Shamrocks 1960 will move on to the last 16 of the Strumpf Cup after a well earned 2-0 win over Galicia at St Michaels on Sunday.

Hughie McGowan and Dave Harvey (penalty) scored second half goals to move the Rocks into the last 16.

Hughie McGowan opened the scoring for Shamrocks 1960 against Galicia ten minutes into the second half. Picture: Sarah Thorenton

“They were a tricky team to play against but we were very patient and took our chances well,” said coach Andy Connolly.

“We’re delighted to be in the next round and it’s a real confidence booster for the entire squad.

“I’m so proud of what these guys have managed to achieve so far and only wait with whetted appetite to see what they can serve up next.”

There was a tough 3-2 loss for the Rocks women’s team against a very talented NY Magic outfit in the State Cup – the first of a St Michaels double bill.

Christina Beck and Erin Cullen had the Rocks 2-0 up but Magic rallied in the second half and held on to advance.

Erin Cullen (center) celebrating with team mates after scoring the team’s second goal. Picture: Sarah Thorenton

“We played very well against the leaders of Division A,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “I’m very proud of our team because we showed we belong at the next level. We still have two trophies to play for and we’ll prepare for next week’s Division B Cup semi-final just like we have been.”

The Shamrocks Over 30s moved into the quarter-finals of the Marth Cup. The game was unplayed due to CPR Grays not having player passes.

This coming Sunday, the champions will have their biggest game of the season so far when they take on CPR Old Boys as first meets second in the Over 30s Division.

“Happy to be in the quarter-finals,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “But the focus will be back to the league now and we’ll be looking to get a positive result.”

There will be an exciting State Cup double header on Sunday morning at St Michaels where the pick of the day’s games will be the quarter-final pairing of the Shamrocks Women and the NY Magic Reserves at 11am.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that NY Magic are a division above the Rocks and both teams are league leaders. The NY Magic are the talented offshoot of a semi-pro outfit competing nationally and will be the sternest test yet for the dominant ‘Girls in Green’ who lead Division B after an impressive run of wins stretching back to September.

“We have a very tough game this Sunday and on paper we will be underdogs,” said coach Paddy Geraghty on Thursday.

“But we believe we are as good as any team in New York so we won’t be afraid of them. We almost have a full strength squad to choose from and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against the best.”

The Rocks Women have been scoring for fun with 10-0 and 7-0 wins in their last two games. But Geraghty also had special praise for their resilience at the back and strength in depth at midfield.

“Our defense has been solid the last three weeks, conceding only one goal and we have six quality players competing for three spots in midfield. The biggest difference between this season and last is our quality up front. We have six or seven players who can make opportunities for themselves or others and we work hard to win the ball high up the field as we can. Almost half our goals have come from pressuring the opposition into mistakes and capitalizing on it. I

“t’s our first game in Queens this season,” he added. “So hopefully it’ll be a good game and we have plenty of support.”

The second game of this entertaining double bill will see Shamrocks 1960 take on Galicia at 1pm. The Rocks will be confident following on from their impressive 6-0 league victory over Gotham City last Sunday night.

However, Galicia were in an even more free-scoring mood, their 8-1 thrashing of FC Partizani in Metro 2 West sending out a strong message last week. And in September, they were 3-0 winners over Homenetmen, 1960’s opponents in the previous round of the Strumpf Cup.

Due to the uneven number of teams entering, the Rocks are a round behind and Gottschee are already waiting for whoever emerges in what will be a round of 16 game on Sunday December 6.

“The region of Galicia is populated by proud people and has given the world impressive characters like General Francisco Franco,” observed coach Andy Connolly.

“However, we are determined to ensure that the New York team which bears its name will not dictate matters on the field this Sunday.

“We have developed a strong partisan character all of our own over these past few months and hope that our comradeship holds together in this game and the weeks ahead.

“We will mount the parapets and signal the call to arms in the State Cup this week, hoping that the Shamrock banner is unfurled triumphantly in the moment of victory!”

On a day when only three of our six teams are in action, Sunday will kick off with the tie of the round in the Marth Cup’s last 16. Paddy Mc Carry’s Shamrocks Over 30s host Central Park Rangers Grays in Randalls Island 75 at 8am in what is a battle between first and third.

The Shamrocks are missing two of their key men, Alex Berne and Danny Parkin, but Mc Carry has been consistently expressing confidence in bis side’s strength in depth.

