"First game is always the hardest" (Shane Kelly/Selector).

On a day with dreadful weather conditions, Abertay had a remarkable "quality squad" of 23 players to choose from. A day when the wipers on your car had to be at full blast to see out of the window with the rain.

As (Gerry Austin/Referee) commenced the starting game of the season for 2001/2, both Abertay and Harriott Watt began with full steam and enthusiasm raring.

A variety of attacks on either side where meet with resistance. Francie Mc Cabe then opened the score sheets with a point.

As the first half unfolded both sides where sloppy in dribs and drabs. Leading to scuffles (as below):

(Minor scuffle)

At half time with a score line of 2 points a piece, Ciaran Kelly illustrated his frustration (rightly so) at the Abertay team for missing 3 free kicks.

(Weather conditions at 14:00 during the day)

Matthew Reidy (sub coach) then started organising the Abertay lads with a good speech and restructuring of tactics. From the half time discussions Abertay developed scores and a higher standard of football (an additional 11 points difference).

"We got the penalty just at the right time" (Shane Kelly/Selector). Shane managed to convert Abertay's only goal with simplicity and efficiency.

Unfortunately our cameraman was eh, was eh…………

Anyway on the mid-field side of things James Carmody and John Cannon where playing good stuff (As below when Cannon busts through the Edinburgh's defence):

(Cannon taking no prisoners)

As the game continued Abertay gained an ever stronger hold of the match. "We plugged in and showed a lot of character. The half backs played well. The overall team performance was good. The fitness levels showed into the 2nd half" (Shane Kelly/Selector).

Abertay had a shakey start, but hopefully we (Abertay) can build from it (Eoin O' Flynn/Secretary).

Barry O'Neill who earned the "Man of the Match" said, "We played well even though we had key players missing, such as Magill, Rea and Moore" (Barry O Neill).

On the defensive side of things Abertay where unlucky enough to feel the rath of Gerry Austin's decision making when the ref awarded a dubious penalty for Harriott Watt.

The bets where that Abertay's keeper would save the penalty (he got a hand to it) and was unlucky.

(Ritchie and Eddie on the defence)

With Dayrle Devine and Shane Kelly tallying 1-7 between them out of a possible 1-10 things are looking alright for the attacking side of things for Abertay.

In Midfield the "engine room" (Eugene O' Sullivan) where strong.

Defensively, Abertay had man of the match Barry O Neill along side Boyceee on a temporary captains role. Abertay's defence, done well.

Public Relations table:

Name M.O.M./Score/Captain Total Points (in match)
Barry O Neill (Tyrone) Man of the Match N/a
Mark Boyce (?) Captain N/a
Shane Kelly (Armagh) 1-3 6
Daryle Devine (Tyrone) 0-4 4
Francie Mc Cabe (Armagh) 0-1 1
James Carmody (Limerick) 0-1 1
Darren (Fermanagh) 0-1 1
Total 1-10 13

"The team (Abertay) as a unit gelled fairly ok, but Abertay have work to do" (Francie Mc Cabe P.R.O.).

Referee rating 8/10

Photographs courtesy of Noel from Roscommon
Report complied by Francie Mc Cabe