Supporters’ Club Notes (29/03/15)

FIRST HOME WIN

Bray Wanderers were our visitors last Tuesday night at the City Calling Stadium. The team didn't have much time to recover from their long trip to Limerick but an early Pat Flynn goal might have helped the fatigue factor. His single tumble victory roll will hopefully be witnessed many more times this season. Alan Mathews' men aren't having the best start to their season . A few minutes into the second half and Gary Shaw rubbed some salt in the Seagulls' wounds when he put De Town two up following excellent work by Don Cowan.

We should have further extended that lead and in truth we wouldn't have been flattered by doubling our winning margin. But our first win of the season and our first clean sheet along with three points and we headed home very happy indeed.

FIRST AWAY WIN

On a windy and wet Friday night, we extended our unbeaten run to three games with a dramatic late,late win at Eamonn Deacy Park. A little over a thousand hardy souls saw the hosts take the lead on just six minutes. Galway were playing good football and a long night loomed large. However as Gary Shaw headed goalwards with serious intent on his mind, he was upended. The result was a red card which maddened their manager as this was their second in as many home games. Down to ten men and the Tribesmen sat back to soak up any pressure we could muster. They had frustrated Drogheda in a similar fashion and looked confident to repeat the dose. But, right on half time, it was Gary Shaw's most delicate of headed flicks which brought the travelling supporters to their feet as the ball settled in the back of the Galway net.

Playing into a gale force wind in the second half, De Town totally dominated proceedings. But despite owning the ball, we failed to really work their keeper. His biggest job was time wasting. With the clock ticking rapidly our chances of valuable three points seemed to be vanishing. And yet, from a break away Galway Utd almost scored but for a dramatic save and lucky rebound. After that, we bombarded their goals and even smashed the crossbar and fired in corner after corner. The atmosphere was electric with Section O playing their part as the 12th man.

We were now into the third minute of added time. When about the 100th clearance fell to Don Cowan, time seemed stood still. He steadied himself, picked his spot in the bottom right corner, aimed, deep breath, pulled the trigger and the ball, never rising cut through an army of Galway defenders and rattled the back of the net. Section O went as mad as ever they've been and that's saying something.

The goal was celebrated by the players like it was the winning score in a Cup Final. And yet the drama wasn't over. Something happened happened between Flynn and Galway's Sam Oji which resulted in red cards for both and even after that again, Oji seemed to lose the plot with an ice cool Pat Flynn. And thus ended the most dramatic of finishes.

Lack of discipline cost the hosts but as De Town merry supporters stayed back to continue their chanting, no one was complaining. If the truth was told, many would have taken a point; to come home with three was a real bonus.

ST PATS NEXT

Saturday night sees St Patrick's Athletic back at the City Calling Stadium. An other win and we'd leap frog them. But once again, it's going to be a very tough struggle. But one thing this season has shown so far, is De Town's fighting spirit. We almost nicked a point against league runaway leaders, Dundalk in the closing stages and Galway Utd won't forget our late,late goals against them.

It promises to be good crowd with many travelling from Inchicore, which in turn should lead to an other top class atmosphere. The message is clear, come out on time and be prepared for all sorts of weather.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH / MARCH

March was a long month games wise. We played five, lost two, drew one and won two. Each and every player who donned the red and black has played his heart out but it's Don Cowan who will receive the March Player of the Month before Saturday night's game. Apart from his winning goal over in Galway, Don has improved with each game and has been labelled a menace by many defenders. But not alone is he working his wing in attack, his work rate at defending has also increased hugely. There were many contenders for the March award but our first of the season goes to our come back kid, Don Cowan.

On Saturday last, there was a draw among paid up members of the Supporters' Club and picked to present the trophy to Don was Liam Healion. Amanda Bowes is the winner of the Clubhouse prize, which is a complimentary cuppa and snack.

CAR BOOT SALE

Ester Monday is our next Car Boot Sale at the City Calling Stadium car park. It kicks off early and the final whistle will sound at 3pm. As usual we could do with more volunteers, especially at three o'clock to help tidy up the place. Don't be shy about volunteering, we can do you.

PITCH MARKINGS

Dundalk and Limerick combined, only managed two and half stars from a possible ten. It was a completely different story over in the west on Friday night. Our bus was guided to a well organised and secure car park right alongside Eamonn Deacy Park. The stewards were the best yet, friendly and efficient. Match programme was excellent value with excellent articles and great pics and all on high quality glossy paper. There were ample food stands and again, the service was top class. Many clubs have awful toilet facilities but Galway's were faultless. They had a good score board, the flags were clean and correctly hoisted and the PA system was perfectly clear and bi lingual ( as were some stewards ).The away section was in the main stand with all facilities close by. The ground was spotlessly clean and obviously family friendly with youngsters well catered for. For what is obviously a huge club effort, Galway Utd get the full five stars. Well done/ comhgairdeas.

SATURDAY

Our wonderful win in Galway the previous night was put to one side, when supporters and management gathered at St Mel's Cathedral at noon on Saturday to bid our final farewell to Noel Whelan. On Tuesday we walked into the CCS with Noel, on Saturday we walked alongside in a guard of honour for Noel. So much had changed is such a short time. May he rest in peace, we've lost a passionate and loyal supporter and a great long standing club servant. Noel's family and his great friend Joan are in our thoughts and prayers.

LOTTO RESULTS

Last week's winning numbers were 1- 7 - 16 - 22. There was no jackpot winner. Winners of the €100 were Paul Hennessy, Pauline Murphy, Kenagh and Martha Reilly, Ballinroey, Dring.