Combined Counties Football League

[supersol]

St.Peters are a much stronger side than Willow Park...
They are due a win in this fixture!!
According to most people Willow are average & only won the league due to St Peters run in the Fai Cup. (Even though the only pts they dropped in the run in to the CCFL was against Willow).
Rumours around Athlone according to my friend who lives there is that St.Peters are still signing players!!

Should be a Cracker!!

Will it be played in Lisseywoolen again??

[peterc1992]

St.Peters are a much stronger side than Willow Park...
They are due a win in this fixture!!
According to most people Willow are average & only won the league due to St Peters run in the Fai Cup. (Even though the only pts they dropped in the run in to the CCFL was against Willow).
Rumours around Athlone according to my friend who lives there is that St.Peters are still signing players!!

Should be a Cracker!!

Will it be played in Lisseywoolen again??

I dont agree with you at all.You basing your opinion on what other people tld you.Willow played peter last weekend and Willow were 1-0 up and crusing untill they got a man sent off.Also i think the only reason people think peters are stronger is because the ran well in the fai cup last year.If you actually look back,willow lost in penalties in teh quarter final and peters won on penalties and therefore they went further but it didnt justify who was the better team in athlone.I predict willow do well this year in the juniot cup.In paddy power last week i saw they were 80/1 to win the junior fai cup which is just crazy altogether, thats my tip for the next week or two,especially wen willow knock peter out in the first round

[chopper harris]

Can't see it being in Lissywollen TBH, why would willow give up home advantage for the sake of a few bob. I think Lissywollen might actually suit peters more, bigger pitch and players with better technique. That said, willow are very well orgainsied, big at the back (best pairing in the league with Ronan Frawley and Shine) good wide men. Peters have match winners in BC, Sher and Stevie Mullan but in the drubbing of Kilavilla and Melville, they played against ten men for most of the games. It will go all the way but I am saying Peters in normal time only becasue they are due a win against willow. And IMO Peters should have won agianst Willow in the playoff - better chances in the 90mins but for some last ditch defending by willow. Surprised to See peters in the draw though,,,, They are the only Semi Finalsits in the first round, Erris and Ballymun are in the second and Clonmel are striaght into the third I think. There was mention of seedings for the semi finalists last year as both Peters and to a lesser extent Ballymun had to play a load of games very close together. ther CCFL forced Peters to finish up by May 31st, Ballymun played until June 20th I think. Goes to show the support the league has for it's members but that's for another day.

[AlwaysAHoop]

I dont agree with you at all.You basing your opinion on what other people tld you.Willow played peter last weekend and Willow were 1-0 up and crusing untill they got a man sent off.Also i think the only reason people think peters are stronger is because the ran well in the fai cup last year.If you actually look back,willow lost in penalties in teh quarter final and peters won on penalties and therefore they went further but it didnt justify who was the better team in athlone.I predict willow do well this year in the juniot cup.In paddy power last week i saw they were 80/1 to win the junior fai cup which is just crazy altogether, thats my tip for the next week or two,especially wen willow knock peter out in the first round

i think your wrong about willow gettin to quater finals that was 6th round they lost to waterford bohs..they did get to quarter finals of leinster alright..I think its a hard game to call match winner on both sides.but i think defence that wins this game.i think willow have to be favorites But i think peters will nick on pens..

[AlwaysAHoop]

Can't see it being in Lissywollen TBH, why would willow give up home advantage for the sake of a few bob. I think Lissywollen might actually suit peters more, bigger pitch and players with better technique. That said, willow are very well orgainsied, big at the back (best pairing in the league with Ronan Frawley and Shine) good wide men. Peters have match winners in BC, Sher and Stevie Mullan but in the drubbing of Kilavilla and Melville, they played against ten men for most of the games. It will go all the way but I am saying Peters in normal time only becasue they are due a win against willow. And IMO Peters should have won agianst Willow in the playoff - better chances in the 90mins but for some last ditch defending by willow. Surprised to See peters in the draw though,,,, They are the only Semi Finalsits in the first round, Erris and Ballymun are in the second and Clonmel are striaght into the third I think. There was mention of seedings for the semi finalists last year as both Peters and to a lesser extent Ballymun had to play a load of games very close together. ther CCFL forced Peters to finish up by May 31st, Ballymun played until June 20th I think. Goes to show the support the league has for it's members but that's for another day.

