Norris screamer leaves Stella stunned as 10As lord it in Richmond Road

STELLA MARIS...............1 MALAHIDE UNITED.........2

MALAHIDE UNITED continued their unbeaten league campaign with a hard earned success over Stella Maris at Richmond Road on Wednesday evening. Stella, in third position in the 10A table, have hopes of overtaking St Joseph's Boys for the runner-up spot behind the four-in-a-row champions, but they will be deflated by this impressive win by Malahide United.

Jamie Walsh and Dylan Cashin both had half-chances for the Gannon Park side as the visitors took the game to the home side from the off. Stella seldom troubled Dylan McNulty's goal and it was Malahide who forged ahead thanks to the industrious Conor Synnott on 11 minutes.

He was on hand to poke the ball home from close range after he got himself into a goalscoring position after good approach work down the left side.

On a balmy evening with Stella's ground neatly cut, the action was rivetting and it was Malahide who were shading the contest without adding to the scoreline.

Sean Costello, returning from injury, showed some excellent neat touches while Cian Norrisin midfield had a superb game, stroking the ball around and knitting the action together in impressive fashion.

Jamie Walsh also had an excellent game and his improved first touch of late and his aggressive running made him a handful for the blue shirted home side. On the turn-around, Dylan Cashin saw a free-kick go narrowly wide as appeals for a goal went up and Matthew Taylor was just over with an ambitious lob.

Those missed chances were to prove costly as Stella hit back with a goal on the break. The ball down the middle saw the Malahide cover outpaced for once and a low shot just found the inside of Dylan McNulty's goal with seven minutes left on the clock.

That was the signal for the champions to show their mettle and as Stella contemplated doing something that no one else in the league has achieved all season, Malahide struck with deadly effect.

The ball was worked down the left had flank and as the move broke down, Cain Norris took control, side-stepped a lunging challenge and rifled a devastating shot high into the roof of the Stella net. It was a wonderful strike to cap a wonderful performance.

The clock was ticking and Stella got one last glimpse of the target as the match official played five minutes overtime. Stella won a couple of frees that were smartly dealt with by Malahide and as they pushed forward looking for a third, the red and black attack was caught out for once and it took a brilliant tackle from Brian Heffernan to clean up a potentially damaging situation as suddenly Stella had conjured a three on one situation.

Norris' goal was to prove a match winner out of the top drawer. It was the icing on the cake and the perfect riposte to Stella's equaliser and given the fact that they had proved to be a difficult opponent in recent year's, it was great come out of the venue with three points to add to the already impressive total with just a home game against Neilstown to come.

06/05 Magnificent five star show by Malahide's four-in-a-row aces

NEILSTOWN RANGERS.........0 MALAHIDE UNITED................5

MALAHIDE UNITED'S 10As completed a remarkable four-in-a-row of league championships when they lifted the DDSL 10A Saturday divisional title by overcoming Neilstown Rangers on an impressive five-nil scoreline at Collinstown Park.

Combined with St Joseph's Boys' draw with Stella Maris at DNG Park in Sallynoggin, Malahide are now safely into the winner's enclosure with games against Stella (away) and Neilstown (home) to complete their league campaign.

Saturday's title clinching performance was simply top drawer quality all over the pitch. On a difficult surface which resembled a meadow in places, constructive passing was a genuine challenge, but it was Malahide, with the aid of a gusting breeze which took the game to the home side from the opening whistle.

Jack Nolan fizzed a ball just wide after an intricate passing move involving Matthew Taylor and Dylan Cashin as the Brian Heffernan skippered side settled the better of the two participants.

Dylan McNulty's goal was seldom threatened and Ciaran Williams and Scott Porter were tidy in their work and sensibly opted to clear their lines early, rather than try dribble out of defence.

Out wide on the left Matthew Taylor was having an inspirational game and his approach work and chasing back was first class and he had an able opposite in Dylan Cashin who threatened every time he won possession down the right flank.

The midfield axis of Cian Norris and Conor Synnott stood up strong to the Neilstown engine-room and after several close calls from well flighted Dylan Cashin crosses, Malahide made the breakthrough on 21 minutes.

