15/01 St Josephs East Wall 0 : 1 Malahide United

The first fixtures of the New Years pitted our lads away to St Joseph’s of East Wall. St Joseph’s had made a solid start to season and we knew that a tough match lay ahead.

The morning of the match was a miserable morning – cold, wet and windy. The pitch was quite heavy and you got the feeling that the team that was prepared to roll it’s sleeves up and scrap for everything, would be the team that would triumph over the elements. A couple of late injuries to Brendan Flood and Pearse Gibney meant that our squad would be tested to the limits.

As the game progressed, it became very evident that East Wall were a very well drilled team. They played very high up the pitch, trying to catch our lads offside as often as possible. They had 2 no nonsense centre halves who were mopping up most through balls and they themselves were trying to play the ball over the tops for some nippy wide players. Having said all of that there was very little goalmouth action in the first half. Cian O’Scolai and James Kinsella were marshalling the centre of our defence ensuring that Patrick Farry had little to do in goal. We were moving well down both flanks with Owen Connolly and Jason Bride down the left and David Feenan and Shane Brennan down the right. Niall Delahunty and Dean O’Donovan were working tirelessly in midfield while Alex McLeod and David McLoughlin toiled away up front. Most of the first half action centred on the middle third of the field.

The 2nd half saw the introduction of Kevin Morris and Gareth Hughes and this double substitution proved to be a wonder move. About 10 minutes into the second half both substitutes combined to give Malahide the opening goal of the game. A through ball from Kevin Morris was latched onto by Gareth Hughes who raced through to finish coolly into the bottom corner of the net. It was a lead that Malahide never lost and 3 valuable points made their way back to Malahide.

On a miserable day, the lads from Malahide showed that they are not afraid to roll their sleeves up and scrap for a result. Well done lads.

Squad:
Patrick Farry, Owen Connolly, Cian O’Scolai, James Kinsella, David Feenan, Jason Bride, Dean Donovan, Niall Delahunty, Shane Brennan, Alex McLeod, David McLoughlin, Gareth Hughes and Kevin Morris.

23/10 Marino 0 : 4 Malahide United

Malahide made the trip down the Malahide Road to play Marino is this U11 Tom Coughlan Cup first round tie. A beautiful dry Sunday morning greeted the arrival of both teams. The pitch was in superb condition and everything was now set for a cracking cup-tie. Malahide have made a tremendous start to the season. Already to date they are the early pace setter in the 11B division and are through to the quarter final of the quarter final of the Eamonn Ludden League Cup. However, Marino had their own aspirations towards a lengthy cup run.

Both sides started the game extremely brightly and it became apparent to all those present that this was going to be a very tight contest. The Marino forwards were extremely quick and the Malahide defence had to be alert to keep them out. As the game wore on Malahide started to exert a lot of pressure and were using the flanks to their advantage. James Kinsella and Dean Donovan were gaining control of midfield while Kevin Morris and Shane Brennan were running at the full back at every opportunity. Then the break through came - another Malahide attack saw the ball only half cleared and quick as a flash Kevin Morris struck a sweet right foot shot high into the top corner of the net. Malahide continued to attack with both David McLoughlin and Gareth Hughes unlucky not to stretch the lead before the interval.

Half time saw the introduction of Alex McLeod and Jason Bride and both players made an immediate impact. Alex showed lightening reflexes to pounce on a spilled ball for Malahide's second. Dean Donovan added a third before Jason finished off a brilliant run with the best goal of the day - and on his birthday. Try as they might, the lads from Marino could not find a way past the Malahide rearguard of Patrick Farry, David Feenan, Cian O'Scolai, Brendan Flood and Pearse Gibney.

This was probably Malahide's best performance of the season so far. The lads are certainly enjoying their start to the season. Long may it continue.

Pat Brennan

16/10 Malahide United 3 : 1 Woodlawn

After a couple of weeks on the road, the league fixtures threw up a home match for the lads from Malahide. The visitors on this very mild Sunday morning were the in-form team from Woodlawn. Both teams had made an excellent start to this season's campaign and the large group of supporters from both sides were looking forward to a very exciting game.

