Giggsy's Dinner (Updated 18/8/2002)

September

Huddersfield Irish Centre embarked on their second and final season in the junior league fresh from a league and cup double and a pre-season tour of Tenerife. Last season saw the bhoys prove that they were the best team in the league yet the up and coming season would provide a tougher test for the lads. To retain that accolade.

Two close season signings were made in wingback/midefielder Tom Davies and midfield hardman Simon Chatten. There had been long disputes about whether IC should sign new players but it was clear that these two would only add to the stregth of the bhoys squad.

The season started in convincing fashion when a trip to Linthwaite saw the bhoys in a commanding 3-0 position after barely half an hour, and last seasons end of year form looked like only yesterday. A less than convincing performance for the remaining hour saw the game end 6-4 with defensive frailties evident and improvements essential.

Opening home game of the season was Dodworth and again the bhoys came away with all 3 points without moving out of first gear in a sloppy performance. IC had claimed maximum points in the opening games but the mood in the camp going into the early season crunch tie against rivals Meltham was that better performances all round were needed to overcome the boys in yellow who pushed IC all the way last season. Those improvements were made an IC came out eventual winners in a 4-3 thriller, where the bhoys clearly showed who ‘the team’ was in the league. The score flattered Meltham who converted a bizarre penalty, scored an even more bizarre deflected goal and denied IC from the spot. The defense had proved as solid as ever and Adam Bell’s early season electric form continued claiming his second hat-trick of the season and his 8^th goal in total in the game. New signing Chatten also impressed putting in a superb battling performance, which was to give him a regular role in the team for the rest of the season. The game also saw Michael Clarke play alongside Bell upfront which was to become a great tactical ploy of Helliwell’s later in the season.

October

With only three games gone IC were the only remaining team unbeaten and lay 5 points clear of Meltham in the table. The visit of Hepworth was next and again a less than brilliant performance saw the IC scrape through 3-2 winners, with Bell again shining. A trip to Elland followed in a game which saw the bhoys play perhaps the best football they’ve played in a long time. At half time they were 3-1 up and cruising only for the referee to abandon the game for apparent fog.

That performance wasn’t carried through to the next week when Fairbank visited Leeds Road and gave IC a massive shock. Defensive errors and poor attacking displays meant the Bradford side left with a share of the points in a 3-3 encounter. IC visited Bradford the following week to face Parkside in a game they took full control of running out 7-3 winners. The game saw Bell claim 4 taking his seasonal tally to an incredible 16 and summer signing Simon Chatten opened his IC account with a well struck opener. IC were back on track and were well clear at the top of the table.

Novermber

November opened with the vist of Ossett SB to Leeds Road. Early goal by Kitterick was cancelled out by two goals for the vistors, the first coming from the most spectacular of own goals from captain Chris Keady from almost 20 yards. However, in much the same way the bhoys made a comeback last season against the same team they provided another to gain all three points. A powerful header from Tattersley equalled the scores before Clarke let fly a screaming left foot curl over the keeper with only minutes remaining. After the previous weeks lucky result in a lacklustre performance Chris Helliwell reshuffled his team to travel to Linthwaite. In came Buggy, Lunn and McGowan and all three were massively impressive in a 5-1 victory. Lunn, upfront, claimed his first of the season after providing another for Bell who again continued his rich vain of form. McGowan commanded his wing and looked solid at the back and dangerous going forward. And Buggy provided a superb man marking performance, which would have been rewarded with a clean sheet had it not been for a late Linthwaite consolation goal.

Dodworth were the next team to visit Leeds Road and provided the shock of the season. The bottom side managed to hold the top of the table bhoys to a goaless draw, with Bell coming off the bench to miss a penalty towards the end. It certainly wasn't the form to take to Meltham in a potential championship winning game. Anything less that a Meltham win would see IC climb to far away from Meltham. Helliwell had to reshuffle after last weeks disappointment and was served a further blow when Clarke was deemed unable to play. Despite this the bhoys put in a superb defensive performance to keep a determined Meltham at bay. Strings of brilliant saves from Shanahan frustrated Meltham before a strike from Quinn 10 minutes from time sealed a memorable performance in a 1-0 victory.

