A place in the Junior League semi-final was at stake when St Lawerence`s travelled to Old Bedians to take on Oisin. John Mitchells of Liverpool lay in wait for the victors and a quick look at the form guide certainly pointed to a close encounter, Oisin winning a championship game between the sides by only two points, just four weeks previously.

In a perfect evening for football both teams started with intent, each seeing unsuccessful attacks before the visitors opened the scoring by hitting Oisin on a counter attack. That score was amazingly to be St Lawerence`s last of the half, a half dominated by a hungry and hard working Oisin side. The imposing presence of Chris Moore in full forward was causing the St Lawerence`s rearguard plenty of problems and when he was impeded Nathan Simpson superbly equalized for the hosts with a placed ball. Then with the away defence struggling to clear their lines, under pressure from the Oisin forwards and Moore in particular, the defender touched the ball on the ground, Simpson scored the resulting free kick. Next up a superb catch from the dominant Paul Mackey was followed by a swift interchange between Tommy Hanvey and Jason Walker, with the latter taking his point well. The game at this stage was going according to plan for the hosts, with their forwards looking dangerous, defenders looking solid and the midfield pairing of Derry men Craig Norris and Paul Mackey competing very well. Simpson did well to assist Tommy Hanvey for his first score of the day, then Hanvey returned the favour with help from Moore and Walker to set up Simpson for the last point of the half.

Half Time Score- Oisin 0-06 to St Lawrence`s 0-01

The visitors needed to get off to a good start to the half to give themselves a chance of turning the tide and they almost got a goal early on, only to be denied by a fine Anthony O`Keefe save, however the ball was pointed before the defence could clear. Moore restored the hosts five point advantage by brilliantly flicking over a Simpson free kick with his fist. St Lawerence`s then launched a spirited comeback, aided by some questionable defensive work. A long high ball was misjudged by David Betney and his man had a clear run through on goal, he made no mistake, firing past O`Keefe. There was no further scoring for almost ten minutes, with Oisin seeing some wonderful build-up play being let down by poor finishing time after time. Paddy Campbell came on for Betney for what was his first appearance in a month, he looked sharp considering this. Ryan Kelly and Ryan Maguire also came on, replacing Hanvey and Simpson who suffered injuries. Maguire didn`t take long to get involved, and the impressive Gareth Shiells knocked over the free kick the Fermanagh man had won. With three points between the teams and only ten minutes remaining, the visitors certainly weren`t about to throw in the towel. Despite the hosts playing the more attractive football and having the lion`s share of possession St Lawerence`s were about to find an equalizing goal against the run of play. A high ball into the square was caught much too easily by a visiting forward and he managed to bundle the ball over the line. Oisin didn`t panic though and finished a fine move involving Ryan Kelly and Norris with a fine Shiells point. Kelly won and converted a late free to give the hosts some breathing room. They comfortably saw out the remaining few minutes to record a hard fought victory.

This was a very spirited and impressive performance by Oisin, let down only by two slack goals. The boys showed great character in closing the game out. With Mitchells awaiting in the semi final, Oisin may feel they will need to cut out defensive lapses and improve their finishing.

The 1st of June was a historic day at it seen the first ever meeting between Oisin CLG and CuChulainns of Sunderland. Beeston in Leeds was the venue and the conditions were very wet, although the heavy rain did hold off during the game. The new team from the North East have been performing well in the Pennine League and were highly rated going into the game.

The opening six or seven minutes were very even, as both teams set about getting to know each other. The Sunderland team opened proceedings when the half forward stole a few yards on Stoifan Hunter and dispatched his point well. Nippy forward Kevin Swift done well to win a free kick shortly later, he took charge of the placed ball and duly levelled the scores. At this point after a close opening CuChulainns began to find space much too easily, with untracked runners from deep the Oisin defence twice conceded free kicks, when first Mark Allen and then John Farmer gave the Sunderland free kick taker two chances for points, he took both. In their next attack CuChulainns opened up the Oisin defence and with two men over a goal seemed likely, centre half back Paddy O`Donnell, who was making his first senior start, got back admirably and his brave attempted block only deflected the ball into the net past Antony O`Keefe, who was making his club debut in goal. If the Oisin management were hoping this would spring their team into action they would be disappointed as the remainder of the half continued in the same vein. When the Manchester team kept the ball they looked every bit as good as their opponents but unfortunately time after time the Sunderland team were afforded the luxury of having unmarked players running from deep. The Oisin defence struggled to contain being left with so many men running through, hence the number of scorable free kicks conceded. John Farmer, O`Donnell, half forward Tommy Hanvey and a clearly agitated Thomas Harkin all conceded free kicks, the CuChulainns marksman was having a field day and revelled in all his chances. Oisin did have a goal chance before the break but Swift shot narrowly wide. So ended the first half, a very one-sided half and an extremely disappointing one from an Oisin point of view.

