Rivermeade 1 OLV 1 (J Rattigan)

Yet another early goal conceded has cost OLV a valuable 2 points in the current league campaign. This time a mistake by Goalkeeper Gavin O'Brien who (dropped the ball so to speak) got caught in two minds and allowed Rivermeade to get off the mark during their very first attack, 1-0. OLV were the dominant team throughout the entire first half but just couldn't find that moment of magic to draw level.

Losing two players early in the game to injury certainly didn't help the cause, firstly Mick Collins was kicked rather maliciously after the ball had gone over the sideline, which put an end to his day and then Anto Maher while performing some heroic defending suffered a back injury (its called getting old) that put paid to his involvement. With captain Pat Heary missing from the squad it was going to be a little more tough than usual anyway without losing any more players.

Wayward shots, umpteen corner kicks and a penalty decision turned down as Derek Dunne was up-ended in the box was to be the story of the day. OLV pressed but the final pass was consistently letting a very dominant side down. OLV needed to use the ball more wisely to break through Rivermeades rearguard and it wasnt until a neat ball from Gavin Clifford allowed James Rattigan (Yes, That's right, James Rattigan) to level from close range with an excellent finish 1-1.

OLV should have won the game when Ian Clifford got onto a through ball and pulled the ball across the box for Derek Dunne to slot home from 10 yards, only for the referee to mistakenly rule the goal out for an offside infringement (when clearly he was onside). Several players had the opportunity to make the Rivermeade goalkeeper work a little harder but didn't fully extend him. Noel Stapleton came close in the second half as did a few others during the game including James Coates who put in a solid performance.

Gavin O'Brien redeemed himself with some solid goalkeeping later in the game. Dave Kelly and Martin Dunican had a good partnership going as a new pairing in central defence and didn't allow much to get through them.

Alas, just one error changed the complexion on the scoreline which is not a true reflection of the game.