December

After a two week break IC entertained Parkside and in a less than convincing, but solid performance the bhoys came out 3-0 winners with a brace from Bell and a header from Chatten. After the early season defensive frailties it seemed Helliwell had managed to patch these problems up and IC had now gone over 270minutes without conceding a goal thanks to heroics from Shanahan, the leadership and solidity of Keady and Quinn and Damien Wood was quickly turning out to be rivalling Adam Bell as IC's most impressive player of the first half of the season. The final match of 2001 came at home to Linthwaite. Helliwell again reshuffled after the performance shown against the same team only a month back. However, the performance was slack and the bhoys could only manage a 2-1 win thanks to Bell's first half finishing.

The Gaffer and the lads could now take an impressive record of only dropping 4 points into the new year and enjoy a Christmas break.

January

It was almost a full month after the last game that IC got back to the field for the tough task away at Hepworth. They were without top scorer Bell who began his month long suspension after being sent of in a Heywood Sports game before the turn of the year. The bhoys looked slack and unfit after the Christmas break and found themselve 2 goals down at half-time. A half time huddle and some stern words from The Boss saw changes in performance become evident almost straight away. Within 15mins of the restart IC were level, with Chris Keady cancelling his earlier own goal out with a towering header to claim his first of the season. Had it not been for leg injuries to Quinn and Wood at the back and concussion to midfielders Kalinowski and Chatten the bhoys would surely have gone on to win by several goals, however the score stayed at 2-2. All 4 were unavailable the next week (aswell as Bell, McGowan and Mann) for the visit of rivals Meltham. Such were the injuries of the side that Helliwell had to make a quick decision and sign Tom Gubbini, in the week leading up, to avoid having to play with 10 men. It looked like the bhoys had put the injuries to one side when they went a goal up within 10mins. However, Meltham came back and put in a superb performance to win 4-1, the score being kept down by an again impressive Shanahan in goals. Debutant Gubbini also put in an impressive performance. The result put Meltham back in the title race. The bhoys got back on winning ways again the following week when they swept aside Elland in a 3-1 victory with a goal from Tattersley adding to Clarke's two strikes.

February

The begining of February saw the hostile trip to Bradford to face Fairbank. Again without Adam Bell the bhoys failed to gain any rhythm of play in the roughly battled game. An early opener from Clarke raised hopes before Fairbank took a 2-1 lead, though a wondergoal from Tom Gubbini leveled scores at 2-2 at half-time. With 15mins from time Fairbank again took the lead and it looked like the score would remain at that until Clarke popped up with an equaliser 3mins from time to seemingly resue a point from what was IC's toughest game yet. However, within minutes Fairbank were to score and IC were left to dwell on a nightmare trip and another defeat. Meltham were closing in. The following week saw IC launch their cup campaign with expectations of only a second cup win to add to last years heroics. Dodworth were the team and the return of top goalscorer Bell sparked off a much improved IC team to steamroller past the Barnsley side in a convincing 4-0 win with goals from Quinn (direct from a corner), Bell, Clarke and Tattersley, seeing IC through to the semi-finals.

A return to the league came soon after with the rescheduled match away at Elland. After the disappointment of a few months earlier when the match was abandoned halfway through IC were determined to come away with all 3 points. Helliwell dared to rest a few of his men and it was to prove worthwhile as the bhoys cruised to a 6-2 win with midfielders Tattersley and O'Donnell each claiming two goals.

March

The start of March came with the make or break game against the inform Hepworth. If IC were to slip up Meltham would surely capitalise which would see them go ahead of IC in the league for the first time this season. Things started badly as a Hepworth free-kick left Shanahan stranded as the ball floated into the top corner. IC didn't respond fully and at half time they were faced with a furious teamtalk with Helliwell 1-0 down. In the second half IC found the stregth to compete and believe and the comeback was sparked by a well taken free kick by Tattersley to level the scores. Minutes later Tattersley added his second, and his 5th in 3 games, with a wonderous 25yard strike and a real contender for goal of the season. The score was then settled at 3-1 after Clarke tapped in late on. The bhoys could walk off relieved that a battling second half performance had allowed them to escape the prospect of letting Meltham in. The following week saw the semi-final clash with Linthwaite at Leeds Road. In terrible conditions IC again struggled to be convincing against the team rooted towards the foot of the table. Two goals from Bell and a well taken strike from Kalinowski saw IC take a 3-1 lead before Linthwaite's last minute consolation. On the other field Meltham overcame Hepworth in a 2-0 win to set up a dream final with the two rivals facing each other yet again.