Half Time Score - CuChulainns 1-07 to Oisin 0-01

The half time interval may have seen some choice words for a lacklustre Oisin team as they started the second half with much more purpose. A period of sustained pressure involving Karol McNamee, Farmer and Swift ended up in a great long range point for Joe Quinn. CuChulainns answered with a point against the run of play when the nippy full-forward beat Gary Craven to the ball before pointing on the turn. Kevin Swift was twice fouled in quick succession; Ryan Kelly slotted both over the bar. Harkin then fed Quinn with a smart short free, the Tyrone man then hit a superb long range point. Finally it seemed the Didsbury team were awakening from a slumber some performance and were beginning to produce some outstanding attacking football. Gary Cravens day then ended when he was replaced by David Betney. With ten minutes remaining the game still wasn`t safe for CuChulainns, and despite being put under long periods of pressure they did manage a counter attack, when a long high ball into the square was caught much too easily by the corner forward, he slotted over. Kevin Swift scored two fine points after great solo runs but the final nail in the coffin was just around the corner for the men in blue and white. The CuChulainns No.11 was allowed the freedom to run from his own half unchallenged and he laid it off for a much too simple winning goal. Paul Mackie and Craig Norris were introduced in hope of inspiring a late fight back and despite the latter scoring a fine point, after good work from Nathan Simpson, there was to be no fairytale ending for the Didsbury team.

All in all the second half performance was much improved by Oisin, outscoring their opponents seven scores to three in that period, but that only goes to prove how costly a terribly lacklustre first half showing was. In between now and Thursdays home game against St Peters, some of the Oisin players should perhaps be taking a long hard look at their work rate and effort. There are obvious problems to rectify before then, namely players not tracking back and defenders conceding too many free kicks. Also obvious is the talent and quality possessed by the team, they played some very attractive football in the second half. It will be interesting to see what comes next for Oisin.

Full-Time Score - CuChulainns 2-09 to Oisin 0-08

Thursday May 29th saw the commencement of the Lancashire senior championship at Old Bedians, as Oisin faced old rivals St Lawerence`s in front of an eager crowd. It was a very warm and humid evening with little or no wind and the importance of the match certainly didn`t seem lost on the home side as they made a nervous looking start to the game. The visitors opened the scoring on two minutes when first Thomas Harkin then John Farmer got caught in possession to allow a scoring opportunity which was well taken. The game was levelled when centre-half forward Karol McNamee scored a fine long range effort. The Didsbury team were then dealt a blow when corner forward Raymond McCarroll went off injured, he was replaced by Packie Corr. Conor Teague then put Oisin ahead with a neat point from a tight angle but St Lawerence`s equalized when they made good use of a spare man. At this stage it was a cagey encounter with some wayward passing and shooting from the home team in particular, both defences were well on top. The home team did retake the lead shortly before the break when good work from John Farmer set up Kevin Swift for a point, this too was short lived as St Lawerence`s capped off the half with another well taken equalizer.

Half Time Score - Oisin 0-03 to St Lawerence`s 0-03

The second period saw the home side look a lot more dangerous. Ryan Kelly was brought down allowing Swift to restore their lead with an early free kick. He added one from play shortly after. At this point Oisin were well on top and they may feel they should have reflected this more on the score board. The visitors got back in the game with a rallying ten minute spell in which they overturned the two point deficit to take the lead, when first a Keith Morgan foul led to a scored free kick, then two excellent long range points seemed to ask questions of the home side. If that was the question then the answer was soon to follow as Oisin seemed to step it up a gear. One of the best moves of the game resulted in Conor Teague being released for a free run through run on goal; his shot was on target but was brilliantly pushed wide by the `keeper. Paddy O`Donnell was then introduced in place of Gareth Shiells. One of Teague`s final contributions before being replaced by Tommy Hanvey was to set up Swift for another fine score. Joe Quinn then scored with a long range point after being pushed further forward. So with Oisin a point to the good and growing in stature with time running out, Karol McNamee was twice fouled and Swift capitalised by pointing in both instances. St Lawerence`s got one back but again that man Swift was on hand to knock over another free kick, which he won himself. With time all but up the Oisin defence looked comfortable in dealing with the visitor`s search for an equalizing goal. It was a heated encounter at times which saw the referee brandishing several yellow cards. So the final whistle sounded and although it was laboured at times Oisin had enough quality to win reasonably comfortably against a very spirited St Lawerence`s outfit.

Half Time Score - Oisin 0-10 to St Lawerence`s 0-07

Notable was the excellent scoring exploits of Kevin Swift, who could even have had a few more but for several narrowly missed frees. The midfield and defence grew in confidence as the match wore on, and there were several more solid performances over all.


So with the first hurdle in this year`s senior championship successfully negotiated attention is turned back to the Pennine League`s Division One, where this Sunday June 1st sees Oisin take on the highly rated Cu-Chuilainn`s of Sunderland. This match has a one o'clock throw-in at Beeston, Leeds.

Sunday 25th May saw Oisin hosting John Mitchells of Liverpool in what was part two of a Pennine League double header. The teams met eight days earlier in Liverpool where the hosts lived up to their status of All-Britain champions with a comfortable victory to inflict Oisin`s first senior defeat of the season.

