Malahide United NDSL U10E were crowned Leydon Cup Champions 7/5/06 defeating Ratoath Harps 1 – 0.

From the beginning it looked like Ratoath would score as they started strongly, they came at Malahide intent on winning this cup final, they had numerous shots with one crashing against the crossbar, this ball managed to come back into play but fell agonisingly slow for the on rushing forward but fortunately slow enough for Brian Wilkinson to flick it away for what would surely have been a goal.

Both teams were in defence mode after this and created few opportunities. Eoin Mac Cormaic made many a run with the ball from either midfield or from the goal line and played menacing passes into the opposition’s box.

Shanan Lynch and Geoff Natin were on top on their game and continued to make the grade as they nullified many forward attacks.

The goal came halfway through the second period, a long kick out by Eoin was met by a Ratoath defended who attempted to clear, but the clearance was blocked by a brave interception from Sean Brennan, the ball rolled to Alex Morton who skilfully beat his marker, Alex then played a one two with Conor Kilbride receiving the ball back to score the match winning goal.

There was now 7 minutes left and strong positive encouragement from Paul Brennan kept the players focused. Domhall could have taken the sting out of the match later on but he blasted over. Alex Sheridan still playing strong played with gusto during the last few minutes and ran the clock down as he kept the ball in the opposition's half beating defender after defender with his speed.

Unfortunately Eamon O Keefe did not play to-day, but we could not have reached this cup final without him as he was a key member during the qualifying rounds and semi final.

Present to-day: Shanan Lynch captain, Sean Brennan, Domhnall Hyland, Brian Wilkinson, Eoin Mac Cormaic, Geoff Natin, Alex Morton (1), Alex Sheridan and Conor Kilbride. Manager Paul Brennan, assistant John Mac Cormaic, missing Eamon O Keefe.

Thanks to the parents who helped out with training during the year especially Martin Morton, Michael Kilbride and Dominic Natin and the parents who continually showed up. Thanks to Suzanne Brennan who organised the footballs and gear and never failed to tire, to Tracy Sheridan who kept the children occupied during matches held sometimes in inclement weather and always had a stock of snacks and biscuits handy, to the players for giving us adults a great day out and to the NDSL for organising a super and special day. This cup success is a good reminder to all, with hard and long work success will come.

John Mac Cormaic

22/04 - Dunboyne 0 Malahide United 1 : Leydons Cup Semi Final

Malahide 10EI progressed to the final of the Leydons Cup under the auspices of the NDSL.

In a keenly contested semi final they beat Dunboyne FC 1 - 0 and always on such on occasion it is a pity that somebody has to lose. Both sides gave as good as they got and matched each other for commitment, energy and skill. As the match progressed it became quite clear that only one goal would decide it and we were proved right as Alex Sheridan scored the all and well timed important goal (which has been caught on film....see picture below)

Shanan was sound in defence and stopped a sure goal on the line from a well taken free kick. Shanan, Brian goalkeeper, Eoin on other post and Sean Brennan using his height in the wall. As the match progressed our defenders Geoff and Eamonn were able in their tackles and clearances as Dunboyne pushed for an equaliser. Conor was active all during the match and unleashed many a good shot from outside the box but uncharacteristically failed to hit the target.

Eoin and Brian shared goalkeeping duties and played with confidence, stopping many important shots. Sean Brennan and Domhnall timed their tackles well and were part of the success story.

It was a very rewarding day out for the boys who take success with defeat quite well and who have worked hard since September most times in inclement weather. I am sure they are all looking forward to a day out in May and having the experience of playing in a cup final. Kind regards to Dunboyne FC for a competitive match and compliments to their excellent behaviour on and off the pitch, no doubt they will be back.

Present this day, Alex Sheridan (1), Eoin Mac Cormaic, Geoff Natin, Conor Kilbride, Eamonn O Keefe, Sean Brennan, Domhnall Hyland, Brian Wilkinson and Shanan Lynch. Manager Paul Brennan,
Not present to-day Alex Morton

04/03 - Malahide United 1 Baldoyle United 0

Malahide, though I must say not with ease, had back to back wins over Baldoyle 4th March 2006. In the first half we lived on the edge of our seats as Baldoyle were not intent on going out on a whimper, time and time again they succeeded in breaking through our defence but no matter what they could muster up they could not succeed in getting by Brian Wilkinson our keeper, for anyone who loves football it was a delight to see him play.

