• Paddy Mc Carry’s men crowned champions
• Shamrocks State Cup drought ends
• First team advances to League Cup final
• Decider with Zum Schneider confirmed for Sunday at 5pm

MARTH CUP FINAL – OVER 30s STATE CUP
Shamrocks 4 Baisley Utd 2
CSL LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL (first teams)
NYPD-Brishna 1 Shamrocks 2
CSL METRO 2 FINAL
Williamsburg 3 Shamrocks 0
CSL DIVISION 1 RESERVES SEMI-FINAL
Lansdowne 0 Shamrocks 0 (Lansdowne win 6-5 on penalties)

The Shamrocks Over 30s secured the club’s first State Cup in 56 years with a superb and hard fought 4-2 victory over Baisley on Sunday.

The victorious Shamrocks Over 30s pictured with the Fritz Marth Cup after Sunday’s 4-2 win over Baisley United in the State Cup final at the Verrazano Sports Complex in Brooklyn. Pictured back row left to right, Billy Hole, Domonick McCartan, Jay Palmer, Alex Berne, Johnny McGeeney, Sean Mc Mullan and son Henry, Sean Riley, Paddy Geraghty and daughter Jane. Middle row, crouched left to right, John Riordan, Marcus Nasciment and Richard Saullo. Front row left to right, Bingo O’Driscoll, Paddy Mc Carry, Nei Oliveira, Peter Hatzer, Tayfun Gokmen, Stephen Ampeuro. Picture by Eoin Sweeney.

In doing so, Paddy Mc Carry’s Invincibles completed the season undefeated as league and cup champions, a historic double that the Donegal gaffer described as his biggest achievement in the game.

On a day of firsts, it was also an unprecedented achievement for the Cosmopolitan Soccer League which had never delivered a State champion at this level.

It’s the second double of the season for the Rocks as a whole, following in the footsteps of the women’s team coached by Paddy Geraghty who is himself a quadruple champion having played a starring role in the Over 30s campaign, culminating in this thrilling final at the Verrazano Sports Complex in Brooklyn.

Long Island kingpins Baisley went ahead midway through the first half but the Rocks rallied and equalized before half-time through Sean Riley (pictured below left) who played out of his skin on the left flank.

Sean Riley

Alex Berne

John McGeeney

After a cagey opening to the second half, two quick goals put the Rocks 3-1 to the good. Alex Berne’s (pictured above center) brilliant glancing header to the far post was followed by a beautifully chipped goal from Johnny McGeeney (above right) who soldiered throughout with a groin injury.

In spite of going down to ten men, Baisley proceeded to throw everything at the Shamrocks and dominated for a ten-minute spell, deservedly narrowing the gap to a goal after a tap-in from a well delivered corner.

But once again, Mc Carry’s men responded excellently with organized defending and dangerous counter attacking. With time almost up, McGeeney did superbly to keep the ball in on the left sideline and then opted to fire goalwards, his 45-yard rocket hitting the far corner, sparking wild celebrations as the referee blew for full time.

Joe Connolly (Solas Electrical), Paddy Mc Carry, John Riordan, assistant coach/club president Sean Mc Mullan & vice president Pat Burke (Courtyard Ale House). Picture: Eoin Sweeney

“This was definitely the biggest achievement in my football life,” said the delighted Mc Carry.

“Watching this bunch of players lifting that State Cup was a dream come true. This began way back in August at pre season and ended here with the league and cup double and an amazing unbeaten season.

“I would like to thank the whole squad for their massive effort throughout the whole season and I want to thank the club for giving us everything we needed to succeed this year as well as John Riordan for all the stuff he does for us behind the scenes that goes unseen.

“Finally this would not have happened without my assistant coach and club president Sean Mc Mullan. We worked great together and he ran the team a lot this year when I was missing. Not too many teams win a State Cup but we have and it’s all because of those players and the effort they put in. I would just like to thank them all for making me a State Cup winner. Special mention to Billy Hole who played his last game for us on Sunday – he is moving to Boston in the summer. He was a giant at the back for us – a top guy and a quality footballer. He will be missed and we all wish him the very best.”

