Analog 0-7 Delta
Delta came out on top in a comprehensive victory over Analog. The first goal came in the opening minute when a ball was squared low across the box with Colm Heffernan tapping in to make it 1-0 to Delta. In the 12th minute, Dave McPhillips found himself totally unmarked at the edge of the Analog box. A creative finish saw McPhillips dink the ball over the oncoming keeper to make it 2-0 Delta. It was more Delta in the second half and they nearly got their third in the 34th minute. A one-two through ball was met by the sliding Analog keeper who swept up keeping the Analog centre-forward out. Delta did find their third in the 40th minute however as their right winger carried the ball into the box and completed a Lacazette like finish into the roof of the net. It was 4 just a minute later after a short corner saw the receiver beat a man and finish into the far corner. John O'Sullivan made it 5-0 from the penalty spot and Delta continued to keep the pressure on and went on to score two more. Delta weren't wasteful in front of goal this evening, but they will rue one missed chance in the 55th minute. An O'Sullivan cross was met by an aerial scissors kick that produced an excellent save from the Analog keeper - an almost-goal-of-the-season contender.
Kearneys Army 2-2 Boca Seniors
A back and forth game saw Boca recover a 2-0 half time deficit to earn a point in this encounter. Both teams traded possession and chances early on with Boca probably going nearest in the 10th minute. A ball flashed across the face of the goal didn't have anyone to meet it and the match remained scoreless. Kearneys went 1-0 up in the 20th minute - Paudie Sheahan dispatching the penalty. Sheahan had his brace 2 minutes later. A ball played into his midriff was excellently controlled and the turn and shot left the Boca keeper with no chance. Boca got one back in the 35th minute with a goal from Callum. With the game finely poised, both teams were playing good football and creating chances. Boca found the equaliser ten minutes from time when a ball to the back post was met by a great touch to get the ball under control and a cool finish. Both teams weren't happy with a point so the final minutes proved to be an open affair. In the 57th minute, Kearneys broke down the right with a through ball. Boca managed to clear and the resulting corner was played short. Kearneys worked the ball out to the edge of the box resulting in a shot that hit the cross bar. Boca's last minute half-chance could've nicked the three points, but their shot went wide of the far post.
Lakers 3-2 Bluestreak
Bluestreak came into this game knowing 3 points would almost put them out of sight and give them one hand on the coveted "B" League Title. On 17 minutes, a good cross from the right was contested by both teams but the ball fell Bluestreak's way and they were 1 up courtesy of Joe Kiely. They say title winning teams need a stroke of luck and Bluestreak got that in the 20th minute. A good save by the Lakers keeper unluckily ricocheted off his own man and went into the Lakers' net to give Bluestreak a 2-0 half time lead. Lakers started well in the second half keeping Bluestreak pinned back into their own third. Lakers had several corners but couldn't manage to find a goal from them. Lakers work rate and pressure finally told as they got one back in the 41st minute. Winning the ball back high up the field, they worked the ball to the right hand side and Lee Mowat finished it off. Mowat proved a real thorn in Bluestreak's side as he constantly created chances throughout the half. Bluestreak were getting the occasional respite and did create the odd chance of their own, but the half was largely dominated by The Lakers. In the 55th minute, the Lakers right winger got to the byline inside the box and played a great cross to the back post that was headed in from close range. Bluestreak responded well but it was to be Lakers' day. After a Bluestreak attack broke down, Lakers found themselves in space down the right hand side. Their midfielder drove forward and cut the ball back. The pass was let go by the first Lakers player and finished by the man at the edge of the box. Lakers managed to hold out for the remaining minutes to record a crucial victory. The Lakers win still sees Bluestreak remain in pole position, but Lakers are just a point behind now with each having two games left to play.
Team Lightning 2-2 Cutters
A top of the table clash saw Lightning take on Cutters with both sides level on 11 points. Lightning took a 1-0 lead in at half time but they'll feel it should've been more. Plenty of chances were created but Lightning just missed the sharpness on the night. A 22nd minute curled cross found the head of Jason Sheahan, but the usual reliable Sheahan headed the ball over - the story of Lightning's night it seemed. Cutters played their way into the game and got an equaliser through Kevin Madden in the 35th minute. Both teams were battling hard and it was Lightning that scored the crucial third goal. This gave them something to hang onto and it seemed to be done and dusted as the clock ticked on. A free kick in the final minute of the game saw Cutters rescue a point with a late, late goal. A David Fitzgerald strike directly from the free kick beat the wall and nestled into the Lightning net. There perhaps won't be a more important goal all season for Cutters. The result leaves Cutters and Lightning level at the top of the table with 12 points a piece (Cutters remain ahead on tie-break as a result of their better head-to-head versus Lightning). Delta move to third with 9 points, whilst Wembeldines (who weren't in action tonight) are in 4th with 7 points and a game in hand on those above them. As we move into February, we can all look forward to an exciting conclusion to the "A" League.