After a point and an improved performance last time out Tara finally slipped into gear today with a 5 0 victory over Kenton Town. Stephen 'Pretty Boy' O'Carroll led the way with an excellent hat-trick, while further goals from Noel 'Libero' Burke and Kerryman Gavin O'Connor put the gloss on an impressive team performance.

Despite failing to get on the score sheet themselves JP Ryan and Kieran Kelly were my stars of the show, for differing reasons, with Rizbo not far behind. Fair play to Kenton Town. Though they lacked a cutting edge they had the better of the opening ten, remained competitive throughout the game and played in the right manner. The Dog Doyle rates them among the most decent lads in the Hendon League and on this evidence its not hard to see why. With players of the quality of Stephen O'Carroll, JP Ryan and Noel Burke in forward positions however we were always going to cause them problems and so it proved. For me JP was absolutely superb. With 3 goals and 5 assists now this term John is in magnificent form and his skillful and selfless performance today exceeded all expectations i have of our forwards in the current system, bar a goal itself. Stephen's second i think, where John ran on to his own flick, dinked the ball over the sliding tackle and then unselfishly played it across the box was Top Drawer. But to repeat the feat a further three times was even better. I'd pay to watch him play like that. FACT. If he continues in the same vein, the 07/08 Managers Player award will be engraved at christmas with his name on it.

It was also great to see O'Carroll off the mark -his third strike was his 10th since joining the club and easily the best -low and curled from the corner of the box after a quick burst of pace and skill 'Henry' style. His other 2 from close range were equally pleasing, demonstrating a real willingless to get up in support of the attack and into the space vacated by JP. Despite embracing his defensive responsibilities Stephen was a great foil for John throughout the match, buzzing around final third where he belongs, where i want to see him. If i ask you to be his water-carrier then just accept it and do it. The Burke got in on the act as well with an excellent individual goal following a great knock from Riz, floating in from his favourite left channel, before disregarding his instructions and playing, in turn, right-back, centre back, sweeper and centre mid. Speculation remains rife that Noel is unhappy with his start to the season but i think The Great Man was simply knackered. The Body was in the boozer and Noel played for him saturday and then won his gaelic final sunday afternoon. What a trojan.

Both Gavin and Larry could have added to the tally in the first half, taking advantage of The Beasts powerful midfield performance to support the strikers as they must, while Burkey forced a great save from another strong run. Larry is definently gonna get a goal sometime soon and when it comes its gonna be a belter. Trust me. Three nil up at half-time we conceded some territory to Kenton in the second 45, who had some good efforts from range in this game and a good few corners. Rizza had his best game of the season behind Tim, Dan, Sean and Paul and deserved the clean sheet having been brave, loud and also making a couple of very good saves. 'The next goal' was always going to win it and Gav duly popped up to become the joint top scoring midfielder at the club, passing the ball past the keeper from Ryans touch. Pat, Sean and Keano replaced tiring legs following Steve's third and all did well, particularly young Sean. As for Man of the Match i'll ignore JP this once in favour of Kieran Kelly. The Beast was at his best in centre midfield, strong, angry but also skillful and careful with the ball. The old boy ran the line for us today and was absolutely raving about him.