In open play in the first half the bar was hit by Alex Morton and in the second half the post was hit by Brian (a very versatile player) who was now playing outfield according to the policy of Paul Brennan. Paul Brennan and I like to maintain a policy of allowing the players gain experience in different roles, this works well for the players, it keeps them happy, they are not stereotyped and they have a chance to find their true niche, they are only 10yrs of age.

Domhnall scored the goal in the first half; Eoin beat two defenders and treaded the ball under the feet of a third to find Domhnall who with a trusty powerful right foot scored. The players were rotated in twos and I tried to give everyone equal playing time as long term development to me is more important that short term results.

Geoff played in defence during the first half and played in goal the second, he was quite busy the first period and defended stoutly but was bored in the second period as he hardly got the ball, as Eoin, Shanan and Brian played in defence and they swept everything away. Alex Sheridan and Eamon played in midfield and made many a forward run that threatened Baldoyle. Unfortunately Alex Sheridan was substituted in the second half because of an injury he received from a heavy tackle. Sean and Alex Morton played upfront and played intelligent football taking defenders out of their positions making it possible for their team mates to make challenging moves forward.

I was very proud of the players work rate to-day it was both honest and rewarding. The players won this match collectively and got two birds with one stone, i.e. fun and a win.

Present this day: Eoin Mac Cormaic, Alex Sheridan, Sean Brennan, Geoff Natin, Shanan Lynch, Alex Morton, Domhnall Hyland, Eamon O Keefe and Brian Wilkinson. Not present Conor Kilbride. Stand in managers John Mac Cormaic and Suzanne Brennan.

To those parents who may have missed it, the following article appeared in the Evening Herald 23rd Jan 2006.


Malahide aces shop for goals

Everyone is in agreement out by the coast - the best value of all comes from the top tens of Malahide United.
The Malahide maestros have just been boosted by securing sponsorship from Londis of the Yellow Walls Road.
United could even lighten up the Yellow Brick Road with their charm and their manager Paul Brennan is delighted with their progress.

As Paul keeps telling the dedicated squad its all about striving to match his own initials - PB - personal best.
Now with the sponsorship deal complete magical Malahide have announced their intention to go shopping for goals.

25/02 - Baldoyle 0 Malahide 1

This match held 25th February 2006, was full of drama, both sides hitting the post, Dominic Natin substituting for the referee, surprising many that he could keep up with 10 year old gazelles, a six man Baldoyle team turning to seven during the match and finally when it all settled down there was some good individual play in spots. The goal came about when Eamonn O Keefe ran with the ball down the line and played an unselfish ball back to an unmarked Alex Morton who duly obliged. The post was hit by Conor Kilbride and Eoin Mac Cormaic played in midfield with aplomb. Baldoyle are a very good side and their position in the table does not do themselves justice, they made many a determined challenge to make honours even but could not get by Eamonn O Keefe and Sean Brennan who were equally fired up.

Present this day were Conor Kilbride, Eamon O Keefe, Brian Wilkinson, Geoff Natin, Eoin Mac Cormaic, Alex Morton, Alex Sheridan, Sean Brennan and Shanan Lynch. Manager Paul Brennan. Not present Domhnall Hyland.

04/02 - Swords Celtic 4:2 Malahide United

Malahide’s good progress was halted by Swords Celtic 11th Feb 06, losing 4 – 2. However they matched Swords for much of the match with as so often in the past only their finishing letting them down. There was many an opportunity to score passed up on this wet day and everybody before becoming grumpy were glad to get home.

Present this day were Eamon O Keefe, Brian Wilkinson, Alex Morton, Alex Sheridan, Eoin Mac Cormaic, Geoff Natin, Sean Brennan and Domhnall Hyland. Missing were Shanan Lynch and Conor Kilbride. Manager Paul Brennan

04/02 - Rush 0:12 Malahide United

"Citius Altius Fontius" - Rush

Malahide had a very comprehensive victory over Rush Athletic 4th Feb 2006, winning 12 to nil, but if Malahide are to learn from this then it was more from the courage and dignity displayed by Rush than the match itself. Despite the result Rush remained competitive and sporting throughout and never once gave up trying to get that elusive goal from a mean Malahide defence. Rush certainly have the Olympic motto to heart; it is not about the victory but the taking part and not to have conquered but to have fought well. In sport there is always another day. Citius, Altius, Fontius, Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

In action this day were Conor Kilbride (2), Eoin Mac Cormaic (2), Geoff Natin, Alex Sheridan who scored a hat trick, Sean Brennan who scored his first goal of the season, Alex Morton, Domhnall Hyland (2) and Brian Wilkinson (2). Missing were Eamon O Keefe and Shanan Lynch. Manager Paul Brennan.

