Fern Mc Costigan: August 2019

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Linfield continues on its European dream with a win

The Linfield Blues, took advantage as locals and took a huge step towards their date with history in Leg 1 of the Europa League playoffs, after upsetting a heavily favorite Qarabag FK by a score of 3-2.

With the colossus of Belfast Windsor Park, the Blues saw how Shane Levary scoring a brace and the game winner in the 74' minute sentenced the match.

As leg 2 for sure will be one amazing and disputed contest between these two titans looking forward to seize the last spot in the stage group of the Europa League playoffs.

Qaradag FK in town and touted as a heavy favorite to win this competition, these did not see how the local Blues were to deliver a stunner on these hardened Atilar side.

As this affair will be decided on August 29 at Baku Azersun Arena.

So far, Linfield going to Baku and play leg 2, David Healy side has a goal advantage but anything can happen as the Atilar are at home and seen as the favorites, but playing against a team full of high spirits and a lot of fight.

As Qaradak FK is considered one serious heavyweight after eliminating in Champions qualifiers the likes of LOI winners Dundalk FC and making their way to this stages and looking forward for a win to consolidate their might.

However, these have to deal with a team that is playing an unbelievable game of football and capturing all sorts of headlines for being the underdogs and by far delivering in giant steps.

This match started with the Atilar opening the scoreboard with a goal from Faycal Rherras early in the first half in the 15' minute to put the visitors up top, still do not count these Blues out.

As the equalizer came in the 45' minute almost to end the half, when Shane Levary to put the game even and see an eruption from all of the Blues supporters celebrating their team feat.

The second half promised to be somehow a new contest as both sides were to look at any opportunity to go up the scoreboard when Linfield Mark Stafford puts the home side ahead.

In the 42' minute Stafford gave Linfield eleven a reason to fight on and seek the win over a side that is highly rated over Leicester City and AC Milan, that tells you a lot.

Once again Shane Levary deliver in what became the game winner in the 74' minute to put the home side ahead 3-1 and the game clock ticking toward the end.

In the end, Qaradag FK showed off its might and score a valuable away goal in the 90' minute when Magaye Gueye coming as a sub in the 65' score the Atilar second goal a little too late.

Ninety minutes separate the Linfield Blues in making the grand feat but in the end, Qaradag FK is no walk in the park and for sure will not go down without putting on a fight.

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © Belfast Telegraph 2019
Photos Credit and Property of © 2019 Northern Ireland Football League

Monday, August 19, 2019

Wolves and Manu with a share of spoils on Monday football

Not in our home, and today the Wolves played like a true contender and in spite of sharing the spoils with a new Manu, still the draw had an essence of a win and upset to Manchester United.

With the Red Devils hitting first and seeing a dominance by the visitors, these started the fete with a nice opening goal by Anthony Martial via na assist from Marcus Rashford in the 27' minute.

Still the Wolves had a lot of game with them in spite of being down the scoreboard and with a near goal by Raul Jimenez in the 54 minute but the ball hits the right side bar and no goal.

That brought the insistence from these hardened Wolves that never gave up and persistence indeed, pays off when Ruben Neves amazing shoot outside the area from Joao Mouthinho scored the equalizer.

A bad break for the Wolves that never gave up on their quest of beating the likes of David De Gea and the new United defensive unit that in the end was caught by surprise.

With the seal that Ruben Neves has in his touches, the shoot he sent was well off the hands of David de Gea and sending the whole of Molineaux into frenzy in the 55' minute.

This game was not over when Manu got on the attack and with a sliding Paul Pogba escaping the mark of Raul Jimenez and shaking another Wolves player in the area came the doubtful play in what the official awarded a penalty.

A doubtful call and foul but for Pogba he knew of his act that gave his team the possibility of sealing this one up with a penalty kick but his kick was sent straight to Wolves keeper Rui Patricio to deny him of the game winner.

In spite of both teams creating opportunities, in the end this result for sure is taken by the Wolves as a win and for United is seen as a bitter draw.

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © Copyright Premier League. com 2019

Saturday, August 17, 2019

As football returns to the Emirates with a win from its Gunners

This is the season the Gunners will be aiming for both league and Europe trophies to adorn the halls in Emirates Stadium, as this club with this roster and starting eleven deserves a lot.