“We go into the cup game with another strong panel,” he said. “We will miss Alex and Danny but we have the players to step right in to their spots. The boys want to give the cup a good go this year and having knocked out the Long Island champions in the last round, we are off to good start. But we will have to be on our toes for CPR and I believe strongly we will be.”

CPR Grays have only lost twice and trail the Rocks by seven points. It’s the first of two big games before Thanksgiving for Mc Carry’s men because the other CPR team – the ‘Old Boys’ – will be the opponents in a crucial league showdown between first and second next Sunday.

• First team overcomes NYAC for second win in a row
• Grogan praises defensive display
• Riley’s four goals inspires Over 30s
• Another Hennessy hat trick as women fire 10 past Phoenix
• Legends and 1960 both secure big victories

Kevin Grogan paid tribute to the one of the “best defensive performances” he has seen in years after the Shamrocks’ important 1-0 triumph over New York Athletic Club at St Michaels on Sunday.

Kevin Grogan speaks to his players after their courageous 1-0 win at St Michaels on Sunday.

In what was a truly backs-to-the-wall performance, debutant Ateba Morgan scored early to set up a nailbiting finale.

The club’s new striker hit a stunner from distance with just ten minutes elapsed to mark his first game in green in fine style.

There were chances to extend the lead but a talented NYAC side began to take control going into the second half. However they could only muster up one second half shot of the crossbar as the Rocks back line held firm brilliantly, marshaled superbly by Zach Gosee (pictured below right), Stuart Colbert (below left) and Laurie Child.

“It was an amazing win for us and a vital three points,” said Kevin Grogan.

“It was one of the best defensive performances I’ve seen in years. Our discipline and concentration from a defensive point of view was quality.

“On the ball we were way off but we can work on that. We have quality footballers we just need a bit more synergy on the ball. A great goal by our new signing Ateba and a real quality performance from Anthony Tagliaferri when he came on.”

Anthony Tagliaferri praised for his display when introduced to the fray. Picture: Dennis Schneider

The Rocks now face into a two-week break but must hope injuries clear up for center back Tom Manz – who exited in the first half with a pulled quad – and Morgan – who sustained a twisted ankle in the second half.

Earlier Sunday, there was a 6-1 win for the Over 30s against Gottschee to keep the champions and league leaders ahead of Central Park Rangers Old Boys in the title race ahead of their upcoming showdown in two weeks.

Four first half goals for Sean Riley blew the opponents away to add to Gottschee’s season woes. Riley had the Rocks up after just five minutes and he turned the screw with strikes in the 20th, 30th and 40th minutes.

Danny Parkin scored the sixth after a Gottschee own goal and then the hosts finally got on the scoresheet at the death with a penalty.

“It was a good team performance to keep us top going into the next round of the State Cup,” said pleased coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“I’m delighted to see Sean Riley starting to hit top form again for us. We have two of the top strikers in this league.”

Riley is now up to 10 for the season, one ahead of his strike partner Tayfun Gokmen who captained the team for the day.

Meanwhile, it was another dominant win for the Women’s team who enjoyed a 10-0 win over Phoenix in the Division B Cup at Randalls Island.

Goals from Sinead Hennessy (three), Jackie Pounder (two), Teresa Ferraro, Paige Osborne, Christina Beck (two) and Colleen Cavanagh made it eight wins in a row for the Shamrocks who now have a tough State Cup game against NYC Magic next Sunday at St Michaels (11am).

Pictured are two of the goal scorers, Jackie Pounder (left) and Paige Osborne.

“A great performance this week,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “We look very dangerous going forward and we have kept two clean sheets in a row. We have a big test next week in the State Cup but we’re ready.”

Elsewhere, the Legends are back to winning ways after a 4-1 victory away to Doxa thanks to goals from Emmett Harvey, Brendan Donohue and the Angelucci brothers, Mario and Bruno.

“It was a wonderful win,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “I can’t single out any player as they all gave 100%. Every week we are playing really well and the team spirit is brilliant. We are looking forward to the next game in two weeks.”

The reserves were beaten 5-1 by their New York Athletic Club counterparts – Darren Coleman scoring a late consolation to bring his total for the season to nine.

In the late game Sunday night, Shamrocks 1960 were 6-0 winners over Metro City.

Goals from Hughie McGowan (two), Michael Kumaresan (two), Dan Meola and Braden Ruddy helped push 1960 to within a point of leaders Gotham City, their next opponents in the league.