Celebrating with the supporters after the game. Picture: Eoin Sweeney

Meanwhile, Kevin Grogan’s first team ensured there would be one final day out for the club, advancing to next Sunday’s CSL League Cup final courtesy of a 2-1 win over NYPD-Brishna.

Joey Zorbo scored what he described as the goal of the season, a perfectly struck effort from the right corner of the box to the far corner of the net. The winner from Chris Uy was his fourth of the season.

It was confirmed Monday that the Rocks will take on Division 2 champions Zum Schneider at Randall’s Island 70 on Sunday at 5pm.

“I’m very happy with the win,” said Grogan. “But if I evaluate the game honestly, I feel we were immature a small bit at certain times of the game.

“As always we are an evolving squad and we learn all the time. We deserved the win overall and we will prepare well this week for the final.”

It was a great season for the Rocks 1960 but they couldn’t round it out at the Metro 2 championship game in Randall’s Island, succumbing 3-0 to a talented Williamsburg outfit.

Andy Connolly’s men set their stall out well and took it as far as the hour mark before the Brooklyn boys took a deserved lead and never looked back.

“We’re happy with the season overall,” said Connolly. “We can now look forward to the step-up to Metro 1 and this game showed us how challenging that will be.”

In Thursday night’s CSL Division 1 reserves play-off semi-final, Stevie Doyle’s Rocks were very unlucky not to advance to Sunday’s decider after a penalty shoot-out loss to the Lansdowne Bhoys.

Man of the match Nick Meola ensured the game stayed scoreless for the 90 minutes however the home side were flawless in 6-5 penalties win. Darren Freeman, Darren Coleman, Joey Aronovsky, Colum McComish and Marc Vilson all scored for the Rocks before Pierre Meloty-Kapella missed the decisive sixth.

• Unbeaten Over 30s taking on Baisley for double glory
• League Cup semi-final for Grogan’s charges
• Reserves face Lansdowne in Irish Derby league semi
• Rocks 1960 ready for Metro 2 championship game

A first State Cup final in over a decade, a championship decider in Metro 2 and a pair of big semi-finals – this weekend will have it all for the NY Shamrocks!

Stevie Doyle’s Shamrocks reserves will kick off an exciting few days for the club with a big Irish Derby league semi-final in Yonkers this evening. The 8pm kick-off at Tibbetts Brook Park will be the first of four big win-or-go-home games for the Rocks with Sunday bringing important showdowns for the first team, the Over 30s and the 1960 team.

The highlight this weekend will of course be that State Cup final. Paddy Mc Carry’s Invincible Over 30s, who completed a historic league-winning season without a single loss, must now shift their focus to Sunday morning’s Marth Cup decider at the Verrazano Sports Complex (kick off 11.50am).

The Shamrocks Over 30s – league champions and chasing double glory!

No CSL club has ever won the Fritz Marth Over-30 State Cup, named for one of the league’s legendary administrators.

Long Island side Baisley United will be attempting to put a stop to the Rocks juggernaut having overcome Czechoslovakia in the semi-final. Baisley are also chasing a league and cup double and will take on fellow divisional winners NY Polet on June 19 in an attempt to strip their opponents of the Long Island league title.

The high scoring Caribbean outfit won nine of their 14 league games, notching 52 goals along the way while also getting past Barnstonworth Old Boys, Lindenhurst, Manhattan Kickers Premier, Polonez and then Czechoslovakia to reach the final.

Back in October, the Shamrocks began their campaign with a penalty shoot-out win over NY Polet before taking care of CPR Grays, Westchester Dinamo and New York Greek Americans. But Mc Carry will Be ensuring that his players won’t be be taking Baisley lightly on Sunday.

“It would be a huge honor to be the first CSL team to win this cup,” said Mc Carry this week.

“We have huge respect for the danger they possess and I have spoken to a couple of contacts in Long Island about their two danger men.

Shamrocks Over 30s coaches Paddy Mc Carry and Sean Mc Mullan. Picture: Keith Buckley

“We are very strong throughout the team and this is a very committed bunch of players which is very keen to bring the cup back to Queens on Sunday evening.

