• Minute silence brings teams together on emotional afternoon for the club
• Shamrocks Reserves move past Pancyprians with 3-0 State Cup win
• Heartbreak and pride for Women’s B team as Magic prevail on penalties

The jersey number of recently deceased Shamrocks player, coach and long-serving club member Robbie Walsh hangs during Sunday’s games at St Michaels. Picture: John Riordan

There was an atmosphere of mourning in the air on Sunday at St Michaels where the memory of recently deceased Shamrocks legend Robbie Walsh was honored by a powerful moment of silence. However, the action on the field was both a positive and fitting tribute to the popular and beloved Kildare native.

The Shamrocks Reserves moved on to the last 16 of the D’Arpino Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Pancyprians while the Women’s B team pushed Division A giants NY Magic all the way to a dramatic penalty shootout defeat in the curtain raiser.

With Robbie’s favored number 14 hanging at the sideline on a gloriously sunny afternoon, both teams gathered together between the games to hear some memories recounted in a touching speech by Paddy Geraghty, close friend and former team mate of the long serving Shamrock.

Above and below, Paddy Geraghty, a former team mate of Robbie Walsh, addresses the players of the Reserves and Women’s B teams prior to a minute silence which honored our  recently deceased club mate. Picture: Aoife West

Both teams then moved to the center circle where they were joined by the players of Pancyprian Freedoms to mark an impeccably observed minute of silence.

Club president Sean Mc Mullan said he was extremely grateful to the players for taking the time to pay their respects to Robbie.

“Some of the players didn’t get the chance to know Robbie but they knew what this meant to us as a club,” said Mc Mullan.

“We are very grateful to them for helping us to pay tribute and we also appreciate Pancyprians joining us to mark this sad occasion.

“We will honor Robbie again next week: before the first team game, before the Over 30s game and, most importantly, before both the Legends and 1960 games.”

The players of Shamrocks Reserves, Shamrocks Women B and Pancyprians Reserves stand for a minute silence in remembrance of Robbie Walsh. Picture: Aoife West

COLEMAN AND O’NEILL ON TARGET

The reserves were slow to get a grip on proceedings when action finally got underway in the D’Arpino Cup game.

It took until the 45th minute of the first half before the deadlock was broken, Darren Coleman finishing brilliantly after a sweeping counter attack which he launched with a deft lay-off.

Pancyprians battled their way back into it in the second half and won a penalty after goalkeeper Jesse Corke took down one of their forwards with a late tackle just inside the box.

But Corke was an immediate hero, saving the resultant spot kick and inspiring his side to push home their dominance of the game. Substitute Sean O’Neill made the most of a late chance to make it 2-0 and he then converted an injury time penalty which he himself earned.

“We made hard work of it,” admitted coach John Riordan whose team will now face Zum Schneider in the Last 16 on Sunday December 4.

“But I’m delighted with the result, particularly considering the build-up to the game was a little distracting for the players. I’m delighted we could honor Robbie today and of course this victory is dedicated to him.”

The players and coaches of Shamrocks Reserves and Shamrocks Women B observing a minute silence in remembrance of Robbie Walsh. Picture: Aoife West

SO CLOSE TO A CUP UPSET

Meanwhile, there was a mix of heartbreak and pride for the Rocks Women B in the opening game.

An early Denise Richards penalty had the Rocks one up inside the opening couple of minutes and the home team deservedly took their 1-0 lead into the break.

Cassie Esposito extended that lead with a superb finish just short of the hour mark, a strike which gave hopes of a shock upset.

But the talented Magic outfit battled back brilliantly in what was an eerily similar reprisal of what happened a year ago at the same location.

On November 11, 2015, the Rocks were 2-0 up against their illustrious opponents only for Magic to turn the tables and edge the game 3-2. On this occasion, Magic could only force a 2-2 tie, setting up a tense penalty shoot-out.

There were chances to win it for the Rocks but alas, it wasn’t to be and Magic survived to advance to the next round, winning 5-4 after eight rounds of spot kicks.

Wilson, Colleen Kavanagh, Sam Horvath and Mackenzie Guarano all scored while the loss of Esposito with 15 minutes remaining due to a serious clash of heads ultimately proved to be a serious setback for the Rocks. Everyone at the club wishes Cassie a speedy recovery from what was an unfortunate incident.