From the off, it became apparent that this was going to be a tight game. Woodlawn started brightly and made a number of early attacks. There were a few scares but the Malahide defence of Owen Connolly, Brendan Flood, Cian O'Scolai and Pearse Gibney held firm. Malahide began to show what they were made of and started to exert some pressure of their own. Some excellent pressure saw James Kinsella, Shane Brennan and David McLoughlin all going close. Finally Malahide made the break through - a break down the right hand side saw Jason Bride finish at the near post. Malahide almost doubled their lead just before half-time when Shane Brennan found himself one-on-one with the Woodlawn keeper. The early shot unfortunately just went wide.

The second half started brightly for Malahide but that second goal was proving elusive. Then hesitation in the Malahide defence gifted the equaliser to the impressive Woodlawn attack - one a piece and everything to play for. Instead of dropping their heads Malahide really raised their game. With 10 minutes or so remaining, Malahide were in front again. Kevin Morris' corner was controlled by Alex McLeod who finished low and hard to the back of the net. Woodlawn now had to push on and this was always going to leave gaps at the back. The classic counter attack saw Dean Donovan finish to give Malahide a deserving 3-1 advantage.

There was to be no further score. Both teams can take great pleasure in a very entertaining contest. Malahide's impressive start to the league continues.

Pat Brennan

9/10 St McCullins 2 : 5 Malahide United

For the second week in a row, the fixture list threw up a trip to Ball Alley for the lads from Malahide. Last week brought a close victory against Lusk United and this week saw the Malahide lads return to the same pitch to pit their skills against the lads from St McCullins. The Malahide lad's confidence was very high after an excellent start to the season. Could Malahide keep their unbeaten run going - we were soon about to find out.

Malahide won the toss and opted to play with the aid of the breeze in the first half. From the off, Malahide imposed themselves on the game creating a number of chances to open the scoring. James Kinsella and Dean Donovan were winning a lot of ball in midfield. Malahide were using the flanks well with Shane Brennan and Niall Delahunty providing the crosses from the wings to centre forwards Gareth Hughes and Alex McLeod. Despite the early domination, the score remained 0-0 with the visitors failing to take a number of opportunities that came their way. Just when Malahide began to think that maybe it wasn't going to be their day, the vital breakthrough came when Niall Delahunty finished off a lovely move. That first goal seemed to relax the Malahide lads and further goals from Alex McLeod and Gareth Hughes gave the visitors a very healthy 3-0 halftime lead. The Malahide defence of David Feenan, Cian O'Scolai, Brendan Flood and Pearse Gibney ensured that Patrick Farry in goal had very little to do.

Halftime saw the introduction of Owen Connolly and Kevin Morris for Malahide. Whatever was said at halftime to the McCullins players seemed to have the desired effect as they came out with a lot more purpose and started to create chances. Malahide made their final two substitutions with the introduction of Jason Bride and David McLoughlin. Malahide now found themselves under a bit of pressure and that pressure finally told with McCullins grabbing their first goal of the day. Back to 3-1 and McCullins sensed a comeback but Malahide re-established their 3-goal lead almost immediately with a brilliant finish from David McLoughlin with almost his first kick of the game. Five minutes to go and McCullins got their second of the day only for super sub McLoughlin to grab his second and Malahide's fifth with the final kick of a very entertaining match.

Another great victory on the road for Malahide.

Pat Brennan

2/10 Lusk United 2 : 3 Malahide United

A fine bright Sunday morning saw Malahide make the short trip up the coast to play near neighbours Lusk United. Both teams took to the pitch wearing almost identical gear but thankfully Lusk had a back up set of jersey ready for just such an emergency. The grass on the pitch was very long which meant a day where both teams would have to let the ball do all the work.

