Senior Women National Junior Cup
RIVERSTOWN FC 4 CAHIR PARK AFC 0
Riverstown advanced to the 3rd round of the National Cup after a comprehensive victory over Tipp side Cahir Park. Riverstown always find it difficult to field at team for weekend games and this was no exception as they had the bare 11 players for this tie. But what a performance they put in despite a number of them playing out of position. Cahir Park were a well organised side with good physical presence but Riverstown were the more skillful and this was the difference in the end. Imelda Kelly opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a great strike from just inside the edge of the 18 yard box. After this, despite playing with a very strong wind, they were unable to build on this lead and went in at the break, just the one goal ahead.
Playing into the wind in the second half, they adapted their play brilliantly and worked the ball constantly down the wings. Indeed it was right winger Laura Davis who scored the second after taking the ball from the half way line, leaving a number of the opposition in her wake before cutting inside just outside the box and unleashing a cracker that gave the Cahir keeper no chance.
After that, Cahir were chasing the game and had to push on more which gave the Riverstown front line a lot more room. But it was Laura Mullins, who was playing in an unfamiliar role at centre half, who got forward to score the third, another bullet from just outside the area. Good work again from Davis resulted in a Cahir defender bundling the ball into her own net in an effort to cut out a cross.
Riverstown had 11 heroes on the day but a special mention must be given to Laura Davis on the wing, Elaine O'Connor at right back, Aileen O'Mahony at centre mid and Breda Power up front.
Team: Martina Conlon, Elaine O'Connor, Laura Mullins, Emma Coughlan, Jenny White, Laura Davis, Amy O'Flynn, Aileen O'Mahony, Ann Marie O'Callaghan, Breda Power, Imelda Kelly.
So it's into the hat for the 3rd round and with Riverstown now being the only Cork club left in this competition, it could mean a trip to anywhere in Munster.
Under 11 Division 3
RIVERSTOWN FC 2 AVONDALE UNITED A 3
Riverstown entertained Avondale in the return fixture on Thursday 10th on a freezing and blustery evening. The match started at a fairly sedate pace with neither team taking the initiative. However in the 20th minute Declan McCarthy broke the deadlock with a well taken goal and this remained the score at half time. In the 8th minute of the second half Avondale equalised against the run of play. However Riverstown struck straight back and Robert McIllhinney equalised a minute later to restore Riverstowns lead.
Avondale began imposing themselves and after a few strange refereeing decisions equalised in the 45th minute. 8 minutes later Avondale took the lead and no matter what Riverstown attempted they were thwarted in scoring the equaliser. It was a good performance by the team who did not give up after going behind.
Team: Alan Costello, Jack O’Neill (Stephen Kennedy), Cian Aherne, Tadgh O’Brien, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Padraig Manning, Conor Murphy (Ronan Crowley), Robert McIllhinney, Paul Leopold, and Declan McCarthy. Subs not used – Jonathan Mullane, Luke Thorley and Caelen Wheel Porter.
Under 11 Division 3
RIVERSTOWN FC 0 MALLOW UNITED 1
Riverstown entertained Mallow in the return fixture at Knockraha on Saturday 12 April. The match was played at a cracking pace and after the previous poor result in Mallow, Riverstown took the match to the visitors and were unlucky not to take the lead on two occasions in the second half when attempts by Ronan Crowley and Greg Grantham hit the upright and the crossbar. Alan Costello in goals made two excellent saves as well to keep Mallow at bay. Unfortunately with 5 minutes left in the match a long range effort by Mallow gave Alan no chance with the ball just dipping under the crossbar.
This was a fantastic team effort by the team to turn in such a display against a team running away with the league.
Team: Alan Costello, Jack O’Neill (Ronan Crowley), Cian Aherne (Stephen Kennedy), Tadgh O’Brien, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry (Luke Thorley), Padraig Manning, Conor Murphy (Ronan Crowley), Robert McIllhinney, Paul Leopold, and Declan McCarthy. Subs not used – Jonathan Mullane,
Under 11 Division 3
RIVERSTOWN FC 2 BALLINCOLLIG 0
Riverstown entertained Ballincollig in an evening fixture on Thursday 1st May needing a win to maintain their fourth position in the league. After drawing their first encounter, the match was evenly poised throughout the first half with Riverstown having the better possession. In the second half Riverstown took the lead with a great effort by Robert McIllhinney in the 15th minute. Riverstown kept pressing and were rewarded in the 23rd minute with a fine Conor Murphy effort. Riverstown were unlucky not to further their lead 2 minutes later when a Greg Grantham effort was disallowed when one of his team mates was standing in an off-side position.