“There is Blackpool Rock and there is Brighton Rock,” coach Andy Connolly mused cryptically. “If you bit into any part of that footballing treat on Sunday night, you’d never fail to see the indelible mark that shouted ‘Shamrocks rock’ rock.”

Pictured above, Rocks 1960 goalscorers from left to right, Dan Meola, Hughie McGowan and Michael Kumaresan. Pictures by Braden Ruddy.

The New York Athletic Club will be the visitors to St Michael’s on Sunday afternoon as the Shamrocks look to keep pace with the top teams in Division 1 of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

It will be the first of a pair of crucial league games for Kevin Grogan’s men who will have the weekend off next week due to a bye in the State Cup.

This showdown with NYAC will precede the big Irish derby with Manhattan Celtic on Saturday November 21.

NYAC drew 1-1 with Manhattan Celtic last week allowing the Rocks to move three points ahead of Sunday’s visitors pending the arbiter’s decision on NYC Rovers’ inability to field last weekend.

“We have had a good week training,” said Grogan. “We are looking forward to a massive challenge on Sunday against NYAC. It looks like we have a full 18 man squad available for Sunday which gives me a headache for selection but to succeed at this level you always need strength and depth. The subs are just as important as the starters.”

The reserves, meanwhile, are joint top of their division with Lansdowne but Stevie Doyle won’t be underestimating his players’ opponents who are just two points behind with four wins and a draw to their names.

“Last week was encouraging but we’ll have to be on our toes for this one,” said Doyle. “They’ve had some good results and we won’t have it easy at all. We’ve prepared well and we’re looking forward to it.”

The league leading Over 30s have an away game at winless BW Gottschee in Randall’s Island 7 at 10am on Sunday. The aim for Paddy Mc Carry will be to keep ahead of Central Park Rangers Old Boys who are just three points behind with a game in hand.

“We go into the game with a very strong 15 man squad and we will be looking for the three points to remain top of the table going into the state cup,” said Mc Carry. “CPR are keeping the pressure on us but if we take care of business we will remain top.”

Shamrocks 1960 coach Andy Connolly will be hoping to make it two league wins in a row when they play Metro City Fury at Randalls Island 70 on Sunday night at 9pm. The Rocks are three points behind first-placed Gotham City, their next opponents on Sunday November 22.

“Victory is intoxicating and our lads like to get drunk,” said Connolly. “So we’re hoping to taste some more of that sweet elixir of success against a formidable opposition this Sunday.”

The Legends face a tricky trip to bottom side Doxa in a 2pm kick off at Van Buren High School.

“We are going into this game full of confidence,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “Every week we are playing well but not getting the right result. The team needs a bit of consistency and if we get that we are moving in the right direction.”

The Rocks Women have completed their scheduled league games for the Fall as table toppers and will be two points clear of NYC Sirens when league games resume in the Spring. So they can now enjoy a Division B Cup game against Phoenix which takes place in Randalls Island 90 at 12pm ahead of next weekend’s State Cup game at St Michaels (11am).

“We have a tough game this week against Phoenix,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “They will be up for it but I expect another strong performance from us. It’s a great opportunity to play in a cup semi-final if we win so we are motivated for this one.”

From the Over 36s game at St Michael’s on Sunday Nov 2, 2015 – Courtesy of Eoin Sweeney

• 7-0 win is seventh in row for Rocks Women
• Hat tricks for Ferraro & Hennessy in rout
• Riley on song in Over 30s victory
• Impressive Rocks 1960 back to winning ways
• Reserves hammer Rovers, firsts take valuable three points

Free-scoring Shamrocks Women paid tribute to their absent marathon-running coach Paddy Geraghty by firing seven goals without reply past Manhattan Kickers at East River Park on Sunday morning.

It was a stunning way to round out the Fall segment of their league campaign before a return to cup games over the next two weekends. The Shamrocks will be divisional leaders going into the Spring and are also still going strong in two cup competitions.

The Shamrocks Women’s team pictured prior to their 7-0 win over Manhattan Kickers.

This 7-0 win was their seventh success in a row in all competitions and it was inspired by a pair of hat tricks from midfield dynamo Teresa Ferraro (pictured below left) and the top scorer at the club, Sinead Hennessy (pictured below right) who now has 11 goals to her name. Jackie Pounder also got on the score sheet for the league leaders.

“We had a great performance against a good team,” said co-player/manager Tricia Reed. “We scored some excellent goals and we created a lot of chances too. It was a big bonus to keep a clean sheet as well. Perfect Sunday!”

