Cutters 0-5 The Black Swans
The Black Swans had the better of the 10 man Cutters as they recorded a 5-0 victory over the Clonlara men. The opening goal (video below) came as a result of a Swans breakaway after a Cutters corner. In the following 20 minutes, the Black Swans dominated the game but couldn't seem to find the breakthrough. Eoghan Begley in the Cutters goal was called into action several times and made a couple a smart saves with his feet from shots from point blank range. The crucial second goal eventually came in the 42nd minute when a square ball was fizzed across the face of goal and knocked in. With some breathing room, the Swans added a third courtesy of David in the 46th minute. An audacious Cutters effort from the half way line failed to catch Swans goalie Cian O'Brien out and his clean sheet remained in tact. A nice left footed shot in the 48th minute and 5th goal in the closing minutes rounded a good win for the Black Swans.
Team Lightning 7-0 Athletico Athlaccio
It was a baptism of fire for new boys Athletico Athlaccio as the experienced Team Lightning put 7 past them. The opening goal was the goal of the match as a ball was set for Mick Evitt about 25 yards out and a sweet right footed strike saw a postage stamp finish. A Renato lob in the 26th minute gave Lightning a 2-0 lead and the third was secured before half time (video below). It was 4-0 in the 40th minute after a turnover in midfield saw the Lightning midfielder carry the ball into the final third and duly finish. 3 more were added in the closing quarter and Lightning go top with their 4th win out of 4.
Alfies Heroes 1-3 Sporting Viking
Sporting Viking hit the front early in this hard fought contest. Cutting in from the right, a sweet left footed inswinger from Leon saw Viking hit the front. A back and forth game saw chances for both teams in the remainder of the first half. In the 40th minute, Alfies worked the ball to the back post. The shot was blocked and with the ball bouncing up in the air, the Alfies man attempted a bicycle kick. The shot was also blocked and one of the great FNL goals was not to be. The best chance at an equaliser for Alfies came in the 47th minute after a break down the right saw a lovely ball played to the back post. The onrushing Alfies player made contact with it but just couldn't keep the ball down as it sailed over. Sporting Viking looked to be home and hosed in the 51st minute when Leon found himself 1 on 1 with keeper and lifted the ball over the keeper into the empty net. Alfies weren't going to lie down though and brought the deficit back to one just a minute a later. A cut back from the winger down the right found Kevin O'Mahony who slotted home to set up a tense ending. In the 57th minute, Alfies failed to clear their lines and Viking took full advantage and restored their 2 goal lead to give themselves a 3-1 victory.