Cup Final - Longford the Victors

[pineapple stu]

Originally posted by Footie_Fan
He was right on the spot for the "tackle" for Fahey. The slow motions replys of that were sickening. It was a career ender.

Yeah - didn't see that properly at the game as I was in the far side with all the Longford lads, but it was a nasty tackle close up. 'Twas a good spot alright.

[pineapple stu]

Originally posted by Dr.Nightdub
They simply don't deserve us.

Are you a Cork fan in disguise?! Or just the World Sarcasm Champion?! Either way, I'd be worried...

The Pat's fans were very quiet, particularly throughout the second half when the team needed them most. And you can't blame that on not being allowed to cover up the hoardings!!!

[Dr.Nightdub]

Originally posted by pineapple stu
Are you a Cork fan in disguise?! Or just the World Sarcasm Champion?!...The Pat's fans were very quiet, particularly throughout the second half when the team needed them most.

Part 1 - definitely not

Part 2 - working on it

Part 3 - can't answer for the other 5000 down the way from us, but it wasn't for want of effort from those of us stuck out in the open in Block P

[A face]

The FAI Cup Final 2003

Through leaf-strewn streets, the two tribes strode
In joyful apprehension,
As both converged on Lansdowne Road
Awash with nervous tension.
Both managers were keen to stress,
And with cajoling words express
How they’d been starved of Cup success
For too long now to mention.

The gallant men from Inchicore
Were chafing at the gristle.
Forty long drawn years or more
Stung more than any thistle.
But Longford’s name had ne’er been sketched
Upon that trophy often etched,
So, with the hopes of both teams stretched,
Young Kelly blew the whistle.

With fifteen thousand roaring on,
The game took time to settle.
Though chances came and soon were gone,
The fans were in fine fettle.
Ferguson and Barrett tried
To take the lead, but were denied,
As Adamson, composed, defied
The steely Longford mettle.

The Pat’s back four were playing square,
As Prunty got possession.
Chances came, as with great flair,
He channelled his aggression.
And Longford stretched the Patrick’s backs
With many promising attacks,
Searching, probing, for the cracks
Within that opening session.

Then after half an hour it came
With Longford in the clover,
As Kirby came into the game
And played a long ball over.
Sean Francis, playing in the hole,
Turned Foley with some great control,
And shot, deflected, in the goal,
And Longford praised Jehovah.

The Pat’s defence was looking troubled
As Longford now ran riot.
The scoreline should have been soon doubled,
To keep the Pat’s fans quiet.
Murphy put Shane Barrett free,
Who got pulled down intentionally,
And Fergie took the penalty,
But Adamson did deny it.

But Pat’s fought back with steely grit
And strong determination,
And really made a match of it,
Despite intense frustration.
Creativity was what they lacked,
Whenever they in droves attacked,
But Longford soaked it up in fact
With subtle orchestration.

Half time came and half time went
And Pat’s came out, guns firing.
But Longford Town were far from spent,
Their stamina untiring.
With not one Longford man exempt,
They snuffed out every Pat’s attempt,
With consummate, controlled contempt,
With neutral fans admiring.

Then Tony Bird sky-kicked the ball,
O’Brien parried badly,
And to Dave Freeman it did fall,
Who blasted it quite gladly.
O’Brien in desperation flailed,
As Longford hearts in terror quailed,
But o’er the gaping net it sailed,
As Longford scrambled madly.

That was Patrick’s final chance
And they became frustrated,
And Fahy’s rash two-footed dance
Predictably was fated.
And down to ten, though Pats still tried,
The outcome couldn’t be denied,
As Longford got behind their side
And loudly celebrated.

Pats got a corner near the end,
And Adamson came running,
But with no Pats player to defend,
Lavine for goal went gunning.
But, with an open goal created,
Eric strangely hesitated,
Till Patrick’s right hand post frustrated
Keogh’s great skill and cunning.

But just one minute after this,
The same scene was repeated,
But this time Barrett didn’t miss,
And St. Pat’s were defeated.
And when the final whistle blew,
The tears and adulation flew,
As players into heroes grew
Once vict’ry was completed.

Pats’ expressions were so pained,
And Longford’s so euphoric.
The red and black were unrestrained,
Delight so meteoric.
And Alan Matthews drank it in,
With but a slight dishevelled grin,
Though well he knew the Longford win
Was marvellously historic.

[John83]

Well done to Longford. Kirby was excellent - I was amazed to see him subbed, and Barrett was very lively.

The sending off was stupid. Can't remember who it was, but I hope he got a roasting afterwards - he cost Pats any chance they had.

[James]

excellent poem there from Peter Goulding
a regular feature over on soccercentral.ie

[Éanna]

Originally posted by Dr.Nightdub
Mind you, none of that will stop them looking for eL fans to create an atmosphere next time Ireland are playing. They simply don't deserve us.

you're spot on in that regard as far asI'm concerned