The Shamrocks Women B gather to watch their dramatic penalty shoot-out against Magic on Sunday. Picture: John Riordan

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT ROUNDS

While our other teams enjoyed a week off, opponents for the next round of games in the respective cups were confirmed. The first team will travel to East Hampton for the quarter-finals of the Manning Cup; the Over 30s will host Integral in the Marth Cup; and the Legends will take on Glen Cove, also in the Marth Cup.

• Kevin Grogan praises ‘amazing goals’ as Rocks stay top
• Reserves blow Pancyprians away on a memorable evening
• Johnny McGeeney double secures Irish Derby win for Over 30s
• Women B back to winning ways

Another Jamie Clarke double drove the Shamrocks to victory at St Michaels on Saturday night, helping to seal a memorable 5-2 demolition of Pancyprians on what was a brilliant weekend for the club.

Clarke and Kwesi Mills-Odoi both moved on to four goals each for the season in a game which saw the attacking philosophy of Kevin Grogan find another gear and blow the perennial CSL giants away.

It keeps the league leaders five points clear of champions Lansdowne who have two games in hand while the Freedoms slipped to fourth in the table, eight points adrift of the Rocks.

After the home side conceded an extremely soft early goal inside the opening minute, they took the game to their illustrious opponents and were eventually rewarded with a Damian Lopez header, set up brilliantly by a Mills-Odoi cross from the right.

Clarke made it 2-1 with a composed finish and then a superbly curled Mills-Odoi shot from the left to the far corner proved to be a fitting way to extend the lead.

Incredibly, it was 4-1 by half-time, Alejandro Fritz’s deflected drive deceiving the beleaguered Pancyprians shot stopper.

The Shamrocks goalscorers that helped clinch a 5-2 win over Pancyprians on Saturday night at St Michaels, pictured from left to right, Kwesi Mills-Odoi, Jamie Clarke, Damian Lopez and Alejandro Fritz. Picture: John Riordan

The visitors reconfigured after the break and just short of the hour mark, they earned a penalty which was cooly dispatched to narrow the lead to two goals.

However, the Rocks found their stride again and Clarke’s second of the evening was the result of a great build-up which broke the Pancyprians resolve once and for all.

Grogan was naturally happy that his message sat well with his players: “I sent a Walt Disney quote to them before the game: ”Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again’.

“I felt we scored five amazing goals and entertained the crowd and did our job ‘so well’.

“A big thank you to our club president Sean McMullan and Eddie Gilamrtin for helping with the signing of our new player Cónall McGrandles (former Cliftonville and Larne). Cónall will start training this week for us and is a great addition to the squad. We have two big league games left and also the quarter-final of the State Cup. We need all players focused for all three of these games before we break for the winter.”

Star Rocks midfielder Giuseppe Barone celebrates with his fans from the women’s team, Chloe Wheeler, Kailey Walsh, Christina Beck and Alexis Lily. Picture: John Riordan

RECORD HAUL FOR RESERVES

Joe Connolly’s first half hat trick set the tone for a dramatically lopsided reserves win which saw John Riordan’s men fire a record 13 goals past their opponents ahead of the two sides clashing once again in the State Cup next Sunday at St Michaels (1pm).

Connolly opened the scoring early before a fortuitous an own goal made it 2-0. By half-time it was 6-0 with the frustrated visitors also reduced to ten men. Top scorer Alex Wasilewski moved on to nine goals for the season with a skillful left-footed shot around the keeper, Connolly scored his second and third and finally George Lara finished off a great move to open his account with the assist from Darren Coleman.

With several half-time changes, the Rocks endured a shaky start to the second half conceding two quick goals including a penalty but they soon gathered themselves and when Coleman made it 7-2, the floodgates opened.

Andrew Scott (above left) and reserves captain Paul McDaid scored two goals each.
Pictures by Dennis Schneidler

Andrew Scott flicked the ball home expertly at the front post, Coleman scored again, Brendan Lane’s cameo up front yielded a goal for him and there was also time for a brace for Paul McDaid which was split by a second Scott goal.

“It got a little out of control but as one of the players said afterwards, we can only beat what’s in front of us,” said Riordan.

“I’m glad they’re enjoying their football and also staying disciplined against teams who are lacking in that department. We have them again next week so we will have to be on our toes in case of any backlash.”

