Fern Mc Costigan

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Cliftonville ready for the next challenge in Europa

Cliftonville 4-0 Barry Town

One round at a time for these hardened Reds, in this edition of the Europa League qualifiers and delivering a mind blowing win over Welsh side Barry Town at Solitude.

With goals from Conor McMenamin in the 25' minute and later in the 43' minute Joe Gormley put the Reds ahead, before the interval going with a comanding lead in the first half.

Later in the second half once again the Reds raised the bar with back to back goals from Conor McDermott 82' and two mintues later Rory Donelly in the 84', to seal the deal.

At Solitude the Reds delivered with a win and a nice purse of 240 pounds for their efforts.

Now on the next stages and challenge called Haugesund from Norway to play on July 11 at home in Solitude and the second leg on July 18 at Haugesund Stadion.

Goals

Conor McMenamin 25' CR, Joe Gormley 43' CR, Conor McDermott 82' CR, Rory Donelly 84'

Highlights

The way this club sealed the deal with a goal rout and now advanced to the next rounds

Joe Gormley does not stop his scoring ways

Conor McMenamin pening the score

Putting the game away in the first half with a commanding 2-0 lead

Man of the Match

Joe Gormley

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

Goal fest headlines midweek in Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer Hump Day, parted with several squads looking forward to add points and move on their respective conferences with the league entering into its most competitive stages.

With Chicago, LAFC, Houston winning via goal fests as well for NYCFC, Minnesota and Philadelphia netting a important results as well moving up the overall table.

In the colosus of the Bronx, the local Cytizens won with a rout over the visiting Seattle Sounders and now ready to host another Cascadia foe in the hard streaking Portland Timbers.

Ths Sky Blues scores came from Maxi Moralez 58', Jesus Medina 77' and Ebenezer Ofori 87'.
NYCFC 3-0 Seattle Sounders

In SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, the local Fire had a field day with the defending champions Atlanta United looking for an easy win voer their hosts, but the story was different.

As the Fire with scores from Francisco Calvo 4, CJ Sapong 7' and 37', Nico Gaitan PK 13', and Fabian Hebers 44' and for Atlanta their lone goal came from Brandon Vazquez PK 58'.

Chicago Fire 5-1 Atlanta United

In Allianz Stadium the local Loons got the upper hand over their conference foes San Jose Quakes, as the Silicon Valley Boys could not contain a streaking United side.

The Loons scorers were Darwin Quintero 5', Michael Boxall 52' and Kevin Molino 90+2, for the visitors a lone goal from Tommy Thompson 45+2.

Minnesota United 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes

For the Philadelphia Union going into Exploria Stadium at Orlando and face a squad hungry for wins and positive results, in the end the overcome the locals first goal and deliver with a rout.

An early score from Orlando Chris Mueller 8' but the U overcome the odds and return the favor with scores on a double from Kacper Przybylko 32' and 47' and Fafa Picault 52'.

Orlando 1-3 Philadelphia Union

In the Midwest we have a problem as Peter Vermes and his SKC currently last in the table, tese are in need to add points, but not when you play against the LAFC a squad not easy.

LAFC scorers were Christian Ramirez 28', Diego Rossi 50', Carlos Vela 63', Rodolfo Zelaya 89 and Mohamed El- Munir 90+1, for SKC the honor goal came from Yohan Croizet 85'.

SKC 1-5 LAFC

In BBVA the local Houston Dynamo got an important result over an always competitve and hardened Red Bulls that came to the Lone Star State to net a blank game.

For the Dynamo scores from Mauro Manotas 39', Tomas Martinez 56' and a double from Alberth Ellis 72 and 90+5 in addition of the clean sheet for the Jersey side.

Houston Dynamo 4-0 New York Red Bulls

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

Chicago Fire goal fest over Atlanta United

Chicago Fire 5-1 Atlanta Fire

The Chicago Fire had a field day over the defending champions Atlanta United.

