17/2 - Skerries Town 2:5 Malahide Utd

Squad: Jack Torpey; Daniel O’Brien; William McNamara; Daniel Murphy, Niall Horan; Cian Reid, Niall McCann; Jack Nolan

After no match the previous week, it was good news that the pitch was playable. Although we were missing 2 players, Philip due to a family holiday (rumour mill mentioned trials for Bayern Munich !) and Max due to illness (was his lunch spiked the previous day in school ??)

We knew that this match was going to be difficult as the opposition were on a fine run of form. Malahide started well from our tip off via Jack N and Niall H with the pass back to Daniel M who sprayed the ball out to the waiting Cian on the left wing. The resulting run and cross just missed out to the advancing forwards. We were the sharper team in the opening minutes. When Skerries finally got into our half with a corner, the ball was cleared by our defence, then a quick breakway pass from Niall H to Jack N had Malahide counterattacking from the half way line. Jack’s speed and fine control got him into the penalty area and he finished in style. Two minutes later it was like an action replay with Jack bombing towards goal with another cool finish ! 2-0 up and was this going to be a day out enjoying the sunshine ??

No, Skerries showed good character and got 1 back after 10 minutes,. Then they got the equaliser shortly later with the same forward scoring low and hard with no chance for our keeper, Jack T. The game then ebbed and flowed with all the players involved but no real chances for either team.

With the match 2 – 2 at half time, we made the regular changes to positions by rotation. However Skerries were quickly on top of the game and created some chances with close range shots that seemed certain to go in but somehow Jack T got his body, right foot and then both hands to deny the Skerries forwards. The oohs , ahhs and rounds of applause by both sets of supporters for Jack (the Cat) Torpey’s performance were surely heard back in Malahide ! Spurred on by the fine reactions of their goalkeeper, the other players came to the fore. Following a fine cross by Cian towards Daniel O up front, the ball was cleared to William who blasted the ball into the net from outside the box . We were now back in front !

Then following solid defending by Niall H, Daniel M and Niall Mc the ball was cleared to Cian who advanced towards goal and produced the goods. Then shortly later the ball was passed from defence to Cian. He decided to test the keeper, although he was only 10 ft inside his own half. His shot flew high in the air and bounced into goal what a finish! Jack N and Cian both had chances to make their respective hat tricks but the Skerries keeper made some fine saves. This was a good team performance and all the players deserved to be on the winning team.

Derek.

27/1 - CLOUGHERTOWN FC 0 MALAHIDE UNITED 6

TEAM SQUAD
Jack Torpey; Daniel Murphy, Cian Reid, Philip Ryan. Niall McCann; Max Sheridan; William McNamara; Daniel O’Brien; Jack Nolan; Niall Horan

A dull, cold, damp but calm Saturday morning; the ground was very soft; a third of the pitch had long wet grass. The boys had not played a competitive match since 2nd December and they were raring to go! All of the squad were available and we decided to stick with our normal practice of full squad and position rotation with each member of the squad guaranteed at least 20 minutes of play time, whilst giving the boys experience playing in different positions. It was a 10am kick off so it was an early start for the boys – we arrived in good time and were able to warm up well.

Malahide kicked off and straight away started some fine passing movements; we were particularly effective on both wings. From one of our early attacks Daniel O finished off the move with a well taken goal. Cloughertown were stung into action and launched a number of attacks which resulted in Jack T making a number of comfortable saves. Jack T’s kick outs were effective – Daniel M latched on to one from mid field and his long ranged shot found the back of the net. Niall H; Niall Mc and Philip were very effective in defence – Cloughertown pressed hard but the defenders coped well. As we headed towards half time Max won possession of the ball – he dribbled past a number of the opposition and his fine shot found the back of the net – 3 nil Malahide by half time.

In the second half Cloughertown continued to attack – they were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions. Daniel M was in goal for the second half and had to make a umber of saves and scrambled clearances. Malahide had to work hard – with Jack N and William chasing and harrying – we were rewarded with a corner, the ball was pumped into the Cloughertown penalty area and Cian shot the ball into the back of the net. Shortly after Daniel O scored his second with a well taken shot. Cian finished off a fine move with a well taken goal. The second half seemed to fly by and the whistle blew whilst we were still in full stride.

