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RISSC 2 - Crew 1

Manager Paul Franklin and his squad travelled to the Civil Service Ground this afternoon for their first match since their Cup success against London Scottish SC on Sunday 10 December 2006. RISSC were without centre back and captain, Karl McGee who had not recovered from injury and leading goalscorer, Richie Dempsey. Mick Cusack and Adrian Ward were also unavailable but Franklin was pleased to welcome back Dave Hestor and Paul Lavelle for their first appearances of the season.

Weather conditions in South London were much improved from last week with bright rays of sunshine skipping across the crisp surface of the pitch. The players were eager to pick up where they had left off in 2006 and set about their task with early gusto. Their initial efforts were undermined somewhat by an understandable lack of sharpness, given the lengthy gap since they last took the field. Despite this general level of rustiness, a number of chances did fall the way of RISSC, but they all went begging.

This early dominance by RISSC received a jolt mid-way through the half when in their first serious assault on Darren Nolan’s domain, the home side took the lead. Defensive uncertainty in failing to deal with a through ball was punished to the full by Crewe. This RISSC outfit is an experienced squad, who have been in this position before and they responded with renewed vigour. A delightful through ball released midfielder Finton McKeon, as the home defence focused on Mick Coffey who, while in an offside position, was not interfering with play. Sadly, the redoubtable McKeon blazed his effort over the crossbar.

RISSC continued to persevere and received their merited reward ten minutes before the interval. Another through ball was latched onto by Mauricio Carrillo who maintained his composure and drove home a splendid equaliser. The Irish team continued to press their opponents throughout the remainder of the first half but Crewe defended with a resilience which belied their position at the foot of the league table.

RISSC (London) Football Team

The early second half exchanges continued in like fashion to the first with RISSC enjoying the bulk of possession while the home team mounted a stout rearguard action. Manager Franklin was beginning to show signs of concern that his team could not make the crucial breakthrough when on the hour mark, salvation arrived courtesy of the foot of Mick Coffey. The leading goalscorer and last season’s player-of-the-year fired RISSC in front with another of his thunderbolt efforts. RISSC sought to increase their lead and Donnie Mullen twice went close with headers while Brian Moriarty also had a near miss.

The final whistle confirmed victory for RISSC and the winning three points, keeps the team in the top-half of the league table. The outing will have gone some way towards building the kind of form and momentum that will be required as the season progresses. RISSC will meet current table toppers Norwich City SC at the LPR Sports Ground on Sunday next 21 January 2007 and will be seeking to avenge the shattering opening day defeat inflicted upon them by the 'Canaries'.

Team for 14 January 2007
Darren Nolan
Jon Carey, Dan Healy, Mark O’Connor, Martin Flannery;
David Hestor, Finton McKeon, Donnie Mullen, Brian Moriarty;
Mauricio Carrillo, Mick Coffey

Substitutes
Paul Lavelle for Hestor - 46minutes
Paddy McGee for Carrillo - 80minutes
Liam Quirk for O'Connor - 80minutes