Meanwhile, the Shamrocks Reserves were winning 5-0 against NYC Rovers at Brooklyn’s Bush Terminal Park when the under strength home side were further depleted by injuries, forcing the abandonment of the game at half-time.

Stevie Doyle’s men go joint top of the division now, level on points with Lansdowne who have a game in hand.

Shamrocks got off to a blistering start with a fine low drive from Isaac Hidalgo after five minutes. Darren Coleman made it two after ten minutes, continuing his impressive run of scoring this season. Mohamed Fofana added to the scoring with a penalty after fifteen minutes. Leo Nizzi made it four nil after twenty minutes and Paul McDaid finishes out the scoring with a tap in from five yards to add to his impressive brace last week.

“Very happy to have gotten a win today as we knew it was going to be a difficult game,” said coach Stevie Doyle. “We are looking forward to what is gonna be another tough game next week.”

Braden Ruddy scored and had two assists for Rocks 1960.

In the first team game, Shamrocks will await the league arbiter’s decision for confirmation of the result after the game did not go ahead due to a situation not in our club’s control.

In Metro 2, Rocks 1960 won 3-1 against NY Finest at St Michael’s – goals coming from Ciaran Moloney, Hughie McGowan and Braden Ruddy who also had two assists. Kevin Farrell’s impressive performance was diminished slightly by an own goal just before full-time.

“This was easily our finest performance of the season,” said coach Andy Connolly. “The lads clicked and we played some incredible football. The only blemish was the failure to keep a clean sheet but that was unlucky and it arrived at the very end. Very happy overall”

Meanwhile, Paddy Mc Carry’s Over 30s champions and league leaders beat Guyana Veterans 4-1 in Randall’s Island in a tough tussle that ended with a valuable win for the Rocks.

Sean Riley’s hat trick included a second half penalty which all but saw off the potent Guyana threat while Tayfun Gokmen’s cracking long range goal just before half-time handed momentum back to the Rocks at a crucial point.

“It was a massive effort by all involved,” said Paddy Mc Carry. “We’re extremely happy with the three points. Guyana will beat a lot of teams in this league.”

Shamrocks Legends were unlucky in a 1-0 loss to SC Gjoa in the Over 36s division. On the bright side, their new set of jerseys sponsored by Joe Connolly and Solas Electrical were unveiled and worn for the first time. Thank you Joe for your support!

From left to right, Eoin Sweeney (Shamrocks Legends assistant coach), Joe Connolly (Solas Electrical and Legends goalkeeper), Emmett Harvey (Shamrocks Legends coach), Sean Mc Mullan (Club President) and his son Henry.

It’s marathon Sunday in New York and it will be a busy one for the Shamrocks too with games in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan where the day will begin early for the women’s team.

Struggling Manhattan Kickers will host the Rocks at 9am in East River Park but player/c0-manager Tricia Reed will be taking nothing for granted as the league leading women in green bid to extend their winning streak to seven games.

“We had a good training session on Tuesday to tighten things up on defense,” said Reed, “so hopefully we can keep a clean sheet on Sunday. A good win means we will go into the winter break as league leaders so the incentive is there.”

Meanwhile, in the first division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, fourth-placed Shamrocks face another crucial match-up when they travel to Brooklyn to take on NYC Rovers (Bush Terminal Piers Park – 2pm).

Held at home last week by a dogged CPR outfit, Kevin Grogan’s first team are a point ahead of their following two November opponents in the league, NY Athletic Club and Manhattan Celtic, who face each other on Sunday at Travers Island.

Rovers, meanwhile, are having a tough campaign so far, bottom of the table without a victory and having lost to Celtic and Polonia in their previous two games.

“We have had a good week’s training,” Grogan told NYShamrockSC.com. “We have worked on a few things. The players look focused and hungry for the weekend.”

The reserves game – kicking off at 12pm – also has a lot riding on it with both teams tied in third on 12 points. Rovers are in flying form, coming into this one with four victories on the bounce.

With a few new faces added to his squad, reserves boss Stevie Doyle is hoping last week’s battling 3-1 win against CPR will kickstart a good run.

“This is our toughest test of the season but I am looking forward to what should be a cracking game,” said Doyle. “Both teams have only lost one game so far so I’m predicting it will be a close encounter.

“I’m very proud of the team’s performance last week under difficult circumstances but we showed great character and toughness to take all three points. Darren Coleman has been the stand out player this season with his scoring abilities and hit the net again as he has from the get go.