“Our starting 11 is the best in the CSL Over 30s Division and our league record proves it – unbeaten with 71 goals and 16 conceded. Billy Hole, our sweeper, is the best defender in league by a mile and our captain Bingo O’Driscoll is as good as he always has been – a true leader that players listen to.

“Alex Berne and John Riordan in center midfield are as fit and as hard a combination in the Over 30s and great headers of the ball. Then add Sean Riley and Tayfun Gokmen upfront. They have scored 41 between them. Add Johnny McGeeney, Peter Hatzer and Stephen Ampeuro, Dom Mc Cartan and our keeper Jay Palmer and we have an excellent side, all top footballers and very fit.

“But most of all, they play for each other. They will leave everything on that field Sunday.

“We do know that Baisley are a good side. It’s not going to be easy Sunday but the way myself and our boys see it, this cup is ours. My 18-man squad is very strong and any one of them can come in and change the game. Paddy Geraghty is very dangerous for us coming off the bench. Once we go ahead, he comes in and controls the game. Myself and (assistant coach) Sean Mc Mullan will have them ready come Sunday.”

2003 was the last time the Shamrocks Reserves were involved in a State Cup final. Pictured in the front row are three players who will be involved on Sunday. Bingo O’Driscoll fourth from right will play for the Over 30s while third from right and very right are Colm Madden and Brian Wolohan who will be involved with the 1960 team in the Metro 2 final. 

The only downside of success is the schedule pile-up and at almost the exact same time on Sunday, the CSL Metro 2 Final will pit the divisional champions against each other as Shamrocks 1960 take on Williamsburg at Randalls Island 70 (kick-off 12pm).

Williamsburg are a formidable opposition and have already beaten the Rocks this season, a 6-0 hammering in the League Cup back in March.

But since Andy Connolly’s men have been able to focus on the league, they have won six of seven on their way to securing the Metro 2 East and Sunday’s showdown with the Brooklyn-based outfit.

Williamsburg have been relentless since March’s 2-2 draw with title rivals Gottschee winning seven in a row to edge out the Greeks in a thrilling run-in.

Connolly has all players available and is looking forward to a chance to the heavy defeat of ten weeks ago.

“They say that revenge is a meal best served cold,” noted the 1960 gaffer. “But, then again, so is ice-cream. Regardless, we will give Williamsburg their just desserts on Sunday. I just don’t know who will clean up the mess afterwards.”

Earlier on Sunday out in Flushing, Queens, the firsts will celebrate their recent Division 1 reprieve with a League Cup semi-final at Division 2 side NYPD-Brishna (Flushing Field 8 – 10am).

After last week’s decision by the CSL-appointed arbiter to forfeit last month’s crucial Polonia victory in what was a key relegation decider, Kevin Grogan can now look forward to a decent shot at silverware for his charges.

In another boost, Darren Freeman is available once again after serving a four-game suspension.

The Shamrocks Over 30s – league champions and chasing double glory!

“We will miss our goalkeeper Frankie on Sunday as he had to fly home to Africa for a family emergency,” said Grogan. “We wish him and his family all the best. The rest of the players understand the importance of the game.”

NYPD-Brishna finished eighth in Division 2, 18 points behind champions Zum Schneider who are already through to the League Cup final. They finished their season strongly with two wins and a draw in May.

Before Sunday’s busy slate of important match-ups, tonight’s tussle at Tibbetts Brook Park could well prove to be a cracking tie with both Irish clubs bidding to capitalize on a solid regular season by advancing to the Division 1 reserves championship game.

Lansdowne have dominated the Shamrocks thus far, winning big against Stevie Doyle’s men in December and April. But Doyle can count on a full team tonight and is going into the game full of optimism.

“The lads are really up for this,” said coach Doyle. “We know we’re up against it but we owe them a performance and we owe ourselves a performance too. It’s a cup game now and that will fill our players with confidence. They should go out and enjoy it and try to extend the season to a big final.”

• Division 1 reprieve for NY Shamrocks after protest proves successful
• First hurdle cleared as attention now turns to potential appeals process
• Club President Sean Mc Mullan welcomes a ‘fair play’ decision

It has been confirmed by the Cosmopolitan Soccer League that an official protest filed by the NY Shamrock Soccer Club in relation to a recent Division 1 game at Polonia NY has been upheld by the CSL Arbiter, opening out the possibility of top flight survival.