Cashin's corner kick on the right caused instant confusion and as Matthew Taylor dummied, the ball ghosted home past a static Neilstown defence.

The home side left three at the back to try counter the free running black and reds, but Jack Nolan still managed to lead the Malahide line exceptionally well. His touch and chasing put the home side under pressure time and again and Synnott and Nolan were both to rattle the home side crossbar as Malahide grew in confidence.

The expected fightback with the aid of the elements from Neilstown never really materialised and while Malahide lived dangerously when the ball got stuck in the long grass just before the interval, the truth is Malahide simply raised their game to a new level. In the second period they simply blew the opposition away. It was a display of champions.

Taylor and Cashin were the creators of much of what Malahide achieved but without the aggression of the likes of Synnott, Heffernan, Norris, Dylan McGlade and Walsh and the safe hands of McNulty when called upon, Neilstown could well have gained some measure of profit against another side.

But there was no stopping this Malahide United side, long grass or not. Taylor then got in on the scoring act as he headed home off another teasing Cashin corner as United doubled their lead, and then Jamie Walsh showed a great first touch and a spanking finish through the eye of a needle to put Malahide firmly in control.

Matthew Taylor rattled the back of the net with a stunning volley for a `match-of the day' quality fourth and when re-introduced Jack Nolan combined with Dylan McGlade as he dinked a lovely goal home past the advancing Neilstown 'keeper. It was the icing on the cake of a top drawer display as the game was well and truely out of reach of the home side with this superbly crafted fifth.

It was a breath-taking performance and although well beaten, Neilstown sportingly accepted that they were simply out-classed by a better team on the day as both sets of players shook hands after a contest played in a sporting manner throughout.

With the points safely in the bag, the new game was of the `waiting' variety.... and as a happy bus driven by Gerry Nolan was setting off back up the M50, the jungle drums came rattling through to Joe Cashin's mobile......Joey's had failed to beat Stella Maris and the maths were emphatic in our favour; the coveted league title was heading out to Gannon Park!

With the news spreading on the bush telegraph among parents, it was time to stop the bus outside Fonthill Retail Park and relay the good news.

The look of the players faces said it all and before the sliding door was open the cheering had already started - it was time for the players to savour the moment. It was high-fives and hurrahs all-round and the `Ole, Ole's' broke out alongside a quick version of `We are the Champions'. It was that kind of moment

Somewhat bemused motorists slowed down to have a look on a this somewhat bizarre roadside celebration as Gerry honked the horn, celebration pictures were taken, management shook hands with parents to congratulate each other and a happy band of champions then headed proudly back to home base.... a journey to savour, a job well done and the title safely in the bag!

MALAHIDE UNITED 10A: Dylan McNulty; Scott Porter, Ciaran Williams, Brian Heffernan (capt), Conor Synnott, Cian Norris, Matthew Taylor, Dylan Cashin, Jack Nolan. Subs: Dylan McGlade, Jamie Walsh, Sean Costello.

22/04 Cashin hat-trick as Malahide topple gallant Dunboyne

MALAHIDE UNITED…....4 DUNBOYNE FC……...…1

LEAGUE leaders Malahide United had to come from a goal down to overcome the plucky challenge of Dunboyne at Gannon Park on Saturday and they can thank a super charged second half recovery, capped by a rapid fire Dylan Cashin hat-trick. With a mild breeze behind their backs in the opening period, it was the Brian Heffernan skippered home side which went on the attack from the opening whistle, but found their passing game somewhat out of place and their normal flowing rhythm and many promising moves breaking down as the ball rolled out over the end line.

It suited Dunboyne and the home sideline had to keep pumping fresh balls in to keep the momentum of the game alive, but the visitors were also fired up and competitive for the occasion. It made for a highly interesting spectacle between two fine footballing teams.

Matthew Taylor, in an orthodox centre forward role, missed a good opportunity early on as he snatched at the ball and Dylan Cashin cutting into from the right wing saw his shot go the wrong side of the crossbar. Midfielder Cian Norris had a fierce goal-bound shot blocked and then a free kick from Cashin was well struck, but again the effort sailed over the crossbar for a harmless goal kick.