“Paul McDaid hit a brace and he has been in very good form lately. We also welcome back Brendan Lane to the fray who brings quality to the side and Nikle Guzijan returns too although he is not 100%. Our new signings Rory O’Leary, Gary Madden and Gary Dunne have all fit in so well already which is always a big plus.”

A depleted Over 30s team will face Guyana Veterans in Randalls Island 90 at 1pm with Paddy Mc Carry’s league leaders bidding to maintain a three-point gap over CPR Old Boys at the top.

Guyana have won three in a row and beat Nieuw Amsterdam 3-2 last week to move them to third, keeping them within four points of the Rocks.

“Sunday’s game is very important – first v third,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “We are missing five players for this game so the squad will be used to the fullest on Sunday. But we will still have a very strong 11 out there and I expect to go there and take the three points.

“But no doubt this is a massive game. You must beat the teams up near the top in this league. If you want to be champions, it’s all about consistency.”

Meanwhile, Shamrocks 1960 will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to New York United when they face NY Finest at St Michael’s on Sunday at 1pm.

NY Finest have won just won game from their four so far this year but 1960 gaffer Andy Connolly is focused on getting his own side back to winning ways.

“We’ve witnessed defeat now and found it be an entirely unedifying experience,” said Connolly. “The whole squad is galvanized in its determination to return to the glorious path of victory this Sunday. We will offer a display of football to match our off-pitch hyperbole”

The Legends will play three-win SC Gjoa in the curtain raiser at St Michaels at 11am. This will be a special occasion due to the launch of their new set of jerseys sponsored by Joe Connolly and Solas Electric.

“We are looking forward to this one,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “Unfortunately we are still carrying some key injuries and we’ll be missing the likes of Ducky Kelly, Justin Stanford, Ger Shivnan and Tyrone Kent. But we’ll approach the game positively and hopefully we can get a result.”

• Four October victories for Shamrocks Women and Over 30s
• First team held at home by CPR
• McDaid’s wonder goal pushes reserves to win

It has been a flawless October for both the Shamrocks Women and the Over 30s, league leaders in their respective divisions and winning every game this past month.

The women’s team are now on a six-game winning streak going into November after Sunday’s 4-1 win over title rivals NYC United at New Utrecht.

The club’s joint top scorer, Sinead Hennessy, was on the mark once again, brining her total to eight for the season. Jackie Pounder added a pair of goals while Jarielle Uter scored her first of the season to clinch the three points for the in-form Rocks.

“We had a passing game that was unstoppable yesterday,” said delighted co-player/manager Tricia Reed.

“October has been a beautiful month for us, and the hard work from the ladies and coaches has brought the success it deserves.”

Hennessy now shares the title of club’s leading scorer with Tayfun Gokmen whose two goals on Sunday – one in each half – helped the Shamrocks Over 30s grind out a 3-2 win over a good Greek Americans outfit.

Gokmen’s goals were all about pace and precision, scoring from the edge of the box both times, while Shawn Baron scrambled home the second just before half-time in what was a deserved win that extends the lead at the top to three points ahead of next Sunday’s crucial clash against Guyana Veterans.

“They made it very difficult for us,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry. “So I’m relieved to get the win and finish October with a 100% record. That keeps us clear at the top but there are plenty hard games to come.”

Meanwhile, in Division 1 of the Cosmopolitan Soccer league, Santiago Rigby scored once again
as the Shamrocks dropped two points in a 1-1 draw with CPR Whites at St Michaels on Sunday.

CPR were down to ten men after half an hour, their center back handed a straight red for a professional foul.

But the Rocks could not capitalize and went a goal behind with 20 minutes to go, a 20- yard free kick outfoxing keeper Franck Tsasse.

The Rocks rallied, however, and drew level with 15 minutes to go after a great move involving several Rocks players and a Chris Burns assist which freed up Rigby to fire home low.

“Our concentration levels could have been better today,” said coach Kevin Grogan. “That led to too many mistakes on the ball which made it an extremely frustrating game.

“We got a point though and it will count when all is said and done. We need to regroup now and work hard this week in training. The biggest game of the season for us is next Sunday.”

In the curtain raiser, Stevie Doyle’s reserves got back to winning ways with an excellent 3-1 victory.

Darren Coleman opened the scoring early with a superb low volley that arrowed home just inside the right hand post.

A moment of magic from Paul McDaid made it 2-1 midway through the second half after CPR had leveled just after half-time.