DERBY WIN SENDS 30s TOP

Sunday kickstarted with a vital 2-0 Irish Derby win over Manhattan Celtic Legends that sent Paddy Mc Carry’s Over 30s to the top East, three points ahead of their title rivals.

It was a reversal of last month’s tough loss in the away game, redressing the balance at the top of the table where second place Celtic have a game in hand.

Johnny McGeeney scored twice, the second a goal of the season contender which resulted from a mazy run and a stunning curled finish from 25 yards to the top corner.

The Over 30s team that beat Manhattan Celtic 2-0 at Randalls Island on Sunday. Picture: Tricia Reed

“This was a great team performance against an excellent Manhattan Celtic side,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“The boys had to work extremely hard for their victory today. Both goals were fantastic from Johnny – the second being one of the best I have ever seen in person. Defensively we were excellent again but today was all about the team effort. They played for each other because they knew we needed the three points. I’m very proud of every single one of them.”

TOUGH DEFEATS FOR 1960 & LEGENDS

Elsewhere, there were two very hard defeats at St Michaels for the Shamrocks Legends and Shamrocks 1960.

In spite of a goal each from Dave Harvey and Paul McDaid in the first half for Rocks 1960, Gotham Argo rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and leapfrog the home side to fourth in the table.

“That was a tough loss to take,” admitted assistant coach Neil Mannion. “To lose the lead in that fashion is very unlike us. We’ve made life difficult for ourselves now but we’ll regroup and look to finish on a strong note before the winter break.”

And it was a courageous loss for the Legends who conceded late and succumbed 1-0 to league champions Cosmoz, a team which has now won 24 games in a row.

“That was a brilliant and battling performance from the men in green but we just came up short,” said coach Emmett Harvey.

“It’s probably one of our best games in Legends history. It’s a defeat that we can be really proud of. We were superb across the back line and midfield. Every single one of the players were excellent and this team will only go from strength to strength.

“Some outstanding play by John Riordan in midfield and Brendan Donoghue and Eoghan Mc Parland on the wings. There were also some fine saves by Joe Connolly.”

ESPOSITO ON TARGET AGAIN FOR WOMEN B

Meanwhile, in Metro Women’s League Division B, Keith Perez’s charges were great value for their 3-1 win over NYC United B. Goals from Cassie Esposito, Carly Johnson and Emily ‘Edge’ Iwamoto made the difference for Rocks, allowing them to stay in contention with the leaders ahead of next weekend’s State Cup game.

The Division A Cup game against CPR White was postponed.

The Shamrocks Women B team that beat NYC United B 3-1 at Bushwick Inlet Park on Sunday morning. Picture: John Riordan

• First team maintains five-point gap at the top
• Women set to enjoy winter break as league leaders
• Irish Derby victory for 1960 at Lansdowne
• Big wins for reserves and Over 30s

The Shamrocks teams were in a free-scoring mood this past weekend with no less than 29 goals recorded across six games as the first team and women’s team both solidified their league leading starts to the season with excellent victories.

Jamie Clarke scored twice for the firsts as Kevin Grogan’s men finally broke the resolve of bogey team Polonia with a brilliant 3-1 win on Saturday night at St Michaels that keeps the Rocks five points clear at the top of CSL Division 1.

Chasing duo Lansdowne and Pancyprians both enjoyed big wins so a home success was the priority for the Shamrocks as they sought to bounce back from the previous weekend’s Irish Derby defeat.

But it wasn’t an entirely straightforward proposition initially as Polonia took a dramatic early lead thanks to a superb long range shot. However, the Shamrocks took control of affairs midway through the first half and the excellent wing play of Jamie Clarke was rewarded with a lovely finish that arrived after he chested the ball down to swivel and volley home in one perfect motion.

Shamrocks winger Jamie Clarke scored his first goals for the club on Saturday night at St Michaels, helping his team come from 1-0 down to win 3-1 in their CSL Division1 game against Polonia Gwardia thanks to a first half brace of goals. Picture: Dennis Schneidler/NY Shamrocks

Clarke’s second was equally impressive – Giuseppe Barone’s fantastic cross-field ball found the always dangerous winger Alejandro Fritz who crossed accurately to the head of Clarke, his perfectly timed leap helping to direct the ball to the back of the net.

