Ten man RISSC earn valuable away point

London Hibs SC 1-1 RISSC (London) - Sunday 30 November 2008

The RISSC (London) football team travelled to Chiswick on Sunday afternoon to take on unbeaten London Hibs SC in the APFSCIL League Division One. A tense affair, marred by the harsh dismissal of striker Louis Anderson after thirty minutes, ended in a one all draw.

While there was a wintry chill in the air, the weather remained dry and provided an acceptable backdrop for what proved an eventful encounter. RISSC showed three changes from last week, with skipper Jon Carey returning to central defence in place of Mick Cusack while Fintan McKeown came into midfield for Victor Carnevale. Up front, Louis Anderson replaced the absent Ricardo Paul.

RISSC dominated possession in the early exchanges but goalscoring chances were at a premium. The players continued to perservere and the deserved breakthrough came after twenty minutes. A flowing move was prompted initially by PJ Meehan on the right. He threaded a delightful ball to striker Mick Dunford and last season's leading goalscorer released his strike partner Louis Anderson who fired to the net.

The confidence brought about by the goal, enabled RISSC to take greater control, which received a severe setback on thirty minutes when goalscorer Anderson, who had received an earlier caution, was dismissed for briefly leaving the field of play without permission.Despite coming under increased pressure from their unbeaten opponents, ten man RISSC remained in calm control to the interval.

The second half continued to provide a fairly even contest with both sides having opportunities to score. Goalkeeper Darren Nolan stood firm for RISSC and was equal to everything the Scots threw at him. The Irish boys themselves created a number of half chances with both Mick Dunford and Chris Coleman going close.

The heavy conditions began to take their toll on the ten men and midway through the half, manager Paul Franklin introduced fresh legs from the bench. The resilient RISSC defence continued to come under intense pressure and with fifteen minutes remaining, they were finally breached and the home side equalised. Despite the setback, depleted RISSC held firm for the remainder of the match to earn a deserved point in very trying circumstances.

The team will be on their travels again next Sunday when they take on second placed Exeter City SC in the the Second Round of the Dave Baister Cup.

Team:
Darren Nolan;
Anthony Traynor, Jon Carey, Mick Conway, Jason Clifford;
PJ Meehan, Ray Logue, Chris Coleman, Fintan McKeown;
Louis Anderson, Michael Dunford

Substitutes:
Victor Carnevale for Fintan McKeown
Mick Cusack - Not used
Hugo Fernandes - Not used
Richie Dempsey for Michael Dunford
Adrian Ward for Anthony Traynor