Albany Beats Hartford for 5th Straight Win

With a 2-11 (17) to 2-3 (9) victory on Saturday against Hartford, the James Connolly Albany Rebels made it five wins on the trot.

Hartford, missing some of their usual lineup, brought a relatively inexperienced squad to Albany for the game at the Plumeri Complex. Hartford struggled at the outset with Albany's high press posing problems for their retention of possession from goal kicks. Albany successfully turned over possession a number of times and converted their early opportunities to take an early lead.

With a number of new players in the Albany ranks it was particularly pleasing to see the likes of Brad Wilson and "Super Joe" Bradley really come into their own.

"Brad was very impressive in turning over possession and immediately carrying the ball forward into attacking positions," said Bainisteoir (manager) Cillian Ó''Flathabháin. "On a number of occasions he intercepted an opposition pass or took the ball from an opponent and immediately broke from half-back into the Hartford half forward line. Once there he laid off the ball of to create a number of scoring opportunities for our forwards and midfielders."

Super Joe, as he is known to his teammates, showed some natural instincts as a full forward. Bradley scored his first career point after earning a free when he was fouled by the keeper 20 meters out.

"Joe will score a lot of points for this team and does a great job with Brendan Rock in defending from the front never letting a man by him without considerable effort," Ó''Flathabháin said.

Midfielders Mark Adam and Ian Maher each scored a goal and a point for the Rebels, continuing their strong attacking play.

The Rebels players supported each other on the ball and worked well to deny scoring opportunities to the opposition. Goalkeeper Beanan O'Loughlin denied Hartford a number of goal scoring opportunities with some fine saves.

Connor Stark also impressed with a number of scores in the game displaying a sound work ethic. The only caution of the game went to Tim Gerrish.

Of particular note in this performance was a better illustration of team cohesion both in terms of attacking fluidity and defensive structure.

The Rebels hope to finish the season on a high note this weekend with a return fixture versus Hartford.