It was frustrating from a Malahide point of view and despite decent possession, the team failed to capitalise on the chances created and they were to soon rue those missed opportunities. Dunboyne, who had been dogged in the tackle and showed a decent work ethic about them, then broke down the right flank to net with a well worked goal, although Malahide fluffed an opportunity to clear their lines before Dylan McNulty was beaten at the near post.

McNulty then showing his excellent goalkeeping pedigree when he plucked a shot out of the air as Dunboyne punched another hole in the Malahide defence. It took some steadying of the ship by Heffernan & Co while Dylan McGlade, the team’s touchline terrier, foraged deep time after time to help out his back line as Malahide weathered the storm.

Halftime brought about a welcome opportunity to get the players back into a passing game and to get the message through to stop overelaborating. That simple approach philosophy allied to a huge hunger to win was to pay a handsome second-half dividend. Ciaran Williams with a crisp interchange of passes with the excellent Scott Porter out of defence set the wheels in motion as the ball was swept the length of the park for Dylan Cashin to finish with a confident strike past the advancing goalkeeper.

That leveller settled a lot of nerves both on the pitch and along the sideline too. It was a big relief and it was immediately reflected in Malahide's on pitch play as confidence levels surged dramatically.

The equaliser had arrived in the 35th minute and once parity was restored, it looked as if only one team was going to win it, despite Malahide playing into a strengthening breeze. Central midfield anchorman Conor Synnott smacked a super rising drive off the crossbar from the edge of the box, but Cashin, showing excellent predatory instinct, soon edged Malahide in front for the first time with another cool finish from close in. He completed his hat-trick was a spanking shot, holding off the attentions of a menacing defender as his clinical strike found the roof of the net.

That strike simply floored the Meathmen and as Dunboyne visibly wilted, Malahide finished off the comeback with a delightful fourth from Jamie Walsh. The tall striker showed a lovely first touch and turn before slotting the ball home from an acute angle. Walsh had started the game as a fullback but found improved form when he took up striking duties and his forceful running and link-up play was a big outlet for his team as they made good their recovery.

Walsh's final goal, four minutes from time was a stunning conclusion to Malahide’s second half revival and it left a gallant Dunboyne somewhat shell-shocked by the final whistle. They had made a big contribution to the match and while Malahide were deserving winners on their second half show, Dunboyne showed themselves as a formidable opposition, who, no doubt, will take points off other challengers before the season draws to a conclusion.

United were somewhat depleted and were without the holidaying Jack Nolan while Sean Costello is still out with a broken arm. Matthew Taylor produced some lovely touches during the game but was perhaps showing some signs of jetlag after his trans-Atlantic crossing. Still this victory was down to a real team effort to win the day, but, few would argue that Dylan Cashin’s second half treble, was the icing on the cake.

8th and 9th Apr: Both Squads that played in the Kennoway School (Scotland) tournament

01/04 : Templeogue 0 Malahide 4

A hard fought but well deserved win away to templeogue. A 30 minute delay and no referee is not the desired situation but a templeogue mentor stepped in to save the day. The game started with Malahide playing with the advantage of the wind and after a couple of attacks took the lead on ten minutes when Jack Nolan got on the end of a goalmouth scramble to put us one up.

Matthew Taylor had to be withdrawn before the half with a sprain to his right ankle.Templeogue had the advantage of the wind in the second half but a strong performance from Malahide resulted in three quick fire goals .Dylan cashin sent in a cross for Cian Norris to finish to the net for a two nil lead, then a move down the left seen Conor Synnott finish a left foot shot to the keepers left. Another cross from Cashin seen Jamie Walsh strike a low shot to the keepers right for a convincing 4 nil lead.

Templeogue got stuck in with some ferocious tackles after that which had the Malahide line calling on the referee for some action.However a disciplined performance from Malahide with Heffernan , Porter and Williams holding the defence tight and the tough tackling Synnott, Cashin and Norris securing midfield resulted in a deserved four nil victory.Five matches remain and with Joeys winning Three one at home to Mount Merrion we still cannot afford a slip in our quest for a historic four in a row.