This was our first game in 2007 – after such a long lay off it was great to see the boys be so enthusiastic and willing to work so hard for each other. The team played some great passing football today, hopefully the boys will continue in 2007 as they have started.

Christmas Party 2006

2/12 Malahide Utd 1:0 Donaghmede Celtic

Squad: Jack Torpey; Daniel O’Brien; Max Sheridan; William McNamara; Daniel Murphy, Niall Horan; Cian Reid, Philip Ryan. Niall McCann; Jack Nolan

After no matches for 3 weeks, the players and coaches were delighted that the match was switched to Gannon Park to ensure the match was played. All ten players were available for the match which ensured plenty of fresh legs through continuos player rotation. The playing surface was in an immaculate condition which suited the team’s style of passing and movement. The morning was glorious, sunny with a clear blue sky but with a significant wind.

We knew that this match was going to be a head to head – Donaghmede were top of the league with 3 out of 3 wins and we were just behind in 2nd place. We lost the toss, so we had to change ends, to battle against the slope and into the wind. So a last minute change of plan to play 3 in midfield ! The boys got stuck in from the whistle to gain possession and to build up play. Due to the conditions, most of the possession was in the Malahide half but the solid defending of Niall H, Niall Mc and Philip ensured that there were no efforts on target to trouble Jack T in goal. With Jack T’s good kick outs, the midfield of Cian, Max , William & Daniel M were able to gain control of the ball and to link up play with either Daniel O or Jack N up front.

With the match 0 – 0 at half time, we changed back to 2 up front and 2 in midfield. We quickly were on top of the game and created some chances with shots from midfield that were just off target. Donaghmede made some counter attacks but were saved by the fine reactions of goalkeeper Daniel M. We came close to scoring after having 3 corners in quick succession but were unluckly in the outcome. After all the player’s hard work the match looked to be going for a draw when Daniel M launched another kick out. The ball bounced over the defence allowing Cian to control the ball, beat one player and slip the ball under the advancing keeper. Then 2 minutes later the ref blew up for full time ! All the players worked really hard and played very well as a team and were deserving of the 3 points !

Derek.

4/11 - LUSK UNITED 3 MALAHIDE UNITED 3

TEAM SQUAD
Jack Torpey; Daniel Murphy, Cian Reid, Philip Ryan. Niall McCann; Max Sheridan; William McNamara

A bright, cold, slightly windy Saturday morning; ideal football conditions except the pitch grass was very long and wet. Three of the squad were not available for this match; our first game in the 8B1 league. All of the 7 available players would have to play for the entire game; a huge test for the entire squad.

The match started at a high tempo with both teams launching probing attacks. Due to the long grass the ball was hard to pass and did not travel far when kicked, it was also both hard and tiring for the players to run in the long grass. Lusk counterattacked well and a number of times used long clearances which by passed the mid field and caused us problems, Jack in goal, had come off his line a number of times to make brave saves at the feet of the Lusk forwards. However Lusk scored 2 goals which Jack could do nothing about – both times he was exposed two on one. Malahide kept working hard and were unlucky not to score from a number of well worked moves and a number of shots. At half time we were 2 down even though we were passing the ball well!

At half time we asked the players to keep up their hard work. A couple of minutes into the second half we were attacking the Lusk goal, after a mix up in mid field the ball was cleared to the Lusk forwards who scored a third – 3 nil down - how would the players react – were we dead and buried????

The entire 7 players kept their concentration and more importantly kept working hard. Malahide kept passing the ball well (as they had done for the entire game) and launched a further series of attacks on the Lusk goal. A long clearance from Jack was passed to Cian Reid who ran at the Lusk goal, beat a defender and shot into the back of the Lusk goal. A great goal and just reward for the team’s hard work. From the restart Malahide harried and pushed at the Lusk goal. A Lusk clearance fell to Max Sheridan whose shot/cross into the Lusk penalty area was met by a Lusk defender who headed into his own goal!

Malahide had the bit between their teeth – they were now working as hard as ever and kept pressurising the Lusk goal. Max Sheridan got the ball on the right hand side of the Lusk penalty area, his shot flew straight into the back of the Lusk net; 3-3. Malahide kept pressure on the Lusk goal until the final whistle!!

This was a very exciting match. The Malahide players were terrific; every one of the players gave their all and can deservedly be described as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – congratulations to Jack T; William; Philip; Niall Mc; Daniel M; Max and Cian.

