Champions at the double!!

Bridge have completed a remarkable double with this win securing the 1st division title.

Congrats to Gavin and his players!

Bridge have clinched the 2nd Division title with victory over Manus!

Congrats to Finbar and the boys on a magnificent season!

 

  

A Team			B Team
Derek Fahy	16		Gavin Downes	14
Trevor Maxwell	10		Jason Whyte	8
Barry Downes	6		Trevor Kearney	4
Greg Deegan	6		Damian Murray	3
Shane Murphy	2		Alan Whyte	5
Albert Finnan	4		Sean Fitzgearald	2
Billy Maxwell	1		Barry Noonan	2
Mark Culbert	1		Derek Sweeney	3
Packie Darcy	1		Mikey Whyte	1
Julio Perez	1		Kevin Meehan	1
Steven Stewert	1		Alan McAuley	1
Adrian Whyte	1		Paul Fitzpatrick	1
			Brendan Murphy	1

14/05/08:   Bridge United B 1-v 0 Kilmaley United

 Scorer: Finnan

Bridge secured promotion back to the top flight with a deserved but nervy win against a battling Kilmaley side. It took an Albert Finnan header on 70 minutes to seal the victory and with other results going our way secured the 1st Division championship.

Team: Paul Touhy, Stephen Stewert, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Greg Deegan, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy.  Subs: Barry Downes for Whyte, Julio Perez, Brian Culbert, Gavin Downes, Shane Murphy

05/05/08:   Bridge United B 2-v 0 Manus Celtic

 Scorers: G. Downes (2)

 This was a great end to a great season for the B team. Their hard work throughout the season was rewarded with all 3 points against Manus Celtic on Monday and it was the 3 points that they needed to secure the 2^nd Division title. The Bridge started off the brighter in this game and with only 3 minutes gone they were awarded a penalty. Gavin Downes stepped up to put the Bridge into an early lead with his 13^th goal of the season. The B team never really looked like they were going to lose this one as Manus rarely threatened. The Bridge went in at half time 1-0 up and only 45 minutes away from the title.

 The second half didn’t start as well as the first for the B team as they looked a bit nervous and were lucky not to have conceded a goal in the first few minutes but the Bridge weren’t about to let Manus spoil their day. On 61 minutes Brendan Murphy was brought on for Trevor Kearney to try and finish this game off as soon as possible. The Bridge piled on the pressure for the rest of the game and Robert Conlon was also introduced with 15 minutes remaining for Jason White to make sure this game wasn’t going to get away from them. On 84 minutes the B team were awarded another penalty and again Gavin Downes slotted home to seal the win with his 14^th of the season from 8 games to leave him top goalscorer in the division. Podge Flannery hadn’t scored this season and he was very unlucky on numerous occasions not to open his account on the last day of the season. It just wasn’t to be his day as he even had a shot cleared off the line near the end of the game. The final whistle was the signal to start the party as the B team were crowned deserved 2^nd Division champions. Congratulation to Finbar and all the squad on a great season!!!!!

 

Team: Barry Deasy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Jason White, Paul Fitzpatrick, Damien Murray, Podge Flannery, Trevor Kearney, Gavin Downes.   Subs: Brendan Murphy for Kearney, Robert Conlon for J. White, Derek Sweeney, Barry Noonan, Michael White, Tom Liddy, Sean Fitzgearld.

29/04/08:   Tulla United 0 v 0 Bridge United B

 This was a hard earned draw for the Bridge in Tulla on Tuesday night. The B team were hoping to get all 3 points in this one to seal the title but a draw is still a good result as both teams had chances to win this game. The game was played at a high tempo from the start and both teams looked nervous as they battled to keep the game level. Half way through the first half, a high ball over the top of the Bridge defence looked like it had put Tulla into a great scoring position but Barry Deasy was alert to the danger and was able to clear. Each side were unable to capitalise from their chances and they went in at half time all square.

 The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Podge Flannery was denied the opener as he had headed into the Tulla net after the ball was headed across the area by Trevor Kearney but Podge was judged to have pushed a Tulla defender and a free-kick was given against him. Tulla were also denied a goal when from a free-kick, the ball was headed into the Bridge net but only to be ruled out for offside. The Bridge were again denied a goal shortly after when a high ball over the top of the Tulla defence was met by Jason White who finished well but it was ruled out as Trevor Kearney was coming back from an offside position and judged to be interfering with play. Damien Murray and Michael White were introduced for Brendan Murphy and Podge Flannery to try and grab a winner half way through the second half but neither team were able to snatch a goal and it finished in a scoreless draw. The Bridge face Manus in the last game of the season on Monday morning and a victory can win the division 2 title for the B team.

