FC Irlande Men 3

The Thirds had a long drive out into Wallonia this Saturday to take on league leaders, Braine Terminus.  They were thrilled to find upon arrival an absolutely pristine grass pitch awaiting them (by Walloon standards – it was still about as flat as a Green ski piste). But that excitement turned sour when the opposing Délégué informed them that only Hazards can play on the “Hazard family pitch.” Instead, the lads would be tenderizing the soil for the local farmer on the potato patch just next door. The “pitch” had one good side – about a 5m wide stretch of harder mud with a few blades of grass poking through. The middle of the pitch was a black hole where balls played through would stop dead on their first bounce. And the far side of the pitch was nothing short of brown swimming pool, where each step came with the risk of losing your boot (and anything else below the knee) to the muddy abyss. What followed was 70 minutes of not quite football, not quite farming, but something in between. Running was a challenge, passing was a challenge, planting your foot to kick was a challenge. In the chaos of the first half, Braine Terminus took a skeevy dive in the box, drawing a booking for Sims and a penalty kick they would convert for 1-0.  The Thirds kept their energy up going into halftime, creating a few chances but none that would truly test the keeper. In a truly bizarre sequence of events, the ref gave no call on a ball played back by a defender and picked up by the Brainy keeper, despite Irlande’s protests. The second half found the Thirds going downhill, with great pressing and energy from Colm and Alex down the “good” side. Unfortunately, the home side found the back of the net a second time on a counter crossed in. Antoine made his in-field debut, but it sadly wasn’t enough to bring the Thirds back into the match. FT 2-0. MOTM Colm & Christian, both with very impressive performances despite the circumstances.

The thirds took on Bleu Blanc on a lovely spring afternoon, looking for revenge after being beaten 1-0 by their opponents in the reverse fixture. The thirds settled into the game quickly, controlling the game against 10 men for the first 5 minutes until the 11th Bleu Blanc player arrived. We showed more promise in the first half and came close from several corners and some good interplay on the wings. After going in 0-0 at half time, the team were confident in their game plan and stuck to it knowing they’d be playing downhill in the second half. Nikos came close several times with headers from corners. After some tidy passing on the left, Cillian played Timo through for a one on one and he finished into the bottom corner despite the goalkeeper’s best efforts. After several more chances, we couldn’t get a second and a tight last 10 minutes followed. With a red card for them and Liam getting a second yellow, the match finished 1-0. A well deserved win for the thirds who are now 5 unbeaten. Timo MOTM

3rds travelled to bottom of the league Green Devils on a good run of form with two wins and a draw in the last three games.

MOTM of course to the hatrick hero Shane

On a fine but blustery spring day, the 3rds went to Nossegem to try and make it 3 wins on the bounce, something that hadn’t happened since the halycon days of late 2022. Opponents of the day: Grez AJ 3, currently 3rd in 3C

A strong start to the game saw the 3rds pepper the keeper with shots from Gav, Michael, Tim and Wilf. Grez came back into it but failed to truly trouble the extremely solid backline. HT.

An initial burst of enthusiasm and a spate of chances for the 3rds at the start of the 2nd half saw the game descend into a to and fro game, with neither side imposing themselves. A little more of a clinical edge in the final 3rd would have seen the 3rds take all 3 points but Grez were also denied by two fantastic Antoine saves.

0-0 FT and 3 games undefeated. We go to bottom side Green Devils next week trying to make it 10/12 points.

MOTM Nikos

Match day 17 saw FC Irlande 3rds host Patjes FC, with the away team 9 points better placed and hoping to make amends after an 8-3 loss in the reverse fixture. Without a point in 7 games, a win was desperately needed by FC Irlande

FC Irlande started the brighter of the two sides, with Jimmy, Cillian, Matt Sims and Cozzy combining fluidly to create some openings down the right side. This early pressure was rewarded when Tommy won and cooly converted a penalty into the left bottom corner.

FC Irlande continued to dominate proceedings following the restart. Liam and Timo grew into the game, pushing to create chances down the left. FC Irlande’s 2nd arrived courtesy of a powerfully dispatched strike inside the box from Timo, rounding off a nice team move.

FC Irlande continued to control the game, however, Patjes FC managed to claw a goal back. Winning the ball in FC Irlande’s half, they played some quick passes before a long-range shot found it’s way to the back of Antoine’s net. Momentum shifted towards Patjes FC at this point, but solid defending and good reading of the game from Nikos and Piet-Antoine ensured the first-half finished 2-1.

The 2nd half began in a similar fashion to the first, with FC Irlande posing the bigger threat. A through ball was fumbled by the Patjes FC goalkeeper, with Tommy on hand to provide the simple finish and double his tally for the afternoon. Not long after, a well-delivered corner from Timo found Jimmy at the back post, who headed home his second goal in as many games.