6/10 RATOATH HARPS 1 MALAHIDE UNITED 5

TEAM SQUAD
Jack Torpey; Daniel O’Brien; Daniel Murphy, Niall Horan; Cian Reid, Philip Ryan. Niall McCann; Jack Nolan; Max Sheridan

A dry, sunny Saturday morning; it had been very wet during the week but the Ratoath pitches were playable; kick off at 10am; so an early start for the squad – we met up at 9am at Seabury Church. William Mc Namara was sick and was not available for selection. We decided to stick with the policy of position rotation and make substitutions in the middle of each half.

We played with the wind in our backs for the first half – the boys got stuck in from the first whistle and began to control the game. A series of quality moves resulted in good goal scoring chances but the Ratoath keeper pulled off a number of fine saves. We were beginning to dominate the game, with Cian Reid and Niall Mc Cann making a series of fine runs; Ratoath were expending huge energy in defence; it seemed only a matter of time before we would score. For the second period of the first half Niall Horan and Jack Nolan came on up front, both harried the Ratoath defence. We continued applying pressure and Jack Nolan went on a fine run finishing with a goal; 1 nil Malahide (at last!!). Before the half time whistle Jack Nolan scored another goal, so at half time we were deservedly 2 nil up.

From the start of the second half the boys continued to work hard and Daniel O’Brien soon got on the score sheet with a left footed shot. Malahide kept working hard with Max Sheridan involved in a number of attacks, one of which was finished off by Daniel O’Brien, who scored a second goal. Philip Ryan saw his great shot saved by the Ratoath keeper, who was in inspired form. During a rare Ratoath attack down our left wing the referee determined our goalie had fouled a Ratoath player in the box and awarded what looked like a soft penalty. Daniel Murphy (in goal for the second half) pulled off a great save but the taker scored the rebound. Having scored a goal Ratoath seemed to find new energy and began attacking with greater belief. For the final quarter we played deeper and started to hit Ratoath on the counter attack. Jack Torpey laid off a number of long passes one of which Daniel O’Brien latched onto; turned and shot into the back of the Ratoath net – a hat trick for Daniel – well done!!

The team played well today, all of the boys worked hard; passed the ball well; they were deservedly victorious today.

30/9 MALAHIDE UNITED 3 BALSCADDEN BOYS 2

A windy; showery Saturday morning; very testing conditions for our home fixture played at Gannon Park – kick off at 10am. The entire squad was available for selection. We decided to stick with the policy of position rotation and make substitutions in the middle of each half.

The Gannon Park pitch was in pristine condition for the match; though the weather was not as ideal and there were a number of squally showers during the game. The game started and Malahide (with the benefit of the wind in their backs) immediately began to put pressure on the opposition goal. It seemed that we might control the game but Balscadden counter-attacked well, and one of their attacks resulted in the first goal of the game - 1 nil down! Malahide kept pressing hard and eventually were rewarded with a well taken goal by Jack Nolan, who showed some silky smooth moves whilst playing up front. We continued to apply a lot of pressure with Daniel O’Brien and William Mc Namara working hard and winning a number of corners – we were preparing to take another corner when the referee blew up for half time.

In the second half Daniel Murphy went into goal having worked really hard during first half (he would be plenty busy for the second half also!); we were now playing against the wind but succeeded in applying pressure on the Balscadden goal. Only a couple of minutes into the second half the ball dribbled into the Balscadden goal from a shot from Jack Nolan – 2 for Jack and 2-1 to Malahide – game on! Balscadden with the wind in their backs were applying a lot of pressure on our goal – Daniel Murphy was forced into a number of quality saves; Niall Horan; Max Sheridan; Philip Ryan had to work hard to keep Balscadden at bay. Unfortunately for Malahide having missed a great chance to go further ahead the opposition launched an attack and a long range effort was deflected into our goal – 2-2. For the final quarter we played with Jack Torpey as lone striker, Cian Reid broke from defence, he laid the ball out to Jack on the right wing who dribbled the ball before returning a great diagonal pass back to Cian who had continued his run and was now one on one on the opposition keeper, Cian was in no mood for messing and promptly smashed the ball into the back of the net; 3 -2 Malahide! A hard match played in difficult conditions; Niall Mc Cann played a stormer in midfield; tackling tenaciously and winning important balls for Malahide; fantastic energy!!