 Team: Barry Deasy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Jason White, Paul Fitzpatrick, Podge Flannery, Brendan Murphy, Gavin Downes, Trevor Kearney.   Subs: Damien Murray for Murphy, Michael White for Flannery, Barry Noonan, Brian Burke, Ronan Murphy.

 

27/04/08:  Bridge United B 11 v 0 Moher Celtic

Scorers: G. Downes (5), Sweeney (2), A. White (2), J. White, Kearney

 This was an easy win but an important win for the Bridge. The B team were in full control of this game from the kick-off, but it wasn’t until the 25^th minute that they opened the scoring with a Gavin Downes penalty after he was brought down in the box. Only 2 minutes later and it was 2-0 with Jason White scoring. Trevor Kearney added a third on 38 minutes which had the Bridge in total control at the break.

 The second half brought more of the same and with less than a minute gone in the second period Derek Sweeney slotted home. The flood gates opened after that with Downes adding another just 2 minutes after that. Alan White popped up on the hour to make it 6. Gavin Downes completed his hat-trick on 63 minutes but the Bridge weren’t content with that as they pressed to better their goal difference in the league. Derek Sweeney got his second of the day on 72 minutes to make it 8. Barry Noonan and Ronan Murphy were brought on for Kevin Meehan and Podge Flannery for a chance to show what they can do. Alan White also scored his second with 9 minutes left in the game. The B team needed 11 goals to have a better goal difference in the league than everyone else and Gavin Downes obliged with his 4^th and 5^th of the day on 85 minutes and 88 minutes to finish a clearly one sided game. Gavin is now top goalscorer in the division with 12 goals in 7 games.

 The B team are now top of the table and a win on Tuesday night against Tulla will seal the title for the Bridge.

 Team: Barry Deasy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Podge Flannery, Paul Fitzpatrick, Trevor Kearney, Jason White, Derek Sweeney, Gavin Downes,   Subs: Barry Noonan for Meehan, Ronan Murphy for Flannery, Brendan Murphy.

 

24/04/08: Cratloe Celtic 2 v 2 Bridge United B

Scorer: B. Murphy, A. White

With 4 games left, each game is like a cup final for the B team but they will have to play better than they did in this game if they want to get anything out of their season. The Bridge took an early lead on 10 minutes when Cratloe failed to clear a Robert Conlon corner. The ball fell to Gavin Downes feet only for his shot hit the post from a tight angle but Brendan Murphy was there to tuck it home from the rebound. The Bridge were not their usual self as they conceded foul after foul and put themselves under pressure numerous times. Ronan Murphy had to make a great one on one save to keep the Bridge in the lead half ways through the first half. The B team did make chances but were unable to double their lead and they went in at half time a goal to the good.

 The second half started badly for the Bridge as Cratloe equalised just 3 minutes into the second period. This was a wake up call that the bridge needed and with 57 minutes gone, Alan White restored the Bridge lead with a trade mark header from a corner. The lead wasn’t to last for long when straight from the kick-off the Bridge were caught napping to let Cratloe level the game up again. Podge Flannery and Jason White were brought on for Robert Conlon and Trevor Kearney for the last 20 minutes to try and get something from this game. The B team pushed forward for the last part of the game but nothing was to come from it and it finished all square at full-time.

 A draw was probably a fair result in this game but the Bridge will be looking for a better performance than this to win their last 3 games against Moher, Tulla and Manus for a chance of winning the title.

 Team: Ronan Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Robert Conlon, Damien Murray, Paul Fitzpatrick, Brendan Murphy, Trevor Kearney, Gavin Downes.  Subs: Podge Flannery for Conlon, Jason White for Kearney, Derek Sweeney, Barry Noonan, Michael White, Barry Deasy.

20/04/08: Bridge United A 3 - 1 Kilrush Rangers

Scorers: Whyte, Finnan, Fahy

This 6 pointer paired the current top two in the division and they did not disappoint in serving up a quality encounter. Bridge started the better and looked to have a hunger for victory after Thursdays loss. Key players Culbert and Fahy returned to the side which turned out to be the difference between the sides on the day.

Bridge opened the scoring on 20 mins when Fahy cut in from the left to square to Adrian Whyte who made no mistake from 8 yards. Kilrush equalised in the opening minute of the second half and now with their noses up were piling onthe pressure.