I think this game would be great to be played in Athlone pitch was down at the last match there was great night for local football.Its not about the few bob I remember when i was younger most players wanted to play in mels every chance they could and think its the same on both sides now..Would disagree with u there about having the best defence in league as robbie plays on right with gaylord or mullaly beside frawley..For me peters have stronger backline in fallon, scullion,carr,silke, A kelly,murphy,Willow midfield is very strong and pacy so i think that could wining of game for willow..Pity one team has to go early..

[spcorp]

I dont agree with you at all.You basing your opinion on what other people tld you.Willow played peter last weekend and Willow were 1-0 up and crusing untill they got a man sent off.Also i think the only reason people think peters are stronger is because the ran well in the fai cup last year.If you actually look back,willow lost in penalties in teh quarter final and peters won on penalties and therefore they went further but it didnt justify who was the better team in athlone.I predict willow do well this year in the juniot cup.In paddy power last week i saw they were 80/1 to win the junior fai cup which is just crazy altogether, thats my tip for the next week or two,especially wen willow knock peter out in the first round

Crusing???? Peter's were the better team for long periods, willow keeper saved a peno and made some very good save's. You should read the previous threads, do you work for the westmeath and wear a showery t-shirt under your shirt???

Ran well in the FAI??? They got to the final and beat four all ireland winners on the way. If you go by pedigree there's no competition,

1st round FAI senior twice
last 16 twice
last 32 twice
FAI junior cup final

the closest willow got to an FAI Qtr final was watching Peters play it, Willow seemed to be at more Peters game's than Peters supporters.

Yes willow have beaten Peters last year, once was a goal in injury time and the other was on peno's, the teams are very close all over the pitch.

You and willow should concentrate on getting over the Peters match before you can talk of winning the FAI.

Willow don't don't have the front men to compete at a national level, Peters have the personal and the experience in every department.

Peters 2 zip

[supersol]

Spcorp...

You must be in the St.Peters Camp as a nerve has been hit!!!

I was @ the St.Peters 1 1 Willow Park and i thought Willow were very comfortable until their player was sent off, then St.Peters had a lot of
possession without creating too much!!

I agree that there is not much between both sides & i think a slice of luck / skill will settle the junior cup tie!!

Ths closest Willow Park have got to a Fai Junior Cup 1/4 final was watching St.Peters --> Harsh!!
Luck helps hugely in this cup as you should know & the rub of the green went with the team in green last season!!
Penalties are a Lottery.....

Its great to see 2 athlone sides competing at the highest level in Irish Junior Football & a pity that 1 of the 2 best teams in the CCFL will be gone after Rd 1 this season!!

Willow Strikers Frawley / Magennis / Tone & Hyland are very competent Junior Players as are Caudwell / Sherlock!!!

Hopefully it will be a Cracker..

Is Lisseywoolen an Option as it could be better for Spectators??

Discussion for another day!!
WHAT HAVE ATFC MANAGEMENT GOT AGAINST LOCAL JUNIOR PLAYERS AS SOME OF THEM ARE CLEARLY BETTER THAN WHAT IS CURRENTLY ON VIEW IN LISSEYWOOLEN????

[AlwaysAHoop]

Loving the comments lads hope the match is a good..hope the town get behind this match 2 teams That will give everthing to win this 1.Not connected to any club but like to see both sides do well.big games this weekend for both sides aswell in league..

[Fr Damo]

Supersol, I hear willow are struggling this weekend, the willow squad is a little light compared to SPFC....... having said that it has not been a problem todate!

Also, ....... Willow A managed by ex St Peters Stalworth T O Sullivan and I believe Willie Hewitt is the B Team manger. Willie was our B Team manager last year. Strange set of circumstances.

