Loughshinney Utd. 1 -v - 4 OLV 35s (N.Sapleton,P.Lowndes 2,R.Keogh)

OLV squad;D.Kelly,A.Kelly,G.Donovan,M.Dunican,M.Collins,S.Houlahan,J.Coates(c),P.Heary,P.Lowndes,M.Matthews,N.Stapleton,R.Keogh,D.Dunne,P.Mcevoy,M.ConnellyW.Murphy. Manager John Lowndes. Formation 4-3-3/4-5-1 OLV 35s must have thought another opening day catastrophe was in the cards as skipper James Coates injured his back in the warm up but the setback didn't stop OLV starting off the new season in style as they brushed aside Loughshinney Utd,the home team where immediately under pressure from the kickoff as OLV's new look formation took control and grabbed a quick goal courtesy of another tremendous finish from in-form super striker Noel(frank) Stapleton after just four minutes,OLV could have had even more as they totally outplayed the hosts. The game continued in the same fashion and OLV looked likely to score at any moment as they continuously pressed forward and limited Loughshinny to long punts forward from keeper in the hope of catching the impressive OLV defense out,though that never seemed as it would happen as central defenders Dunican and Donovan with the back up of keeper Kelly easily cleared anything that came at them,the second goal came after some good attacking play set up superb midfielder Phil Lowndes who finished calmly and he soon grabbed another to make it 3-0.OLV were unlucky not to end the half with more goals but were content with their efforts and solid work from Pat Heary,Anto Kelly,Derek Dunne and particularly with good performances from Stewy Houlahan,Mick Collins,Mark Matthews and especially Phil Lowndes for his two fine goals. Halftime 0-3 The second half started with OLV making only one change,welcoming fullback Willie Murphy back from injury to replace Mick Collins.OLV continued to play well and had some fine efforts from Matthews and Heary trying their luck from distance,manager Lowndes made more changes as the half wore on as Rory Keogh,Matt Connelly and Paddy McEvoy were introduced to the game.Loughshinny scored a goal twenty minutes into the second half as the away team took their foot off the pedal and lost some of their composure,this goal seemed to shake OLV back to life and they finished the game with all the play and possession and capped off a great match with a good goal from Keogh ten minutes from time. Full-time 1-4 Well done to all the lads who were involved in getting the season off to a winning start and the important 3 points.