Here is the astro league report you were asking about a while ago!

Well, what can I say? Staring relegation in the face a few weeks ago, it has been Roy of the Rovers stuff ever since. To bounce back in such a manner, defies belief. Confidence, determination and a never say die attitude culminated in probably the greatest final the Astro league has witnessed. Blood, guts and tears(Dinky) -no 1 saw him but he shed a few. In atrocious conditions, the Trapaphonies battled the elements and the mighty Wrecking Machine to pull off an almost incomprehensible victory!

Player Ratings below:

Rob (the Tower) Power (8) – The man has grown in stature and self belief over the last few weeks and had a towering performance last night. A vital penalty save, along with many during the game frustrated the opposition in what was his performance of the tournament.

Rossa (Dinky) Dolan (8) – Another solid performance from the Dinkster and he battled hard. Probably the most consistent player over the last few weeks. His fitness levels have raised his game in recent weeks after his shaky start to the tournament. A few stray cross field passes were a minor blip in an otherwise excellent game. Pre season training and putting the Trapaphonies above Malahide Utd has really paid dividends. Probably the player of the tournament for the Trapahonies. His display against Hickeys was his shining moment.

Eric (The Gazelle) Harley (8) – Another player that has improved beyond recognition through the latter stages of the group and knockout phase. Had and excellent game against Hickeys in the Semis and although not quite at that level this week, put in another superb performance. One has to admire the man, as he had not missed one game throughout the whole tournament which is an achievement in itself.

Niall (I’ll nail em) Walsh(10) – The undisputed man of the match. Was like a terrier all night and never gave the opposition a minutes breathing space. Like a man possessed, this reflected the real Walshy as a player. As the team improved and made its way to the final, walshy desire to win was unrelenting. Had the Wrecking machine at 6’s and 7’s and reallly broke them up. Even had to be carried off on a stretcher in the end. Majestic!

Fionan (Captain Marvellous) Eakins (7) – Played an instrumental part in setting up some of the goals and and unselfishly took himself off when he felt his fitness waining. Tackled hard and took a few heavy knocks. Not his finest performance of the tournament, that came against Northside Explosion when he had a ‘Walshy’ Like one. Missed a peno but the team pulled through for him. However, believed in the team throughout and dreamt of this moment when he set up it up.

Niall (Sticky) Carleton (7) – Bless me father for I have sinned. Well that is no longer the case as redemption was granted in the form of the winning penalty kick. Stick will tell you he wasnt at his best but contributed valiantly throughout the game. Has overcome injury to make it this far and that reflects the team mentality as a whole.

Fintan (Twinkle toes) O’connor (9) – Like an angel form Heaven, Fintan has helped elevate the Trapaphonies to a completely new level. Came in to the team midway through the league scoring vital goals and showed incredible skill and finesse on the ball. Pushed Walshy close to man of the Match but im sure he wont argue. Probably could have won player of tournament but missed out purely through lack of appearances. Classy performance.

I would also like to Include Rory (chizz) Griffin – He was dealt a cruel blow in the form of a bad foot injury and hasnt recovered to play the final half of the group. Played his part however in some of the early victories contributing goals and a great team spirit. Even stood in the pissings of rain to support his team to the bitter end. Inspirational in doing so. A team player beyond any 1 else!