With goalkeeper Frankie Tsasse and his two center backs Zachary Gosse and Charlie O’Loughlin all playing flawlessly in defense, the Shamrocks continued to dominate in the second half and it was eventually Kwesi Mills-Odoi who pounced from close range, his fourth goal of the season sealing the result.

“You earn every point in this league,” said Grogan. “That’s why it’s one of the best leagues in the nation. We got three points and that was the goal. We were very happy with Jamie Clarke’s performance. He scored two goals and set the barometer for himself. It’s all about next week now at home to Pancyprians.”

The reserves recorded their biggest win in over two years, a 9-0 hammering of ten-man Polonia which sent John Riordan’s men up to a share of second place in the division.

Strikers Alex Wasilewski and Sean O’Neill shared three goals in the first two minutes that ended the game as a contest incredibly early with both players going on to complete impressive hat tricks. Darren Coleman also got in on the act with a pair of goals of the season, one of which was a 30 yard stunner that was the standout highlight of the game. Debuting midfielder Martin Fitzpatrick from Kildare marked his first game with the ninth and final goal of the game.

Darren Coleman scored twice in the 9-0 win over Polonia Reserves. Picture: Dennis Schneidler/NY Shamrocks

“I’m delighted for them because they were hurting after last weekend,” reflected coach John Riordan.

“We challenged Alex and Sean to take their chances and they did that pretty quickly! After that, it was a very solid performance against a young side. We reacted well after they went down to ten men too which was pleasing.

“It was a great debut from Martin Fitzpatrick and an unbelievable goal by Darren Coleman which was exactkly what he deserved.”

Sunday morning got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win for Rocks 1960 at Lansdowne Bhoys in the Metro 1 Irish Derby. Dave Harvey scored a goal in either half to move his team up to fourth, his second arriving from the penalty spot.

The Shamrocks 1960 team which beat Lansdowne 2-0 at Tibbetts Brook Park on Sunday.

“It was an amazing effort by the lads,” said assistant coach Neil Mannion. “They were all immense but special mention to Paul McGinley who was man of the match.

“Second half entertainment was provided by Robbie O’Neill who provided us with a throw/bounce/kick that hasn’t been seen in the history of football! On a serious note, the save he produced from a free kick prior to that was top class.”

Elsewhere, the Over 30s were in dominant form at Randall’s Island, firing eight past Partizani without reply. A Johnny McGeeney hat trick and another pair of goals from Sean Reilly helped keep the league champions in touch with Manhattan Celtic at the top while there also strikes from Alex Berne, Tayfun Gokmen and Leo Coimbra.

Unfortunately for the Legends, though, their good run of form was halted by a 1-0 defeat late Sunday night at Doxa. In spite of a man of the match performance from Eoghan McParland in midfield and an excellent display by Matteo Stiglich in defense, Emmett Harvey’s men couldn’t make the breakthrough with the Doxa goalkeeper pulling off some outstanding saves, particularly from Brendan Donoghue and Richie Brennan.

The Shamrocks Legends team which lost to Doxa 1-0.

“We had the majority of possession and shots on target but it meant little in the end,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney.

“The team is in its second year. We are in a building process and we are going in the right direction to be challenging the top teams in the division. We move on with optimism to face Cosmoz next week.”

Meanwhile, in the Metro Women’s League, the Shamrocks cemented their grip at the top of Division A with a big 7-1 win at home to Fuel FC on Sunday afternoon.

Former QPR starlet Sharon Odofin opened her account for her new club in just her second game with a pair of expertly finished goals. Chloe Wheeler was also on the scoresheet twice, moving her tally for the season up to 10. Georgia Frost, Jackie Pounder and captain Teresa Ferraro all scored to ensure the Rocks will be sitting pretty on 19 points going into the spring portion of the season.

Sharon Odofin scored twice against Fuel FC during Sunday’s 7-1 win at St Michaels. Picture courtesy Nigel Frost

“Every one of my teammates contributed to this win,” said captain Teresa Ferraro. “Both Shamrocks women’s teams have been training hard together each week and our dedication and consistency is really starting to show on the field. We are excited about our success thus far but we know we have to stay focused for the two tough cup games coming up.”