Thanks to Gerry Nolan for taking the Team in his Bus and to Sean Costello for travelling to support his teammates despite being out with a broken arm.

25/03 : Malahide 2 St Kevins 1

A sunny Saturday Morning was clouded by the News that Dylan McNulty's Grandad had passed away during the night. May he Rest in Peace.

Another phone call revealed that Sean Costello had suffered a hairline fracture to his left arm and was out for the rest of the season. Todays opposition came looking to reverse the result from earlier in the season. After a three week break due to bad weather it was good to get the lads back into action. Lack of match practice showed with Malahide missing at least 4 chances early on.

It took a corner kick from Dylan Cashin to break the deadlock when his kick dropped over the keeper and direct into the net. A few more chances in a tight game left the reds one up at half time. The second Goal came courtesy of a mazy run from Dylan McGlade which started in his own half and seen him hold off a number of challenges to finish low to the keepers right. Kevins hit back almost immediately with a speculative free kick finding its way to the bottom corner.

That was the last of the action in a sporting contest but much better will be required in the coming weeks if we are to achieve any success.

04/03 : Malahide Utd 3 Verona 1

An early morning pitch inspection by Dicey saw this match get the green light for a 11.30am kick off. Verona from Blanchardstown were the visitors fresh from a penalty shoot out victory against Home Farm in the Cup.The game started slowly with both team finding it difficult to get control of the match.Against the run of play Verona took a 1 nil lead with an opportunist goal.

Malahide minus our Coach for the day lacked fluency and the half time break was welcome. A brief chat at half time helped the home team turn things around in the second half . Malahide retaining possession and playing on the ground started to play some good flowing football and a deserved equaliser from Cian Norris settled the nerves.Shortly after a quick double from Matthew Taylor and Dylan Cashin put the home team 3:1 ahead and that was how the game finished.

Referree John Maher who had not seen the team in a year complimented the lads on the progress he felt they had made in the year and gave a little chat about the importance next year at 11 a side to accept the refs decision (ie) no back chat to referees. JC

18/02 : Malahide Utd 1 St Josephs 1

St Joseph boys marched into Gannon Park a week after Knocking us out of the cup.The game started in a similar fashion to last week but the Malahide lads minus Sean Costello (Flu bug) were definetly more fired up.Tackles were fast and furious in the middle with Conor Synnott fired up after a few quiet performances recently.The breakthrough came after a speculative shot crept under the body of Dylan McNulty to give Joeys an early lead.

Malahide showed great character and determination to equalise within 5 minutes.Dylan Cashin took possession down the left wing cut inside and set up Dylan McGlade to slot home a powerful shot low and hard to the keepers left.Malahide kept up the pressure all through the second half with Heffo and Jamie Walsh denying Joeys any attempts on goal .

A free kick awarded to Malahide two minutes from time resulted in a well struck free from Cashin being saved spectacularly by the Joeys keeper.That was the last of the action and the Draw sees Joeys remain five points behind with a game in hand.If Malahide are to secure a fourth consecutive title they will need to perform at this level over the remaining eight weeks.

11/02 : Malahide Utd 0 St Josephs 3

St Josephs Sallynoggin arrived in gannon park unbeaten this season and hot on the heels of Utd in the league.This was a last 16 cup match and St Josephs having knocked Malahide out at semi final stage last year started with the wind at there backs. The wind gave the away team the advantage in the opening exchanges and the breakthrough came after 15 minutes when a Joey's midfielder broke through the middle unchallenged and with the assistance of the wind shot to the top right hand corner.

This was followed five minutes later by a scrappy goal for joeys and they went into the break in command.A poor third goal was conceded by malahide late in the second half to finish the match off with a well deserved win for St Josephs. Malahide were out fought and out played on the Day and need to learn from days like this if they are mature as a team.St Josephs are due out to Gannon Park in the League over the next week or so and huge improvement is needed if we are to succeed.

04/02 : Malahide Utd 3 St Malachys 1

On a beautiful mild morning in Gannon Park St Malachys arrived on the back of a 9 nil defeat last week with a team which featured a number of kids who had grown at a rapid rate since our last encounter .The game was scrappy with Malachys scoring early on from a corner and holding out until just before the break when Matthew Taylor finished of a good move to leave it at 1-1 at the break.

