Feature game 31/08/2025

Leinster Heat Pumps Senior Division

Clane United FC 2 Newbridge Hotspurs FC 3

Clane’s hopes of closing their Senior Division campaign on a high ended in disappointment on Friday night, as Newbridge Hotspurs came from behind twice to claim a dramatic 3–2 victory at Doctor’s Road.

The match carried extra significance with Clane sitting three points clear of Hotspurs in second place. A lively opening saw both sides play on the front foot, but it was the hosts who struck first. In the 9th minute, Eoghan Maguire produced a brilliant solo run down the right, beating two defenders before squaring across the box for Rasdi N Simba to slot home.

Hotspurs responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, a defensive lapse inside the Clane box allowed Scott O’Donaghue to pounce and level matters at 1–1. The hosts were then dealt a blow when Aidan Ralph was forced off injured in the 20th minute, handing young Ross Murphy his senior debut — a challenge he met with plenty of promise. Both goalkeepers, John Ball for Clane and Sean Higgins for Hotspurs, were called into action to preserve parity as the sides went into the interval level.

The second half resumed at the same frantic pace, and Maguire again made the difference on 53 minutes, weaving his way through before finishing superbly to restore Clane’s lead.

But Hotspurs refused to buckle. On the hour mark, Mark Wolfe’s thunderous free-kick rattled the crossbar, and Neil Flynn was quickest to react, firing in the rebound to make it 2–2.

With neither side content to settle for a point. Hotpsurs Conor McLoughlin replaced the injured Shane Higgins just after the hour mark . The visitors continued to press and on the 70th minute Mark Wolfe had a great chance but his shot was saved. Just two minutes later though Hotspurs delivered the killer blow to the home side to make it 3-2. It came via a sumptuous pass from Scott O’Donoghue which defied physics to find Mark Wolfe, Wolfe then took control and finished brilliantly, 3-2 to Hotspurs. On the 83rd minute, Mark Wolfe nearly scored again for Spurs but his free kick hit the post. On the 87th minute, Eoin McGrath of Hotspurs almost got on the scoresheet but his shot went just wide of the post. The game finished 3-2 to Hotspurs and with it a joint second place league finish.

This was one of Hotspurs best performances of the season with significant contributions from all players making it hard to pick individuals out. Hotspurs man of the match was Mark Wolfe with Chris Higgins excelling at left back and Scott O’Donoghue up front been a constant thorn in the side of the Clane Utd defence.

Clane pressed hard in the final quarter, with half-chances falling to Geoghan and Murphy, but they could not find a breakthrough. Maguire, who provided both a goal and an assist, was named Clane’s standout performer on the night. For Clane, it marks another season of frustration, finishing in joint second place after an inconsistent league campaign blighted by injuries and commitment issues. Clane’s focus now shifts to cup action, as they look to defend the Senior Cup when they host Old Fort at home next Friday. They will have to meet Hotspurs again in a second place play off with the date to be decided. 

Other feature games

Leinster Power Flushing Premier Division

(Report by Wayne ‘Bubba’ Doyle)

Ballycane Celtic FC 6 Mavida FC 2

Ballycane delivered an impressive goal-fest at home, despite the blustery conditions. The home side showcased a strong squad to choose from, which hasn't always been the case this season. Kevin Higgins opened the scoring just six minutes in with a free-kick from the halfway line, aided by the strong wind, which helped the ball find its way into the Mavida net. It was an ideal start for Ballycane, and only Higgy knows if it was intentional 🫡. Oran Lehane doubled the lead shortly after, scoring a powerful low drive following a well-crafted pass from Conor Norton. Guillermo Rodriguez then got his name on the scoresheet with a long kick from the Ballycane keeper, which again found the Mavida net, putting Ballycane three goals ahead within the first fifteen minutes.

Ballycane continued to play exceptional football and added a fourth goal after twenty-five minutes when Jeffery Ikuewan scored a sublime solo effort, showcasing his skilful footwork as he cut inside from the left before finishing with a delightful side-foot shot into the top corner.

Just before halftime, Jake Sheehan finished well after an assist from Hunter, rounding off a solid first-half performance from Ballycane. They used the weather conditions to their advantage and were the dominant team throughout the half, with the potential to score even more goals.

In the second half, despite playing into an ominous headwind, Ballycane still managed to create significant chances, with Jeffery Ikuewan and Oran Lehane both coming close in the opening minutes. Mavida managed to pull one back when Kevin Ogedegbe capitalised on a misplaced pass, racing through on goal to net a tidy side-foot finish past Guillermo. However, it didn’t take long for Ballycane to restore their five-goal cushion. Wayne Doyle won the ball in midfield and quickly switched it to Oran Lehane, who threaded an inch-perfect ball across the box. Jake Sheehan was on hand to convert brilliantly off the post and beyond the Mavida keeper. Mavida pushed forward, but Ballycane's midfield trio of Keelan Noone, Deano, and Wayne Doyle effectively nullified any threats. Hunter, Higgy, and Conor Norton handled the defensive duties admirably.