[the runner]

Supersol, I hear willow are struggling this weekend, the willow squad is a little light compared to SPFC....... having said that it has not been a problem todate!

Also, ....... Willow A managed by ex St Peters Stalworth T O Sullivan and I believe Willie Hewitt is the B Team manger. Willie was our B Team manager last year. Strange set of circumstances.

I was not aware that T O Sullivan was ex St Peters.Who was the genieus that let him go to Willow Park because Willow have won all around them since he arrived.I think they have won 4 or 5 cups since he joined and Peters have not won much at all.Maybe if St Peters still had T O Sullivan they would have won more cups in the last 3 years.I heard from a friend living in Athlone that says the secret behind Willows success is Gerry McHugh(ex st peters) and T O Sullivan.The people involved with St Peters
must be kicking themselves to let these two slip away??????

[workdodger]

Well to answer your questions about certain people leaving St Peters.. And that Willow have won all around them?? The manager left st peters in 04 as he was a manager of a B team and didn't any ambition with the club, the team had more interest in off field activities, St Peters won the league when it was a senior league in 04/05 and defended it as a junior league in 05/06 and in the off season in 06 due to circumstances in which I would not like to post the club was suspended from all playing! Certain players went to different clubs and broke up a successful side. St Peters have come back very strong in the last couple of years and have built a very good side.
Gary McHugh is a quality player for willow but to say he is the driving force would be a little over the top.
Also if we went through the willow side you would be very surprised to find there are 6/7 players with Peters history... going got tough for 2/3 and walked! Not a good thing for a club to have no loyalty from its players.

[Fr Damo]

Workdodger...... The previous post was Gerry McHugh and Not Gary. I am fairly sure SPFC would take the elder McHugh back alright, He founded the club, kept young lads off the streets bringing them to Isle of Mans, Milk Cups, Kennedy Cups, The euros in 88, Italy in 90 and got a team toether to take part and win in Point De Rode, France in 92. broght many LOI players from schoolboys all the way up on a shoe string with very little help.
Gerry McHugh was often asked quitley to return or to reconsider the situation but it has been mentioned he has valid reasons for staying at willow (he lives there for eg)and everybody at Peters respects those. Yes there are some silly shouts at games, Gerry is often in the thick of it but he'll be over to sell a lotto or ticket in the pub afterwards. I wouldn't agree with everything he has done or how he went about it but if someone can be judged and it is said about them they did more good than bad then they are first class in my book.

On The current Willow gaffer - Yes he has an impressive record with Willow, put a good LSL Peters side together in 01/02 but it was difficult for him to play and manage to be honest, I think one M Collins would agree with that.

[Fr Damo]

I was not aware that T O Sullivan was ex St Peters.Who was the genieus that let him go to Willow Park because Willow have won all around them since he arrived.I think they have won 4 or 5 cups since he joined and Peters have not won much at all.Maybe if St Peters still had T O Sullivan they would have won more cups in the last 3 years.I heard from a friend living in Athlone that says the secret behind Willows success is Gerry McHugh(ex st peters) and T O Sullivan.The people involved with St Peters
must be kicking themselves to let these two slip away??????

Don't rember Peters being in the FAI Cup First round (twice) the FAI Junior cup Final the with T O sullivan or G McHugh so I am fairly sure SPFC are happy enough with their lot.

[supersol]

Lads,

Just a few questions!!

1) The Willow manager left St Peters because of No Ambition & Off the Field Activities!!
Explain...
As far as i know.... he left because the players wanted to drop from the Leinster Senior League and play local instead!!
That could be wrong!!

2) Did he ever manage St.Peters in Junior football?

3) The reason for St.Peters taking a year out... Was this the row between the Schoolboys & the seniors?
And due to this split... How many schoolboy teams have St.Peters at the moment?

4) I heard that Willie Hewitt was badly treated after last season and he wanted to stay involved in Local Soccer...
So why not with Willow fc?