Some outstanding goalkeeping by Paul Touhy and an off the line clearance by Whte kept the game tied. on 55 minutes a towering Albert Finnan header put the Bridge lads back in the lead and put a confidence back in the side.  Kilrush continued to offer a serious threat but on 65 minutes a break down the right  was led by Fahy who squared to Maxwell whose shot was parried for Fahy to follow up with a goal that his overall performance deserved.

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Darek Mostovoi, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy.  Subs: Barry Downes for Mostovoi, Stewert for Flynn, Perez for Fahy, Shane Murphy

20/04/08: Bridge United B 2 v 0 Inch Crusaders

 Scorers: Downes (2)

 Second placed Inch Crusaders came to the Bridge on Sunday morning looking for 3 points to keep them in the hunt for the division title and with the Bridge in great form and also in contention this was to be a difficult game for both sides. It was a tight first half with each side not wanting to concede first. Each team were still able to create chances but nothing came from them as both sides went in at half time level.

 The Bridge made a better start to the second half and it didn’t take long for the scoring to be opened. With only 5 minutes gone in the second half, the Bridge took the lead after the Inch goalkeeper sliced a clearance straight to Gavin Downes who took a touch to steady himself before literally breaking the net with an excellent strike. On 75 minutes the 3 points were sealed when a Bridge corner was met by Downes at the front post where he was able to flick the ball into the net and surely end Inch’s title chance. Gavin now has 7 goals in 6 games and with this kind of form it would be hard not to see the B team at least get promoted. Brendan Murphy, Barry Noonan and Derek Sweeney were brought on for Damien Murray, Robert Conlon and Trevor Kearney who had done there bit for the day. Inch Lost hope after the second goal with only 15 minutes left and the game ended with another 2-0 victory to the Bridge in 3 days.

 The B team are now in third spot with 2 games in hand over the leaders and 3 points behind.

 Team: Ronan Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Robert Conlon, Damien Murray, Paul Fitzpatrick, Podge Flannery, Gavin Downes, Trevor Kearney.

Subs: B. Murphy for Murray, B. Noonan for Conlon, D. Sweeney for Kearney, Tom Liddy, Brian Burke.

18/04/08: Bridge United B 2 v 0 Shannon Olympic B

 Scorers: Murray, Downes

 After the disappointing draw against St. Pat’s last week, the next two games would be crucial in the B team’s season. Shannon Olympic came to the Bridge on Friday night and I’m sure they were wishing they had stayed at home as this game was more or less over after 10 minutes. Olympic were under serious pressure from the kick-off and it wasn’t long before the Bridge took the lead. After 3 minutes, a Kevin Meehan corner was swung into the front post where Damien Murray flicked the ball on with his head and into the net. On 9 minutes, Podge Flannery received the ball on the right wing and after some great play he was able to square the ball across the 6 yard box for Gavin Downes to slot home for the second. Gavin is on a great scoring run with 4 goals in 5 games.

 It was more of the same in the second half as the Bridge were still hungry for more goals but were unable to add to their tally. Trevor Kearney, Derek Sweeney and Tom Liddy were introduced to give a rest to Jason White, Gavin Downes and Damien Murray with another big game coming up on Sunday. With the back four for the B team as solid as ever, Barry Deasy had a quiet day in goal as Olympic were unable to cause him any real problems during the game. The Bridge were too strong for Olympic on the day and the game ended with in 2 goal victory to the home side.

 Team: Barry Deasy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Podge Flannery, Damien Murray, Paul Fitzpatrick, Robert Conlon, Jason White, Gavin Downes.

Subs: Kearney for J. White, Sweeney for Downes, Liddy for Murray, Brendan Murphy, Brian Burke, Ronan Murphy.

 

17/04/08: Bridge United A 1-2 Mountshannan Celtic

Scorer: Stewert

A disappointing result but for no lack of effort a tired looking Bridge side were eventually overrun by a free flowing Mountshannon side.  Star for the visitors on the day was Artur Burzynski whose double strike in the secind half was enough to claim all three points. The response form the Bridge came from Steve Stewert when he cleverly flickedhome from close range. The result means that the bridge must win their game on Sunday against Kilrush if they are to maintain their hopes of automatic promotion.

