Shamrocks Pipped Yet Again

By Ronan Creaney

THE Shamrock soccer club’s search for their first win of the season drags on. After nearly securing all three points against Barnstonworth Rovers two weeks ago, only to be denied at the death, there was more heartache in store for the Shamrocks last weekend. 

League leaders Manhattan Kickers were the visitors to McClancy High last Sunday, but it was the lowly Rocks who got off to the better start. From the off Mike Bishop and Barry Farrell got stuck in and never let the city side settle. 

Kickers did not lie down though, and in Andy Stern they had a player who tested the limits of what is fair and faux. 

The first half resembled a boxing match, with both teams seemingly happy to win on points. Chances were few and far between, and the lack of a proven goal scorer was again the Rocks failing. 

In the 35th minute a cross from Ari Iscariot was met with a poor header in the Shamrocks goalmouth and looked to be no danger. However, the ball took a wicked deflection of the hapless Terry Seitz, stranding keeper Paudie Maloney who had gone the other way, and the score was 1-0 kickers. 

The second half again saw the Shamrocks assert themselves, but for all their possession they couldn’t equalize. Kickers were dangerous on the counter attack, but the McClancy turf probably worked in the Rocks favor. 

If the Rocks can find a scoring touch there is no reason why they can’t escape from the bottom of the table. They were far from outclassed by the league leaders. 

In the reserve fixture Shamrock’s coach Sean Keogh was again hampered by a weakened squad, which while fighting valiantly ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline. Nicky Smyth and Niall Carolan were the pick of the Rocks. 

Training takes place each Thursday night in Levitts Field in Flushing at 7:30 p.m.