A fortnight later Fairbank were vistors to the IC and it was yet another 'must win' game for the bhoys in green. The were also looking to gain revenge for the previous months disappointment and saw the game as a chance to whipe out Fairbanks claim that they are the only team to boast a better record against IC, with a win and a draw. A fiery encounter right from the start saw IC rise to the occassion and battle through in true IC-style. A tight half ended with Clarke claiming a cooly taken goal to put IC into a deserved 1-0 lead. In the second half IC continued to press and were definitely looking the better side with the impressive defence limiting Fairbank to few chances. In the centre of the park Tattersley was continuing his superb recent form winning every ball in a crowded and niggly midfield. However, incident was to scare a brilliant IC performance. With 20mins remaining a touchline brawl saw a Fairbank man dismissed and substitute McGowan also sent off. The referee did well to restart the game, however, when IC were awarded a penalty he was surrounded by abuse from the Fairbank side from which two were dismissed before the referee abandoned the match before the penalty was taken. The game ended 1-0 but Ic were unsure that they would gain the points for it as the match wasn't fully completed. A few days later IC learnt that they had deservedly been awarded the points and didnt have to face Fairbank who were suspended from the league.

April

The bhoys knew that the month of April would decide whether or not they would complete their illustrious double double with the final few matches of the season plus a cup final against Meltham to follow. Just a week before the long awaited final IC travelled to Dodworth to face the struggling, but much improved side. With everyone fighting for their place in the final a good performance was needed by all. Minutes before the game Chatten was ruled out with a back injury putting worries of his fitness for the final into everyones mind. After a promising start Adam Bell was brought down by the Dodworth keeper and Paul Quinn converted from the spot to give IC an early lead. Many expected Dodworth to lie down, however, they came back at IC who had let the pace drop since going ahead. Minutes before half time an IC corner was cleared by the Dodworth defense and after a slip by Quinn, the Dodworth striker levelled the scores with a well taken goal. 10 minutes into the half things went from bad to worse for the bhoys as a collision between goalkeeper Shanahan and a defender allowed a simple tap in to give the home side a surprise lead, though not undeserved. Helliwell then rang the changes knowing that anything less than a victory would be enough to fight off Melthams challenge. Kitterick and Davies were brought on with 20 minutes to go and almost immediately IC were level. A long throw from Helliwell reached Clarke who turned a let fly a left foot shot into the top corner of the goal. Minutes later Bell put IC ahead quickly followed by another penalty by Quinn. In the last 10 minutes Bell grabbed a second and Tattersley completed the comeback with a great goal to give IC a 6-2 victory. However, despite the flattering scoreline the bhoys knew that they wouldn't be able to get away with a performance like that, the following week.

The build up to the next match had been going on for almost a month, the most eargly awaited match in both IC and Meltham's history. On a terribly dry and bumpy pitch conditions weren't ideal for either side, however, the game was a sure-fire classic. Irish Centre started off the brightest pressing Meltham back for the first 10 minutes until a collision between Wood and Meltham's Newiss saw the IC centre-half badly concussed and unable to continue. Clarke moved to wing back and Mann to centre half with Kitterick coming on upfront. Within minutes IC had taken the lead through a well taken goal from Bell, however, IC were still trying to reorganise and Meltham took advantage of this and gained full control of the match, wasting a few chances and limiting IC to only a handful of attacks all half. The bhoys were more than relieved to go in at half time 1-0 up. In the second period Meltham again came out stronger. Then through a careless error they equalised through Traynor. Only minutes later they took the lead via a header by Newiss from a corner. With only 25 minutes to go Helliwell knew things needed to be changed. Clarke went back upfront and Davies came on at wing back. With only 15minutes left Bell was brought down in the area and IC were awarded a penalty. Quinn converted yet again and IC pressed forward for a winner. They were then denied another clear cut penalty with minutes remaining when Kalinowski was brought down when he was odds on to score. The linesman flagged but then put his flag down before the referee had a chance to see and so the 90minutes ended at 2-2. In extra time IC continued to press and were rewarded when Clarke latched onto a through ball from Bell to give the bhoys a 3-2. With only 3 minutes left on the clock Meltham salvaged a replay with another goal from a set piece and the Irish hearts were broke.

