Great Start Continues for McEvoy's Lads
© Ruairi Carberry 11/9/05

Swords Rovers 1-2 Malahide Untied
Balheary

Malahide travelled the short distance to meet their nearest neighbours Swords Rovers and managed to get off to dream start scoring after only five minutes. Brain Roche broke the deadlock when a sly pass from Gareth McGrath gave him all the time and space he needed to put it away. Swords then had a corner which was floated to the back post but was headed away by Brian Clancy. The opening fifteen minutes were very even, with Malahide just shading the early exchanges however few chances were falling to either side.

Swords then had a free kick from the edge of the box which brought out a good save from Andrew McEvoy in the Malahide net. Malahide were now starting to put some slick passes together and Daniel Harkin played Brian Roche in again but the striker did not make much of the effort. Back at the other end Swords were putting on the pressure. First a shot from the edge of the box flew wide, and then a corner hit the near post. The rebound was saved by McEvoy before finally being cleared by Sean Reilly.

Half time 1-0 to Malahide.

Almost straight from kick off Swords again had a free kick but once again the effort was easily held by Andrew McEvoy. Malahide then scored a beauty at the other end to give themselves a two goal cushion. Dylan Taylor picked up the ball deep on the right side and broke forward at pace. He drew the defender in before laying it down the right to the over lapping Sean Reilly. His deep cross was met beautifully at the far post by Daniel Harkin who remained calm and finished off the move with style. By now Malahide were well on top. Jacob Ferguson and Cain McCarthy were picking off everything at the back with Ferguson's timing and anticipation well worth watching. Taylor and Eric Harold were controlling mid field and looking for the third to kill the game off.

Mid way through the second half Sean Reilly, who had worked tirelessly all morning, was replaced by Luke Killeen. Dylan Taylor almost got the third when he broke forward but his effort was well saved by the Swords keeper. Swords then made it a nervous last ten minutes when they snatched a goal against the run of play. A ball was swung in from the right and was missed by the Malahide defenders. The ball arrived at the back post to the unmarked number nine who's shot flew into the top corner.

Malahide held on in the last few minutes for what was a well deserved victory and another three points. The lads have now taken seven points out of a possible nine with a 2-1 win away to Skerries on the opening day and a 1-1 draw with Raheny. Manager Dan McEvoy is pleased with the start the boys have made and is looking forward to next week's challenge.