A minute later Michau Sady’s was called on to make a fantastic point blank save to keep a clean sheet for Riverstown.
Team: Michau Sady’s, Cian Aherne (Jack
O’Neill), Stephen Kennedy, Tadgh O’Brien, Greg Grantham, Eddie
Barry (Luke Thorley), Padraig Manning, Conor Murphy, Robert McIllhinney,
Paul Leopold (Ronan Crowley), and Declan McCarthy (Jonathan Mullane).
Under 11 Division 1
RIVERSTOWN FC 5 CARRIGALINE UNITED A 1
A comprehensive win for Riverstown who proved
to strong for Carragaline.
Right from kick off we took the game to Carragaline and laid siege to the
goal. After a couple of missed chances Peter McCarthy opened the scoring,
volleying home from a great cross after 10 mins. 5 mins later it was 2 with
Jeff Hodder running onto a through ball and smashing the ball into the top
corner. Carragaline could not contain our forward play and it was a surprise
that it took until the last minute to score again, with a passing move started
from our keeper finished off with a neat finish from James Sweeney.
Riverstown were caught off guard at the start off the second half when Carragaline
scored with a great shot into the roof of the net. From the resulting kick
off Riverstown pushed forward and scored again through James Sweeney. The
remainder of the match was spent camped in the Carragaline half and only
a combination of poor finishing and a great goalkeeping kept the score down,
although with 5 mins left Adam Brennan capped an impressive team performance
with a great strike from 20 yards.
Senior Women Division 1
RIVERSTOWN FC 1 BUTTEVANT 1
The wind was always a spoiling factor but there was no denying that this was not a good performance by the Riverstown girls. They never really got any flowing football going and always looked hesitant when trying to get on the ball. Buttevant had a young, fearless side out and they made a lot of the first half running. They were rewarded for this when after some sloppy defending, Siobhan Heffernan found the net.
The second half did nothing to improve the home performance and good football came in flashes. But in one of these periods, Riverstown did get back in the game. A good run down the right wing from Laura Mullins, followed by an excellent cross, ended with Ann Marie O'Callaghan finishing with a beautiful volley to the net. Riverstown had a few more chances but also had to defend stoutly against some set pieces and corners. They also lost influential midfielder, Amy O'Flynn with a nasty foot injury. So all in all, they will be very happy to get a point from this game to keep their unbeaten League run going but will not be happy with the performance.
Hopefully this is just a blip and that normal service will resume against Watergrasshill in their next outing.
Team: Martina Conlon, Catherine Halpin, Niamh Johnston, Megan Spillane, Emma Coughlan, Ann Marie O'Callaghan (Claire Power), Laura Mullins, Amy O'Flynn, Michelle Hourihan (Michelle O'Callaghan), Anna Budrewicz, Breda Power.
Subs not used: Elaine O'Connor
Senior Women Division 1
RIVERSTOWN FC 3 RATHCOOLE ROVERS 0
Riverstown kicked off their season as they finished the last one, with a fine victory. This time it was over great rivals Rathcoole Rovers at Knockraha. All games between these sides have always been tough and keenly contested and this was no exception. With a number of players making their League debuts, Riverstown were a little tentative starting off, but as the game wore on they became more and more settled and with new signings, Megan Spillane and Emma Coughlan settling into the back four along with Niamh Johnston and Catherine Halpin, they were more than comfortable defending. Laura Mullins was starring at centre mid despite being in receipt of a lot of borderline tackles. She was ably assisted by Amy O'Flynn, who was also making her Senior League debut for Riverstown. Stalwarts Ann Marie O'Callaghan and Michelle Hourihan were the wingers and were a constant threat on attack while up front another debutante in Laura Davis and Anna Budrewicz were proving quite a handful for the Rathcoole defence. The strong wind was spoiling the game and Riverstown were content to soak up the pressure knowing they had the wind advantage in the second half.
The break eventually came with 20 minutes left in first half when a Rathcoole defender handled in the box. Laura Mullins made no mistake from the kick to put the home side ahead. To their credit, Rathcoole battled hard after this and indeed were awarded a penalty 10 minutes before the break. Keeper Martina Conlon brilliantly dived to her right to save the spot kick and Riverstown breathed again as they went in at the break one ahead.