As I can hailed in this diamond in the rough, in order to reach the league ultimate glories, it first need to be more confident in its game that for sure will be a headache for many in this season.

In spite of Alexander Lacazette and Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang's scores, for Dani Ceballos the former Real Madrid man somehow has become the ideal plamaker the Londoners have been in need.

With a couple of plays that define the course of the match, the Gunners transformation is seeing high dividends in a successful transfers market that brought them the ideal people to to make a decorous run.

Among one of its newest acquisitions in former Real Madrid man, Dani Ceballos, who today became the man of the match after his pair of assists that became valuable contributions in today's match.

First order of business started in the early minutes when Ceballos pass that hit the head of Peters and Lacazette almst scoring via a header and Burnley keeper sending the ball out to corner kick.

As Ceballos took the corner kick, the man in spite of finding Alexander Lacazette, battling a couple of defenders, the man somehow shoot went in to open up the score in the 13' minute to put the home side atop.

After a struggle with Ben Mee and Erik Pieters these latter one taking almost down, the Frenchman could manage to send his shoot for the Gunner first goal of the game.

Still there was a the response from the visitors with a direct shoot by James Tarkowski that Bernd Leno refuse but later this play was called an offside, but still this became a close call.

For the Clarets persistence finally paying off in the edn of the first half when Ashley Barnes in the 43' minute scored the equalizer and silencing the whole of Emirates going to intermission with the score tied at one goal per side.

This play expose the Gunners defensive backfield with a few improvements in order to become the defensive black that manager Emery is looking to see his team be a competitor.

Before the end of the first half with 45 minutes in the clock Reiss Nelson scores the go ahead goal for Arsenal but an apparent offside was called by the lineman to deny a goal after Nacho Monreal being by just a foot offside.

Come the second half the Gunners had its share of opportunities to wrap this one up and with close plays missing their target and with a dynamic Dani Ceballos always in the middle.

As Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang near shoots at goal and denied by the Clarets keeper spectacular heroics of Nick Pope, the home side was sending its warnings.

One thing Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang does not lack is persistence and robbing the ball from Burnley's defender, the assist coming from who else Dani Ceballos his goal came in the 64' minute to seal the deal.

For Arsenal preserving their thin lead and stepping up defensively in the end to win the match and continue perfect in two matches with a game at Liverpool next week being a heavy test.

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © Copyright Premier League. com 2019

The LOI returns with a lot of fireworks in its recap

With Dundalk disappointing Europa League exit, these did not hesitated to let their guard down in the remainder of league play, and with a goal rout, these showed off their might.

However, they were not alone with the Bohs going ballistic over a minnow UCD, very well with the Hoops, Pats, and Leesiders winning, I can state the LOI is back!

In Oriel Park the Lilywhites showed off in front of their followers with a goal fest over a weak and surprised Finn Harps that saw their fortunes drop and no upset in Dundalk.

Five times the Town Boys were on the attack with goals from Daniel Kelly 36', Georgie Kelly 61', Jamie McGrath 74' and a double from Patrick McEleney 64', 89, putting a scoring drought aside.

Dundalk 5-0 Finn Harps

In the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford, the local Blues could get the win these were desiring to uplift their spirits as well their confidence but in the end these succumbed to a fighting City.

With Cork City in town, the odds of the local Blues to net a win became an upset in the end, with the Blues score Jonnathan Lunney 88', contrary to Conor McCarthy 48' and Mark O' Sullivan 69'.

Waterford 1-2 Cork City

In Inchicore colossus Richmond Park the local Pats got a valuable win over the visiting Sligo Rovers, netting three valuable points and move up the overall table.

For the Bit O' Red opening the scoreboard with Romeo Parkes goal in the 23' minute, the reaction of the local Pats came via Glen McAuley 51' and David Webster 84'.

Saint Patrick's Athletic 2-1 Sligo Rovers

Back in Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, the local Candystripes couldn't get a positive result playing as locals and with the Hoops in town, the outlook for Derry did not look at all positive.

As the Rovers were on the attack and showing ambition in the curse of the game in spite of the locals chances to score, the Hoops with Aaron McEnnef 65' and Aaron Greene 76' for the win.

Derry City 0-2 Shamrock Rovers

Among one of the most scandalous of wins, came from Dublin side Bohemians playing at home in Phibsborough Dalymont Park, exposing their might over a decimated UCD.