The two sides met again for the replay 9 days later both teams determined to take the cup home. A change of formation from Helliwell saw him scrap the 5-3-2 system which had worked so well over two years, in favour of 4-4-2. Unfortunately IC were without Kalinowski who broke his wrist in the previous game and was a clear contender for MOM in that match. The replay saw Meltham start the better side coming out with all guns blazing. However, IC took the lead through Kitterick after 15minutes. Meltham came back and were level on the half hour when Sykes finished beautifully to send the Melthan support wild. In the second period IC began to start to get on top. An injury to goalscorer Kitterick saw Clarke switch from midfield to upfront and with a few minutes he was set through on goal and after rounding the keeper his shot was cleared off the line. IC continued to press and the game looked like it was to again go into extra time until Bell recieved the ball on the edge of the Meltham area. He turned and hit a hopeful shot with looped perfectly over the stranded Meltham keeper, giving IC a 2-1 lead with under 3 minutes to go. The bhoys nervously held on and when the whistle blew mass celebrations went on on the pitch, touchline and changing rooms with continued late into the night at the IC.

The following Sunday it was back to the league with the final home game of the season against Ossett SB, who had held Meltham to a 2-2 draw the week earlier. A sound performance from the bhoys saw them breeze past Ossett 3-0 with a goal from Bell and two from Clarke. With 2 games remaining IC were 3 points ahead of Meltham.

May

The following week IC were just one point from their second successive double after the match against Parkside was cancelled with IC being awarded the points. In the final week of the season the bhoys travelled to Ossett knowing that if they got anything from the game they would be champions, no matter what Meltham do against Linthwaite. A lacklustre performance saw IC go a goal up through a superb Adam Bell 30 yard shot. However, it was cancelled out just before half-time when Geoffry let fly a cracking shot into the top corner from about 45 yards. It was to be Ossetts only attempt at goal all game and in the second half IC lacked the finishing touch to take the game beyond Ossett. The game ended 1-1 and IC could celebrate a magnificent 4 trophies in their two year existance.

Player Of The Year

In a season where the majority of the players will admit to not fulfilling the teams full potential in most games, this year has seen some very impressive and consistant performances from a number of players. Last years winner Tattersley has yet again proved to be the major part of the IC team, influences many fightbacks and inspiring many brilliant performances. For a midfielder his scoring record has been second to non. Last year I believed this player to be the best alround individual player I've played with in my 11 year football career. Chris Keady is another player of the same. Has never missed a minutes football with IC and has never actually had a bad game. A true leader and his performances lead by example. With him on the field is like having an extra man complete with Helliwell instructions. Over the years we've all come to only expect 'the best' from Keady and so his superb performances all year don't come as much as a surprise, which unfortunately eludes him of this award as a result. At the begining of the season many doubted the new signing of Simon Chatten. Myself included doubted his commitment and also his potential. I remember being told that he was "just like Matty" and I own up to laughing at that. To be fair, I hadn't really seen him play before and I found it hard for him to be compared to a player of Mattys ability. However, within the first few games I was shamefully proved very wrong. His performances were immense and alongside Matty gave us the physical strength which had perhaps not been there the previous season. The man is also one of the soundest guys at the club. Respect. Quinn has also been highly influential in our success this season. The attack minded defender has, like Keady, been very very consistant. Organises everything on and off the field, he is also responsible for coming up with many important contributions. Many tak about Phil Mann being the MOM in the first final, but it was Quinn who held his nerve and converted a penalty to draw us level, and made a match winning tackle on Dean Sykes with only minutes of the 90 to go. You also can't forget the contribution Adam Bell has made to our season. In the first 2 months he showed that he was by far the best striker in the league notching up almost 20 goals in 5 or 6 games. Definitely the most lethal finisher I've seen and can score from all angles as proven with his Cup Final winner. In the second half of the season I had the pleasure to play upfront alongside this guy and he is without doubt the best striker I've played alongside by a country mile. Bell has been immense and misses ou on this award by a fraction, though will surely claim at least one award at the presentation night. He deserves it. And I love this guy to bits.

However, the winner of the Giggsy's Dinner Player of the Year is...

Damien Wood. Long seen as 'the third centre half' Damo has proved his position in the team quite brilliantly this term. Possibly the most commited player at the club Damo gives it his all in every minute of every game he is on the pitch. His man-marking jobs on players such as Meltham's Sykes have ensured many wins for the club. Never backs out of a tackle and hardly ever looses out in one neither. Very unlucky not to be called up to the Rep Side and was probably the best player in the league to not have been. It would have been easy to have given this award to someone like Bell or Keady or Tatts or Quinny and to have just said that Damo is 'the most improved player' at the club. He is the most improved definitely but that takes away the fact that he has emerged this season as a pivotal player in our team, as proved when he made his early exit in the final. No one was more disappointed at Damo to miss that game and he proved this when in the replay he gave a monumental performance. This guy perhaps gets the most stick out of all the lads and has the ability to have his words twisted from one extreme to the other eg. "lads i'm just off to the toilet" is within 5mins turned into "when i have a pi55 comes out". But the lad takes it on the chin. What a guy.

