BD Ballers 2-3 Alfies Heroes
Alfies threatened in the opening part of the game but BD Ballers were solid in their defending making some strong tackles. The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute. A ball was trapped by Ger Fitz who played it to Alfies' striker. After taking a few touches, the ball was set again for Ger Fitz who took a finesse shot that nestled in the right side of the goal, 1-0 Alfies. In the 29th minute, BD Ballers equalised with a peach of a free kick. With seconds to go in the half, Alfies managed to restore their lead. A ball was played from right midfield to the Alfies striker who took up a space on the right wing. The original passer made an overlapping run and after receiving a good pass played a square ball across the face of the box to allow the oncoming midfielder to finish the chance and put Alfies one up at the break. Alfies nearly added to their lead in the 36th minute but the ball was dragged wide. Both teams were on the scoresheet in the second half, but Alfies managed to hang onto their lead and run out 3-2 winners.
Cutters 3-1 Barely Atheltic
Barely made a promising start registering several shots in the opening minute. A fantastic break down the right and lovely cross saw a one touch finish to give Barely their first goal of the game. The teams came in 1-1 at the half time break. Michael O'Loughlan got on the scoresheet twice for Cutters, first with a header and then with a 30 yard left footed screamer. In the 38th minute, the Barely keeper was forced to make a save just outside his box with his chest! The resulting goal mouth scramble saw Cutters forced just wide enough that the Barely goal remained safe. Cutters had two more similar goal mouth scrambles but couldn't quite convert. The match finished Cutters 3-1 Barely Athletic.
Deportivo Dooradoyle 1-4 Team Lightning
Team Lightning hit the bar in the 17th minute with a crazy shot from a wide angle from 30 yards. Great contact was made with the ball and the Deportivo keeper may have got a touch to force the ball on the crossbar and keep the game scoreless. Team Lightning got the all important opener on the stroke of half time. The second half saw Deportivo try to force their way back into the game, but a goal direct from a free kick in the 43rd minute (video below) gave Lightning a cushion. The game was wrapped up three minutes later when Wobbler got a shot away just inside the box to put Lightning 3 up. Deportivo kept plugging away and Dan got a goal back for them in the 48th minute. Deportivo went close again in the 51st minute forcing a good save from Lightning keeper Mark Carey. Lightning saw the game out to grab the 3 points and create a bit of day light for the top 4 spots.
Wembledines 4-2 Bluestreak
It was Wembledines who came out on top in this much anticipated top of the table clash. It was Bluestreak who took the lead in the 11th minute, with a sublime goal from Tomas Hayes. Controlling the ball with his chest moving away from goal about 20 yards out, he cracked the ball with his left foot and it smashed off the cross bar and in. 1-0 Bluestreak. Wembledines found the equaliser in the 14th minute and then went on to convert twice from penalty spot (video of one penalty below). At 3-1 down at half time, Bluestreak knew a big second half performance was needed. In the 42nd minute, a well struck free kick from Bluestreak forced a good low save from Dines net-minder Frank McEvoy. Bluestreak got a goal back in the 48th minute to set up a nervy ending. Wembledines managed the game well and in the 53rd minute were patient with the build up play on the right side. Three players interacted to create the ideal crossing opportunity. The resulting cross was headed in and Wembledines took a 4-2 lead. Bluestreak couldn't find a way back into the game in the final minutes and Wembledines took a huge win to make them leaders at the top of the table.