Clonshaugh 1 OLV 2 (N.Stapleton, M.Matthews)

OLV35s got a deserved first win of the season when they beat a tough Clonshaugh side 2-1, in a bruising encounter on Sunday.  In the early stages, the game was flowing from end to end and both sides had chances to score the opening goal, but with both goalkeepers in form it was going to take something a little bit special.

As the half wore on into the middle stages, it was OLV who opened their account first as Noel Stapleton pounced and left the Clonshaugh keeper with no chance as he slotted home his first of the season, 0-1.  It was no more than OLV had deserved to that point, but the home team soon rallied to create some decent chances of their own.  heading towards the halftime whistle it looked as if OLV would hold onto their lead but it took a fine save from keeper Dave Kelly to keep Clonshaugh at bay.

HALF TIME 0-1

Soon after the break, a lapse of concentration allowed the home team back into the game as they broke through the OLV rearguard and the OLV keeper couldn't stop a very well struck shot from hitting the back of the net. 1-1 game on

OLV battled hard looking for that lead again and there were many tough challenges coming from both sides in a bid to gain dominance.  OLV were dominating possession as the half reached its midway point and the attacking soon paid off.  A superb diving header from Mark Matthews (his first league goal for OLV) hit the back of the net and OLV were back in the lead. 1-2.  Gordon Farrell came close to scoring alas his effort was saved in style by the Clonshaugh keeper and had it went in, it would have been no more than what OLV had merited to that point. 

OLV were bruised and had lost a couple of players to injury and with 15 mins left on the clock, the OLV keeper had to leave the pitch, reducing OLV down to 10 men but with determination and spirit OLV cracked on.  Gordon Farrell had now to retreat from the attacking front line to pull on the keepers jersey.  The OLV team had an extremely tough and hard fought final period as they tried to keep Clonshaugh at bay.  When the final whistle went, the scoreline was deemed to be a pretty fair reflection on the game overall.

All of the OLV players deserve plaudits for their hard work and positive attitude,  well done to the lads for a well deserved victory

FINAL SCORE 1-2