The second half was still keenly contested with the wind proving too strong to be of any advantage so Riverstown had to rely on good ground football to control the tie. Then 15 minutes into the half they were awarded a free kick 30 yards out. Up stepped Laura Mullins and she put it into the top right hand corner of the net, giving the Rathcoole keeper no chance. Riverstown were comfortable after this and made a number of substitutions. It was sub Breda Power who wrapped up the points when she split the Rathcoole centre halves and cooly slotted home number three.
Overall a good start to the season and with the new players fitting in comfortably, the loss of a number of key players during close season might not prove as crucial as originally thought.
Team: Martin Conlon, Catherine Halpin, Niamh Johnston, Megan Spillane, Emma Coughlan (Michelle O'Callaghan), Ann Marie O'Callaghan (Claire Power), Amy O'Flynn, Laura Mullins, Michelle Hourihan (Breda Power), Laura Davis, Anna Budrewicz.
Under 11 Division 3
MALLOW UNITED 7 RIVERSTOWN FC 2
Riverstown visited Mallow for their rescheduled match on Monday 24th March with fairly confident expectations after the previous weekends result. Riverstown kicked off and went straight on the attack. Declan McCarthy scored after a great movement down the right flank in the third minute. Two minutes later Mallow equalised after a mix-up in the Riverstown defence. Twelve minutes into the match Riverstown were awarded a corner and from the resulting goal melee the ball came out to Greg Grantham whose shot rebounded to Declan McCarthy who scored his second.
Mallow equalised almost immediately to make it two all. The match to and fro-ed and Mallow eventually took the lead just before half-time with a long range shot that went over the ‘keepers head.
Riverstown made two changes at half time with Stephen Kennedy and Michau Sady’s in goal coming off. Allan Costello went into goals with Declan McCarthy moving to left back and Luke Thorley going up front.
The second half started disastrously for Riverstown and within the first 10 minutes Mallow had scored 4 goals. However Riverstown settled down and were unfortunate not to score further with the Mallow defence holding firm. In the 15th minute Riverstown made their third change with Jonathon Mullane coming on for Ronan Crowley.
Riverstown – Michau Sady’s (Allan Costello), Jack O’Neill, Stephen Kennedy (Luke Thorley), Tadgh O’Brien, Greg Grantham, Eddie Barry, Padraig Manning, Conor Murphy, Paul Leopold, Ronan Crowley (Jonathon Mullane) and Declan McCarthy.
Under 11 Division 3
LAKEWOOD ATHLETIC A 1 RIVERSTOWN FC 6
Riverstown visited Lakewood on Saturday 15th March for this second round fixture. It was a really wet morning and at one stage there was even a bit of doubt that the match would proceed.
Riverstown kicked off and began to attack from the off and came close on
a number of occasions in the first few minutes. Riverstown changed their
formation to playing with two wide wingers and this soon started paying
dividends. Eddie Barry opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a well
taken shot that gave the Lakewood ‘keeper no chance to save. Three
minutes later Paul Leopold broke down the left flank and scored a great
goal to put Riverstown two up.
Four minutes later Conor Murphy converted a Declan McCarthy cross from the
right to put Riverstown three up. Lakewood began to start playing the offside
trap and caught the Riverstown forwards on a number of occasions. Riverstown
also put a number of shots wide and in the 21st minute Lakewood pulled one
back to make it 3 – 1.
At half time Riverstown brought on Stephen Kennedy for Cian Aherne at left
back. Two minutes into the second half Robert McElhinney scored the first
of his hat-trick with a fine goal. Riverstown kept pressing but were unable
to break the resolute Lakewood defence. Riverstown made two further changes
bringing on Luke Thorley and Jonathon Mullane for Ronan Crowley and Conor
Murphy. Lakewood continued to defend but were unable to stop Robert scoring
his 2nd goal in the 15th minute of the second half. Robert completed scoring
his hat-trick in the 20th minute and this score line of 6 – 1 remained
until the end of the match. This was a really good team performance will
all chipping in with fine performances.
Riverstown – Michau Sadys, Jack O’Neill, Cian Aherne (Stephen
Kennedy), Tadgh O’Brien, Greg Grantham, Declan McCarthy, Robert McElhinney,
Eddie Barry, Paul Leopold, Conor Murphy (Luke Thorley) and Ronan Crowley
(Jonathon Mullane).
Riverstown’s next match is an away fixture against Mallow at St Gobnaits
Park at 10h30
Under 11 Division 1
CASTLEVIEW 0 RIVERSTOWN FC 4
A comprehensive win for Riverstown who outclassed a physical Castleview team in an entertaining game played in terrible conditions.
