Soccer Roundup: Rovers polish off Polonez

Rovers 2, Polonez 0

Rovers survived an entire half of pressure and their goalkeeper kept them in the game. After some stern words from coach Mark Hopper the second half was entirely different, and after a nice move Damian Dunleevy volleyed home the opening goal. Anton Diver’s introduction gave Rovers a constant supply of crosses, and from one of these Niall Coogan rounded the keeper, only to be dragged down. The keeper was sent off, Dunleevy dispatched the penalty, and Rovers won 2-0.

Rovers Reserves 3, Polonez 1

Rovers took the lead after three minutes when Thomas Heggarty’s crisp drive ended a nice five-man move. Polonez equalized after a period of pressure, and it took a David Beckham-like goal from the halfway line from Emmet McCormack to snatch back the lead. Paul Keogh was brought down late on and Mick Byrne sealed the win.

Rovers Over 30s 5, Uniondale 1

A hat-trick from Nigel Cunniffe and two from Russ Francis gave the points to Joe McGreevy’s team. Cunniffe scored with a right foot shot and then a flying header. 2-1 up at the half, Gerry Coyle tormented the away team and provided a pinpoint cross for Cunniffe’s third. Two clinical finishes from Francis improved the goal difference. Peter Kelly was outstanding in midfield.

Women’s soccer

Fionas 1, Harps 1

Double winners Harps began their winter league campaign with a tricky fixture against Fiona’s. Fiona’s began the game strongly putting the Harps defense under constant pressure. Theresa Brink, the Harps sweeper, had an outstanding game with numerous saving tackles keeping her team in the game. Eventually Harps began to create some chances and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Meredith Park had her shot cleared off the line by Fionas defender Teresa O’Malley. Just before half-time Michele Davis had a shot hit the post for Fionas.

In the second half, the Harps began to dominate. Sandra Swinborne and Pauline Dillon were unlucky not to score. With 15 minutes left, Nora McFadden passed to Catherine Donaghue and she hit a powerful shot into the Fiona’s net. Fiona’s, however, didn’t give up and with 10 minutes left got the equalizer. Anne Boco hit a weak shot that managed to find its way toward the net. The referee, despite protests from the Harps defenders, said the ball had crossed the line. Fiona’s were back level and then had the chance to win the game when they got a penalty. Harps’ keeper Miriam Peters capped a fine display with a great save.

Parlour Moms 1, Beal Bocht 0

The Parlour Moms got off to a great start with an excellent performance against summer league finalists Beal Bocht. Parlour started with some fine play leading to early chances for Linda Rice. Beal Bocht found it hard to get things going and created very little in the match. The only surprise was that it was scoreless at half time. The second half was much the same story with Melanie Schmitt playing an outstanding game on right midfield. The breakthrough came for the Parlour when Valerie Schaffer hit a shot from the edge of the box past the Beal Bocht keeper.