Rocks captain Teresa Ferraro pictured scoring her fourth goal of the season. Courtesy Nigel Frost

The Shamrocks Women huddle up before their 7-1  win over Fuel FC at St Michaels on Sunday. Courtesy Nigel Frost

• Grogan’s men prepared for tough battle
• Irish Derby for Rocks 1960 at Lansdowne
• Women aiming to stay top going into spring

The Shamrocks will host Polonia Gwardia at St Michaels on Saturday evening (8pm), almost six months after May’s infamous Williamsburg clash pf the pair which ultimately led to a reversal of the result and a reprieval for the Rocks.

That 1-0 defeat to Greenpoint’s Polish club initially relegated Kevin Grogan’s men but the inclusion of an ineligible player caused an overturning of the final score, thus preserving the Division 1 status of the Shamrocks. Polonia subsequently survived due to United FC’s disbanding and have since merged with Gwardia to bolster their resources.

All that aside, the focus for Grogan this week has been very much on achieving an immediate response to last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at champions Lansdowne who now lie five points behind the league leading Rocks.

“It’s the biggest game of the season and we will learn a lot about our players this weekend,” emphasized Grogan.

“Consistency, concentration and intensity of training and games are the key component’s for success. We can talk about a million other things but without these three things nobody can achieve success.

“The Shamrocks have some amazing football people behind the scenes. I’m lucky because i have a support structure that I can always count on to give me solid, honest opinions and that is priceless. Listening is a massive part of being a successful manager.”

Both Polonia teams are bottom of the respective divisions and reserves coach John Riordan stressed that his team would not be taking the opening game lightly (6pm).

Several key players miss out again, including Joey Aronovsky, Brendan Lane and Sean Steed while Larry Slaughter, who performed brilliantly in last Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Lansdowne has family commitments. However, goalkeeper Jesse Corke and target man Sean O’Neill return to the fold for a vital game in what is a tight division.

Joey Aronovsky (left) and Sean Steed both miss out this weekend due to injury.
Pictures by Dennis Schneidler

“I don’t really care where they are in the standings, we have to put together a full 90 minutes of effort and work on our own confidence,” pointed out Riordan.

“We showed glimpses of what we can do last weekend and it bodes well but we need to apply that more consistently and get back to winning ways.”

Meanwhile, Sunday will bring the second trip in a row for the Rocks to Lansdowne with the long-awaited Metro 1 clash of the derby rivals taking place at Tibbetts Brook Park at 9am.

Last Sunday’s 4-0 loss at home to NYFC Iliria brought a shuddering halt to what was a three-game winning streak in the league and player-assistant coach Neil Mannion called on his players to respond positively in what will be a hard fought battle.

“Halloween came early last weekend against Iliria,” said Mannion dryly. “But it’s time to show some bouncebackability in our first Irish derby. Derbies are only memorable if you win them so we’ll need to be bullin’ in the Bronx!”

Elsewhere, Partizani will host Paddy Mc Carry’s Over 30s at Randalls Island 74 at 4pm on Sunday, a game which pits second from top against second from bottom, both teams with mirror opposite records.

“We have been playing really well of late,” said Mc Carry. “We hope that continues Sunday because we almost have our strongest panel of the season to chose from. As usual, we will be going for all three points. Our goal remains to win all our of games from now until the winter break.”

It’s a late kick off for the Legends on Sunday who must wait until 8pm to head for Herbert Lehman High School to take on struggling Doxa who have yet to win a game this season.

Emmett Harvey’s men are confident after a ten-goal blitz of Hoboken but are down a couple of players this weekend as they bid to try and stay in touch with leaders Gjoa.

“On the back of two terrific wins we go into this game against Doxa with confidence,” said Harvey. Even though we are missing a few players through injury, we hope to get the right result!”

And in the Metro Women’s League, the Division B Shamrocks have the weekend off while the Division A leaders are at home to Fuel FC (St Michaels at 1pm).

Last week’s 2-1 win sent Paddy Geraghty’s charges three points clear of the team they beat that day, CPR White, and with Fuel having won just one game from six, the Rocks are keen to maintain that three-point gap at the top.

“This is our last league game of the fall,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We played great last week but we need another win to consolidate first place. We are happy to add Denise Wilson to the squad and have Georgia Frost returning to bolster our attack.”

• Geraghty praises understrength side for key CPR victory
• Lansdowne come out on top after exciting Irish Derby
• Over 30s survive Manhattan Kickers comeback
• 10 out of 10 performance for free scoring Legends

The Shamrocks Women are top of the league after Paddy Geraghty’s charges secured a brilliant 2-1 win over champions CPR White in Brooklyn on Sunday.