With five goals scored in the first half, the Fire seal the deal with a goal fest that included a double from CJ Sapong as well a VAR descision to award a penalty to the locals.

In the end, the clear dominance of the locals became the doom of the Southerners that did not posed any danger to the Fire posts in spite of all the United firepower.

As this contest became nulled for the Five Stripes when they saw Leonardo Gonzalez Pirez getting a red card for a goal denying play in the 11', leading for the Fire third goal.

With an early score with just 4' minutes via Fire Francisco Calvo, three minutes later CJ Sapong 7' , the penalty kick that the game official review under VAR awarding a PK that Nico Gaitan scored on the 13'.

No later followed CJ Sapong 37' minute goal and his second of the match and Fabian Hebers sealing the win to complete the rout all in the first half in the 44' for the fifth.

In the 58' minute a PK awarded to Atlanta that Brandon Vazquez scored the honor goal as well breaking the clean sheet.

Goals
Francisco Calvo 4' CF, CJ Sapong 11' CF, Nico Gaitan PK 13 CF, Cj Sapong 37' CF, Fabian Hebers 44' CF

Highlights

CJ Sapong double

A goal rout over the defendng champions valuable win for the Fire

Francisco Calvo opening the score early

Man of the Match

CJ Sapong double

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Chicago Fire 2019

NYCFC slams the door with a shutdown over the Seattle Sounders

NYCFC 3-0 Seattle Sounders

The Sky Blues turned on the heat over the visiting Seattle Sounders. With three goals from Maxi Moralez, Jesus Medina and Ebenezer Ofori, the Bronx side raised for the win.

In spite of some opportunities the visitors created, in the end these could not break the defensive game the locals put against the visiting Rave Greens.

With the first goal of the game, via Maxi Moralez in the 58', when Moralez, right footed effort beat Stefan Frei aided by Seattle's Jordy Delem deflection. For Maxi Moralez his is his third goal in four matches in addition of contributing for goal or assist in seven straight games.

Overall Moralez performances have become providential for the New York side that has become vital in their successful stretch and now seen as a long streak in this MLS season.

So far his Moralez has contributed with 6 goals and 8 assists, indeed a record.

The second and third goals cmae in the 77' minute when Jesus Medina took a nice executed pass from Valentin Castellanos culminating the coutnerattack with the Cytizens second goal of the game.

The third goal and final goal of the Bronx bunch came in the 85' minute when the Ofori sizzling left footed shoot beat the likes of Stefan Frei from 30 yards out. In spite of Seattle multiple occasions an Delem shoot hitting the post, the American version of the Sky Blues persevere for the win.

Goals

Maxy Moralez 58' NYCFC, Jesus Medina 77' NYCFC, Ebenezer Ofori 85' NYCFC

Highlights

Maxy Moralez unstoppable in every match

Jesus Medina first goal of the season

Brad Stuver first shutdown in his seven starts of his career

Next Match: NYCFC (7,1,8, 29 points) vs Portand Timbers (6,8,2, 20 points)
Yankee Stadium, the Bronx, New York 3:30 PM PST/ 6:30 PM EST

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of NYCFC 2019

Tuesday, July 2, 2019

League of Ireland recap in a busy Monday with Dundalk still on the summit

For Vinnie Perth and his Town Boys are on fire and looking ready for their upcoming compromise in Champions League opening rounds against Latvia's Riga FC.

Another win with a clean sheet at home over a troubled Waterford, the Dublin Derby painted Green, Sligo's goal fest, and a couple of amtches with a share of spoils in Monday night.

So far, the Finn Harps have been adding points with a draw against Cork City, still this result gives Oliie Brown's side a much needed boost of confidence with a win and a draw.

Finn Harps 0-0 Cork City

In Dalymont the Bohemians and Derry City shared the spoils in a draw that the Gypsies in spite of the draw in the end this keeps them within six points of their cross town foes Hoops.