Paul McDaid’s overhead bicycle kick was the highlight of the day for the club. Picture: Dennis Schneider

McDaid’s overhead volley from the right went over the hapless keeper and into the far corner, a goal of the season contender.

McDaid made sure of the points with a late tap-in, delighting coach Doyle who himself played like a young fella in the center of the park.

“I’m delighted with the result,” said the Dubliner. “We had three new players starting today and they all acquitted themselves extremely well. They were a decent side but we were well on top by the end.”

Meanwhile, Shamrocks 1960 were beaten 2-0 by New York Utd in a Metro 2 clash in Brooklyn.

“Conditions were tough and they frustrated our efforts,” said coach Andy Connolly. “It’s a setback but we’ll work hard this week and try to get things back on track.”

Elsewhere, the Legends were beaten 2-0 by Manhattan Celtic at Randalls Island in the Over 36 Division.

“Another strong performance but we came up short,” said Emmett Harvey. “Credit to Manhattan Celtic, they took their chances. I would single out Conal Molloy for man of the match.”

A return to league action this Sunday for all teams with Central Park Rangers visiting St Michael’s for the big game of the weekend (kick-off 1pm).

Kevin Grogan has strengthened his squad with the signing of Kevin McPhilips whose father Tommy played for the Rocks for many seasons.

Thank you to Eltin Colma for providing the following two team photos – Tommy McPhilips is standing at the back row of this first one taken in 1989, second from right next to Mr Colman himself!

And here is Tommy holding the football, front center. Photo taken in 1986.

The Shamrocks are joint fourth after four games – level with Manhattan Celtic and United FC – while CPR are mired at the foot of Division 1.

Not that Grogan will be taking any chances as he welcomes back four key players who missed last Sunday’s cup win against the Irish Rovers.

Top scorer Christian Uy, full back Laurie Child (pictured), midfielder Sean Doran and Cameroonian shot stopper Frankie Tsasse are all available for selection while Lee Toland will just miss out, flying back in to New York from a trip home to Derry on Sunday.

“I’m delighted to have signed Kevin,” said Grogan. “Tommy is part of the Shamrocks lore and many supporters will remember him. Kevin has one of the best left foots in the country and has good experience at this level.

“We are looking forward to the challenge on Sunday. Every week, we are learning more and more and we are going through multiple emotions which is important in terms of growing as a team.”

CPR have yet to win this season, losing 3-1 to champions Lansdowne two weeks ago and exiting the State Cup last weekend at the hands of LISFL side East Hampton.

Their reserves have faired a little better, winning two of their four league games and also coming into this weekend on the back of a 2-0 State cup win over Pancyprians.

Rocks reserves coach Stevie Doyle is keen to atone for last week’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Irish Rovers.

“This is sure to be a tough game,” he said. “We are looking to bounce back after a tough loss in the State Cup last week. We have couple of injuries but I’m looking forward to what should be a close game.”

Meanwhile, in Metro 2, league leading Shamrocks 1960 face winless New York United in Red Hook Field at 11am.

“We will be taking this team as seriously as we do every team,” said coach Andy Connolly. “We really want to get some momentum going but it’s always a tough trip down to Brooklyn so we’ll be leaving nothing to chance.”

The Rocks Over 30s and Legends will be playing side-by-side at Randalls Island on Sunday morning at 8am in a unique clash of games.

Paddy Mc Carry’s league champion Over 30s have only lost once in their last 23 league games and enjoy a two-point lead in first place. They will take on the winless Greek Americans on Randalls 75 with a view to keeping that incredible streak going strong.

“We are very familiar with the Greeks,” said Mc Carry. “We beat them four years ago in the final but they always make life very difficult for us. It will be a fast-paced, hard-hitting game but we will be looking to remain top of the league with another three points. I have a strong squad to pick from and I want to keep our very good run going.”

Meanwhile, next door on Field 74, the Legends have their first ever Irish derby with a game against Manhattan Celtic Masters.

“It should be an enjoyable one,” said coach Emmett Harvey. “We performed very well last Sunday and we definitely deserved a win so I’m hoping we bring that attitude into what will be a big game for us.”

In the Women’s Metro League, NYC United will be attempting to bring a halt to the astonishing winning streak of the Rocks who are joint top of Division B (New Utrecht – 1.30pm).

“This is the biggest game we have left before the Winter break,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“Another win will start to separate us from a couple of other teams at the top. Hopefully we get another performance like our last two games and we have a great chance.”