Nothing much to report back on really. Sundays have now turned into the most boring days since, well, Sunday's before IC. Now only the presentation night and the Blackpool trip are all we can hang on to as far as our IC team goes. Some will be playing next year for the proposed open age team, however, it won't be the 18 lads who've somewhat known each other for the majority of their lives. School has come and gone, college has been and is going, love has been made and doris lost, the world of work has arised for many yet the shared passion of football, alcohol and doris has meant that none of those have prevented us 18 bhoys from winning four trophies and having a right old larf. Anyway enough of the sentimental cr@p cos a week today see's the start of the World Cup (without Keano unfortunately) and more importantly the presentation afternoon/evening/night/morning (and possibly through til past midday Saturday if Margret kindly lets us crash at IC to allow us to wake up in time for Ireland's opening match at 7:30am....scroll down below for part 3 of the review of the season (February and March)

"What came first, music or the misery? People worry about kids playing with guns or watching violent videos, and some sort of culture of violence will take them over. Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands, of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain misery and loss. Did I listen to pop music cos I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?"
                                                                                                                              Rob Fleming, High Fidelity

Top 5 Records to play at IC
1. We Are The Champions - Queen
2. I Useta Lover - Saw Doctors
3. Fields Of Athenry - Dermott & Bhoys
4. Fiesta - The Pogues
5. Buck Rodgers - Feeder (bit outdated though)

Top 5 IC moments (chonological order)
1. Alex's first IC goal to complete the 4 goal comeback to beat Ossett SB 4-3
2. Alex coming off the bench to score to winner in the Cup Final 2001
3. Champagne in Beacon (I reckon this is where Matty got the name Champagne Skies from cos, well, Beacon is literally in the sky isn't it?)
4.Quinny's goal 10mins from time in 1-0 win away at Meltham (Nov 2001)
5. Adam Bell's goal to clinch a second successive Cup win 2002

Top 5 IC outings
1. Cup Win 2001
2. Tenerife 2001
3. Parade Day 2002
4. St Paddys Day 2002
5. Cup Win 2002

Just a short update cos i did the second part of the review of the season yesterday and can't be ar5ed writing much now. We won the league on sunday all be it through a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw against Ossett. Could have won by 3 or 4 but and they never looked like scoring but we just couldn't find the final ball or finish to give us the three points. Firstly, I'll apologise for my appauling display, probably the worst I've had in an IC shirt, i'm just glad it didn't cost us the league.

Celebrations were very muted, very few were in the mood for celebrating and Dermott was one of those few.

I've been asked by a few people whether I will finish this page once the Review of the Season is finish but I'd like to continue writing as Giggsy for as long as the website is running, as I started when the site started alongside Sunday Morning Call (Mark I), The Huddle and Alex's page. Page's have been and gone and comeback again but gone again soon after but i've remained keen and have kept writing here since December 2000 when the website was formed. I actually have saved all the archive of Giggsy's Dinner into a Word document, spanning over 40 pages using, embarrasingly, in excess of 33,000 words. Available in all good bookshops (and behind the bar at IC if you just as Margret) priced £9.99.

Giggsys Dinner will live on for a while longer and I will be glad to report back on the scrapeings we do in Blackpool and also the Showbiz party of the year at the presentation doo in a fortnight. Thank You

