RISSC 2-1 Birmingham City

A Sunny afternoon in West London saw the Republic of Ireland Supporters Club team 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 them.

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. He in turn released a string of 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 forward runs. 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 first goal came when Karl McGee sent a ball into the Birmingham penalty area where 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 where Darren Nolan and Pat Flannery thought it was covered but didn't allow for the speed of the Birmingham forward who nipped in and made it 1-1. Darren then made 2 crucial saves to keep the scores level and Liam Kelly went close just before half time. Martin Flannery who gave 100%, winning everything that came his way was affected by the hot conditions and was replaced at half time by Paddy McGee.In the reshuffle, Jon Carey dropped switched to left back.

A very competitive second half ensued with both teams needing to win. Steve Benitez tormented the Birmingham defence and Mick Coffey, Timmy Nagle and Liam Kelly went close. Karl McGee did manage to get the ball in the Birmingham net but it 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.

As the game entered it's final stages, Darren Nolan threw the ball to Dan Healey on the right, who gave a great ball to Timmy Nagle, who in turn released Mick Coffey. Mick then went on a run down the right with all the Irish pushing on. Jon Carey thought he was still playing left wing and appeared on the edge of the Birmingham penalty area, Mick Coffey pulled it back and Jon struck it first time from at least twenty five yards; ' 2-1 RISSC'. Jon was away celebrating before the ball hit the net. Birmingham needed a goal but thankfully time was on the side of the Irish as the final whistle was blown……..a well deserved 2-1 win for the boys in Green. Three points in the bag, Dundee United next weekend in a doubleheader at home with a kick off time of 2pm.

(Rumour has it that Barry Hearn was on the phone afterwards asking about the 'new striking sensation', Leyton Orient next week Jon!)