**The FAI Junior match should be an epic battle if the Lisseywoolen Play Off is anything to go on!!**

Would not like to be putting my hard earned cash on this one???

Chat soon...

[Fr Damo]

1) The Willow manager left St Peters because of No Ambition & Off the Field Activities!!
Explain...
As far as i know.... he left because the players wanted to drop from the Leinster Senior League and play local instead!!
That could be wrong!!

Supersol, He left St Peters because he wanted to stay Intermediate? so why did he join willow to play and mange Junior?

2) Did he ever manage St.Peters in Junior football?

No He managed willow @ Junior

3) The reason for St.Peters taking a year out... Was this the row between the Schoolboys & the seniors?

And due to this split... How many schoolboy teams have St.Peters at the moment?

As can be seen from above you know nothing about St Peters or have a very bad memory and therefore won't comment on this statement.

Willie resigend mid season as far as I was know.
Willie is carrying the chip on the matter not St Peters. After all the B team is playing well (same squad as last year, different managment) so I think it was probably better to part ways last season. It is true though Willie wasn't given the respect he deserved to start with but I am sure he will agree it was a learning curve.

[Ash]

In other non Peters v Willow news ... Monksland United, 5 from 5
C'mon Da Land. Pity the B's ar struggling with results though

[the runner]

[QUOTE=supersol;123

3) The reason for St.Peters taking a year out... Was this the row between the Schoolboys & the seniors?
And due to this split... How many schoolboy teams have St.Peters at the moment?

Just to reply to this comment i am shocked to hear that St Peters have no schoolboy team for a club as big as St Peters playing in a town as big as Athlone not to have schoolboys is maddness.I dont know what the row was about but surely no row is big enough to mean that the schoolboys miss out after all was it not the schoolboys that gave you the junior team you have today.
I think if St Peters are progress as a club they should resolve this right away

[chopper harris]

Just to reply to this comment i am shocked to hear that St Peters have no schoolboy team for a club as big as St Peters playing in a town as big as Athlone not to have schoolboys is maddness.I dont know what the row was about but surely no row is big enough to mean that the schoolboys miss out after all was it not the schoolboys that gave you the junior team you have today.
I think if St Peters are progress as a club they should resolve this right away

[/QUOTE]

I will give you the benifit of the doubt on not knowing SPFC have no schooboys currently. (i think you are trolling!)

In truth they have had no schoolboys for prob nigh on ten years. They have had numerous "teams" competeing in the ADSL but these teams were enterd to massage the ego of the previous dictator who ran SPFC. Do you think having a U14 team with three players over 14, three players U14 but over 13 and many players 9,10 and 11 is progrees? When the the new committee were elcted (an AGM chaired by FAI) they quickly got to grasps with the school boys but got no assistance from the players, their parents (who incidently many wouldn't know where McCArthy is) and most importantly the ADSL. The Athlone District Schoolboy League in their wisdom allowed the previous SPFC regime to start their own club called Connacht Celtic. The schoolboys who were signed by St Peters in the previous two or three years were being fed lie in those years and therefore were inticed over to Connacht Celtic. SPFC have dusted themselves down and have a model now where perhaps all they will have have are a couple of adult teams and I would hope a youth or U17 team that feeds into those adult teams. It is a shame but it is also the card that has been dealth SPFC and they are just getting on with it. It seems to be working, the grounds have come on miles since the last shower got the boot, there are AGMs now, and national competitions are not enterd to make up the numbers.

Now back to the title of this thread the "CCFL"

[the runner]

Thanks for the reply i did not realise St Peters had so many problems in the past and i delighed to hear that yee are going to have an u17 team and that you have AGMs and that your not just makeing up the numbers and that the pitch looks really well.
So back to the CCFL do ye think that St Peters and Willow Park have become too strong
for the CCFL i think the gap between 2nd and 3rd was about 25 points??????

[supersol]

ASH..

Monksland are absolutely flying at the moment!!
Great to see as they have a fantastic bunch of lads...

Facilities are excellent!!

Keep plugging all the other Athlone Junior sides Ash!!