The New York Irish Rovers received an early Christmas gift in the shape of Nial Coogan, who scored a hat trick and laid on two in the Reserves’ 5-3 win over Glen Cove at the weekend.
The Over 30s’ Christmas Carol came in the form of Glen Cove’s Brazilian midfielder, Silver, whose ghosting raids eventually broke the Irish defense. The Rovers’ first team, 1-0 down, came to life in the second half and it began to look a lot like Christmas, but the Irish attack just couldn’t wrap their gifts into the back of the net.
It was back to Flynn’s Inn for the Christmas party and the bhoys in green, perhaps a little blue, took their time leaving a cold Glen Cove. Things were quiet around the Rovers’ corner as the early arrivals put the juke box on and let Bing set the mood at Flynns. When "Silent Night" was about to take over, Santa appeared with a statement, "Hey, we’re all very quiet bhoys, alright we were beaten fair and square, but were still in it. Glen Cove has lost two and drawn 2, we’ve lost 4, this Division 1 league can go all the way."
It was appropriate that the first team leading goal-scorer and captain should keep the spirits high and with that, they remained for the rest of the evening.
The Over 30s are in fourth place and with a full turn up in the new year, they will stay there or thereabouts.
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