Ballycane were forced into a few changes with Hunter coming off due to injury, while Keelan Noone, Jake Sheehan, and Ian Cox took well-deserved breaks after their strong performances. Jake O’Reilly, Gavin Craig, and the impressive Daniel Thorley stepped into their respective roles in defence, midfield, and attack.

Gavin quickly got involved, linking up well with Oran Lehane before finding himself in the Mavida penalty area, only to see his effort soar just over the crossbar. Mavida managed to add a second goal in injury time through Sheldon Ebala, but it was little more than a consolation.

Overall, it was a solid performance from Ballycane, who did not let up and worked hard all over the pitch to secure a convincing victory against a tough Mavida side. Best for the winners were Kevin Kiggins, Jeffrey Ikuewan, Jacke Sheehan, Oran Lehane, Conor Norton was their man of the match, 

Ace Sports Awards Masters Division 1

(By Wayne ‘Bubba’ Doyle)

Ballycane Celtic FC 4 Raharney United FC 2

Ballycane continued their recent good run with a hard-fought win against a resilient Raharney United.   Raharney started brighter and it took some competent defending from the Quartet of Kevin Higgins, Dermot Doyle, Jamie Curran and Cillian Sweeney to keep the visitors at bay in the opening ten minutes. Some early warning signs that this Raharney outfit wasn't just here to make up the numbers. The visitors got the breakthrough after twelve minutes when Noel Cocannon finished well just inside the box to round off a nice passage of play by Raharney.

That gave Ballycane the necessary wake-up call as Wayne Doyle, Eamon McCormack, Stewart O Neill and Jerry Murphy started to dictate the game's tempo. Raharney made the going difficult for Keelan Noone and Kevin Daly up top as they continuously swapped the newly formed strike duo at every opportunity, but to the lads' credit, they continuously made themselves available, regardless of the service they got.

Ballycane levelled the game ten minutes before the break as Wanye Doyle set Stewart O Neill away through on goal As he was set to strike the ball, he was clipped, and correctly the ref awarded the spot kick. Who else but the 'Ginger Ninja' Keelan Noone, who's been flawless from the penalty spot lately, emphatically added another to his growing tally. Ballycane added a second three minutes later as this time O Neill turned provider with a lovely through ball that Eamon McCormack who rounded the keeper Rapacki before finishing from a tight angle to give Ballycane the lead. I couldn't fail to mention Ken Weir's spectacular clearance, great to have him back in the squad after a lengthy absence.  A tightly contested opening half with Shane Herbert making some vital saves to keep Ballycane ahead, and Kevin Higgins marshalled a solid home rearguard.

A few tactical positional switches at the half saw Ballycane much more offensively minded, with Jerry Murphy making some driving runs through midfield in the opening minutes, putting Raharney on the back foot immediately. Wayne Doyle and Jerry Murphy are combining effectively with Noone, McCormack, and Daly, with Ballycane starting to pry open a stubborn Raharney defence. It was a goal-laden five-minute spell, with Ballycane adding two in quick succession, with Noone first finishing off an Excellent move after a Cillian Sweeney assist. Then Stewy O'Neill's pace proved too much to handle as he powered down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that Kevin Daly finished well to give Ballycane their fourth, proving that "the Well isn't dry yet" Raharney were awarded a penalty two minutes later as Kevin Flynn did well to win a penalty for his side after some tight defending from Higgy. Flynn converted to leave the deficit at two. 

Ballycane really could have added another two or three, the best falling to Tosh Higgins as Noone unselfishly laying it off, but Tosh just scuppered his effort at the pivotal moment. Tosh nearly scored an audacious effort moments later as he weaved his way down the right wing like a prime " Le Tissier" and spotted the Raharney off his line, his effort had the keeper beaten but was slightly off the mark. A slow start for Ballycane, but they worked their way into a tight game and were more creative and clinical as the game wore on.  Best for Ballycane Shane Herbert top Notch in Goals, Stewy O'Neill posed problems all day, Jerry Murphy had a fine game in midfield, Noone again doing the damage up front, but Kevin Higgins takes the Man of the match accolade with a commanding display at centre back.

NO SENIOR ROUND UP (ONLY SENIOR FIXTURE WAS THE ABOVE FEATURE GAME)