JamesHarrison’sfourasSean Thornton(8) looksatalent

REYNOLDS BAGS THREE

BEFORE this mutch started, Congress Celtic mentors John Walsh and Paddy Reilly were considering drastic action in order to boost their scoring rate and that including switching striker James Harrison. But Harrison answered them, bagging four goals in their 4-2 u/12 win over Albion Rovers.

Congress got off to the perfect start when after only 20 seconds Johnny Grey played a long ball up front which Harrison volleyed over the stranded keeper. Mark Douglas raced in five minutes later however to make it I-1 but Congress settled to go in front once more, Thomas O’Rourke splitting the Albion defence and Harrison goaling.

A poor back pass from John Grey allowed John Paul Rooney the space to nip in for a second Albion equaliser lo leave it 2-2 at the break. Harrison and O’Rourke caused Albion all kinds of problems in the midficld and their stern resistance was broken when Robert Johnson ‘s cross was met superbly by Harrison for his hat trick. Niall Cooncy in the Congress goal had to bring off a couple of saves as Albion attempted a third equaliser but a fourth from Harrison five minutes from lime killed off the fighting Monastcrboicc side. Congress are having a fine season and Walsh, Reilly and Smith are looking at possible u/12. 13, 15 and 16 semi final games. Best for Congress were David Owens, Jason Lennon, Jason Leech and Harrison with Barry Wall. Patrick Loughran, Paul McGovcrn, John Paul Rooncy and Ciaran Briscoe pick of the Albion side.

BOYNE CELTIC 5 RATHMULLEN RGS 0

A tough battle in the first half with no goals by the break but Boyne broke the deadlock with a Mark Kirwan goal which was set up by Francis Byrne’s well executed corner kick. Niall Reynolds with a hat trick and Byrne also got on the mark after that to leave Boyne relatively easy winners by the finish.

Under 9

STAMEEN 0

GROVE RANGERS 0

This was the top of the table clash in Section I with both sides producing an outstanding encounter which would have graced any final. Stameen’s much improved outfit were dominant in the first half but Grove clawed their way back into it late on. Frank Mnguire, the Grove keeper, made three outstanding saves, twice from Paul O’Mara and one from Aidan Heeney. The large, enthusiastic crowd had plenty to cheer about with the skills of Darius McCann and Ian Bannon on show for Grove and Kevin Kelly, Timmy Mallon, Cillian Duffy and O’Mara for Stameen. Under 1O

ALBION ROVERS 6 STAMULLEN I

As both teams were pointless to date this match took on a cup final atmosphere with a place in the semi finals at stake. .lt was tight in the first half, Albion taking a 2-0 advantage, but after that they ruled supreme. J.P.Ryan, Colin Tolan, Stephen Connolly, Joe Connolly and Barry McCauley were best for Stamullen.