The Arbiter accepted the Shamrocks’ claim that on Sunday May 15, a suspended player lined out for Polonia NY in their 1-0 victory over the Shamrocks in what was a critical relegation six-pointer.

The evidence submitted to the arbiter based on the Polonia coaching staff’s decision to play the individual in spite of his suspension was deemed worthy enough to award a 3-0 forfeit to the Shamrocks, thus potentially reversing the disappointment of relegation.

Polonia NY have the right to appeal. The player in question will receive a two-game suspension.

NY Shamrock Soccer Club President Sean Mc Mullan welcomed the development.

“This is a decision in favor of fair play,” he said. “Kevin Grogan, Stevie Doyle and their players worked hard all year and they deserve to remain in the top division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. We will adhere to the next steps and we hope to have this outcome finalized as soon as possible.”

Shamrocks Technical Director and first team coach Kevin Grogan paid tribute to his players

“We were joint third at Christmas having played everyone once,” pointed out Grogan.

“In the New Year, the way the schedule was formatted forced us to play all the big money clubs again while many of the teams below us played the lower teams. We competed in every game though and we built a squad of young players with an average age of 24. We built for the future and that is what I felt was the right approach to the job.

Shamrocks coach Kevin Grogan

“The players were amazing all year and more then deserve to stay up. They 100% earned it and so did the club. Based on any other year with the normal format, we would have been safe at Christmas.

“I want to thank the board for all their support and also go on record that it has been a real honor for me to be involved in the club. It started as a job but now it is way more then that for me.

“I made some tough decisions and maybe offended a lot of people along the way due to those decisions but I learned from the greatest manager of all time that a coach cannot attach emotion to any of these decisions. They were made in the best interests of the club and its long term success.

“John Riordan has been the ultimate pro during the whole season and Sean Mc Mullan has shown an energy and enthusiasm that any club in the world would want. I feel today should be about the players’ effort, the amazing job Stevie Doyle has done and also the legacy of what is arguably one of the greatest amateur clubs in the world. It’s not great because of what has happened this season but because of what has happened since 1960.”

• Geraghty praises togetherness of double heroes
• Over 30s roll past Greeks to set up June 5 decider
• First team ends league campaign on a high note
• Assistant gaffer Sweeney’s job safe as Legends earn draw

Two superb first half goals assured the Shamrocks Women’s team a League Cup triumph on Sunday night at Pier 40, their 2-0 defeat of NYC Sirens sealing a truly memorable league and cup double in just their second season since forming in 2014.

The league and cup double winning NY Shamrocks Women’s team. Picture by Braden Ruddy

The husband and wife coaching team of Paddy and Tricia Geraghty led their charges to the perfect ending to what was an incredible year – their 13 league wins in a row ensuring promotion to the top level of women’s soccer in New York City.

But this final success of the season was truly special, a fine display of attacking soccer which led to goals for top goalscorer Sinead Hennessy and spring recruit Chloe Wheeler.

Hennessy’s opener was a fantastic finish, her chip over the Sirens goalkeeper allowing her tap home her 25th goal of the season after Jackie Pounder’s brilliant headed assist.

Wheeler made it 2-0 with an excellent header that arrived at the end of a bullet corner by Brittany Meade.

President Sean Mc Mullan congratulating the Shamrocks Women. picture: Braden Ruddy

The players celebrating, including from left Sinead Hennessy (18), Jarielle Uter, Jackie Gawne and brittany Meade (26). Picture: Braden Ruddy

“We finished our season exactly the way we deserved,” said Paddy Geraghty.

“The ladies should be very proud of what they have done. I’ve rarely seen a team with such togetherness, determination, and work ethic. We’ve scored 96 goals this season and conceded 12.

“The support we got at the game was incredible. It was a home game for Sirens but it felt like a home game for us”.

Meanwhile, the Over 30s are through to the State Cup final on June 5 against Long Island side Baisley after a brilliant 4-0 victory over the Greek Americans at Randalls Island this morning.