A good crowd turned out at Old Beadians to see Mitchells win the toss and opt to play the first half with the wind at their backs. The first half saw most Mitchell`s attacks being drowned out by some wonderful defensive play by the men in blue. The work rate of both teams was of an excellent pace and although scores were at a premium, quality play and effort were plentiful from both sides. The visitors were first on the score sheet after ten minutes with a pointed free kick after the Oisin captain Thomas Harkin had fouled. They doubled their advantage after a poor clearance was intercepted. The hosts then hit back with a direct move when a Harkin free kick found the lively Kevin Swift, he coolly rounded the `keeper and finished well to give Oisin the lead with time in the first half quickly running out. Both teams had a few chances to add to their tallies before half time, Mitchells took one with a great score which left the match all square at the break.

Half Time Score - Oisin 1-0 to John Mitchells 0-03

Oisin had the wind behind them in the second period but it was the high energy running game of the visitors that started brightest. The visiting team regained the lead with another free kick and then registered a goal when they made good use of a few men over. The teams swapped pointed free kicks which still left four points between the sides. At this point the Oisin work rate was still excellent and the visitors were getting nothing easy, however the leading team did add to their tally when first they pointed impressively before Oisin `keeper Robert Graham`s uncharacteristically poor clearance presented the Liverpool men with their second goal. Paddy O`Donnell then replaced Stiofan Hunter. Patrick Regan, making a very impressive Oisin debut, then won a free kick which Kevin Swift despatched to keep the game interesting as a contest. Corner back Mark Allen was adjudged to be guilty of fouls in two challenges, again Oisin were punished as the Mitchell`s marksman made no mistakes.

So the final whistle blew on what was a much improved Oisin performance, in all reality the final score line may flatter John Mitchells a little. A solid looking midfield duo of Thomas Harkin and Patrick Regan deserves a mention as does the defensive display of Stevie McCrory as well as the attacking exploits of Swift. Many more of the Oisin team put in very solid displays and the fact the home team were very disappointed with a narrow defeat to the all-Britain champions speaks volumes.

Attention now turns to the senior championship where Oisin meet St Lawerences at Old Bedians on Thursday 29th May, throw-in 7.30pm. This should be a tough test and Oisin will need to reproduce a big effort to take the spoils.

Final Score - Oisin 1-03 to John Mitchells 2-08

Saturday the 17th of May saw Oisin CLG meet John Mitchell`s for the first time since the Liverpool teams All-Britain victory last season, it proved to be a fruitless journey and a very long evening for the Manchester club.

The Didsbury team may have been suffering from a few injuries but that fails to explain the dreadful manner of defeat suffered in a damp Greenbank Lane. The match started at a frantic pace with both teams enjoying some early ball before the first score of the game. That score came when some sharp interplay in the Mitchell`s forward line caused a flat-footed defence a lot of problems, the move was finished low and hard and Oisin goalie Robert Graham had no chance, if he had felt slightly abandoned by some of his outfield team-mates it was simply a taste of things to come. The visitors had to wait some time to register their first score and done so after Stevie Hunter was fouled at close range after some great work, Conor Teague converted the free kick. This was astonishingly Oisin`s first and last score of the game. The remainder of the first period saw the Liverpool team impose themselves further to gain total control of the game, they scored six unanswered points including one after the ball had cannoned of the crossbar and two free kicks. Oisin had obvious problems in most areas of the field, with the defence being unusually static and having no answer to the work rate of the Mitchell`s forwards, the midfield were being overrun and the full-forward line was totally starved of any decent delivery with only one or two notable exceptions. The home side finished the half with a second goal, again after players were allowed the freedom to run from deep untracked. A frustrating and demoralising first half had drawn to a close.

Half-Time Score- John Mitchell`s 2-06 to Oisin 0-01

A massive task for Oisin to turn things around was dealt an early blow when Conor Teague was taken off due to injury, Joe Quinn replaced him. There should be no doubting both the commitment and effort of the majority of the Oisin players but as the second half developed, and the home side increased they`re handsome lead with several more points, it became evident that the break of the ball and any shade of luck had abandoned the Didsbury men. So too, it should be remembered, that you have to make your own luck and it was disappointing to see several players clearly drop the heads. In truth the second half saw Oisin loose shape and any hint of a game plan was undoubtedly out the window at this stage. There were several times when the build-up play was good enough to create shooting opportunities for Oisin, unfortunately those chances were not taken. Gary Craven and Paddy O`Donnell were introduced with hope of sparking life into the game as a contest but there was to be no miracle come back. The undoubted quality of the All-Britain champions` couldn`t be matched on the day as they produced both a hard working and ruthless display. They scored several points and another goal before the end and substitute Craig Norris was helpless to change the outcome. The game was blown up with half back Enda Brady on the floor injured, and Oisin on the floor as a team. Despite the full-back line working hard for the visitors, they were left badly isolated by other more advanced team-mates who continuously allowed they`re counterparts the freedom to run through unchallenged. This and other problems will need to be addressed before the return fixture this weekend. Oisin will undoubtedly be concerned by the manner of their first defeat of the senior season but hopefully will work hard and learn from their short comings. Perhaps it will prove to be a blessing in disguise, time will tell.

Full-Time Score- John Mitchell`s 3-11 to Oisin 0-01