No game this week then due to Parkside not being able to raise a side to face us, means that we only need a point to clinche the championship. It did however mean that half of the lads spent an  extended enjoyable afternoon, evening and nights drinking in Varsity. Scraping down just after 6 it was surprising to see the quite impressive turnout from the bhoys. Straight from the off there was plenty of entertainment as well as reasonably priced pints (thank you goes out to Damo and his V card for that). Firstly Dermott’s quite hilarious forward roles upstairs everytime he got up out of his seat. Pi55 funny first, second and third time round but forth time its like “you’re 24 mate, get a grip”. Was still worth wetting yourself for though. Then came the two guys who decided to come into Varsity to entertain the crowd by racing from one end of the bar to the door, walking on their hands!! The bouncers actually parted the bar so as to give them a clear route to the door. Then there was the quite superb I-Box. Admittedly when Damo first asked me if I wanted a game of hangman I wondered why the feck he was asking me that and half expected him to go behind the bar and get a pen and paper to play. Instead myself and him, soon joined by the rest of the lads suddenly became addicted to the game despite it shafting us on many occasions. Turns out the arcade also had strip poker and due to several peoples money, Donal’s genius at the game and a lot of enthusiastic willing on three birds got their tw@t’ s out. Alex, myself and Damo decided to stay on the arcade and thanks to Keady’s shrapnell we watched two entertaining beach videos, spoiled only when Alex then lowered the tone and selected a video of some guy with his little fellar out. At which point me and Damo exited, and Alex stood back to the arcade blocking any view to the game. All that was left afterwards was a few more hours drinking before many lads left for Viz. And because I didn’t go and Donal didn’t go down we get named Huddini and Lord Lucan by some pillock pretending to be Dominic Mohan. How can we have “disappeared” when we were still in Varsity a good hour after you left? Donal has, to be fair, in his time done a few vanishing acts, but its running the joke a bit thin when you just call it anyone who doesn’t follow the majority to the next destination. C’mon you know mine and Donal’s opinion of Viz anyway so you can’t have realistically imagined we’d have been down there. Remind me next time we’re going out to get a note from my dad excusing me from going to Viz to avoid the jokes.

...CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

Build Up To The Replay
So near yet so far. 3-2 up with 4 minutes of extra time remaining and Meltham made it all square at three-a-piece. We say we should have won and desverved to do so, Meltham say they we the better team and on another day would have been lifting the cup. Speak to the neutral and he'll probably tell you the end result was propably a fair reflection of the game. True Meltham probably had the most pressure, but that was from long balls which our defense seemed to cope more than well with. For that pressure they only threatened our defence at dead-ball situations.
As far as the match went, we definitely made the brighter start and nearly took the lead very early on when a free-kick close to the corner went inches wide, off Adam's head. Then Damo suffered a very bad blow to the head and chest and was heavily concused and lost the power of speech and his legs. A re-shuffle and 5mins with 10-men meant meltham could settle down and even when Johnny came on we never got back in the swing of things for the whole of the half. Meltham had a few half-chances but the IC defense were as good as ever.
Second half was more of the same until an error gifted Meltham an equaliser. Soon after from a corner Meltham were in the league, and perhaps deservingly.
However, with another re-shuffle and a bit of urgency forced into IC-play, we began to get on top and were playing some very good football. We got a deserving penalty which Quinny converted excellently, and within only a few minutes we were denied a second go at the spot when Alex was tumbled down about 4 yrds from goal. For a start their defender played Alex first before touching the ball (if he did anyway), also it was a tackle from behind which is a foul even if you do get the ball and finally the linesman flagged for a penalty and when the referee failed to notice the flag, the liner put it down. For the record, in an incident in the first half the referee signalled for a meltham corner whereas the linesman flagged for a deadball. The referee went with the linesmans decision on that occassion so who's to say that he wouldn't have on this occassion if he'd have seen it or the linesman had kept it up. Maybe the referee bottled it cos he'd already given us a penalty and that Meltham had appealed for a penalty seconds earlier knowing full well Quinny made a superb clean tackle. Who knows?
Meltham also claim to have been robbed when the referee blew for full time when they took a corner. A few points: a)the referee can blow for time anytime he likes; b)the only exception being if a team are awaiting to take a penalty; and c)you didn't score anyway, you hit the post and the ball was cleared.
Extra time we were definitely the better team and went 3-2 up only for vtory to be taken from us in the final minutes.
We feel we can play better and Meltham probably believe the can, so lets just see what Tuesday brings...