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Greg Deegan, Stephen Stewert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Julio Perez  Subs: Barry Downes for Perez,, Shane Murphy  for B Maxwell

13/04/08: Connolly Celtiv 0-3 Bridge United A

Scorers: T Maxwell, OG, Julio Perez

The scoreline suggests a comfortable afternoon but for some excellent goalkeeping from Paul Touhy the scoreline may have very different. Touhy has really come into his own this season and has been outstanding between the posts all seasson. The scores on the day were thanks to a bizarre own goal, Trevor Maxwell and first of the season for the versatile Julio Perez.

Team: Paul Touhy, Stephen Stewert, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Greg Deegan, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy.  Subs: Julio Perez,, Shane Murphy  

 13/04/08: Bridge United B 1 v 1 St. Pats 13-04-2008

 Scorer: Downes

 After a great win against Turnpike on Tuesday, this was a disappointing result against St. Pats and one that the B team would have been expecting to win. The bridge made a great start to the game putting the St. Pats defence under early pressure and 5 minutes into the game Michael White had a shot from outside the box which fizzed just over the crossbar. Pats had a good chance 3 minutes later but were unable to capitalise. Just as the away team were gaining momentum, Gavin Downes latched onto a cross to open the scoring just on half time and give the Bridge a deserved lead at half time.

 

The B team started the second half poorly and they were punished on 54 minutes after sloppy defensive play leading to St. Pats levelling the game. This wasn’t the way the Bridge had imagined this game going and just after the equaliser, Podge Flannery was introduced for Michael White to try and take control of the game again. With just over an hour gone, Jason White found space just outside the box and fired a shot which just went the wrong side of the post. Only 2 minutes later St. Pats were awarded a penalty when replacement goalkeeper Barry Deasy was judged to have brought down a Pats player in the area. Barry made amends when he guessed the right side and was able to hold onto the shot. This was a wake up call for the Bridge and they started to put Pats under pressure for the rest of the game. Trevor Kearney and Derek Sweeney were brought on for Robert Conlon and Jason White as the B team pushed for a winner. A cross from the left wing found its way to Flannery in the box but the St. Pats keeper was alert to the danger and was quickly out to block the first time shot. The Bridge were denied a penalty claim late on when Paul Fitzpatrick seemed to be dragged down but the referee didn’t agree and instead, awarded a free out against the attacker.

 

This was a poor display by the Bridge and they will have to up their game for the remainder of the season.

 

Team: Barry Deasy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Brendan Murphy, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Robert Conlon, Damien Murray, Paul Fitzpatrick, Michael White, Gavin Downes, Jason White.

Subs: Podge Flannery for M. White, Trevor Kearney for Conlon, Derek Sweeney for J. White, Barry Noonan, Sean Fitzgearld, Brian Burke.

 

10/04/08: Bridge United B 2 v 0 Turnpike Rvs 10-04-2008

 Scorers: Downes, Kearney

 This was a great win for the B team and one well worth standing out in the rain for. The game started off slowly with both teams trying to get familiar with the poor conditions. Gavin Downes had a shot after 20 minutes which took a deflection only for the Turnpike goalkeeper to palm it out for a corner. Turnpike had a great chance on the half hour to open the scoring but were denied an almost certain goal from a man of the match performance by Johnny Hayes. Good defending was to deny Turnpike again 10 minutes later and it wasn’t hard to see why the Bridge have the least amount of goals conceded in the division. Both teams were unable to break each other down and they went into the break all square.

 
Both teams started the second half eager to open the scoring which brought some chances to both teams but nothing to trouble either keeper much. The breakthrough came on 75 minutes when the ball pin balled around the penalty box only to fall to Downes who slotted home to give the Bridge the lead. The back four for the bridge were having a great game which frustrated Rovers who were unable to make any of their chances count. Trevor Kearney was introduced for Brendan Murphy who had given his all and this was to prove a good decision by the manager. With 2 minutes left and the bridge with all the possession, Jason White picked the ball up at the corner flag and swung in a beautiful cross to the back post were it was met by Kearney who headed the ball back across goal and into the bottom corner of the net. There was no way Turnpike could recover from this with so little time left and it finished 2-0.

 
With 7 games left to go, the Bridge are in fourth place, 7 points off the top with 4 games in hand.

 
Team: Ronan Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Kevin Meehan (Capt.), Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Damien Murray, Robert Conlon, Paul Fitzpatrick, Brendan Murphy, Gavin Downes, Jason White.

Subs: Trevor Kearney for B. Murphy, Podge Flannery, Derek Sweeney, Michael White, Barry Noonan, Sean Fitzgearld, Brian Burke.