Top scorer Chloe Wheeler and captain Teresa Ferraro grabbed the decisive strikes, sending the Rocks clear at the summit of Division A, their fifth league win of the season,

“I’m very pleased with the result,” said coach Geraghty. “To beat the reigning League and State Cup holders while missing 5 starters shows how far we’ve come.

“We play our last league game of the fall next Sunday and we know a win will have us top going into the winter break. It’s a great position to be in but we must take advantage.”

Shamrocks Women huddle up before their excellent win over CPR White. Picture: Charlie O’Loughlin

There was no such look for the first team however on Saturday night in Tibbetts Brook Park in the Bronx where CSL Division 1 champions Lansdowne handed the Shamrocks their first loss of the season.

Anthony Grant’s excellent first half goal for the home side was the deciding factor and although the Rocks pressed well in an entertaining second half, Austie Friel’s men held out and closed the points gap.

But Shamrocks remain five points clear at the top after Pancyprians’ surprise 6-0 loss at Cedar Stars Academy, a result which kept the second placed outfit on ten points, level with Lansdowne.

“We win or we learn,” noted coach Kevin Grogan after the game. “We learned a lot yesterday. Im happy we responded with a good second half performance. Next week is the big game for us now. As a coach, I firmly believe we learn more from losing sometimes then we do winning.”

The first team captured prior their 1-0 loss at Lansdowne. Picture: John Riordan

The reserves lost the opener 3-1 in spite of Alex Wasilewski’s superb early goal that had the visitors a goal to the good for much of the opening half.

Lansdowne equalized just before half-time and deservedly kicked on in the second half as the weakened Rocks tired.

“I was extremely encouraged by that display from our lads,” said coach John Riordan. “We came up here with a thin squad – we were missing 15 players so we had to improvise a little. And they did very well and we should have been 3-0 up in the first 20 minutes.

“Lansdowne are champions for a reason and they’ll be delighted with that win. Really appreciate our club president Sean Mc Mullan standing in goal for us. It was a huge help.”

Meanwhile, Sunday morning’s clash in the Over 30 Division saw Paddy Mc Carry’s league champions run close by Manhattan Kickers Premier, ultimately winning out 3-2 in a tightly contested game.

The Shamrocks were slow to capitalize on Jonny McGeeney’s first half penalty but his fellow top goalscorers Tayfun Gokmen and Sean Riley chipped in to ensure the three points and keep their team in touch with leaders Manhattan Celtic Legends.

“We made today’s game a bigger battle than in should have been,” said Mc Carry.

“Our scoring boots were not on at all today. We hit the post three times in the first half and once in the second half. We were 3-0 up and we let them back into it. We hung on at the end. I’m glad to get the three points – they are an excellent side. Bingo O’Driscoll our captain was brilliant for us today at the back.”

In the CSL Over 37 Division, the Shamrocks Legends hammered the Hoboken Legends 10-1 at St Michaels in an almost flawless performance for Emmett Harvey’s men.

Karol Hughes’ hat trick and captain Richie Brennan’s brace were supplemented by goals from Eoghan Mc Parland, Eddie Gilmartin, Benny Ljuita, Brendan Donoghue and Harvey himself.

5-1 up at half-time, the Legends added five more in a well played second half that was also highlighted by the return to action of assistant coach Eoin Sweeney whose stand-out contribution at right back was a perfectly delivered throw-in to a Rocks team mate.

“A wonderful and dominating performance from the Legends,” said Harvey/ “I don’t think I can single out a player for praise as it was an all round team performance. Solid at the back,,very strong across the midfield and plenty of goals.”

Elsewhere, there were disappointing losses for the women’s B team – who were unlucky to lose 2-1 against NY Skulls despite Cassie Esposito’s fourth goal of the season – and Rocks 1960 who succumbed 4-0 at home to NYFC Iliria.

• Grogan’s men head to Bronx for formidable challenge
• Top-of-the-table clash for Rocks Women and CPR White
• Mc Carry calls on Over 30s to produce against Kickers
• Robbie O’Neill returns for Rocks 1960
• Legends hoping to ride wave of State Cup win

Division 1 Champions Lansdowne welcome the Shamrocks to the Bronx this Saturday for a hotly anticipated Irish Derby showdown which is sure to be the game of the weekend in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

Table topping Rocks will travel across the Triboro Bridge as underdogs in spite of their unbeaten start to the season and coach Kevin Grogan has told his players that this match-up is no more important than the games that lie ahead before the winter break.

