Malahide are too strong for ‘bogey’ team Kevin’s
© Fingal Independant 08/04/05

Malahide United 2 : St Kevins Boys 1

BEFORE this tie, Malahide had played 14, won 13 and only drawn one, and that lone draw came against Kevins, but today they proved themselves too strong for their so called ‘bogey’ team. The high flying Fingal school boy side have been ably managed for the last six years by Ken Bradshaw and Philip O’Connor, who was capped for Ireland in his day, and show a great familiarity. Indeed, watching the focussed O’Connor shout instructions from the side line makes you want to ring up Brian Kerr and warn him to watch out for his job.

Anyhow, management aside, with players like Brenfer Academy selects Keith Sly, Dara Kelly and Michael Kelly among the ranks it is no wonder they have taken the U14 Premier Division by storm and look certain to win it. And on this sultry, sunny, spring morning in Gannon Park the home side had only one thing in mind, another three points to add to their impressive tally. The first goal of the day came in the 20th minute when Malahide’s Shane O’Connor crossed to Keith Sly and he headed home deftly.

Kevin’s Stephen Cantwell looked impressive and his cross soon after found Ian O’Reilly but his shot did not trouble the keeper. However, a further free from Cantwell went over the wall and into the roof of the net despite keeper Tony Ennis getting a touch. Before half time Malahide’s Shane O’Connor played a fine ball over the top to McGrath and his cross appeared blocked by a raised Kevin’s hand inside the box but the referee waved play on and in the ensuing play Alan Reardon fouled Malahide’s Sly.

His free kick just outside the area was curling beautifully towards the corner but the kevin’s number 11 cleared off the line superbly. It the opening of the second half the home side received another free and this time Kevin’s Alan Reardon blasted Sly’s shot into the roof of his own netting to make it 2-1 for Malahide. Later, O’Conor picked up a cross clear in front of goals and made no mistake to ensure another victory for Malahide.

Malahide: Tony Ennis, Mark Redmond, Neil Boyne, Dara Kelly, Keith Sly, Michael Wilson, Conor Cassel, Joe Purcell, Stephen Nolan, Shane O’Connor, Shane McGrath. Subs: Michael O’Donohue, Chris Burke, Sean Condell.

St Kevin’s Boys: Paul Kerr, Neill Hughes, Kevin Reilly, Graham Ward, Mark Seary, Neill Keenan, Austin Butler, Shane Conlon, Wayne Campbell, Alan Reardon, Stephen Cantwell. Subs: Christy Emmersion, Ian O’Reilly