As Andre Wright foursome in the 28', 53', 62', 87' along with Daniel Mandrieu treble 51', 73', 80' along with Conor Levingston 41', Daniel Grant 46' and Ross Tierney 67' contrary to UCD Jason McClelland lone score in the 89'.

Bohemians 10-1 UCD

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Atlanta United wins the first ever Campeones Cup against America

Atlanta United has another trophy to show off in its halls in Mercedes Benz Stadium, with a narrow win over Mexico's top rated of clubs, El America to a 3-2 score.

Finally an American team broke the dominance from our neighbor South of the Border that has put on over Major League Soccer teams in the past, with this first ever cup tournament.

As newcomer manager Frank De Boer confidence and familiarity with MLS style is becoming evident with the way his team is playing lately and recovering its game and place in the top spots of the Eastern Conference.

The first ever final of this Cup that promises to become an elite one in the world of club competitions, saw how Atlanta is becoming a force not to be reckoned with in future tournaments.

As this wins opens the possibilities of maybe in the future we might see MLS sides winning the coveted CONCACHAMPIONS never won by an American MLS team and with Atlanta being a strong front runner in this edition.

Like they say, that there is no place like home, and the Five Stripes really showed its local advantage when they seal this one in the remaining minutes of the game leaving the Aguilas astounded.

With the United side being the first ones opening the scoreboard, as Emerson Hyndman in the minute 5' opened the score after Darlington Nagbe pass that sent the whole of Mercedes Benz not a frenzy.

As you recall Club America followers outnumbered the Five Stripes followers.

However, the Mexican side immediately put its seal with the tying goal in the 8' minute when Renato Ibarra beauty of a goal, expose the United defensive backfield.

With the second half promising more fireworks and plenty of football left, we were brace for 45 minutes of exciting and disputed game from the both sides and they delivers us a grand performance.

As Club America went up the score via a goal from Roger Martinez in the 57' minute, but two minutes later in the 59' Jeff Larentowicz equalize the game at 2 goal apiece and time running.

For Atlanta United these could capitalize on a foul inside the area over Pity Martinez in the 38' minute when he was fouled but Josef Martinez taking the penalty kick his shoot was stop.

In the end, Atlanta persevere and never gave up on its quest of making history and when Florentine Pogba fouled inside the area in the 63 minute, the referee in spite of the protests from the Mexican side.

He awarded a penalty kick in favor of the home side and who than Josef Martinez taking the kick and this time he was on target with the game winner, hail to the new Campeones Atlanta United FC.

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © Atlanta United FC 2019
Photos Credit and Property of © 2019 Major League Soccer

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

No miracle in Dublin for Dundalk

No turnaround in Tallaght for Dundalk FC, seeing their aspirations go in smoke with an inspired and determined Slovan Bratislava, playing with character and netting an important win on the road.

Dundalk becomes the last club from the League of Ireland out of European competition.

Opposite to our neighbors up North, Linfield is on the brink of being the only team to represent the Emerald Isle in Europe if FK Qaradag allows them and being on its way.

As the odds favor the Azerbaijani side, but no one can counter on the spirit of the Blues.

Going back to tonight's match in Dublin, the lack of ambition if not a perfection in the Lilywhites game, unfortunately became their doom, but there's always a next year.

As losses are not pleasant but for sure you learn from them, something these Lilywhites, will learn enormities and be back next year in the qualifiers with more drive and passion to win.

Nothing like that 2016, as somehow we need to forget it and this team build from its future and look forward to make a more decorous run in these type of competitions.

That the need to take every team seriously regardless of its league size or reputation, is imperative to our LOI teams to step up their game and to play with a drive to win.

Still as many state that Vinnie Perth lacks international experience, that is not the case as every team the Town faced has seen a good level of improvement and we saw it very visible in FK Qaradag and Slovan Bratislava.

Still this team never quit or decimated when the opposition scored but in the end, a number of improvements are in need to have a decent run in both Champions or Europa qualifiers.

Seeing how a missed penalty by Patrick Hoban on the international stage, maybe it could tie but in the end Bratislava had the control of this match and came ready to seal this one up.

There was nothing these Lilywhites could done to stop this side momentum, from the first leg.

In the end the Lilywhites lone and considered consolation goal from Michael Duffy in the 71' was no match for Slovan scores from Rafael Ratao 12', Aleksandar Cravic 33' and on injury time score by Erik Daniel 90+2 to seal the deal.