Bohemians 0-0 Derry City

In the Showgrounds the local Bit O' Red recovered after an early Students early goal with just nine minutes on the clock by skipper Liam Scales but in the end UCD succumbed.

With a first goal by John Dunleavy 21', a treble by Ronan Coughlan 22', 45' and 52' minutes and Romeo Parkes 50' to complete a goal fest and recover from tehir away loss at Ballybofey.

Sligo Rovers 5-1 UCD

In the Dublin Derby at Inchicore colossus Richmond Park Harry Kenny and company versus their cross town rivals Shamrock Rovers in need of a win and keep the chase to the top.

For the Hoops scores in both halves with Greg Bolger scoring in the 45' minute and coming back from halftime five minutes later Sean Kavanaugh scored the go ahead goal in the 50' minute.

Saint Patrick's Athletic 0-2 Shamrock Rovers

In Oriel Park the local Town maintain their run with perfection with another win this time over a troubled Waterford Blues, with an OG play by the visiting side plus a couple of goals from them.

An OG by Blues defender Kenneth Browne early in the match with just two minutes in the clock, later in the second half came the wrath of the Lilywhites Daniel Kelly 24' and Jamie McGrath 66'.

Dundalk 3-0 Waterford

Monday, July 1, 2019

The Bit O' Red continues the misery for a troublesome UCD

Sligo Rovers 5-1 UCD

The Bit O' Red rebounded from an upset over the weekend with a rout over struggling Students, in every match sealing their ticket back to relegation.

Last Friday loss at Ballybofey, really hurt the pride of this squad, after all these came with the label of favorites to win this match but in the end they learned their lesson.

As they state that there is no place like home and in front of your faithful the Sligo bunch came ready to put on an offensive display and dominance over a hapless and decimated UCD.

With a rout over the Students accompanied by a goal fest and a treble by one of its players.

The Bit O' Red is looking forward to start adding points and move up the overall table, so far with just 29 points the need to add points with wins is somehow imperative for this club aspirations toward the league top.

For Sligo manager Liam Buckley seeing how his side offensive might for sure returns his trust on his starting eleven as aware of the challenges ahead, but with a little luck and hunger his project for sure his heading into the right direction.

The first score of the game came from the Students Captain Liam Scales in the 9' minute to leave the attendees in shock and not hoping for another meltdown from its Bit O' Red.

However in the 21' minute came the response from the locals from John Dunleavy scoring the equalizer and exposing the College feeble defensive backfield, and with more to come.

Tell that to an inspired and determined Ronan Coughlan scoring the go ahead and cushion goals with a treble in the 22', 45' and 52' minutes.

Before Sligo's Coughlan last goal two minutes earlier Romeo Parkes scored in the 50' minute to contribute for the win along with his teammates for their start of the week win.

Goals
Liam Scales 9' UCD, John Dunleavy 21' SR, Ronan Coughlan 22', 45' and 52' SR, Romeo Parkes 50' SR

Highlights
Ronan Coughlin Three goals to seal the win

John Dunleavy and Romeo Parkes scores to assure a convincing win at home

Man of the Match
Ronan Coughlin

Dundalk just keeps on winning and setting the tone in the LOI recap

The league of Ireland finally is back in full activity with all its fronts busy, with the defending champions Dundalk returning to their winning ways, as well setting alone at the top.

Another impacting result came from the Finn Harps winning and upseting the Bit O' Red in Finn Park, but what about those Bohs moving up the table and Cork City not showing anything.

Friday evening in Turner's Cross saw how the Leesiders are still not showing off anything in their game lacking hunger and displaying another mediocre evening at home.

The scores from Derry came from David Parkhouse 11' accompanied by a treble from Junior Chukwuemkua Ogedi 27', 30' and 65', the locals scored via from Graham Cummins 88'.