The final 20 minutes were more frantic than FC Irlande would have hoped for and Patjes FC added a 2nd goal with 15 minutes remaining. But more brave defending from the back four, and substitutes Matt Sullivan and Benoit (including a crucial “block” from Benoit to halt a dangerous looking counter attack), ensured a long-awaited and well-deserved 4-2 victory. Focus now turns to the crucial away fixture next Saturday at Tauro FC, who sit one place above FC Irlande. The team will now look to build momentum and finish out the season strongly

Despite a hard-fought win in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, FC Irlande 3rds find themselves 8 places lower in the table than today’s opposition, Vogelpik FC. Today marked the long awaited return of Wilf, returning to the match day squad after over a year out through injury.

Vogelpik FC started the better of the two teams and a misplaced pass gave them the opportunity to transition quickly to take the lead mid way through the first half. The 3rds failed to find their rhythm and created very few chances in the first half.

The second half saw the 3rds start to control the ball better and dominate possession. Vogelpik FC were content with sitting back and didn’t create many chances in the second half. Despite the 3rd’s resurgence in the second half, we couldn’t turn this into enough clear cut chances. Nazim had a close range shot saved and Gavin had a long range free kick go inches outside the post. Overall, we didn’t create enough to deserve more from the game but we take the positives, including the return of our talismanic captain and move forward together. Better days to come. Result: 0-1 MOTM: Michael

On a bright and sunny afternoon the first game of the new year between FC Irlande and Chiefs took place. The game quickly took an unexpected turn as Chiefs secured an early lead with a penalty kick. The pivotal moment unfolded when a mistimed challenge by an FC Irlande defender inside the box led to the referee pointing to the spot. Chiefs capitalized on the opportunity, converting the penalty confidently to take a 1-0 lead.

Not content with their advantage, Chiefs swiftly extended their lead a few minutes later. A lightning-fast counter-attack saw their winger skillfully maneuvering the ball from the wing into the box, followed by a precise strike to make it 2-0. FC Irlande found themselves facing an uphill battle, but their determination shone through.

In a dramatic twist, FC Irlande quickly managed to pull one back before the halftime whistle. A well-placed free kick found the head of Piet, who expertly directed the ball into the bottom corner, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The first half concluded with both teams eager to make their mark in the second period.

As the second half commenced, FC Irlande asserted their dominance, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their efforts nearly paid off when a free-kick rattled the crossbar, sending shivers through the Chiefs’ defense. Timo, displaying impeccable technique, unleashed a powerful shot, only to be denied by a crucial goal-line clearance from a vigilant Chiefs defender.

Despite the relentless pressure from FC Irlande and a myriad of close calls, Chiefs held firm in defense. The final whistle blew, sealing a 2-1 victory for Chiefs.

After a weekend without a game due to freezing conditions in Brussels, the 3rds were keen to get a win against Tauro 2 who were 3rd from the bottom before today’s match.

MOTM Liam

On the most damp and dreary day in history, or as the Belgians call it, “Saturday”, Fc Irelande took on their most feared opponents of the season so far- top of the league Braine Terminus.

Man of the match – Jimmy. Solid defensively and created many chances to go forward.

On a cold and windy day, resembling classic Nossegem conditions, FC Irlande took to the pitch with determination. Although they started slowly, they managed to create some promising opportunities. However, a noticeable area for improvement was their high foul count, something they would need to address in the second half.

Around the midway point of the first half, a dramatic turn of events unfolded as Scott had to be substituted due to a head injury. It happened when he attempted to regain possession of a loose ball but was ruthlessly pushed headfirst into the fence by an opposing defender. Stepping into Scott’s shoes, Nazim quickly made an impact. He connected with Shane’s precise low cross to bury the ball into the bottom corner, putting FC Irlande in the lead.

As the teams regrouped for the second half, Shane once again proved instrumental. A well-placed cross from him was unintentionally handled by a defender, leading to a penalty kick. Shane assumed responsibility and confidently slotted the ball into the bottom corner, extending FC Irlande’s lead to 2-0.

In the later stages of the match, Joe was subbed in and showcased his agility by elegantly shimmying past an opponent to create a goal-scoring opportunity. Although his initial shot was saved, Gav was quick to pounce on the rebound, securing a comfortable 3-0 lead for FC Irlande.

Despite their dominance, FC Irlande conceded a penalty following a corner, when the ball ricocheted off one of their players’ hands within the box. This allowed the opposing team to pull one back, making it 3-1.

In the end, FC Irlande’s strong performance in challenging weather conditions secured them a well-deserved victory. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and work on reducing fouls will surely be valuable lessons moving forward.