06/04/08: Shannon Olympic B 1 v 1 Bridge United B

Scorer: Downes

Tuesdays win against Cratloe was a great confidence boost for the Bridge and it would be needed in this tough away tie in Shannon. Olympic had taken points off the teams at the top of the league all season so the B team would have to be on their toes to get a result.

The Bridge started the game with a very strong wind behind them and it showed as most of the first period was played in the Olympic half. But even with the wind on their side, there were very little clear cut chances made. Olympic did create a couple of chances but they were unable to trouble goalkeeper Ronan Murphy too much. The B team had a great chance just before half time to take the lead when Damien Murray was put through with only the keeper to beat, but the ball took a bad bounce on the uneven pitch and ran away from Damien which gave the Olympic defender a chance to clear the danger.

Gavin Downes and Podge Flannery were introduced for Jason White and Sean Fitzgearld to try and strengthen the Bridge attack at half time. Olympic came very close to opening the scoring when a Wayne Regan corner looped over Murphy in goal only to hit the crossbar and out for a goal-kick. With a lot of pressure coming from Olympic, the B team had to up their game and they did. On 70 minutes Michael White was brought on for Trevor Kearney and he seemed to have an immediate effect, as he started to give trouble to the Olympic right-back. The Bridge were awarded a free-kick on the left hand side of the pitch just outside the 18 yard box with only 10 minutes remaining. Robert Conlon put in a low cross to the front post where it was met by Downes whose glancing header found its way into the net. But yet again the Bridge were unable to hold on to their lead for long and just 2 minutes later a handling error by Ronan Murphy from a high ball ended in Olympic levelling the game. The B team tried to get another late winner but the home team frustrated the Bridge attack and it ended up all level at full time.

The B team would have been hoping for a win in this game but with other results going their way, a draw in the end is enough to keep the promotion challenge on track.

Team: Ronan Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Michael O'Halloran, Brendan Murphy, Paul Fitzpatrick, Damien Murray, Robert Conlon, Sean Fitzgearld, Jason White, Trevor Kearney

Subs: Podge Flannery for Fitzgearld, Gavin Downes for J. White, Michael White for Kearney, Barry Noonan, Tom Liddy, Derek Sweeney, Brian Burke

06/04/08: Mountshannon Celtic 0-0 Bridge United

This was an uninspiring affair spoiled by the blustery conditions. Chances were few and far between and though glad with a point the Bridge will be disappointed that they did not convert the chances that fell their way. With captain Greg Deegan out injured Darek Mostovoi made his first start of the campaign in the middle of the park . Bridge had what seemed a perfectly good Derek Fahy goal ruled out just before half time, a decision which seemed to bewilder everyone present. 

Second half was a dull affair with Bridge doing a lot of the pressing, Mountshannon defending heroically and breaking quickly with forward trio O'Brien,  Cahill and Burzynski. Both sides were trying to get the ball down and play but in truth the weather nor the pitch allowed for free flowing football. The sides meet again next Thursday which should be a more open affair.

On a sour note the referee bizarrely sent off Billy Maxwell and John O'Brien for arguing with each other in stoppage time. 

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Barry Downes, Darek Mostovoi, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy.  Subs: Adrian Whyte, Julio Perez , Steve Stewert, Shane Murphy   

03/04/08: Bridge United A 3 - 1 Shannon Olympic

Bridge A continued their good league form with a critical win over promotion chasers Shannon Olympic. As with previous game against Corofin the bridge started the brighter with Derek Fahy and Trevor Maxwell looking very lively up front. Captain Greg Deegan opened the scoring on 20 when he finished neatly after Fahys initial attempt had been saved. On 25 Fahy was taken down in the box and Maxwell stepped up to fire the penalty home.

Olympic started the second half brightly and looked to have the appetite which was lacking in the first half. Chances were few and far between with both defences well on top. On 65 minutes Barry Downes and Darek Mostovoi replaced the hard working Adrian Whyte and Geoff Flynn. The Bridge added a third when on 75 minutes Downes crossed from the right and Albewrt Finnan buried the header from 10 yards.

Olympic scored what turned out to be a consolation on 83 through Brendan O' Mara.

Next up for the Bridge is another 6 pointer away to Mountshannon on Sunday.

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Greg Deegan, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy.  Subs: Downes for Whyte, Mostovoi for Flynn, Perez for Deegan, Steve Stewert, Shane Murphy  

 

01/04/08: Bridge United B 2 v 1 Cratloe Celtic   Report by Mark Lonergan

Scorers: (OG), Sean Fitzgearld.