Shamrocks Over 30s goalscorers Tayfun Gokmen (left) and Alex Berne.

Held scoreless at the break by a talented Greek outfit, Paddy Mc Carry decided to make some adjustments in the line-up and it paid big dividends.

The Rocks began to let loose, starting with Andy Horan’s goal, the substitute firing home from the left to the far post.

Alex Berne had the Rocks two to the good after a nice move through the middle and then Sean Reilly scored the third, pushing him ahead of Tayfun Gokmen in the goalscoring charts, Gokmen assisting the sliding Reilly with a perfectly squared ball.

Gokmen then made it four with the score of the game, a bullet from the right, swung in off his left foot.

“Today was a battle against a very good Greek side,” said Mc Carry. “But in the second half we made a couple of changes and the boys upped their game.

“We were excellent and every member of the 18-man squad played their part today.

“As manager, I am so proud of these boys. They deserve it – they have been great all year. We will go again on June 5 now and try to finish the job. Today, for me personally, is the biggest achievement I have ever been involved in as a player or manager. This group of players are special and a credit to our club.”

Elsewhere, the first team ended their league campaign on a high note with an impressive win over CPR Whites at St Michaels – moving them level with Polonia on 18 points who have the edge on head-to-head.

CPR went ahead just after the half hour mark but Santiago Rigby equalized with a penalty shortly after.

Santiago Rigby scored twice for the Shamrocks first team in their 5-1 win over CPR. Picture: Dennis Schneider

And then goalkeeper Franck Tsasse saved from a penalty just before half-time, a critical moment in the game which kept things level for the Rocks.

The third penalty of the game had the Shamrocks in front early in the second half, Alejandro Fritz making no mistake from the spot.

Chris Burns celebrated his return from honeymoon with the third goal and then the next two assists, setting up Rigby for his second and then Fritz for a beautifully taken back heeled flick to the back of the net.

“It was an Important win for the first team on many levels,” said Kevin Grogan. “We wanted to work hard and have fun and i feel we did both of those things. Some nice goals and combinations.”

Meanwhile, there was a 2-2 draw in the reserves game. CPR were 1-0 up but Paul McDaid scored twice in the second half to put the Rocks up.

CPR leveled it but the Rocks held on to go clear in third place and set up a play-offs semi-final against Lansdowne on June 5.

“We’re looking forward to taking on Lansdowne now,” said coach Stevie Doyle. “It’s been a tough season but we achieved our goal of a play-off place. It should be a great occasion.

“I was delighted to see Paul and Sean get on the scoresheet. It bodes well now for two weeks time.”

The Legends finished their inaugural season with a 1-1 draw for the Legends – Karol Hughes salvaging a point with his 80th minute penalty.

“It’s a brilliant way to end the season,” said coach Emmett Harvey.

“We’ve strengthened over the winter period and we really started to click in the last four games. It was good way to end the season, unbeaten in those four. Credit to the lads – it was a great team spirit.

The Legends celebrating the end of their first season at the Courtyard!

“I have to thank Ducky Kelly and our director of football, Eoin Sweeney, who is not getting sacked, contrary to rumors.

“Overall, our debut season in this division has really come together and we look forward to next year. We’re going to build on this and all the lads can’t wait to get going again After a well earned break!”

It was a day of mixed emotions for the New York Shamrocks. Two trophies were clinched but relegation from the top flight of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League for the first team made for a sour note on an otherwise perfect day for the club.

In just their first season, Shamrocks 1960 secured the Metro 2 East title thanks to a 4-2 win over New York United at St Michaels. And after Manhattan Kickers surprised CPR Grays with a 7-4 win, Paddy Mc Carry’s Over 30s were crowned league champions for the second year in a row.

Meanwhile, the women’s team won their 13th game in a row – a 5-0 victory against Manhattan Kickers – and Stevie Doyle guided his reserves to the play-offs thanks to a 4-1 win at Polonia.

But of course relegation from Division 1 of the CSL will be a setback that the club must now plan around. An early goal from a set piece against the run of play settled the issue at McCarren Park on Sunday and consigned the Rocks to an immediate return to Division 2.

