OLV 2 (D. Dunne, D.Byrne) Clonshaugh 0

OLV capped off an impressive season by finishing as Division 2 Runner-up for the 2010/2011 season and beating fourth placed Clonshaugh 2-0 on Sunday morning.  In a finely balanced game any of the two teams could have taken the points as the wind helped play a significant role in the game.

OLV played with the wind in the first half and Clonshaugh had a battle on their hands to get the ball past the halfway line as OLV pressured them constantly throughout the half.  There were chances however going at both ends, but it was OLV who looked more likely to punish as the half progressed.  OLV played with a lone striker Deco Byrne seeking to cap off his season with another strike.  With five across the middle Stanley, Short, Lowndes, Heary and Dunne, Clonshaugh had to play some good football just to get the ball past the half way line and when they did, they met a solid back four of Ferry, Dunican, Coates and Farrell who made them work extremely hard for everything.

OLV capitalised on their dominance by taking the lead through Derek Dunne on 30 minutes with another fine goal (5th of the season) and now it was up to Clonshaugh to find an equaliser against a robust and resolute OLV side.  Clonshaugh did have some chances and it was only the sharpness of goalkeeper Dave Kelly that kept them at bay, controlling both box and goal line in very solid fashion.   Half Time OLV 1-0

The second half began with OLV, still in attacking stealth mode, there were introductions for James Rattigan, John Dutton, Willie Murphy and Ian Clifford in the second half and all did well in playing an instrumental part in the game.  OLV pushed for their second and it wasn't long before top scorer for the season Deco Byrne added number 15 of his campaign by netting after 60 minutes with another cool strike.  That was enough to see OLV home and dry 2-0 but it was far from game over.

There was some frantic play throughout the rest of the game and keeper Kelly had much work to do, alas for Clonshaugh it was one those days when Kelly was not going to be beaten no matter what was thrown at him. OLV claimed another 3 points and finished the season on a high,  sitting pretty in second place.
Full Time 2 - 0

We would like to offer congratulations to every team player and to the manager, each for playing their parts in a superb season, as OLV proved to be one of the best over 35 teams in 2011.  Well done to all!