February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Down 1-0 at the interval after an error by goalie Kevin McPartland, the Rocks turned on the style in the second half to reel in three classic goals and notch their second win in a row after a winless streak that spanned 13 months.
Liam McGuinness got Shamrock going with the goal of the week in the CSL, a corner kick that he swerved straight into the net on the hour for the equalizer.
Before the Rangers could regroup the versatile Bingo O’Driscoll, usually a tower of strength in defense, but playing in midfield on the day, headed in a Robbie Walsh cross (68th) for his second goal in as many games.
Paddy Gerathy, also on target in Shamrock’s 2-1 result over Brooklyn Italians the previous week, killed off the Rangers in the 75th minute with a superb 25-yard free kick.
It was a huge victory for Shamrock, as they fight the drop from Division One (West), whose two last placed sides in the seven-team group will go down.
The John Guildea-drilled club improved to 2-7-2 (8) at the foot of the standings, but are now just a point behind CPR with four games in hand, and six behind Polonia, who have played two matches more.
“Overall, I’m very happy with the performance, particularly in the second half,” said Guildea, looking ahead to the big Irish derby match with Lansdowne at Msgr. McClancy this Sunday.
He singled out center half McGuinness for Man of the Match honors.
“He played some unbelievable football,” said Guildea.
GUILDEA WINNER
Before coaching Shamrock’s first team to the comeback victory over the Rangers, Guildea suited up for the first time since last October and led the seconds to a 2-1 decision over the Rangers’ reserves.
The veteran chested a ball from Niall Carolan and lashed it into the net from some 30 yards for the winner after Owen Sweeney’s penalty had canceled out the opposition’s opening goal.
“One of me better ones,” Guildea proudly noted.
The Shamrock reserves (2-8-1, 7) won only their second of the season.
FEENEY CLINCHER
Barry Feeney scored after 15 minutes as Astoria Gaels knocked off Empire FC 1-0 at the Verrazano Sports Complex in their penultimate match of the season.
“Back to our winning ways,” quipped Gaels’ Niall Sugrue, following Astoria’s fifth win, and one that ensures they finish among the top four in their first year back in the Second Division.
The Queens Irishmen (5-7-1, 16) have a long layoff ahead of them before winding up the season against bottom side Ukrainians on June 5.
RESERVES HELD
The Gaels reserves squandered an early 2-0 lead established by Damian Ward (10th) and Dave Browne, who outsprinted the defense to slot one home five minutes later, in their 2-2 tie with Empire’s second XI.
Empire hit back in the 35th and 60th minutes.
BRENDAN’S BRACE
Brendan Watkins struck twice (10th, 88th) in ASA McCarthy’s 4-2 Metro Div. 1 victory over Barnstonworth Rovers at Wards Island.
Josh Snyder (50th) and Davan Vynne (65th) got the other goals.
Also in Metro Div. 1, Adrian Gallagher and Filipo Posta connected in Central Park Rangers’ 2-1 win over BW Gottschee at Queens Children’s Hospital.
SHAMROCK CRUISE
A Shamrock boat cruise is planned for June 11, the club’s Kevin McPartland announced. A coach will pick up passengers at 5 pm on the day from the Breffini Pub in Sunnyside, Queens. For more information, call 718-784-8895.
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