“What’s really important now as a club is that we maintain our standards this week and finish the league out properly like the club deserve,” said coach Kevin Grogan.

“We also need to work towards our League Cup semi-final. It’s a time for us to stick together and embrace what is happening. We will be stronger for it and we will 100 % bounce back.

“This new squad has a very good average age of 24 and we will have grown from our experiences. Ultimately it should be a five-year plan. It’s only the start. It’s all about character now and patience and a bit of trust.”

The day had started well when the reserves blew away Polonia with a well deserved 4-1 win. Darren Coleman scored twice and there was also a goal each from Marc Vilson and Mo Fofana.

“I’m happy with the win,” said Stevie Doyle. “Our goal was to reach the play-offs so I have to be pleased with how we’ve done this year. We played some nice football today and we got what we deserved.”

It was glory for the 1960 team in their first ever season. A pair of goals from Dave Harvey inspired their 4-2 victory over New York United, meaning Andy Connolly’s men finish the regular season top of the table.

Harvey had the Rocks 1-0 up before Michael Kumaresan stretched the lead. The visitors pulled a goal back before Harvey scored again to make it 3-1. Anthony Carrabotta secured victory before a late New York United consolation.

The victorious Shamrocks 1960 team – pictured back row, left to right, Robbie O’Neill and assistant coach Jane, Ruairi Lavery, Michael Kumaresan, Cathal Monaghan, Dan Meola, Dylan Wallace, Ciaran Moloney, Neil Mannion, Brian Wolohan, Hugh McGowan. Front row left to right, Andrew Short, Andy Connolly, Mick McAnea, Dave Harvey, Kevin Farrell, Craig Glynn, Braden Ruddy, Anthony Carrabotta. Picture by Sarah Thorenton.

Dave Harvey celebrating one of his two goals. Picture by Sarah Thorenton

“It was an exciting game for everybody involved,” Connolly said amidst boisterous celebrations back at the Courtyard.

“All of the players contributed this year and I’m very proud of what they have achieved. We’ll prepare now for the final in June. It should be a great day for the club.”

Meanwhile, Paddy Mc Carry reacted with joy to news that his team had retained the Over 30s division.

“I am extremely happy and proud of this group of players for winning the league this year,” he said Monday morning.

“We are unbeaten and we are in very good form. It takes a lot of effort to show up week in, week out and this squad has done that so they totally deserve this. We set up to retain our title and we have done that. We will try and stay unbeaten in the league but now our focus turns to the semi-final of the State Cup.”

Elsewhere, the Legends were in free scoring mood again – knocking eight past Banatul in a win that bodes extremely well for next season.

The formidable strike partnership of. Karol Hughes and Ger Shivnan contributed half of the goals – both players notching two each – while Donal Ducky Kelly, Johnny Keogh and Eddie Gilmartin also got themselves on the scoresheet. An own goal rounded out the tally for the Rocks.

“It reflects our vast improvement since the start of season,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney.

“Full squad commitment, camaraderie and team chemistry has taken the team to a new level recently . The future looks good and we push ahead into next season with optimism . Our goal is to finish this season on a high next week against Eintracht.”

A Jarielle Uter hat trick inspired the women’s team to their 13th win in a row, a 5-0 victory over Manhattan Kickers at St Michaels.

Christina Beck in action for the women’s team on Sunday. Picture by Sarah Thorenton

Chloe Wheeler in possession on Sunday. Picture by Sarah Thorenton

Aoife West scored her first goal of the season and there was also a Tricia Reed strike, her second of the year.

“It was a solid performance and another clean sheet,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “It’s good preparation for next week’s big game, the League Cup final against Sirens. It was also really great to see Sarah Thorenton, Megan Hare and Teresa Brink back out on the field for us.”

All eyes will be on McCarren Park in Williamsburg on Sunday where the Shamrocks are set to face a familiar foe with Division 1 survival the prize on offer.

Just over 12 months ago at the same venue, Polonia inflicted a heartbreaking 3-2 loss on the Rocks that would go on to hand the Division 2 title to the impressive Greenpoint outfit.

Now the two teams meet again, level on points and both desperate to scramble away from the third relegation spot.