Another enjoyable; high tempo game to watch; both sides went hard at each other and the boys had to work extremely hard for this deserved victory. If the boys had not worked so hard or had not kept their concentration we would not have won; so again this week – ‘’CONGRATULATIONS BOYS ON ANOTHER QUALITY PERFORMANCE!!!’’

23/9 SWORDS MANOR 2 MALAHIDE UNITED 4

A damp, blustery if mild Saturday morning; testing conditions for this away fixture. Max Sheridan was not available so we had a squad of 9 players. We decided to stick with the policy of position rotation and make substitutions in the middle of each half.

The Swords Manor pitch is smaller than the boys are used to and this seemed to suit the home side, we won the toss and opted to play with the benefit of a strong wind for the first half . The game started at a high tempo and we launched a series of attacks which Swords Manor worked hard to break down. It was not until late in the first quarter that our attacks were rewarded with a goal scored by Daniel Murphy. Shortly after Swords Manor were awarded a corner which they scored from. For the second quarter of the first half we had a number of chances but failed to score – hitting both the post and Niall Horan hit the cross bar after a long clearance from Jack Torpey – the Swords Manor goalkeeper was also forced into a number of fine saves. Swords were well capable of moving the ball quickly themselves and we had to work very hard to win back the ball – we were not going to dominate possession in this match!

In the first quarter of the second half Malahide kept up the pressure on the opposition goal, Daniel O’Brien scored a fine goal to put us 2-1 up. Our lead was short lived and Swords Manor scored an equaliser within a minute. In the second quarter of the second half the boys kept working hard. Cian Reid broke from mid-field dribbling past a number of Swords players before kicking the ball into the back of the net to put us 3 – 2 up. As a result of further pressure we were awarded another corner which Jack Torpey kicked into the heart of the Swords penalty area – Daniel Murphy connected with the ball to score his second and our fourth goal. This fourth goal had a calming effect on our players and there was not much more incident before the final whistle. At the end of the match all the players looked tired – Niall Mc Cann; Philip Ryan; Jack Nolan and William McNamara all had worked very hard for this victory. We had created a lot of chances but we had to keep working very hard until the final whistle.

A thoroughly enjoyable, if at times nerve wracking match, victory was only achieved because the entire squad worked so hard and concentrated on their task so well for the entire match – again this week WELL DONE LADS!!!

16/9 - MALAHIDE UNITED v. DUNSHAUGHLIN YOUTHS 0

Our first home competitive game in the U8C NDSL against Dunshaughlin Youths. A dry, sunny, calm day, ideal football conditions, the full squad was available for the game. We expected a tough game as Dunshaughlin had won their previous match 6-0. During Friday’s training session we had concentrated on drills dealing with tempo. The game comprised of 2 twenty minute halves; we had decided to rotate positions and make substitutions in the middle of each half.

The squad were focussed, and from the first whistle the boys worked hard to try to dominate possession. The first couple of minutes were scrappy with both teams trying to win possession in mid-field. The boys got the upper hand of this battle and succeeded in launching a series of attacks on the Dunshaughlin goal. Due to the boys hard work Dunshaughlin were finding it hard to get the ball out of their half and anytime they did our defenders dealt comfortably with same and typically released the ball to a team-mate, thus maintaining the teams control of the tempo of this game.

In the first quarter of the first half goals were scored by Niall Mc Cann and Cian Reid, both of whom hand run from deep linking with the forwards to score their goals. For the second quarter of the first half we switched forwards; Niall Horan came on and promptly scored the fastest hat-trick ever of this team! For good measure Niall scored another goal before half time! 4 goals in less than 10 minutes!! – Clinical finishing. Due to the teams commitment and hard work Jack Torpey in goal literally did not get a single touch of the ball for the entire first half!

For the second half the team was rotated again – Daniel Murphy went into goal; the team had the bit between their teeth and were determined not to relinquish their hard won dominance of the game. The team were awarded a free kick not far from the opposition penalty area and within striking distance? Max Sheridan took the kick and pumped the ball into the back of the net! Daniel O’Brien got in on the act with a well taken goal.