Despite a 40 min drive, the afternoon started well with all Turds arriving with their IDs and on time, ready for the 🦏 hunt ! From the start rhinos put a lot of pressure and intensity and had a few chances. Turds we’re struggling a bit with the ball with difficulty to pass the midfield. Unsurprisingly 🦏‘s left right opened the score after a good passing on the right side 1-0. A few minutes after we were caught on one of our corners and 🦏 scored again 2-0. Turds kept their heads up and continued to play building from the back. After a long ball Gav lobbed the keeper 2-1. After half time, turds were playing better and were fighting equals against 🦏. Unluckily, turds conceded a penalty which sealed 🦏 victory. 3-1 FT. Thanks a lot to Michael, Javi and Victor who stepped in to help the Turds. Looking forward to returning to the fort next week to taste victory again!

On a rainy afternoon, the 3rds team arrived at Woluwe Saint Pierre confident of continuing their winning streak against a tough rival, Bleu-Blanc. The 1st half started erratic for the 3rds who couldn’t have the ball and create play. The rivals handled the ball and with long balls they sought to generate danger. After a couple of approaches that the 3rd defense was able to neutralize, Bleu-Blanc gets a penalty. Although Christian was able to save the penalty, bad luck meant that the rebound fell to the forward who only had to push it. 0-1 HT. The 2nd half was very different, despite the referee who only saw fouls in favor of the locals, the 3rds went for the tie, improving the game and with a lot of attitude they had several dangerous situations that by a miracle could not be converted. By Counterattack Bleu-Blanc were able to extend the advantage but a great defensive performance prevented this on several occasions. In the end it could have been a deserved draw, but with the final result 0-1 all that remains is to think about the next game and win again. MOTM Matt Sullivan

The thirds entered the matchday off the back of two wins in a row and keen to make it three away against Patjes and to continue their momentum. The team started quickly with some nice interplay and constant threats to run in behind by Piet and the forwards. It didn’t take long for one of the runs in behind to work out. Tim received the ball on the wing, slalomed into midfield and slid an elegant through ball to Scott who pierced in from the opposite side. Scott controlled the ball and calmly slotted it past the keeper who got a slight touch before watching it roll into the bottom corner. 1-0.

The thirds continued to control the game in spells but were suddenly caught on a counter attack that they struggled shut down. A wonderful cross from the right wing was placed like a loving kiss onto the striker’s forehead. It went straight into the bottom left corner from a few yards out. 1-1.

Shortly afterwards, rain and hail battered both teams and the rest of the half became very messy. The ball bounced around like a pinball until half time, when the rain stopped and everyone wrung their dripping jerseys on the sideline and shook themselves like wet dogs.

The second half began with the thirds confident of getting a result. However, they had to work for it. The opponents didn’t have many clear chances but threatened several times from free kicks around the edge of the box. Christian made several good saves to keep it a tie while the thirds hoped to hit Patjes on the counter. Piet was put through behind the defence and shot, forcing the keeper to make a save low to his left. The ball trickled narrowly wide. Shortly afterwards Patryk received the ball out wide and whipped a low cross in which caused chaos in the goalmouth. The ball dropped to Nazim who smashed it into the back of the net from a few yards out. 2-1.

The team worked hard for the last 5 or 10 minutes against increasing pressure as Patjes flung men forward like an angry toddler throws vegetables. However, they limited the home team to one good chance from a cross which bounced wide of the left post. It ended 2-1.

A tough game for the thirds but a well deserved win. Man of the match went to Pierre Antoine who commanded the team well from midfield and snuffed out several attacks. However, the referee also told him he was a very naughty boy and gave him a yellow card. Special mention has to go to Stefan and Patryk for not getting yellows.

On a beautiful and windy day, thirds were looking for their first victory at home. We hardly made on time due to the famous Patatencross happening in our usual parking lot but we definitely showed we were ready to play. Our opponent Requin, a team we played a few times this showed also determination and so there were not a lot of opportunities and space available. So it was up to us to make the best of the few chances we would create which is what we did brilliantly on first half. Nikos our Greek hoplite opened the score after a nice combination from Piet Alex and Shane down the left. Piet found perfectly Nikos whose shot on penalty line left the goalkeeper with no chance to stop it. After that great team effort, we added a second goal thanks to Shane tenacity to stand on his foot while getting bitten by the sharks. From long distance the natural born scorer found the possibility to surprise the keeper with a little help from the wind. At 2-0 at half time, we had the game in our hands but were aware the wind would be against us. We suffered for the first 20mn of the second half and conceded a goal on a free-kick. Requin was lucky to score on that one. Though they were pressuring us they didn’t have any opportunity except one shot from the edge of the box our keeper Cristian deflected. That save was just fantastic and he had a great game with a lot of interventions in the air. The last quarter we started getting our foot on the ball much more. Requin was less threatening and the referee blew the final whistle for a well deserved victory. Everyone brought great contribution but there can be only one MOTM. Congrats to Nikos!