Malahide got out of the blocks extremely fast scoring with their first attack of the game. A through ball over the top was chased down by Gareth Hughes who got there just before the advancing Lusk keeper. 1-0 to Malahide. Five minutes later and it was 2-0 to the visitors with Malahide centre forward Alex McLeod on hand to finish a well worked Malahide move. All credit to Lusk, they didn't let these early setbacks dishearten them. Both teams played some nice football in the heavy conditions but there was to be no further score. The halftime whistle blew. 2-0 to Malahide.

You always got the impression that the next goal was going to be vital. Lusk attacked from the off determined to get back into the game and Malahide found themselves under a lot of pressure. That pressure finally told with a superb strike pulling one back for the home team. With their confidence sky high, Lusk sensed an equaliser but Malahide had other ideas. A cracking strike by Alex McLeod re-established Malahide's 2 goal advantage. However, Lusk would not lie down and got their second goal of the day with about 10 minutes remaining. Try as hard as they did, Lusk could not get that elusive equaliser.

Malahide deserved their victory with an excellent workmanlike performance. Things did not always go their way against a very good Lusk team but Malahide rolled up their sleeves and ground out an excellent result.

Pat Brennan

25/09 Malahide United 2 : 2 Donaghmede Celtic

After beginning the season with three consecutive Eamonn Ludden League Cup matches, Malahide finally began their league campaign with a home fixture against Donaghmede Celtic. A lovely clear morning greeted both teams eager to get their league campaigns off to a winning start.

Winning the toss, Celtic opted to play with the very strong breeze. Aided by the elements, Celtic immediately went on the attack but the Malahide defence held firm with Cian O'Scolai and Brendan Flood proving rocks in the centre and David Feenan and Pearse Gibney working tirelessly to cut out the threat from both wings. Although they had the lion's share of possession, Celtic rarely threatened the Malahide goal. Just as Malahide were settling into the game, Celtic took the lead. A superb shot from 30 yards gave Patrick Farry in goal no chance - 1-0 to Celtic.

Going behind seemed to spur the Malahide lads on. James Kinsella and Jason Bride began to win more ball in the middle providing the platform for Shane Brennan and Kevin Morris to attack down both wings. David McLoughlin and Alex McLeod had the pace of the Celtic defence, if only they could enough service. A clearance from the Malahide defence was missed by the Celtic sweeper giving Alex a run at goal. Alex did everything right but his shot unfortunately hit the post and rolled away to safety. Almost immediately, Celtic doubled their lead with a carbon copy of their first goal. From being within the width of a post to level the game, Malahide found themselves 2-0 down and a mountain to climb for the second half.

Halftime saw the introduction of Dean Donovan and Gareth Hughes. Malahide started the second half well and began to impose themselves on the game. They went chasing that first goal to get them back into the match but always had to be aware of the pace of the breaking Celtic forwards. Twice more Alex found himself bearing down on goal but a combination of great goalkeeping and bad luck saw no change in the scoreline. Then, with about 15 minutes or so remaining, Malahide finally got the breakthrough that their play deserved. The ball was pinging around the box until the calm finish of James Kinsella got that all important first goal. The final substitution for Malahide saw the introduction of Niall Delahunty down the left. Five minutes later, the scores were level when a fine move down the right between David Feenan and Shane Brennan saw Gareth Hughes finish superbly.

As hard as both teams tried there was no further score. A draw was a fair result as both sides deserved to take something home from this very entertaining game.

Pat Brennan

18/09 - Skerries Town 0 : 9 Malahide United

The third Eamonn Ludden League Cup round robin match saw Malahide make the short trip up the coast to the seaside town of Skerries. Another beautiful morning and Malahide had high hopes that they could make it 3 wins out of 3 and secure a quarter final slot.

Winning the toss, Malahide opted to play with the slight breeze in the first half. The game could not have started better for Malahide. Skerries tipped off but lost the ball. Malahide immediately swept forward and Dean Donovan was at hand to crash the ball into the net for the opening score. Has there been a quicker goal so far this season? I doubt it.

Spurred on by this early success, Malahide dominated proceedings and further goals from Jason Bride (2), Kevin Morris and Alex McLeod saw a halftime scoreline with Malahide leading by 5-0.