Riverstown found the game tough in midfield for the first 10 mins but as the first half wore they got on top and started to outplay the home team. After 15 min James Sweeney had a great chance to open the scoring but miscued from 12 yards, then minutes later Jeff Hodder raced on from a great through ball and was so unlucky to see his shot hit the post with the keeper well beaten. Castleview were becoming more and more frustated and right on half team, had a man rightly sent off for a wild 2 footed tackle on Dylan Burke who thankfully came out unscathed.
In the second half Riverstown
completely dominated the game and it was no surprise when Jeff Hodder scored
his first of the day after running past 2 defenders and curling the ball
into the top corner. Shortly after James Sweeney cut in from the left and
shot high into the roof of the net from 20 yards. At this stage in the game
the passing and movement from Riverstown was highly impressive and Castleview
could not get a kick. After 20 mins Jeff raced through the defence and calmly
passed the ball into the bottom corner, then minutes later James scored
an identical goal with another cool finish. Great finishing in front of
goal from the 2 forwards.Overall a magnificent performance from all 12 players,
and such was our dominance that Castleview did not have one shot on goal
the whole match
Under 11 Cup
RIVERSTOWN FC 4 KANTURK 0
Riverstown made hard work for themselves in the first half of this cup tie at home. Indeed they were lucky not to have conceded a goal. Kanturk had two opportunities to score but failed to exploit a rare opening in the Riverstown defence. Riverstown had a number of good moves also but the Kanturk keeper was rarely tested apart from a few corners. Riverstown had a great chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty just on half time. Barry O’Mahony’s shot was well saved by the Kanturk keeper.
Riverstown brought on their three subs and moved Tiernan Hourihan out of defence at the start of the second half. There was a vast improvement from the home team almost immediately. With Alan Barry holding up the ball in midfield this gave Riverstown the opportunity to go forward. Alan, Fintan Burke, David Smiddy and Diarmuid Ryng were all unlucky not to score as Kanturk’s keeper was excellent in goals. However, Niall Horgan scored the first goal for Riverstown after Kanturk failed to clear a corner. Barry O’Mahony, Paul O’Callaghan and Niall Horgan added to the tally for Riverstown. Eoghan Dennehy, Fintan Burke and John Holland were in fine form again in defence ensuring that Cormac Murphy in goals was never troubled by Kanturk.
Team: Cormac Murphy, Fintan Burke, Gavin O’Regan, Tiernan Hourihan, John Holland, Barry O’Mahony, Niall Horgan, Paul O’Callaghan, David Smiddy, Michael Conlon, Shane Barry.
Subs: Eoghan Dennehy , Alan Barry, Diarmuid
Ryng
Under 11 Cup
RIVERSTOWN FC A 2 STRAND UNITED 4
Riverstown U11A’s entertained Strand in the first round of the Local Cup on the 17th February at Knockraha. The match was played under excellent conditions and began at a frenetic pace with both teams attempting to gain the ascendancy. Their were no real chances until the 20th minute of the match when Riverstown failed to clear a corner and the Strand forwards pounced on the loose ball to give Michau Sady no chance in goals. Riverstown began applying more pressure but their forwards were unable to make any inroads on the Strand defence. Robert McIllhinney and Paul Leopold were trying to create chances from midfield but these were blocked by the Strand defence. Riverstown went into halftime 1 – 0 down.
The second half began with Riverstown applying more pressure and were rewarded with a Declan McCarthy long range effort 6 minutes into the second period. Ten minutes later Strand scored their second goal from a poor Riverstown goal kick which the defence failed to clear. Riverstown began applying more pressure and were rewarded from a long range Padraig Manning effort with two minutes of normal time left.
The match then went into extra time and Strand began the first period like demons and scored their third goal after 4 minutes. During this first half Michau pulled off an excellent save, preventing Strand getting their fourth goal. The Riverstown lads went into half time 3 – 2 down and kept going and pressing for the equaliser. Unfortunately Strand scored their fourth with a minute to go. Tadgh O’Brien and Greg Grantham did stirling work in defence with Greg tirelessly covering the rear stanchions with timely tackles and clearances. This was a fantastic match that flowed from end to end and could have gone either way. Well played all! The referee was also very impressed with the effort both teams put into the match.
Riverstown – Michau Sady, Jack O’Neil (Stephen Kennedy), Declan McCarthy, Greg Grantham, Tadgh O’Brien, Robert McIllhinney, Paul Leopold, Conor Murphy, Padraig Manning, Eddie Barry, Ronan Crowley (Luke Thorely) (Cian Aherne)
Substitutes not used – Jonathan Mullane, Caelin Wheel-Porter.
