Malahide Lose Out in Tight Fought Match.....
© Ruairi Carberry 8/9/05

The Malahide under 12 Premier side played their first home game of the season at Gannon Park today against Cherry Orchard. The home team had a great start to season 2005 - 2006 with wins against Drogheda and Leicester Celtic, but lost to St. Josephs last week. They were looking to get back to winning ways today.

It took Malahide a few minutes to get into the game and there were few real chances at either end. However in the 12th minute Jack Watson, Malahide's centre forward, hit a shot from just outside the box, only to see his effort fly over the bar. The Malahide striker has been on fire this season with six goals in the opening three matches, including 5 against Leicester Celtic.

Five minutes later Eoin Sweeney found himself one on one with the keeper but his early shot was high and sailed over the bar. Minutes later Conor Duffy, Malahide's number 15, swung in a cross from the right. The keeper came to claim the ball but missed it. Fionn Cahill was following the cross in but his shot hit the side netting. The Orchard's first chance came at the end of the first half when their No 9 Jamie Doyle hit the cross bar from the edge of the box. There was a scramble in the Malahide goal but the opposition just could not get the ball in the back of the net. Gareth Lloyd received a knock in the scramble but was on his feet again after a few minutes. 0-0 at half time.

In the first minute of the second half Cherry Orchard went 1-0 up when their centre forward Doyle beautifully lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper. Minutes later the Orchard hit man lobbed Ian Bracken, the Malahide keeper, again but his effort went wide of the post. Bracken foiled Cherry Orchard minutes later when he took the ball off the advancing forwards foot.

Mid way through the second half Conor Duffy of Malahide was replaced by Craig O'Connor as the home team tried to get back on top of the game. Sweeney aging found himself one on one with the keeper but his shot was well saved by the Orchard keeper. Sweeney went down in the challenge but the referee refused to point to the spot.

Malahide then made a double substitution when Fionn Cahill and Eoin Sweeney were replaced by Chris Hayes and Cain Burke. By this stage Malahide were on top and Eoghan Boyne had a header, which looped over the keeper, but was cleared off the line. Gareth Lloyd then saw his dangerous looking cross fall just wide of the mark.

The next chance fell to Cherry Orchard when the southsiders broke up the field and got a shot in from the edge of the box but Ian Bracken pushed the ball round the post. Malahide were really pushing for the equaliser when Craig O'Connor used his strength to hold off the defender but shot straight down the keeper's throat. The last chance of the game fell to Eoghan Boyne. Jack Watson went passed three defenders and slid the ball to Boyne. The mid fielder took the ball early but shot over the bar.

Malahide battled right to the final whistle and managers Joe Boyne and John Reilly said after the game that they were disappointed with the result but felt the team had played well and deserved something out the match.

So six points out of twelve for Malahide and some good signs that another strong run in the top division look on this season. But sadly Cherry Orchard went back across the Liffey with the three points.