After a draw in the last game against Avenue, the B team were hoping to keep the momentum going with a local derby win against Cratloe. 3 points were vital to keep up the pressure at the top.

This tie was a heated affair as you would expect from a derby game. There were plenty of strong challenges but very little chances being created in the first half. The best chance of this scrappy first period fell to Paul Fitzpatrick when he found himself at the back post with only the keeper to beat. He lifted his attempt over the goalkeeper but also lifted it over the crossbar.

The second half was barely 2 minutes old when an off the ball incident in front of the Bridge bench resulted in Cratloe being reduced to 10 men. Cratloe couldn’t have any complaints about the dismissal. With Cratloe down a man the Bridge poured on the pressure but the closest they came to breaking the deadlock was a cross turn shot from Jason White which had the Cratloe goalkeeper scrambling back to just tip over the crossbar.

Even with an extra man the Bridge found it hard to break down Cratloe. With 15 minutes gone in the second half, manager Finbar Toomey felt a change was needed, so on came Gavin Downes , Sean Fitzgearld and Derek Sweeney. These changes seemed to liven up the Bridge attack. On 85 minutes the breakthrough came when the ball landed at Downes feet after a great defensive tackle from Kevin Meehan. Downes turned and took a shot from just outside the box which took a deflection and rebounded off the post only to take another deflection off the goalkeeper and into the net.

You would have been forgiven for thinking the 3 points were in the bag with only 5 minutes left to go. But only 3 minutes later, Cratloe were awarded a free-kick outside the Bridge 18 yard box. A cross from the free-kick somehow found it’s way to a Cratloe player at the far post and he headed home to make it all square again with 2 minutes left. The Bridge didn’t give up though and they had Cratloe on the back foot for the remainder of the game. With 3 minutes added time gone, it looked like the game was over, but the B team didn’t think so. After a clearance from a corner was picked up by Kevin Meehan, he placed a lovely pass to defender Alan White on the right side of the pitch. Alan’s beautifully floated cross missed everyone except for Sean Fitzgearld who nodded home at the back post to win the game for the Bridge in the dying seconds.

The win leaves the Bridge in a great position in the table and 3 points closer to promotion.

Team: Ronan Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt), Paul Fitzpatrick, Robert Conlon, Damien Murray, Brendan Murphy, Trevor Kearney, Jason White. Subs: Gavin Downes for O’Halloran, Sean Fitzgearld for B. Murphy, Derek Sweeney for Kearney, Michael White, Barry Noonan.

23/03/08: Avenue United B  3 v 3  Bridge United B (Report by Mark Lonergan)

Scorers: Jason White, Alan White, Paul Fitzpatrick

This game was expected to bring some action but nobody could have predicted the game that was to unfold in Ennis on Sunday. With games in hand on everyone in the division the Bridge were hoping to get a good result against Avenue who are also challenging for promotion.

 With only 5 minutes gone, an excellent cross from the right wing was met by a header at the back post by Trevor Kearney which was brilliantly saved by the Avenue goalkeeper. The ball rebounded back to Kearney who took another shot while trying to keep his balance from the first attempt. This was also saved by the goalkeeper while still on the ground. The ball landed at Kearney’s feet for a third attempt but again the Avenue goalkeeper saved the day even if this time he knew nothing about it as it rebounded away off his face. You could get the feeling that it wasn’t going to be a good day for the Bridge when on 10 minutes Avenue opened the scoring straight from a corner. Ten minutes later it was 2 when Avenue scored straight from a corner again. The Bridge played some good football in the first half to try and get back in touch but it seemed like it was never going to happen.

 After some words of encouragement from manager Finbar Toomey at the break, the Bridge looked like a different team in the second half with attack after attack raining down on the Avenue goal. This pressure paid off on 54 minutes when Jason White finished to give hope to the away side. The B team had a taste for goal now and wanted more and 4 minutes later they were rewarded when a perfectly floated corner was smashed home from a typical Alan White header. Avenue were shocked by this great comeback but on 69 minutes from a counter attack, they restored their lead. The B team who were still pumped up from the half time team talk pushed on for another equaliser and only 5 minutes after the home side had taken the lead, it was all square again when Paul Fitzpatrick slotted home to send the Bridge bench ecstatic. It was end to end football for the last 15 minutes and with 10 minutes left in the game Podge Flannery who had just come on for Brendan Murphy had a one on one opportunity to seal a great comeback win for the Bridge, but true to form his shot agonisingly rolled to the right of the post and wide. The two teams were unable to break each other down after that and it ended up a draw.