The beginning of the second half saw Skerries gain a little more possession but rarely did they get through to threaten the Malahide goal. Malahide soon took control again and further goals from Kevin Morris, David McLoughlin (2) and Gareth Hughes. Saw Malahide run out comfortable winners.

3 outings and 3 good victories have earned Malahide a place in the League Cup quarter finals.

Squad:
Patrick Farry, David Feenan, Pearse Gibney, Cian O'Scolai, Brendan Flood, Dean Donovan, Shane Brennan, Jason Bride, Kevin Morris, Alex McLeod, David McLoughlin, Gareth Hughes, Niall Delahunty, Owen Connolly.

Pat Brennan

11/09 - Ratoath Harps 0 : 11 Malahide United

(Malahides 11-a-side U11B score 11 on the 11th)

The second game of the season for the Brenfer 11B squad was another Eamonn Ludden League Cup match, this time away to Ratoath Harps. With a 10am kick off it was an early start for this eager bunch of lads. Buoyed by last week's opening day success, everybody was looking forward to another venture on the 'big' pitch. After the heavy rain of Friday, it was a pleasant warm morning that greeted us in Ratoath.

The lads lined up as they started last week and from the very first whistle they dominated proceedings. Early goals from Jason Bride, Cian O'Scolai and Kevin Morris seemed to drain the confidence from Ratoath. Further goals from Shane Brennan (2) and Dean Donovan gave the lads a very healthy 6-0 half time lead.

The second half began as the first half had ended and further goals from Niall Delahunty (2) and a hat trick from centre forward Alex McLeod saw the game finish 11-0 to Malahide. In all fairness to Ratoath they never stopped trying and were only denied a goal at the very end by the outside of the post.

This has been a very encouraging start to the season for the 11B squad. The most pleasing aspect so far is that the lads are playing very good football for each other. This will stand them in good stead for the sterner test that no doubt lie ahead.

Well done again lads.

Pat Brennan (This report also featured in the Fingal Independent - click here to view it)

04/09 - Malahide United 11 : 0 Mid Sutton

A warm Sunday morning was waiting to greet the Brenfer 11B squad for their opening game of the new season. The lads were eagerly awaiting their first experience of competitive 11-a-side football. The season was to start with an Eamonn Ludden League Cup match, a cup competition for teams in the Brenfer 'B', 'C' and 'D' leagues. Our lads have been drawn in a group with Mid Sutton, Skerries Town and Ratoath Harps. Our first game was a home fixture in the Castle against our near neighbours Mid Sutton. Nobody really knew what to expect but the lads were full of both confidence and excitement for their first game on the 'big' pitch.

The lads lined up with Patrick in goal, David, Cian, Brendan and Pearse across the back, Shane, James, Kevin and Dean across the middle and Jason and Alex up front. Owen, David and Niall were patiently waiting their turn to show their array of skills.

The game started really well for us and we were completely dominating the opening exchanges. The back line were playing very well as a unit and ensuring that Patrick had nothing to do in goal. The midfield was attacking at every opportunity and supporting the front two at all times. The most pleasing part of the first half was the way the lads were working the ball around the pitch. As we have stressed to the lads time and time again, it's all about teamwork and the lads certainly put this into practice. The half time whistle blew with us leading by a margin of 6-0. A pair of goals from both James and Jason added to by a goal each from Shane and Alex gave us a deserved lead at the break.

The main thing to guard against mow was complacency but there was no need to worry. The lads continued in the second half the way they had played in the first. David, Niall and Owen all came on in the second half. Further goals from Niall (2), David, Shane and Dean left us winning the game by a scoreline of 11-0. The performance today was the most pleasing aspect of all. It's always nice to score goals but the main thing is to try to play football the correct way and I have to say that the lads certainly did. It's a great start but I'm sure there will be more difficult tasks ahead. We'll enjoy the moment and look forward to the season ahead with plenty of optimism.

Well done lads.

Pat Brennan