I was going to do a guide to all our squad, like last season, but for some reason my page wouldnt save, then Champagne Skies nipped in but it looks like Matty can't be arsed going further than writing about 2 players. Amateur.
Brendan Shanahan
Position: Goalkeeper
Nicknamed Fabien due to his desire to be as flamboyant and charesmatic as the Frenchman, Brendan is without doubt the most under-rated keeper in the league, if not at the club. Always the first name down on the gaffers team-sheet (not cos he's invincible but because he's the goalkeeper and Chris writes his teamsheet in numerical order) His main strength is his superb shot stopping ability which he proved against Meltham in IC's 1-0 win away from home earlier this season. With bags of experience under his belt and the sheer arrogance and cockness of this guy will mean a great deal to IC on Sunday. Nothing will faze.
Bobby Helliwell
Position: Wingback
Almost ever present in the squad since the formation of the club, Bobby is Mr. Reliable. Possesses the long throw weapon IC like to use and his attacking down the wing has proven to provide many important goals. Along with McGowan, the joker of the side who never takes a moment of life seriously
Phil Mann
Position: Wingback
Arguably the most skillfull player at the club Phil slotted in perfect when becoming the only non-All Saints player to sign for IC. Bums his chips (not the food, but the passes) almost as much as his loves his doo, his comb and his wax. Recently signed a Brycream sponsorship rumoured to be worth in the region of 5million.
Cashel McGowan
Position: Wingback/Midfield
Lifelong alcoholic McGowan is without doubt the teams most unfit player, and is perhaps one of the most hated players in the league. Quoted as saying: "I may aswell leave my suit on on Sunday" McGowan, if makes an appearance, will definitely create a stir. Earlier on in the season McGowan was brought on against Meltham. In 15mins he managed to have a fight, get booked, nearly get sent-off and be subsituted to avoided being sent-off. Walking liability.
Donal Buggy aka. The Great Lord Lucan/Huddini
Position: Wingback/Centre Back
Has the tendancy to disappear leaving only a cloud of smoke in his path on a night off, Donal has the unfortunate role of being 4th choice centre half. However, thats not that unfortunate as Quinny is one of those 3 defenders ahead of him, meaning Donal does get his run in the team. Quoted as saying "I may as well retire as i'll never surpass my performance at Linthwaite" where he produced a legendary man-marking job on Linthwaites top marksman.
Chris Keady
Position: Club Captain/Centre Back
The only ever-present in the IC squad, Keady is an absolute automatic choice for every game. Not just because of his talent as a centre half but because of his sheer presence in organising the team and on field instructions and tactics. Just as good this season as he was last year, Keady was without doubt the man of the match in last years final. Here's hoping for the same.
Damien Wood
Position: Centre Back
Without doubt the most improved player at the club this season Damo is a definite candidate for Player of the Year this season. In the big games he's marked some of the leagues top strikers out of the game which has resulted in some crucial wins. A cool character and great in the air, Damo's two favourite phrases are "where are midfield?" and "I'm just not a relationship kinda guy". Firm contender for Worst Dressed player due to a recent run of flamboyant outfits. Son of IC's most avid fan Bob and one half of IC's 'Posh'n'Becks' couple with his dog Bonnie.
Paul Quinn
Position: Centre Back/Midfield
Highly experienced player and injury prone centre half, Quinn is IC through and through. How anyone can remain as fit as Quinny after the ammount this guy drinks is beyond belief. Keady's vice captain, but does as much bossing around and organising as the skipper. As well as being a superb defender Quinn loves to break from the back line into the midfield and scores many goals to show for this. Great deadball expert.
Tom Davies
Position: Wing Back/Midfield
Signed at the start of this season Tom has quite unfortunately not registered many starts, perhaps down to the sheer competition for places in his best position, midfield. Has played his part in many games however and his impact has been to stamp a bit of authority into the match and perhaps break a few legs a long the way. A legend at St.Pats Tom has actually never backed out of a tackle and is quoted as saying "a tackle below knee height just ain't a tackle". The fiercest player in the league by a long way, has been a valuable addition to the club.
Matty Tattersley
Position: Midfield
Almost as essential to the midfield as Keady is to the team, Matty is perhaps IC's most consistant player behind the Big Man. Form thankfully hasn't suffered recently due to his new found love of the arts, especially poetry. Battles every game as if its his last, this guy has practically everything you want in a footballer: incredible stregth, bite, skill, pace and a superb scoring record. But what is it we like most about Tatt's? He plays football as it should be played: with a smile on his face! (Yeah right).
Miles O'Donnell
Position: Midfield
Doesn't miss many matches which is amazing considering the competition for places in the centre of the park. Miles is highly under-rated as he adds both skill and strength to the side and often come up with a fair few goals. A good passer and very calm individual, who specialises in through-balls. A firm favourite to start in the final.
Alex Kalinowski
Position: Midfield/Wing Back
This guy obviously doesn't need any introductions. Resisted signing for IC two years ago, instead opting to be a fan. However, when it looked as if IC could win some honours he changed his mind and signed for the Bhoys. Then went down in legend after (as predicted before on Giggsy's Dinner) came off the bench and scored the winner in last years final. A repeat of that whould give him a place in the Tatts Tribute Hall Of Fame, though there is another way to get into that but only Adam Lunn looks likely to follow that one up. Definitely at his strongest in the centre of midfield where he can use his vision, skill, pace and passing abilitiy. Its no overexaggeration to say that this guy has it all.
Simon Chatten
Position: Midfield
There were many disputes as to whether Simon should sign for IC. Do we need another midfield hardman? Will he let us down? Is he fit enough? All questions were eventually cast aside and Chatten was added to the squad at the start of the season and his presence has paid of immensley. Never backs out of a tackle and his die-hard attitude makes him invaluable in the big matches. Only downside is he is injury prone and a back injury could rule him out of Sunday, otherwise he'd almost certainly be in the starting XI. Midfield partner Tatts says of Chatten "If i could choose one of our midfielders to play alongside me it would be Si everytime". Look out for his pin-point long distance 'CLARKE!!!!!' balls.
Tom Gubbini
Position: Midfield
Wanted to sign for IC last season however was refused as IC prefered to keep a small squad allowing more appearances. However, last summer he was one of three players signed which helped give Chris more options and variety in the squad. Don't be fooled by this guy's size. Only a small build but manages to knock lads twice his size over and his superb stamina lets him run with the ball and fight back superbly. Never backs out of a tackle and has been a revalation this season, definitely proving his worth. During a spell at the start of the year Tom was possibly IC's bmost consistant player, scoring an unbelievable individual goal, and probably goal of the season, away at Fairbank.
Johnny Kitterick
Position: Midfield/Forward
Everyones favourite bhoyo, Johhny is the second most unfit player in the squad due to his excess drinking. Still Johnny is arguably the most naturally gifted player in the squad and can turn a game in a matter of seconds with flashes of individual brillance proven on many occassions in the past. Recently has been unfortunate to suffer a run on the subs bench however his role in coming off the bench and inspiring the comeback against Beacon could result in a surprise appearance.
Adam Lunn
Position: Forward
Highly improved player this season has resulted in a couple of goals for the Lunnster. Put in an excellent display away at Linthwaite earlier this season by scoring and assisting in many goals, which resulted in a run in the team which was only stpopped when news broke of activities with younger girls. Has a great touch and holds up play and lays off superbly for a guy of his size. His only problem is his temperament which could rule out him out of the season as his short-fuse may not suit such a firey game as a Meltham encounter.
Adam Bell
Position: Forward
Not the brightest lamp in the street by a long shot, but he's a bl00dy good looking lad with a superb goal scoring record. Has the tendancy to wind-up and annoy the opposition almost as much as he does to his team-mates around him, Adam is actually without doubt the most hated man in the league by a long way. His finishing this season has been somewhat class to say the least and has warmed to his new partnership with Clarkey upfront "we have an understanding y'know" Bell is quoted as saying. Yes we do Adam: I pass to you, you score, ask you to do anything else and your brain will probably overload. Top guy non of the less.

