RISSC (London) v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough SC, defeated by RISSC in the Dave Baistor Cup two weeks ago, made a swift return to the LPR Sports Ground for this APFSCIL Premier Division fixture. The resilient visitors faced a RISSC team shorn of seven squad members and stretched to the limit of their playing resources. The spirit and togetherness of the team was exemplified by flu stricken skipper Karl McGee, who despite feeling unwell, joined his team mates on the front line. Manager Paul Franklin was pleased to see the return of Mark O’Connor and Donnie Mullen, who both missed last weeks titanic encounter with league leaders Aberdeen SC. Also making his first start for some considerable time, was the perennial Paddy McGee.

The early stages of the contest were evenly matched with both sides showing cautious respect for each other following their recent tightly fought cup encounter. Ailing skipper McGee occupied the holding midfield role alongside Mullen and was prominent throughout the first half. Playing conditions were good for mid November and the match ebbed and flowed without any notable threat to either goal until a moment of controversy arose. An inswinging free kick from Mick Coffey flew goalwards and was clawed away by the goalkeeper with several of the RISSC players convinced it had crossed the line but the referee waved play on. Coffey’s strike partner Mauricio Carillo also went close with an effort which worried the goalkeeper.

The second half opened with Middlesbrough looking just a little bit sharper and they had the greater share of possession during the first ten minutes. Challenged by the increased vigour of the visitors, RISSC responded and took the lead through Mauricio. The striker latched on to a through ball and stroked it assuredly past the goalkeeper. The tempo of the game quickened and Middlesbrough fought their way back into the game and scored a deserved equaliser. The exchanges continued to be close and another delightful pass from Healy was despatched to the net by Karl McGee. The skipper’s delight was swiftly wiped out when the effort was ruled out for offside. The disappointment was further compounded minutes later, when poor defending resulted in Middlesbrough taking the lead.

An injury to Jon Carey forced manager Franklin to enter the fray with Brian Moriarty dropping into the left back position vacated by Carey. The changes did not disrupt the ambition of the team. From a position within his own half, Moriarty drove forward at the heart of the Middlesbrough defence and from some twenty five yards struck a powerful swerving shot which nestled in the back of the net. Both sides continued the search for the winning goal and with tiredness descending upon the players, openings began to materialise.

As the game entered the final stages, victory was secured for RISSC. Centre back Mick Cusack, who had soldiered on despite a heavy knock during the first half, broke from defence and drilled an angled pass towards Coffey. The alert striker dummied the pass, which allowed Karl McGee to break in behind the defence and drill a shot to the net. This time the goal stood and the elated captain celebrated in exuberant fashion. This excellent victory maintains the team’s fifth place position in the Premier League and they will seek to continue their progress when they face bottom side Crewe Alexandra SC next Sunday.

Team - 19 November 2006
Darren Nolan;
Mark O’Connor, Dan Healy, Mick Cusack, Jon Carey;
Paddy McGee, Donnie Mullen, Karl McGee, Brian Moriarty;
Mauricio Carillo, Mick Coffey

Substitute
Paul Franklin