 This was a great away point for the B team and they will be hoping that this form continues for the remainder of the season.

 Team: Ronan Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Kevin Meehan (Capt.), Paul Fitzpatrick, Damien Murray, Robert Conlon, Brendan Murphy, Trevor Kearney, Jason White. Subs: Podge Flannery for B. Murphy, Michael White, Brian Burke, Thomas Liddy.

 

23/03/08: Bridge United A 5 Corofin Harps 1

Our A side saved what was arguably their best performance of the season to date for what was definitely their most important league game of the season to date. Corofin who are also challenging for honours this season have 4 games in hand on the Bridge so this was labelled as the proverbial 6 pointer. Without top goal scorer Derek Fahy who is serving a suspension Trevor Maxwell came into the side.

The Bridge were quickly out of the blocks and playing with a strong wind in the first half they set out to make the advantage pay. On 5 minutes Barry Downes intercepted a David O'Brien free kick and his shot was saved by Mikey Concannon in the Harps goal. From the resulting corner however Albert Finnan netted from 12 yards to give the Bridge the good start they sought. 

On 20 minutes things got better for the Bridge when a Finnan free kick out on the left was floated into the box, Concannon failed to deal with it and Maxwell was on hand to tap home his first of the day. If his first was a tap in his second was worth waiting for. Picking up the ball inside his own half Maxwell started to run at the Harps defense who began to push up for offside. Maxwell continued to run at the heart of the backline and as the space opened up for him he found himself clear on goal, having applied the coolest of finishes he will gladly add this one to his catalogue of spectacular and important goals for the club. 

The second half started scrappily with both sides struggling with the blustery conditions. Shane Murphy replaced the injured Albert Finnan at centre half on 55 minutes. On 65 minutes Corofin had pulled one back and were putting a lot of pressure on a solid Bridge back four. Adrian Whyte replaced Stewert who had a good game on 70 minutes. The game was decided when on 75 minutes a Bridge break following a Corofin corner saw Man of the Match Maxwell carry the ball down the left, his cross was met by the head of Captain Greg Deegan who had ran the whole lenght of the field to support. On 77 Mark Culbert broke the Harps offside trap once more and unselfishly square to Barry Downes who added the fifth. 

In summary a great team display but still a long way to go and the Bridge will know that they will need to perform at this level for the rest of the season if they wish to grab automatic promotion. 

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Steve Stewert, Greg Deegan, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Barry Downes Subs: Shane Murphy for Finnan, Whyte for Stewert, Julio Perez for Culbert, Darek Mostovoi 

 

17/03/08: Bridge United A 2 Connolly 0

Our A team returned to winning ways against a stubborn Connolly side on St Patricks day. Mid way through the first half good work by Derek Fahy down the left was rewarded when his cross was bunbled to the net by a combination of Barry Downes and Connolly centre half Pat Healy. It was not until the final quarter of the game that the Bridge extended their lead when a Greg Deegan corner was volleyed home by Mark Culbert. The only down point of the game was the innoccuous sending off of Derek Fahy in injury time.

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney,  Adrian Whyte, Mark Culbert, Greg Deegan, Geoff Flynn, Barry Downes, Derek Fahy. Subs: T Maxwell for Whyte, Stewert for B Maxwell (inj)

 

A Team Rocked - 24/02/08

Our A side suffered a disappointing defeat away to Rock Rovers in the first division on Sunday. The Bridge never got out of the blocks and desperately missed the presence of playmaker and captain Greg Deegan. Rock took the lead midway through the first half when Shane Daniels headed home. Bridge equalised with 20 minutes remaining when Shane Murphy netted from  Billy Maxwell free kick. It looked at this stage like the Bridge would push on to take all three points with Maxwell, Fahy and Downes also guilty of poor finishing in front of goal. Thet were left to rue these chances as with 5 minutes left on the clock Rock scored on the break. In summary the bridge side never turned up and Rock Rovers on the back of a credible victory over Newtown A in the cup deserved the victory.

Bridge will need to knuckle down and will hope to get back to winning ways when facing Connolly at home next Sunday.

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Shane Murphy, Donald Devanney, Steve Stewert, Adrian Whyte, Mark Culbert, Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy. Subs: B Downes, Julio Perez

 

BACK TO WINNING WAYS - 17/02/08

Liscannor: Moher Celtic 0 v 5 Bridge United ‘B’

Goals: Murray, J. White (2), Meehan, Noonan.

