London Rissc 2-1 Birmingham City Supporters

A Sunny afternoon in West London saw the Republic of Ireland Supporters line up against Birmingham City Supporters in the first “6 pointer “ of the season
After a minutes silence held in memory of Pope John Paul II the Irish kicked off with the wind behind us.

Lining up with a 4-4-2 formation the Irish went for it from the start, Karl McGee and Timmy Nagle made their mark in the centre of midfield freeing Mick Coffey playing out on the right to torment the Birmingham defence releasing inviting balls for forwards Liam Kelly and Steve Benitez to run onto. On the left Jon Carey played a more defensive midfield role covering for solid left back Martin Flannery when he made runs forward. The defence was as strong as ever, marshalled by Dave Hestor and Pat Flannery in the centre, and the dependable Dan Healey out right. Darren Nolan was called into making a couple of early saves. The 1st goal came when Karl McGee sent a ball in to the Birmingham penalty area the keeper and defenders misjudged the bounce and the one and only “Liam Kelly” was on hand to put the Irish 1-0 up.

Birmingham equalized with a ball sent into the Irish penalty area Darren Nolan and Pat Flannery thought it was covered but didn’t allow for the speed of the Birmingham forward to nip in and make it 1-1. Darren then made 2 crucial saves soon after to keep the score level and Liam Kelly went close just before half time. Martin Flannery who gave 100%, winning everything that came his way was replaced at half time as the heat took its toll by Paddy McGee, Jon Carey dropped back to left back.

Game on in the 2nd half with both teams needing to win, Steve Benitez tormented the Birmingham defence Mick Coffey, Timmy Nagle, Liam Kelly came close, the ball was in the Birmingham net from Karl McGee, but was ruled out by a dubious off side decision from referee Derek Russell. Darren Nolan was called into making a couple of saves and with the clock ticking down Paddy McGee went up front and Steve Benitez dropped into midfield.

Darren Nolan threw the ball to Dan Healey on the right, who gave a great ball to Timmy Nagle, who in turn released it to Mick Coffey on the right, Mick then went on a run down the right with all the Irish pushing on, Jon Carey thought he was still playing left wing appeared on the edge of the Birmingham penalty area, Mick Coffey pulled it back and Jon struck it 1st time from at least “25yds” out, 2-1 RISSC, he was away celebrating before the ball hit the net. Birmingham needed a goal but thankfully time was on our side as the final whistle was blown……..a well deserved 2-1 win for the boys in Green, 3 points in the bag, Dundee Utd next weekend in a doubleheader at home 2pm ko

(Barry Hearn was on the phone afterwards asking about our new forward Leyton Orient may be short next week) – Jon !!!