For the second quarter of the second half we again rotated the team who played some fine passing football, which deservedly resulted in 3 further goals – 1 for Philip Ryan and 2 for Cian Reid to complete his hat-trick – a fantastic tally from a mid-fielder! William McNamara, Jack Nolan and Jack Torpey all contributed hugely to the teams performance, all were involved in tackling hard and passing the ball well. It was fantastic to see that 5 of our goals today were scored from mid field positions!!

Congratulations to the entire squad for this impressive performance.

09/09 - SAINT ITAS 1 MALAHIDE UNITED 2

The teams first competitive game in the U8 NDSL – away to St Itas at Portrane. A dry, cloudy, windy day. This was a match of firsts for the boys:- first competitive game in the 8C league; first game in new kit (thanks to Vantive Holdings) ; first game with size 4 ball; first time to play a game of 2 twenty minute halves. An awful lot for the boys to cope with. We continued with the policy of rotating player positions through each game quarter.

The match started promptly and we were under immediate pressure from St Itas who played accurate long passes into the heart of our defence. The boys worked hard to deal with the St Itas attacks and eventually succeeded in launching some strong attacks, helped by long clearances from goal by Jack Torpey. During a period of continued Malahide pressure Niall Mc Cann shot whilst on the run, on the right wing from the edge of the penalty area – a fantastic shot straight into the side netting of the St Itas goal! – first goal of the new season – one up Malahide! The boys continued to work hard; their concentration was excellent and despite the fact of 3 substitutions in the middle of the half and full team rotation Malahide continued to apply pressure on the opposition goal. With 2 minutes to go in the first half St Itas broke down a Malahide attack – they counter-attacked swiftly on the right wing, it appeared the boys had their attack under control but the ball crossed our penalty area to one of St Itas players, who scored an equaliser – 1-1 at half time!

We again rotated team positions for the third quarter. Having scored the equaliser St Itas were full of spirit for the start of the second half. Malahide would have work hard if they were again to dominate the game. The boys did work hard and some superb attacking moves announced the teams desire to win this match. In the course of another Malahide attack the ball was passed swiftly between the players before falling to Daniel O’Brien who shot with his left foot – an unstoppable looping shot into the back of the St Itas net! 2-1 Malahide. In the final quarter both teams continued to attack – both Niall Mc Cann and Daniel Murphy took turns in goal – both were busy and Daniel was forced into a great save at his near post shortly after going into goal.

Niall Horan and Philip Ryan brook down many of St Itas attacks, Max Sheridan showed some great control in midfield, Jack Nolan, William McNamara and Cian Reid harried the St Itas playmakers, all the squad worked hard until the final whistle. Malahide earned a deserved, hard fought victory against a well organised, competitive opposition.

After the final whistle the boys confirmed they had enjoyed this high tempo, competitive game. If the squad continue to play with a blend of hard work and good quality passing moves then we should be able to hold our own in this league?....time will tell. The main lesson for us all to learn from this match is that the games in this seasons league will be both tougher and played at a much faster pace than last season.

Congratulations boys on a hard fought victory, won by 2 quality individual goals.

26/8 PORTMARNOCK 1 MALAHIDE UNITED 4 (Friendly)

The teams first game for the U8 NDSL 8C squad - a friendly against our near neighbours Portmarnock – at PSLC. A pleasant warm if cloudy day with sunny breaks and slight wind. Nine of the squad were available for the match. Four quarters were played. We were well on top for the first two quarters with several great chances created – but non converted. For the third quarter we decided to change the team around radically – Jack T was taken out of goal – the intention was for him to act as a linkman to try and provide a target man or provide a telling pass. We continued to create great goal scoring chances with a number of goal mouth incidents – but no conversions. Portmarnock were limited to forays without continuous pressure, unfortunately at the end of the third quarter one of their attacks resulted in a goal – we were undeservedly behind by a goal!

The entire 9 players (from each team) played for the fourth quarter; the team stuck to the game plan – and were rewarded with a goal! The ball got to Jack who passed it through to Cian who scored. The goal lifted the squad who found new energy; with strong runs from Max and William – strong runs along the flanks resulted in the second goal a fine volley from Cian with his left foot – their goalkeeper had no chance. Shortly later Cian completed his hat-trick after more fine team work. The final score was provided by Daniel Murphy – a just reward for a strong performance. All of the squad contributed to this victory and all deserve great credit for their hard work. All players rotated positions and worked really hard – thirsty work on this fine day!!

Well done boys – keep up the hard work. All in all good preparation for the coming seasons games.