John Mac Cormaic

28/12 - Ambassadors during Gormanstown Indoor competition.

Malahide's Under 10E1 team gave a good account of themselves during the annual indoor competition held 28th December 2005 at Gormanstown college. They represented both themselves and club with honour. They played four matches against topflight clubs i.e. Home Farm, Swords Manor, St. Paul's Artane all ''A'' listed teams and Trinity Boys a ''B'' listed team. Malahide lost to eventual winners Home Farm by only 3 to nil and did a giant killing against Trinity Boys winning 1 to nil.

Paul Brennan and assistant John Mac Cormaic adopted a playing policy which gave the players an equal opportunity to play in all position and roles. The matches which were 7 minutes each way were fast and furious.

NDSL officials complimented the team by stating that they played with a great attitude. This competition is to be recommended as players and parents had a great time.

Brian Wilkinson, Conor Kilbride, Alex Sheridan, Lorcan Cassidy, Alex Morton, Sean Brennan, Manager Paul Brennan. Ciaran Hyland, Domhnall Hyland, Jack Blake, Eoin Mac Cormaic.

Skerries Town 1 Malahide United 1

Paul Brennan’s vastly improving side drew with table toppers Skerries Town 10th December 2005. From the outset Malahide had a lot of possession but there appeared no way through as the Skerries defence crowded out our attacks, only for Skerries to exchange a quick one two to score the first goal. Our goal came in the second half, a diagonal pass by Conor Kilbride found Sean Brennan who skilfully passed to Eamon O Keefe and who in turn deftly laid the ball off for Eoin Mac Cormaic who under pressure cleverly picked his spot and succeeded in making the game all square. This spurred on Skerries but they found Malahide’s defence to be dogged and determined, we defended in twos and thwarted every attack, it was now all Skerries Town who are a very good side.

We were restricted too on the break attacks as Brian Wilkinson ran forward. In the last minute of the match it looked like double trouble was about to undo all the hard work done by Shanan Lynch, Eamon, Alex Sheridan and Domhnall Hyland as they were guilty of leaving themselves exposed due to exhaustion and that allowed Skerries Town to launch a three on one raid against Alex Morton our keeper, he made a remarkable save and on the rebound fleet footed and with quickness of thought he managed to scooped the ball away. Man of the match was Shanan. Geoff Natin 10 out of 10 played the whole first half and made many a valuable contribution.

Updates 23/11 to 1/12/05

I would like to report on the progress of my team which plays in NDSL under 10E1 league. We have improved over the season under the management of Paul Brennan, the team have a good attendance at training and are clearly benefiting from it, as fitness levels have improved. We have had some good games with fortunate and unfortunate results but it does not matter as we play for the fun of it. We have qualified for a semi-final the first team in Malahide this year and some of the squad have appeared in the Evening Herald under the hat trick column on Monday 28th November and the previous Monday 21st November. Paul our manager plays fair, he gives everybody a equal chance, rotates the keeper, and substitutes don't exist as everybody regardless of ability comes and goes into the game. The last three awards for the man of the match were given to Sean Brennan against Littlepacers, the whole team against Rush and Domhnall Hyland against Woodlawn.

Our new sponsor Londis of Yellow Walls Road have sponsored our team by providing new jerseys, which is greatly appreciated.

Eoin
Member of the under 10E1 team.

10/09/05 : Malahide 0 – Dunshaughlin 4

A newly constituted squad saw three new recruits join the 10E1 squad for the 05/06 season. A big welcome was extended to Alex, Brian and Shanan. The first half was a tight affair, ending 0-1 to the visitors. Both Alex S and Alex M played upfront, with Conor and Eamon in midfield and a combination of Geoff, Sean, Domhnall, Eoin, Shanan in front of keeper Brian, who made a combination of terrific saves. After the break a number of positional changes took place to test the squad skills. The visitors built up a healthy lead, but all the while chances came to the Malahide, forcing a number of good saves from the Dunshaughlin keeper. The score ultimately was generous to the visitors, with their manager commenting that the game was much closer than the final scoreline suggested.

A good outing overall for the team on it’s first showing despite the result. Back to training Thursday to build on positives, familiarise faces/names and work on possession and passing.