Riverstown U11A’s next match is an away league match against Strand on the 3rd March. Unfortunately there is some doubt as to the match being played as Strand are scheduled to be away over this weekend. We are awaiting confirmation from the league as to the status of this match.
Under 11 Cup
BLARNEY UNITED 1 RIVERSTOWN FC 1 (Blarney won 4 - 3 on penalties)
A season best performance by Riverstown
who were cruelly knocked out of the local cup by Premier Division table
toppers Blarney on penalties in a game where no one deserved to lose.
Right from kick off Riverstown took the game to Blarney and never let them
settle for a second. Blarney shaded possession in the first half and had
more clear cut chances but Riverstown looked fairly comfortable at the back
and dangerous going forward.
In the second half Riverstown took control of midfield and looked more likely
to score and should have with 10 mins left with a James Sweeney shot going
inches over the bar. Blarney had few chances in this half and with the centre
back combination of Jordan Robb and Cathal Keane immense they were restricted
to a few half chances.
Into extra time and Riverstown kept pushing and looked the stonger and fitter
team, with 5 mins left the crossbar saved Blarney after a Peter McCarthy
shot left the keeper well beaten. Then 1 minute later from a corner Blarney
scored what looked like the clincher with a marvellous 20 yard shoot flying
into the top corner.
However to their credit the boys kept fighting and in the last minute after
a great run by Jeff Hodder through the heart of the defence James Sweeney
prodded the ball home from 5 yards to send the game into dreaded penalty
kicks. Unfortunately the Blarney keeper produced 2 fantastic saves to cruelly
deny Riverstown.
All 12 players involved were fantastic and
a credit to the club. Thanks also to the vocal support from all parents.
Under 13 Round Up
National Cup
DOUGLAS HALL 1 RIVERSTOWN FC 1 (Douglas Hall won 5-4 on penalties)
This was a game in which Riverstown should have won in normal time. Although they went behind to a well taken free kick in the 1st half, they dominated in terms of possession & territory. This paid off for Riverstown when Sean O'Rourke took his chance well to make it 1-1. The score remained the same at full time & was still at stalemate after extra time though they had some great chances to finish the game off. In fairness the quality of the penalties in the shoot out was very high & Riverstown went out 4 - 5.
Under 13 Division 1
RIVERSTOWN FC 2 ROCKMOUNT 2
This game represented the 1st points dropped this season though by the end of the match a point each was probably a fair relection of the game. Sean O'Rourke opened the scoring for Riverstown with a good finish. Rockmount then equalised to make it 1-1. Keeper Niall Dooley then made a fine penalty save - his second of the season, to keep the teams level at half time. With 10 mins to go Rockmount went ahead 2-1, but in fairness to the Riverstown lads they dug deep and a hard working Jamie Cronin played a captains part by getting the vital goal to level the tie 2 - 2.
WILTON 3 RIVERSTOWN FC 2
Riverstown did'nt play particularly well but they would not have been flatterd with a draw. They conceded some soft goals and could'nt convert the many chances they had, especially in the 1st half. A goal in either half by Jamie Cronin & Alan Connolly were Riverstown scorers.
SPRINGFIELD RAMBLERS 2 RIVERSTOWN FC 0
Riverstown missed a penalty to go 1-0 up and this proved decisive as Springfield went on to win 2 - 0.
RIVERSTOWN FC 2 MAYFIELD UNITED 3
Riverstown should have come out of this with at least a draw as they played well for long periods, especially as they went ahead twice. Sean O'Rourke scored the opener for Riverstown with a trademark finish but just before half time Mayfield made it 1-1. Half way through the second half Riverstown went ahead again when Tadgh McNealy slotted home cooly. But Mayfield hit back with 2 goals in 7 minutess to win it 3 - 2, though Riverstown had two great chances in the dying minutes to level it.
RIVERSTOWN FC 3 EVERGREEN 1
Riverstown finally got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory at home. Two great strikes by Neil Lynch & Martin Reid and a powerful headed goal from Philip Crowley secured the points to keep them placed 3rd in the league.
Senior Women's Pilot Futsal League
RIVERSTOWN FC 5 PASSAGE 4
Riverstown just shaded it against Passage by 5 - 4 in another thrilling encounter with Michelle Hourihan (2) and Laura Mullins (3) on Riverstown's score sheet. This pilot competition has really caught the imagination of all the girls participating and is a great pre-season event played in a very sporting manner.
Check out the team pages for previous match reports