Cork City 1-4 Derry City

In the Bowl at UCD, the local Students continue their strugles with droping another math at home against their cross town foes Pats of Saint Patrick's in no contest Dublin Derby.

With a lone score from the Saints Kevin Toner, this goal became the only score the Inchicore lads needed to net a valuable win over the home side lately selling their talent and sentencing thier destiny to the lower division.

UCD 0-1 Saint Patrick's Athletic

In the Regional Sports Centre the local Waterford Blues and Bohemians Own goals marked their doom in a match that in the end the Gypsies overcome the locals continue their odd streak.

The Blues with an OG from Rory Feely in the 22', the Bohs went up the score and later the Blues OG by Bohs Michael Barker 38' the score tied at one goal apiece when Michael Barker 90' score the game winner for the Dublin bunch.

Waterford 1-2 Bohemians

At home is where it counts and for the Finn Harps netting a valuable win at home and a clean sheet over the Sligo Rovers, not expecting such result from a squad having its troubles.

A double from Nathan Boyle in the 28' and 79' minutes were enough for the Harps to arise from thier bad streak and winning a valuable match that restores this squad confidence.

Finn Harps 2-0 Sligo Rovers

Back in Tallaght the Shamrock Rovers playing at home against the defending champions Dundalk Lilywhites, this mathc had all the elements of a final with both sides disputing the top.

But a late goal by Sean Gannon in the 73' minute became the difference maker in this match the visitors rose to an important win and now leading the LOI comfortably with 10 points.

Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Dundalk

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Portland Timbers rout over LA Galaxy delivers its pass into quarterfinals

Portland Timbers 4-0 Los Angeles Galaxy

The Portland Timbers are back in the quarterfinals round in the U.S. Open Cup with a spectacular win over the LA Galaxy in their Round of 16 match celebrated in Providence Park.

As the Tinsel Town squad started its rally early in the match with Efrain Alvarez and later Emmanuel Boateng with their shoots stopped by Timbers keeper Steve Clark.

The first goal of the match came with a header by Brian Fernandez that Galaxy midfielder Perry Kitchen got the home side ahead with an OG play in the 28' minute. Still this match was to see the likes of Brian Fernandez not wasting another opportunity and the man continued his scoring streak with the Timbers second goal in the 34' minute.

After a poor clearance by the Galaxy goalie the man does hesitated to score the second goal. Three minutes later with the Rose City side clear dominance the third goal came in the 37' minute via Sebastian Blanco eye catching shoot to seal away the match.

In the end the Portland Timbers defensive unit deliver a wondrous game and in spite some dangerous plays they persevere thanks to an opportune and experienced Steve Clark.

To conclude the Rose City squad delivered the final nail in the Galaxy coffin with a late goal by defender Jorge Moreira sealing the win and and next stage pass for his team.

With a combination between Brian Fernandez getting the assist in a well rehearsed play Moreira put the game away in the 82' minute. For second consecutive year the Portland Timbers will play in the USOC quarterfinals against San Jose or LAFC.

Goal
Perry Kitchen 28' OG, Brian Fernandez 34' PT, Sebastian Blanco 37' PT, Jorge Moreira 82' PT

Highlights

Brian Fernandez in five games the man is unstopable as the Timbers scorer
Steve Clark four saves the man did to net the Timbers first game with a clean sheet.
Portland Timbers defensive unit of Moreira, Dielna, Villafaña and Mabiala as starters delivered a wondrous match.

Man of the Match
Brian Fernandez and Steve Clark

Next Match: (11) Portland Timbers (4,7, 2, 14 points) vs (4) Houston Dynamo (7, 3, 3, 24 points)
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon Saturday June 22, 2019 8:00 PM PST/ 11:00 PM EST

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Craig Mitchelldyer 2019

Thursday, June 13, 2019

In the USOC Brian Fernandez on the double in a win over Seattle Sounders

Seattle Sounders 1-2 Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers won on their fourth round match against the Seattle Sounder at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington thanks to Brian Fernandez double in a 2-1 victory.

