• Grogan “extremely proud” after courageous showing at Lansdowne
• Over 30s end the year unbeaten in the league throughout 2015
• Rocks 1960 stay top of Metro 2 after win against Beyond FC

Kevin Grogan described himself as “extremely proud” of his Shamrocks side after they succumbed 1-0 to Lansdowne on Saturday night in the Irish Derby at Tibbett’s Brook Park.

The Rocks were reduced to ten men after just 20 minutes after an Anthony Grant goal but never gave up and threatened to sneak a draw thought an exciting second half played in a great spirit.

Captains Darren Freeman and Sean Kelly pictured with the referee prior to the Irish Derby on Saturday night. Picture: John Riordan

“It was a very competitive game and I’m extremely proud of how our players conducted themselves against the league champions,” said Grogan.

“The game was played in a professional manner by both teams. We have personal goals for the season and we are getting better all the time.

“We are a new squad in the top league after a 10-year absence. Every game is a learning curve for our players.”

Captain Darren Freeman firing up the team huddle before the Irish Derby on Saturday night. Picture: John Riordan

Meanwhile, the weakened Rocks reserves who were missing several key players pushed their opponents well but eventually lost 3-1.

Mustafa Alobeidy’s first half goal drew the teams level at 1-1, his first for the club since joining in November.

Meanwhile on Sunday, the Over 30s rounded out a banner year with a 10-0 win against Megas Alexandros at Randall’s Island.

The victory meant that Paddy Mc Carry’s CSL champions went unbeaten in the league throughout 2015, recording 16 wins and just one draw.

It was a farewell game to Danny Parkin who moves to Texas after 18 superb months at the club. We wish him all the best.

Club President Sean Mc Mullan bidding farewell to Danny Parkin who has spent 18 superb months at the club. Picture: John Riordan

“A superb achievement,” said Mc Carry. “We have put together a great squad and we’re playing excellent football. It’s a credit to the players for how well they have applied themselves in every game.

“I want to pay special tribute to Danny Parkin who was excellent throughout his time here. His contribution won’t be forgotten!”

The win over Megas inevitably brought with it another Sean Riley hat trick which began with a superb volley to make it 1-0 after 10 minutes.

An Alex Berne header two minutes later was followed by goals from Shawn Baron and Tayfun Gokmen to make it 4-0 at the break.

The Rocks never relented and Paddy Geraghty headed home from a brilliant Gokmen corner after 55 minutes and then the roles were reversed ten minutes later when Gokmen finished well after a Geraghty pass.

Berne scored his second with 70 minutes elapsed and then Riley scored a quick brace, the first of which was a brilliant lob from the halfway line.

Geraghty made it 10-0 with ten minutes to go to complete the tenth win of the season, one that assures a six-point lead at the top of the league going into Spring.

Rocks 1960 will also be leaders when action resumes thanks to their 4-0 win in their Metro 2 win over Beyond Metro.

Dave Harvey’s brilliant first half free settled the Rocks who took some time to control the game.

Goalkeeper Nick Meola set up his brother Dan to make it 2-0 early in the second half and goals from Hughie McGowan and Ciaran Moloney saw out the victory.

“We’re looking forward to resuming as league leaders,” said assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“We’ll enjoy the break but we’ll be very keen to push on from here because there are plenty tough games ahead.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, the Legends were beaten 5-1 by league leading Cozmos in Brooklyn.

Paddy Geraghty – who was playing in his third game in less than 24 hours – scored an excellent goal in the first half to take the lead but the class of Cozmos shone through as they dominated the second half against a threadbare Legends side which lost Ger Shivnan to injury before half-time.

“The guys gave everything today against the best team in the league ,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney. “Ultimately we want to beat these teams. And we are headed in the right direction.”