Malahide Crush St. Malachi's 9-0
© Ruairi Carberry 17/9/05

Dave Curtis Malahide Under 11 Premier D.D.S.L. side returned to winning ways today with a stunning 9-0 home win at Gannon Park. Chances came thick and fast as Malahide got into an early stride. The first came from a free kick taken on the halfway line by Mark Brennan. Malachi's failed to clear and Ciaran McGahan hit home for 1-0.

Minutes later Malahide could have made it two when Darren Craven played the ball through to Robert Doyle but his shot hit the post. The next chance fell to Conor Mullarky who shot, only to see the keeper fumble the ball through his legs but the Malachi's No 1 recovered well to keep the ball out.

Shane Woods then swung the ball in on goal and Brian Power managed to get a nick on it but it flew well wide of the post. Minutes later Malahide were 2 up. Robert Doyle passed to Conor Mullarkey. The mid fielder could not get control and the ball bobbled back to Doyle who gathered it up and shot low past the keeper. Number two for Malahide and number one for Doyle.

Darren Craven then made it number three. Robert Doyle sent in a great cross from the right and Craven met it beautifully to header home for a superb goal. Malahide were playing some super stuff and manager Dave Curtis must have been pleased with his side's early form.

Malahide could have made it four just before half time. Robert Doyle skipped past three St Malachi's defenders before rounding the keeper and slotting it towards goal. However the Malachi's centre half was on hand to stop the ball from going into the net. Next Glen Daly was accidentally kicked in the face by the big No 5 from St Malachi's. There was concern on the Malahide bench but Glen was fine.

3-0 at half time.

Glen Daly made way for Ciaran Gallagher at half time.

Malahide were soon into their stride and within minutes of the restart they were 4-0 up when Brian Power hit a great shot with his right boot from outside the box giving the keeper no chance. The fifth was an easy tap in for Robert Doyle after the Malachi's keeper fumbled in front of goal.

With the points now safe Ian Donnelly and Emmet Cuddy replaced Brian Power and Robert Doyle but it made difference to the home side who got No 6 from a great strike by Ciaran McGahan. Darren Craven made it 7-0 with a delightful chip over the keeper for the goal of the game. The eighth was finished by McGahan - the hat trick hero on the day.

Malachi's were on the ropes and the ref was looking to end the agony for the visitors when Malahide made it 9-0. McGahan was involved again looking for No. 4 but the ball was prodded home by Emmet Cuddy.

So nine points out of a possible twelve for Dave Curtis and his lads - looks like it's the start of a promising campaign.

Final score Malahide 9 - 0 St Malachi's