As the Portland Timbers look like they have the Seattle Sounders in top competitions and today in this edition of the USOC the Rose City side raise to the occasion once again.

Once again teamwork became the essence of fine football for the visiting Timbers.

Another chapter in one of Major League Soccer most celebrated of rivalries, the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders in the end both sides did not disappointed their followers with an amazing match.

For the Portland Timbers opening the score when a combination between Sebastian Blanco and Brian Fernandez opened the door for the Andean first of two goals in the night in the 6' minute.

In spite of Seattle numerous attempts their break came in the 44' minute when Victor Rodriguez free kick took a deflection and the local Sounders tying the game at one goal apiece.

In the second half the Portland timbers again a play started by a heavily watched Diego Valeri took a turn for the best when he passed to his left to a wide open Jeremy Ebobisse.

Then in a well placed pass to Brian Fernandez one again the man score his second goal of the night and second match he does since joining the Portland Timbers in the 50' minute.

Still this match was a challenging one for the Portland defense as the game official did not hesitated to award a PK in favor of Seattle after a clear Larry's Mabiala hand ball inside the area.

With Victor Rodriguez hitting the cross bar, this gave Portland a much needed relief in what could been the tying goal and later a shoot stooped by Timbers keeper Steve Clark who had a wondrous performance.

Today's win the Portland Timbers advance to the round of 16 and with a rival to be named after Thursday's draw.

Goals

Brian Fernandez 6' PTFC, Victor Rodriguez 44' SSFC, Brian Fernandez 50' PTFC

Highlights

Brian Fernandez is well worth every dollar the Portland Timbers spent with another double

Steve Clark defending the Portland Timbers with 7 saves

Teamwork worked wonders for the Timbers

Renzo Zambrano second start and the lad future is looking promising

Man of the Match

Brian Fernandez

Photos Credit and Property of Diego Diaz 2019

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

North Ireland still perfect with a late Paddy McNair winner

Belarus 0-1 North Ireland

You never forget your first time and today in Borisov Arena, the visiting North Ireland squad in its first perfect run in of four consecutive victories and Paddy McNair international goal.

For Michael O' Neill seeing a night of frustrations for his Norn Iron, in the end it was all laughs and celebration before their return in UEFA'S European Championship qualifiers in fall.

In the end an opportune Paddy McNair scoring his first international goal, this became the difference maker and keeping the positive momentum going for the Green and White Army.

So far this win for North Ireland puts them in first place in Group C with a three points lead over Germany and nine over the Netherlands with just two matches played.

As the Middlesbrough man opportune score came in the right time in the 86' minute after beating the likes of Belarussian defender Sergei Kisylak and its goalkeeper Aleksandr Gutor.

With this win for manager Micheal O' Neill aware of the upcoming challenges he and his Norn Iron will close out in his last four matches against Germany and the Netherlands.

Still the merit of the Green and White Army over the weekend with wins over Estonia and today in Belarus, giving them a clear path of achieving their consecutive qualifier in this competition.

In this manager O' Neill brought three of its last week substitutes in the starting eleven in Jordan Jones, Josh Magennis and Conor Washington over Stuart Dallas, George Saville and Liam Boyce.

The starters turned substitutes for manager O' Neill used Stuart Dallas and George Saville later in the second half to try an uplift in the Norn Iron attack.

It will not come easy for the Norn Iron come September and October with matches against Germany at home and later away and the Netherlands away and later at home.

These two matches will be the difference for North Ireland as their qualification hangs on a thread in spite of its successful run by far but in these four matches the need to add points will be imperative to their qualification.

Goals
Paddy McNair 86' NI

Highlights
Paddy McNair first International goal as well the game winner

Michael O' Neill team running perfect with four consecutive wins.

North Ireland ends as group leader with 12 points.