Linfield delivering a first in reaching the Europa League playoffs

These Linfield Blues are for real and making all sorts of headlines from an Irish team that is writing its own history as a first time participants in the playoffs of the Europa League.

With a first leg win over Montenegro side FK Sutjeska Nikšić at home- solidifies the work and challenges that these Blues took one match at a time and sealing it at home with style.

In spite of the win by a goal and a 3-2 score, closing it with a 5-3 global.

Linfield in the first leg, almost sentenced the match in Montenegro with a double from Kirk Millar and today at Windsor they sealed the deal with scores from Mark Straford 7', Shayne Lavery 18' and Matthew Clarke 76'.

That, in spite of the surge from the Plavo- Bijeli or Blue and White, with Bojan Bozovic scores in the 15' minute nd 61' minutes, the Montenegrino rally fell short.

This team for sure can fly, as they are within the next stage in the coveted stage groups, but one side stands in its way in Azerbaijani side Qarabağ FK.

So far, the way this club play this tournament, is somehow a feat like no other leaving Norwegian side FK Roseburg, Faroe Island Havnar Boltfelag and now FK Sutjeska Nikšić.

Now wait for August 22 to face off Qarabağ FK at homebefore these make the trek to Azerbaijani lands to play their pass, as the Blues can take advantage of their home field advantage.

If you recall that Qarabağ FK eliminated LOI Champions Dundalk in the second round of the Champions League but were beaten by Apoel from Cyprus the same team that eliminated another LOI side, the Shamrock Rovers.

With no Irish team from the League, has been able of making it into the playoffs, let alone to the stage groups, but nothing is written and Linfield can write history.

Friday, August 9, 2019

Liverpool making a statement as the favorite with a rout over the Canaries

Forget Champions League as Liverpool is looking forward, to another amazing campaign and this time they are dead serious in winning the coveted Barclay's Championship Shield. With recently promoted Norwich City making their long awaited debut in the English Premier League, as today's match in Anfield, the local Reds never walked alone.

As the runner- ups of last season in Premiership yielding the shield by a lone point, but their revenge came winning the Champions League, in this season this is the season for Jurgen Klopp and company!

Still the way the Canaries came to Anfield, looking forward an opening day upset over the squad considered by many as the overall favorite to win it all, today they had a slap of bitter reality. For a league way different that Championship in its game levels and competition, in the end for City manager Daniel Farke is to solidify their position realistically with a stay in the big circuit.

The Canaries celebrations are over with and the idea is to compete in what is one of the most contested of associations in the planet and stepping up their game for the better. Today's win for sure brought Norwich City back to planet earth, as a heavy dose of reality was given to them today by a very inspired and dominant Liverpool.

In a tale of two champions, as the Europe winners and on the other side the domestic winners of Championship earning their direct promotion, this match still was not going to be an easy one for neither side. However, the nervousness of the visiting debutantes was visible and in the early minute with not ever seven minutes in the clock, when Canaries via defender Grant Hanley OG put the local up in the scoreboard.

After an individual play by Divock Origi on the left side, sending a shoot, the ball found the feet of Norwich defender and the Scot little could done to prevent it and uplifting the Reds in the scoreboard to the joy of a sold out Anfield. No later came the second goal of Liverpool taking a full dominance of the match in the right side a ball given to Salah and this passing to Firminho who pass it back to Salah and scoring the second goal in the 19' minute.

For the third goal, Mohamed Salah taking charge of a corner, his kick going to the middle of the area and who else takes advantage of the ricochet was Virgil Van Dyke in the 28' minute. The score showing a 3-0 lead for the home side and Liverpool putting it clear that they mean business in this season, looking forward of winning it, as the mastery over the visiting side was clear from the beginning of the match.

As opportunities to seal this one came in a great number for Liverpool as one play that Norwich City keeper Tim Krul made an extra effort to save his nets of what could been an spectacular goal from Firminho in the 29 minute. Still these Reds, were not done and looking for more in spite of their dominance of the game when a header before the end of the first half came a header by Divock Origi in the 42' minute from Trent Alexander-Arnold pass.

For City in the 64' minute they broke Liverpool's clean sheet in the 64' minute when their strategist in Emiliano Buendia passing to Teemo Pukki scored the honor goal for the final score of 4-1.