubled their lead on 25 minutes when Jordan Harmon fired a free kick to the bottom corner of the net and the Boys led 2-0 at the break.

New Oak dominated the early stages of the second half but couldn't convert possession into goals until 70 minutes, Dylan Keightley crossing for Michael Dobosz to head home. The scoring was finished off by Eoin Maddock as the substitute netted with his first touch after Harmon found him unmarked from a free kick.

Best for the winners were David O'Shea, Cian Cleary and Jordan Harmon.