Next Matches
North Ireland vs Germany September 9, 2019 Windsor Stadium, Belfast
Netherlands vs North Ireland October 10, 2019 Stadion Feijenoord, Roterdam

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of © Irish Football Association 2019

Monday, June 10, 2019

A win is a win at home for the Republic of Ireland over Gibraltar

Republic of Ireland 2-0 Republic of Gibraltar

A valuable result in Aviva Stadium today for Mick McCarthy side, after a late score by Robbie Brady that gave the Boys in Green a valuable victory over visiting minnows Gibraltar.

It took an OG play by Gibraltar Joseph Chipolina early in the 23' minutes of the first half that these saw a full pressure from the Green Army that caused the misfortune for the visitors.

For the Green Army in this match it did not came easy for them after seeing a visiting Gibraltar defensive game putting a stop to the locals offensive momentum that lacked creativity.

As this Republic of Ireland team is far better to put this one away in a stunning fashion and with a goal rout, not happening. In the end what counts is the win and its three golden points.

Still the Switzerland squad has just played two games and the Danes three- somehow this gives McCarthy team a positive advantage, as this ten points somehow are a plus.

This gives the Republic of Ireland a clear lead in the top with five points over Denmark but these have to play Denmark and Switzerland at home and if this squad is in need to step up its game dramatically.

The idea to dominate big teams is imperative if these are to cruise with their pass to Europes top rated competiton in international football, as a boatload of work is to be performed in this Republic of Ireland squad.

In spite of the lack of creativity in the midfield and zelaous defending by the Green Army, still this squad does not lack fight and is not a quitter but in need of improvements in its midfield lacking creativity and a strong attack.

Still the break for the Green Army came when the referee awarded four extra minutes and with a minute left thats when Robbie Brady heroics seal the deal for the Republic of Ireland side.

Goals
Joseph Cipolina OG 23' GI, Robbie Brady 93' RI

Highlights
Robbie Brady winner on injury time

Scott Hogan first competitve start

David McGoldrick first goal in the national team but given as OG to Gibraltar

Four points in two matches in the weekend is not bad result.

Mick McCarthy standing behind his players

Next matches
Republic of Ireland vs Switzerland September 5, 2019 Aviva Stadium
Republic of Georgia vs Republic of Ireland October 12, 2019 Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Valuable the point earned in Copenhagen by the Boys in Green

Denmark 1-1 Republic of Ireland

A valuable point for the Green Army in Danish lands and the memories of that elimination by the Danes are still fresh in the minds of many of the Green Army side veterans.

For manager Mick McCarthy sending a very defensive prone 4-5-1 formation to counter on the Danes attack, with a stunner of a goal by the locals Pierre- Emile Hojberg in the 76' minute.

Still the boys in Green can fight back and via Shane Duffy equalizing in the 85' minute his goal could not come in a better moment and in the end both sides settled for the spoiler and for McCarthy side still undefeated and leading the pack.

As manager Mick McCarthy looking forward to see a continuance of his side ride with perfection with a game against Republic of Gibraltar at Aviva Stadium on June 10th.

So far leading the pack in Group D The Green Army is seeded at the top with seven points and looking forward to extend its lead and ready for its upcoming matches against Switzerland and later Denmark at home.

If this match was an all around contest you bet as both sides were looking forward to net the impossible and for the Danes looking for three points but in the end these have to look for wins in other contests.

In the end for the Republic of Ireland this result in spite of the draw, the tactics and full press on the Danes left us a new chapter in the Green Army goals being meet slowly but surely in seeking a spot in the next EURO 2020.

Goals

Pierre- Emile Hojberg 76' DEN, Shane Duffy 85 RI

Highlights

Shane Duffy equalizer

Mick McCarthy tactics uplifting the Green Army game and confidence

Saturday, June 8, 2019

The Norn Iron still undefeated with a win over Estonia

Estonia 1- 2 North Ireland

For Michael O' Neill North Ireland, he had all he right moves in this EURO qualifiers match celebrated in Tallinn, colossus Coq Arena, maintain its undefeated status staging a second half comeback.