...and Meltham?

Players to watch
Dean Sykes
Position: Forward
Highly prolific scoring record both this season and last, Sykes is one of the most feared players in the league. Main strengths are his finishing, pace and control. Used to be hated by IC but is now a well-liked lad by most of the chaps. Alround sound guy, but we won't be going easy on him come Sunday.
Jonathon Newiss
Position: Midfield
In my opinion the most under-rated player in the league, Newiss is Meltham's answer to Matty. A tough tackler and plenty of skill and strength Newiss will be a key player in Sundays final. Crops up with his fair share of goals when breaking from midfield.
Ben Traynor
Position: Centre Back/Midfield
A tower of strenth when playing at the back, but also a big threat when in midfield, IC will have to watch out wherever he plays. Superb in the air and a good scoring record against IC since signing for Meltham at the start of this season. A very highly rated player.
Adam Matthews
Position: Midfield
Small, nippy and very skillful Matthews has caused IC a number of problems on the right wing in the past. We'll be thankful we have Phil Mann on his side of the pitch.
...also Sam Philpot - possibly the best keeper in the league, IC will find it extremely tough to beat him...Al Islip - plays either upfront with Dean or in the midfield. Skillful and strong definitely one to watch out for...Tom Wood - one of the Wood brothers who plays at centre half and will be looking to keep Bell quiet on Sunday (quiet in terms of playing not speaking i must point out).