Today the thirds travelled away to Volgelpik FC for what was really a must win game after the defeat last week. We started a bit tentative and didn’t play with real penetration in the 1st half. This lead to us being behind at HT 1-0.

At HT we discussed what needed to be done and got down to it! Within 5minutes it was 1-1 thanks to Nikos who had a chance from a second ball at a corner then put in his own rebound. 2 minutes later we broke through again with Luke who cut in from the right wing to find Shane who shot from the D, deflection of the defender and in. 2-1 and in the driving seat!

Then within 60 seconds it was 2-2, let’s not speak about this haha

We rallied hard and after another corner the second ball fell to Shane who passed to Timo, boom! 3-2!! After a very hard fought final 10mins the 3rds preserved under pressure from Volgelpik to get the 3points.

Huge thanks to Saul who reffed the game on his Birthday, 21 today! Haha

And a massive thanks to Rudy, Jimmy & Luke from the 1sts who helped us today, so so appreciated!

Goal Scorers: Nikos, Shane, Timo.

MOTM Jimmy

The 3rds arrived at the STADE DES TROIS TILLEULS in auderghem on the back of two difficult defeats and were wanting to kick start their season against the powerhouses who are etteijks 2… the 3rds were in confident mood before the match as their squad was back to near full strength , something that was lacking in the previous two games. From the first whistle , the thirds were on the front foot. The passing was good and there was lovely link up play all throughout the pitch. The thirds were testing the keeper and eventually gav scored the opening goal.. soon after that Shane got the second and the 3rds were in control. Not long after Shane’s goal, the opposition got a penalty which was debatable which they scored from to bring it back to 2-1 at half time. The second half was a similar affair , however ettejiks were getting desperate and doing a lot of long balls over the top which fc irelande were able to deal with expertly… on came the super subs risto and tiernan for their debuts and not long after risto scored to make it 3-1. The 3rds continued to be the better team and late on an excellent cross by Tim was volleyed in at the back post by Shane who had a great game terrifying the ettejiks defence. Final score 4-1. This shows us what the team can do when we play with 11 men and we have subs! There is still improvement needed but after two losses it’s great to get the win and build on this !

Fc irelande 3rds went into this second fixture of the season at home looking to get their first win after a disappointing opening day defeat the previous week. There was optimism in the air especially with the grass at nossegem having been cut over the summer ( although not in straight lines ) .
Like the previous week, the weather was extremely hot which meant we would have to be smart on the ball to conserve energy and not run out of steam . Unfortunately from kick off we didn’t play smart football. We tried to force the passes too much and did long balls which werent working especially for the attacking players to chase after in such heat. The opposition team , the mighty saint George’s 3rd , were rather average but did manage to get a goal not long before half time.
At the start of the second half , irelande were playing better and trying to pass the ball around but still were struggling to create chances or test the keeper. Unfortunately, just when maybe things were going more our way ,our half time substitute ( and we only had one ) rolled his ankle and had to come off with a nasty looking injury which meant for the second week in a row the 3rds played a large chunk of the match with 10 men… not long after , from a bad pass from one of the 3rds, Saint George were able to quickly break and score the second goal. The 3rds battled again but in such temperatures and down a man it was always going to be an uphill battle.
Our thoughts are with Achraf who we hope has a speedy recovery FT 0-2.

The 3rds suffered defeat on the opening day after a spirited attempt to get a result playing with 10 men for 40 minutes.

Pre-game very much resembled the stereotypical nightmare start to a season with Gav learning that he was suspended and Achraf forgetting his ID (more on that later), leaving us with the bare 11. The game itself started brightly for the 3rds with Francois narrowly missing a great chance after being put through by Tim. The game flowed back and forth with chances on both sides and was finely poised. A 50-50 tackle by Alex was blown on the edge of the box and they scored with a low shot into the side-netting. It went from bad to worse for the 3rds who lost Saul to injury, leaving us with 10.

The 3rds fought bravely for the rest of the game, nearly equalising again through Francois. With 15 left on the clock, Rodrigo weaved through their defence, until he was pulled back with a penalty being awarded. Tim stepped up but saw his penalty rebound off the post and out.

3rds gave everything in the last 10 but ultimately conceded a last minute second despite Sims and Patryk’s best efforts.

A wake up call but a fine effort by all, left nothing out there.