With second half substitutions by manager O' Neill, these paid off!

In the first half seeing how an inspired and fighting Blueshirts side going ahead in the scoreboard with an early score by Konstantin Vassiljev in the 25' minute with a perfect free kick for the 1-0.

In spite of the first goal that uplifted the momentum for the Blueshirts, the Green and White Army had its opportunities as well a grand break in the 38' minute when the game official disallowed a goal for the locals.

In the end the Norn Iron almost got a close play at goal but no go, in the end of the first half the locals had the upper advantage with a goal in favor and going into intermission with the lead.

As the Norn Iron players getting an earful from their Boss, the second half was to become a challenge for the both sides one to maintain its lead the other to look for the right moment.

However the moves in the second half before kick off by North Ireland when Conor Washington came as a substitute for Liam Boyce and the game still to play 45 minutes.

As the Norn Iron creating a cuple of opportunities, still the likes of Estonia's captain Vassiljev denied of an opportunity of goal by a savior of a woodwork, a relief for NI Keeper Bailey Peackock- Farrell.

In the 78' minute its when the game started to go in favor of the Norn Iron, when Conor Washington shoot is defelcted and taken by Josh Magennis to tie the game at 1-1 apiece.

Still there was more to come for the Boys from the Northern part from the Emerald Isle with anoter score from who else but Josh Magennis in the 80' thanks to another substitute Jordan Jones.

In the final minutes the Norn Iron defensive game got a boost and for their goalkeeper Bailey Peackock- Farrell made a game saving stop against Sergei Zenjov's shoot, and persevering for their third consecutive win.

The Norn Iron still is undefeated.

Goals
Konstantin Vassiljev 25' EST, Conor Washington 78' NI, Josh Magennis 80'NI

Highlights

Manager Michael O' Neill substitutions paid off in the end.
Josh Magennis and Conor Washington goals.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Sheffield United back to new challenges in Premiership

Twelve long years since the Blades been absent from the ranks of Premiership and in what beter time to celebrate their direct promotion to England's top tier considered the one of the world best of leagues.

The past is long buried and this team we can state you come a long way baby!

After its relegation into Championship and a long stay in League One for six seasons and on their return to Championship voila the Blades did the unthinkable of netting the ultimate of feats.

As Bramall Lane will live again the excitement of Premiership, but for the Blades manager Chris Wilder to not only perform but deliver a magnificent campaign and seek their permanency for a long time.

As Sheffield United along with Aston Villa and Championship Winners Norwich City are proud class of 2018-19, as the questions raises to who will be the squad to stay in the top and who will comeback to Championship.

In spite of the achievement of the Blades, in the end their perseverance shown in that glorious match against Ipswich Town that gave them 88 points and a five point lead over favorite Leeds United.

That penultimate week of action, for Leeds netting a hurtful tie against Aston Villa, that in the end gave them that desired pass and closing a grand campaign that deliver them the glory of promotion.

Now that the celebrations are over as manager Chris Wilder and the club directives will embark on the arduous task of building contender but the question is of the monies and budget available.

As many state that money talk in Premiership and for sides like Sheffield United with a revenue not as extensive as many of the league elite squads to aspire for the top will be somehow a tough but not impossible dream.

Anything can happen in the case of the Blades is to perform and see a continuance of their great game that put them in the top circuit, the number of challenges will be a handful for this Yorkshire based club.

As the monies out there in prizes for Sheffield United and league winner Norwich City will be one amazing boost for these entities but in the end the challenge will be for their long permanency.

The question is of what players are to make a return and what players will come to reinforce this squad ahead of their new adventure in Premiership and look forward to a series of notable performances that will earn them a permanent stay.