Another week of action both home and away, where there was 3 wins from 4 for our competitive sides.
Youths:
Division Two League Cup (Group Stage)
Kilcolman 3-4 Breska Rovers
As the scoreline would suggest this was a manic game. Despite trailing 2-0 early on we fought back for our third win of the season. Bobby Smith scored two penalties, one into each corner, before Barry Adams and Seán Coughlan made it 4-2. A late goal from the hosts made it a nervy finish but the points were secure.
FAI Junior Cup
Shannon Town B 1-2 Breska Rovers
The #RoadToTheAviva began with a deserved 2-1 victory away to Clare District League Division One outfit Shannon Town ‘B’. This was made possible with two well taken goals as the game approached half-time. Seán Healy played a weighted ball over the top for winger Daniel Clancy to latch onto. He lobbed the keeper with a half-volley from outside the area for the crucial lead goal. We’d gone close prior to this through Niall Quane, Tom Clancy and Ethan Keyes. At the other end Kevin Foster and Healy were comfortable at the heart of the defence.
A few minutes later a first time ball from Tom Clancy found Niall Quane with the freedom of Corrib Drive and after a quality first touch, the marksman made no mistake firing low to the net.
With this two goal buffer at the interval, we had something to hold onto. But the hosts reduced the lead to one when a cross-come-shot was deflected into the far corner. From here we played steady if unspectacular football. The fresh legs of Josh Fitzgerald help ease worries at the back while Keith Punch and TJ O’Connor showed their combative side in front of the defence. Youths players Seán McGrath and Darragh O’Sullivan made their debut’s at this level, having featured for the B team in recent weeks. They helped see out the win, as Shannon had a goal correctly disallowed for offside in the dying moments.
Breska Rovers: James Purcell; Diarmaid O’Connor, Kevin Foster, Seán Healy, Josh Moloney; Daniel Clancy, TJ O’Connor ©, Keith Punch, Ethan Keyes; Tom Clancy, Niall Quane.
Sub Used: Josh Fitzgerald for Quane (55), Seán McGrath for T. Clancy (80), Darragh O’Sullivan for D. Clancy (85).
Ladies:
A Day of Highs and Lows for the Ladies.
Premier Division League Cup (2020/21)
A Rebecca Noonan masterclass in the opening half decided this contest. The Ballingarry attacker was on top form and opening ths scoring after all of just two minutes. Winning the ball down the left she showed composure to finish from close range.
She repeated the trick after just 10 minutes as Breska found themselves 2-0 down. Her second proving to be a carbon copy. After 30 minutes gone Rebecca made it 3-0. With 35 minutes gone Rebecca scored a simply wonderful goal that would be seen rarely in any league in the world unleashing an unstoppable shot from 35 yards to the roof of the net. This mean it was 4-0 to Ballingarry at half time 4-0. This was probably harsh on Breska and didn’t feel like a 4-0 performance, with Breska enjoying the majority of possession.
The second half was a much better affair for Breska with a lot of possession and control. Breska were reduced to 10 with eight to go through injury and all subs used and conceded to a nice run and finish from Grace Mullane. Overall the scoreline didn’t reflect the possession we held in the game but it was another competitive game in our preparations for the up coming league.
Breska Rovers Ladies B
Breska Rovers B 6-1 Rathkeale
A great start to the League Cup for the Bs but again we would be honest in saying the scoreline didn’t reflect the game itself and until the last third of this contest, it was anyone’s game.
We had a mix of experience and youth in our 15 players used. This also marks the first competitive victory for our B’s and we are delighted to be able to field two women’s teams, giving everybody an opportunity to enjoy their football in the yellow and blue of Breska Rovers.
We started brightly and came close to scoring after just two minutes when impressive debutant Ellie Smith found space on the wing and carried expertly into the box and crossed superbly only to be thwarted by the equally impressive Rathkeale keeper. Breska dominated the opening half and had chance after chance to open the scoring but last ditch tackling from Rathkeale’s Shona O’Sullivan and Janice Morrisey saved Rathkeale. Any chances Rathkeale created were quickly rebuffed by a strong Breska back 5 lead by joint Captain Clodagh Carmody and ‘keeper Niamh Quilligan.
It was deadlocked 0-0 at the interval.
Lucy Stacey and Sarah Sheehan came on at half time and made good impressions.
We started the second half brightly and good play from Lucy Stacey on the 45th minute resulted in a free-kick. Unusual in most teams eyes we brought our keeper Niamh Quilligan forward to take it. From all of 35 yards out, Qulligan impressively dispatched the free to the roof of the net for a spectacular opening goal. Just five minutes later and again we got a free, this time, it was closer and from around 25 yards out Qulligan made her way up to slot the deadball into the net.
Two was nearly three for both Breska and Quilligan as a penalty kick was awarded. This would have been a first for the club at any level but the 53rd minute spot-kick was send over the bar. This came just a few hours after Bruno Fernandes did likewise for Manchester United, with the ball landing somewhere near Newtown Hill.
But we didn’t have to wait long for the impressive Aine Cummins to make it 3-0 after great work from Jen O’Connor, who struck the post. The rebound fell to Aine on the edge of the box who dispatched it with power to give us a 3-0 lead with 18 to play. Rathkeale responded in style and true grit and with only 10 players on the pitch scored a great goal from Gemma Steele, to make it 3-1. The next goal was going to be important for both sides and luckily we found the net through the returning Jen Normoyle who raced through one-on-one and dispatched from eight yards. An injury to Rathkeale player meant they played the last 10 with only 9 players and we added 2 more when Sarah Sheehan finished expertly from 16 yards out. In the closing stages Jen Normoyle added her 2nd leaving the score 6-1.
Overall a good win but a massive shout out to Rathkeale Ladies who fought from minute 1 to the 80th minute with 10 and then 9 players and held us for long periods. The scoreline was harsh on the visitors and we look forward to locking horns with them later in the season.
Breska had debuts from Eimer Hickey, Lucy Stacey and Ellie Smith who will add to the squad. Overall best on the day for Breska were Niamh Quilligan, Sarah Mitchell and Ellie Smith although all players could of been mentioned here including the four impressive subs.
Player of the Match: Niamh Quilligan.
Breska Rovers: Niamh Qulligan; Sarah Mitchell, Lisa Garvey, Clodagh Carmody, Ann King; Ellie Smith, Aine Cummins, Jen O’Connor, Claire Doolan; Laura Collins, Davida O’Brien.
Subs Used: Lucy Stacey, Eimer Hickey, Sarah Sheehan, Jen Normoyle.
Club gear: A number of players, at various age groups have taken to the field with the incorrect shorts and socks. Players/parents are advised that blue shorts and blue socks are to be worn in all matches going forward.
These can be bought through the O’Neill’s website, as well as other branded Breska Rovers club gear. Link: https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/soccer/soccer-clubs/breska-rovers-afc.html
Membership: Membership is now due for all players. If you have not paid, please visit www.breskaroversfc.com and follow the “Buy Membership” tab.
Volunteers: Like any sporting organisation, we rely on the time of our dedicated volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact any member of the committee. There are various roles which do not involve coaching, and new ideas and expertise is always welcome. “Many hands make light work”.
#BreskaRoversAbú