In what is sure to be a barnstorming clash, the mission for the Rocks is simple: avoid losing and Division 1 status will be secured.

And given the tightness of the play-off race ahead of them, a win can actually keep alive hopes of finishing fourth, which would set up a possible semi-final against the top seeded team.

Rocks coach Kevin Grogan

However coach Kevin Grogan is refusing to look that far ahead, underlining the primary ambition when he took on the job last summer: staying in the top flight of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

“We have given ourselves a great chance of achieving our season goal,” he said Thursday evening as the players gathered for their final practice before the big game.

“Now we need to deliver on Sunday. If we play with intensity and discipline and we concentrate, we can win this game.”

Chris Burns is unavailable for selection due to his honeymoon, Darren Freeman is suspended and Nick Zorbo continues to suffer concussion symptoms. Otherwise, Grogan’s squad is fully intact and will be boosted by the return of Micky McGreevy from suspension.

A surprising 5-2 win for Polonia last week against the weakened Greeks kept their season very much alive. The Shamrocks enjoyed a weekend off after four league losses against the best four sides in the division.

Captain Stuart Colbert has called for Shamrocks supporters to make their voices heard against Polonia

Meanwhile, Rocks captain Stuart Colbert called on all supporters to come out and make their voices heard in Williamsburg.

“We’ve worked very hard and we deserve to stay up,” said Colbert. “Having a good crowd of supporters there will really give us that extra edge.”

Stevie Doyle’s reserves are also chasing an important win which they need in order to stay in the hunt for a play-off spot. The Shamrocks’ second string have failed to win their last three games but can stay in fourth with a win and might even move up to sole control of third if Rovers fail to beat leaders NYAC.

“Without a doubt it’s our biggest game off the season,” said Doyle. “A win is important because it would set us up nicely for the playoffs. We need everyone on board. Our last performance was excellent and we had a never-say-die attitude which is what we will need Sunday.”

There will be a huge game at St Michael’s where Metro 2 East leaders Shamrocks 1960 have a must-win game in what is their final regular season match-up of the year.

Second-placed Gotham City have a game in hand and are just four points behind the Rocks while enjoying some impressive form. But a win against New York United will not only stave off the Gotham challenge, it will automatically secure promotion and Metro 2 championship final berth on June 5.

“We know if we play to our potential like we did against Eintract, we’ll get the result we need to lock up the division,” said player-assistant coach Neil Mannion. “But New York United will have their tales up after turning us over the last time so we won’t be getting carried away just yet.”

An early game at Randalls Island will see Banatul host the in-form Shamrocks Legends – the penultimate game of the Legends’ inaugural season.

“After coming off a really good win against Doxa last Sunday, this is a fixture we will be looking forward to,” said player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“With players back from injury, we have a full squad to choose from against Banatul. We have scored 13 goals in our last 3 games and if we play the way we are capable of we should pick up the three points.”

Elsewhere, the newly crowned New York Metropolitan Women’s League Division B champions will play their final league game of a historic season at St Michael’s on Sunday at 1pm.

The champions can win their 13th league game in a row.

The Shamrocks women will welcome Manhattan Kickers to Queens in what will be a valuable opportunity to rotate the squad ahead of next Sunday’s League Cup final against Sirens.

Since their one and only league loss of this victorious campaign, a remarkable run of 12 straight wins has set the league alight and lucky 13 will set Paddy Geraghty’s charges up nicely for their last game of the season.

“It’ll be a chance for some players to claim a spot in the squad for next week’s cup final,” said Geraghty.

“We also welcome back Teresa Brink and Sarah Thorenton after long term injuries. They have worked very hard to get back to this point and everyone is delighted to see them return. Megan Hare also rejoins the squad after finishing her semester at school and it’s great to have another of our originals involved again.”

There will be no action for the Over 30s this weekend but Paddy Mc Carry and Sean Mc Mullan will be keeping a close eye on the sole remaining team with designs on toppling the title holders.

If Manhattan Kickers Premier beat second placed Central Park Rangers Grays at Randalls Island on Sunday morning, then the Rocks will be crowned champions. A draw will make it virtually impossible for CPR to end the season on top.