 

After the disappointment of losing last weekend in the cup, Bridge United B got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over Moher Celtic in Liscannor on Sunday. The Bridge were in control of this game from the start with Moher rarely attacking. It took a half an hour for the Bridge to break down Moher with Damien Murray finishing from a well worked attack. The flood gates then opened when just 2 minutes later Jason White got the first of his 2 goals on the day. Kevin Meehan scored with a blistering shot on 36 minutes from around 35 yards out. Jason White popped up again before half time with his second goal to put the bridge 4 up at the break.

Nothing changed in the second half as it was still one way traffic. The Bridge took their foot off the pedal after half time. Sean Fitzgearld, Barry Noonan and Brian Burke came on for B. Murphy, Sweeney and J. White half ways through the second half and with 4 minutes left in the game after numerous attacks, Barry Noonan slotted home to seal an easy victory for the ‘B’ team. The Bridge should have won by more except for some poor finishing from Podge Flannery.

In response to criticism Podge commented to reporters last night 'My best is yet to come this season, I'm like a fine wine getting better with age'.

This win moves the ‘B’ team up the table with a great chance of getting promoted.  

 Team: Ronan Murphy, Brendan Murphy, Kevin Meehan (Capt.), Alan White, Michael O’Halloran, Damien Murray, Podge Flannery, Paul Fitzpatrick, Robert Conlon, Jason White, Derek Sweeney. Subs: Sean Fitzgearld on for B. Murphy, Barry Noonan on for D. Sweeney, Brian Burke on for J. White.

 Report By Mark Lonergan

Fairgreen: Hermitage  0 v 1 Bridge United ‘A’

Goal: Fahy

Bridge returned to winning ways in a very tight affair in the Fairgreen on Sunday. Bridge made 3 changes from the penalty defeat to Bunratty with debutant Brian Culbert in goal, Shane Murphy coming in at centre half and Geoff Flynn  occupying the left midfield slot. With the long grass preventing any free flowing football both sides struggled to create any clear cut chances . Greg Deegan and Mark Culbert were at the centre of most of our positive moments and our back four were largely untroubled in the first half .

Hermitage started the better side in the 2nd half as the Bridge were slow of the blocks after the interval. On 60 minutes Trevor Maxwell had the first clear cut chance of the game when Culberts through ball found him in space but he sliced his shot wide under pressure by Reece Phillips. However, in the 65th minute a sharp pass and return between Trevor Maxwell and Mark Culbert on the edge of the box created the space for Maxwell to shoot and his shot fell kindly into the path of Derek Fahy who calmly slot home to an empty net.

It wasn't pretty but this vital win keeps the side in contention for honours and more importantly promotion. The manager will take heart from the solid performance of Brian Culbert in goal, his brother Mark in midfield, another clean sheet and all round solid team defensive display. There were also impressive performances by Adrian Whyte and Geoff Flynns on the flanks.

Team: Brian Culbert, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Shane Murphy, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Mark Culbert, Greg Deegan (Capt), Geoff Flynn, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy. Subs: Steve Stewart for Flynn, Julio Perez, Barry Downes

 No Cup Joy - 10/02/08

All three Bridge sides went out of the cup at the first hurdle aover the weekend.

Our youths side were beaten 3-1 at Lees Road by Avenue United.

Our B side were beaten by a strong Premier outfit in Burren United in Doolin.

Our A side went out in penalties to premier side Bunratty having been the stronger outfit over the playing period.  Bunratty took the lead in the opening seconds of the 2nd half when Adrian Whyte was adjudged to have felled ex Bridge United player Noel Collins in the box. The referree Padraig Sutton awarded what seemed to be a dubious penalty and Terry Duggan converted from the spot.

The Bridge dominated the second half and reaped the rewards when Adrian Whytes strike was parried by Darren Whelan and top scorer Derek Fahy tapped home for the equaliser. The Bridge pressed hard for the winner in normal time and will rue some ill fortune in front of goal. Extra time failed to seperate the teams and Bunratty won out in the shoot out 7-6.

It was a strong performance by the Bridge side and they will take great heart leading into what will be a crucial period of league fixtures.

Team: Paul Touhy, Billy Maxwell, Jonathan Downes, Albert Finnan, Donald Devanney, Adrian Whyte, Mark Culbert, Greg Deegan (Capt), Barry Downes, Trevor Maxwell, Derek Fahy. Subs: Steve Stewart for B Downes (inj), Geoff Flynn, Ciarain O' Donoghue, Brian Culbert, Shane Murphy

Both Junior sides will now be focusing on league success and we wish them every luck in doing so.