A strong half time talk focussed attention in the second half and a great individual effort from Dylan McGlade (out of sick bed for the day) gave us a deserved lead. Malachys kept going and a wonder save from Stand in keeper Scott Porter kept the score at 2-1. A few minutes before the end Dylan Cashin secured the points with a typical poachers goal after some good work by Jack Nolan to create the opening.

Next up is a quarter final cup tie at home to our closest league rivals St Josephs Boys of Sallynoggin.A much better performance will be required to progress.

28/01 : Mt Merrion 0 Malahide Utd 2

On a good morning to return to competitive action after the xmas break our under 10s had a solid victory at St Raphaels college in Stillorgan. On a very rough surface it was difficult to produce the flowing football this team is capable of producing. A good amount of possession resulted in two first half goals the first an own goal and the second a typical Matthew Taylor poachers goal.

The Mount Merrion goalkeeper pulled off some good saves in the second half to keep the score at 0-2 at full time. This was a good physical game which will stand to the lads in the coming months.

Malahide go for Four in a Row.....
© Ruairi Carberry 3/9/05

The Under 10 DDSL league season kicked off in style today at Gannon Park home of Malahide United. On a sunny September morning in Malahide, the north county Dublin youngsters, who are bidding for their 4th league title in a row after winning the under 7, under 8 and under 9 titles, started their defence of the title against Mount Merrion, from Dublin's south side.

The game kicked off at the unusual time of 1.30 pm, because the Ireland senior squad were training at Gannon Park for their vital World Cup Group 4 qualifier against France at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday. The first real chance of the match fell to Dylan Cashin. Mathew Taylor slid the ball out to the right were Cashin let it run across his body and struck it first time, only to see the ball sail straight into the keepers hands.

The early part of the game was being played in the Mount Merrion half as Malahide pressed for an opener. In the third minute Conor Synott hit the woodwork from outside the box. Soon after the Mount Merrion manager had to come on to help one of his players who was injured. Then it looked like Malahide were about to score when a Matthew Taylor strike hit the post but the ball fell to Jack Nolan who saw his shot smash off the crossbar before finding its way into the net. 1-0 to Malahide.

A couple of minutes went by before Jack Nolan found the net again. His second was a scrappy goal. The ball was bobbling around the six-yard box before Nolan got a foot on it to see it into the net. The next Malahide chance came for Taylor. A cross came in from the right from Dylan Cashin. Taylor was at the back post but the Mount Merrion keeper was in the right place to save his header. After that Malahide continued to have most of the possession and Dylan McGlade made it 3-0 for the home team when he shot high into the top corner - a superb strike. Malahide then lost possession to allow Mount Merrion to break down the left and Kevin Nolan beat the last defender and slotted it past Dylan McNulty in the Malahide goal, into the bottom corner. Three minutes later Mathew Taylor scored a super goal to give the home team back their 3 goal advantage. He caught the ball beautifully on the half volley just on the penalty spot. Malahide were now well on top, however Mount Merrion's scored again just before half time, when Michael Kane took the ball around Dylan McNulty to slot the ball into the net. 4-2 at half time.

The second half was much less exciting than the first. A shot by Dylan McGlade, halfway through the second half was the first real chance , but the Mount Merrion keeper saved the shot. Jamie Walsh, the Malahide No. 11 had to be taken off because the ball hit him in the eye. Late in the second half Matthew Taylor got a bad knock on the knee and could not continue. The game finished 4-2 to Malahide and was a well-deserved victory. On this form, Malahide look ready for the challenge of the new season.

Ruairi Carberry
3rd Sept 2005.

07/08 - We started our 9 a side pre season campaign with a 2 nil win away to Bohemians.Two first half goals by Dylan Cashin and Ciaran Williams securing the victory. The game also saw the introduction of three new signings to the Club Cian Norris , Dylan McGlade and Sean Costello.T he next outing is a 7pm kick off at home to Raheny Utd in Malahide Castle this Tuesday night.