Andrew Fleming, and Geese legend Kevin McElhinney (currently injured)

Two North-sider goals early in the first-half proved too much of a challenge for the Wild Geese to overcome. They fought valiantly and clawed back a goal, but in doing so used up a large quota of energy and the Northsiders were able to get another goal late in the second half.

The Geese started the game more lively and had most of the possession, and the first Northsider goal came against the run of play. The ball was played through the centre of the field and suddenly the Geese were one-nil down.

Ten minutes later, the Northsiders scored an almost identical goal. Another passing movement through the centre proved too hot for the Geese defence to handle. 2-0.

Arnaud Benech warming up

The Geese seemed dispondent at half-time, but Aidan O'Looney had other ideas. Playing on his own upfront, and often marked by three Northside defenders he was still causing a lot of chaos. His hard work finally paid off when he first out-manouvred past two defenders and accelerated into the penalty area, finishing with an excellent strike from the left. 2-1. Game on.

The Geese continued to press forward. O'Looney almost scored again. From outside the penalty area his delicate shot curled inwards and hit the upright before bouncing across the Northsider goal-line.

By now the Geese defence had a stranglehold on the speedy Northsider attackers. Saul and Murray dominated the air, and Fleming and Benech linked well with the attack. This Geese defence, with Nagle in goals, clearly has massive potential.

When Saul was forced off early, the Geese were down to ten men, and the tired legs allowed in one last Northsider goal via a Lochlan blaster.

Wild Geese:  D.Nagle, A.Fleming,  N.Murray, A.Saul, A.Benech, J.Garcia, M.Tormey, O.Tormey, D.MacMahon, K.Duffy, A O'Looney 

Goals: O'Looney (1)

Player coach Anto Saul giving some last minute advice