The squad is back to full strength courtesy of a weekend off which was the result of Port Jefferson Fusion’s forfeit in round one of the State Cup, sending the Rocks through to December’s quarter-final.

“It’s a big game because it’s the next game,” pointed out Grogan this week.

“Lansdowne are champions so it’s a good game to bench mark our progress. We anticipate having a strong team and squad. Strength in-depth is key in games like this. We have utilized the squad well so far this season and we will do the same this weekend.”

Due to US Open Cup commitments, unbeaten Lansdowne have two games in hand on the Shamrocks and will be seeking to make up ground on the leaders in front of what should be a good crowd of followers form both clubs.

“It’s genuinely just another game where we will be looking to work hard, play expansive football and try to win,” added Grogan. “Ultimately the league isn’t won or lost this week. It’s a long process and season and if we keep working hard and improving every week we can have a good season that the club can be proud of.”

The curtain raiser should also be an intriguing one with the in-form Lansdowne reserves bringing a perfect record into the 6pm kick-off. Unfortunately for John Riordan’s outfit, a dozen players are injured or away, leaving the squad light on options.

“Their reserves are league and cup champions so we have to go up there bearing that in mind,” noted Riordan.

“We are missing some really important players through injury and other commitments so we have to approach this as underdogs. We’ll enjoy the occasion and hope for the best.”

On Sunday, in Metro 1, Shamrocks 1960 will take on NYFC Iliria at St Michaels in what will be a welcome return to league action after last Sunday’s State Cup exit (kick off, 1pm).

“It’s back to the bread-and-butter now of the league against a side who are going well,” said player/assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“We’ve a few players on the sideline through injury; Michael Kumaresan (calf), Braden Ruddy (arm) and Kevin Farrell (liver) but we do welcome back to the fold from injury big safe hands Robbie O’Neill. We’ve enough talent and character in the squad to bounce back from what was a tough exit in the cup.”

The first of the St Michaels double headers will see the Legends take on their Hoboken counterparts at 11am.

The Legends enjoyed an excellent cup win at Oceanside last Sunday and will be keen to ride that wave going into this game against their New Jersey opponents who have yet to win a game in the Over 37 Division.

“They are undefeated in their last two league games so they’ll draw confidence from that,” insisted player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“We know that we can play some really good football and we all work hard for each other as a team. If we have that attitude going into Sunday we should have a positive result.”

Meanwhile, the early kick off at Randalls Island 75 will see the Over 30s Division champion Shamrocks take on mid-table outfit Manhattan Kickers Premier who come into this one with two wins and two losses

Coach Paddy Mc Carry is waiting on the fitness of center half Eugene Reynolds but is otherwise able to bring a strong squad.

“It’s a very important game for us,” acknowledged Mc Carry. “In my mind, Kickers Premier have been a top side in our league for years, one of the best and we always have difficult games against them. I expect the same Sunday. We have been playing very well since we lost to Celtic – that defeat refocused us. The players know they have to bring it every week.”

Without a doubt, the biggest game of the weekend in the Metro Women’s League is the face-off in New Utrecht between Division B champions Shamrocks and Division A champions CPR White (kick off, 3.30pm).

This top-of-the-table clash pits against each other two undefeated teams locked on 13 points each with four wins and a tie to their names.

“This is a massive game against last year’s league and state cup winners but we’ve wanted this game so we could test ourselves against the best,” said Geraghty.

“We have five players out through travel and injury so it’s a chance for others to do well and stay in the team. CPR are a quality team and we respect them but we don’t fear them and we know all the pressure is on them to get a result.”

Meanwhile in Division B, Shamrocks face NY Skulls at Bushwick Inlet Park with a chance of going top should results elsewhere go their way (kick off, 10am). Unfortunately for Keith Perez’s side, they have had three weekends without competitive action due to two forfeits and a weather postponement.

“It’s been a tough run of games even though it means we still haven’t lost since opening day,” said Perez.

“So we’re really looking forward to this one. We have to keep pace with the other leading teams so we’re aiming to win.”