23/04 FAI 1st Round (Click here for sull size printable pixture - 910kb)

Malahide 0 St Patricks Athletic 2

The firsts can take pride from their performance on Sunday but sadly it was not to be. We began slowly, possibly to do with the occasion. We were lucky not to be one down after 8 minutes had Paul Keegan done better with his header from a Molloy cross. However five minutes later the Saints were in front. Some sweet interplay between Keegan and Stephen Brennan ended with the ball at the feet of Quigley and the former Shamrock Rovers, making a rare start since his transfer, made no mistake with a low shot from 15 yards.

This setback seemed to awaken the team and we then entered our best spell of the game. On 18 minutes Ray came close following a through ball from Corky, however our best chance of the game again fell to Ray 5 minutes later whose early header produced a great save from Barry Ryan after a superb first-time cross from Wayne Griffin had set up the chance. That was as good as it got as Molloy made it 2-0 on 35 minutes when a scuffed shot from Anto Murphy fortuitously fell to him. We were reduced to ten men four minutes later when Mark Cromwell was shown the yellow card for the second time after an over-zealous challenge on Keegan, What had seemed a difficult task was no next to impossible.

With an eye on next Wednesdays match, manager Bobby Browne made some early substitutions in the 2nd half and Malahide's mission was to ensure that the defence was not further breached. While this may not have lead to a spectacular display to the large crowd, I hoped they appreciated the immense combined effort which ensured that the score remained at 2-0. While defending stoutly, we even mananged a rare attack which resulted in Neil Beasley running almost the lenght of the field to score, only to be flagged offside. Lets just hope that the players can put this result behind them as they prepare for the all-important final league encounter in Wayside.

Team: Colin Blanche., Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Mark Cromwell, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Adam Shehabeddin, Gareth Logan, Wayne Griffin, Alan Corcoran

Subs: Bobby Prendeville for Griffin, Neil Beasley for Corcoran, Kevin O Hanlon for Doyle,

Subs not used Patrick Dunne, Eamonn Sheridan, Adam Firych, Paul Reilly

Bangor Celtic 2 Malahide 3

With only 2 league matches remaining and lying level with Wayside Celtic at the top of the table this was a crucial tie away to last seasons champions. The sense of the occasion told early as we were slow to start. We were quickly punished for a lack of concentration when Bangor went ahead after only 4 minutes following an excellent strike from the edge of the box. thankfully this setback had a positive effect and we quickly up the tempo and applied constant pressure on the bangor defense. This resulted in chances falling to both Ray and Wayne, however, neither mananged to convert. However, after 23 minutes an excellent crossfield ball from Alan Doyle found Gareth Logan at the edge of the 6 yayrd boz, he cooly slotted home to equalise. While we continued to press, the score remained level at halftime. The 2nd half proved to be more of the same with Colin Blanche having little to do. The pressure told after 55 minutes when a cross from Mark Cromwell was converted by Wayne with a header at the near post. This was quickly added to 4 minutes later when a cross from Gareth Logan was taken down in the 6 yard box by Alan Corcoran and then poked home by Alan Doyle. At this stage we appeared to be cruising to a comfortable 3-1 win. However 2 minutes into injury time a shot was parried by Colin Blanche but following a goalmouth scramble Bangor reduced the lead to 3-2. There followed another anxious 3 minutes before the ref blew the final whistle, much to the relief of the travelling supporters. All is well set for a title decider away to Wayside Celtic next weekend

Team: Colin Blanche, Mark Cromwell,, John Lawlor, Anthony Mitchell, Stephen Reddy, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Adam Shehabeddin, Wayne Griffin, Gareth Logan, Alan Corcoran

Subs: Neil Beasely for Corcoran, Eamonn Sheridan for Griffin

Malahide 0 Crumlin United 0

This was a crucial tie played between the 2 top teams in the league. There was a sense of occasion with a large crowd and the Malahide United girls Under 14s performing ballboy duties on the day. In the face of a stiff breeze we were on the back foot in the first half and were lucky when Crumlin hit the crossbar twice with thunderous drives. However it was not all one way and we were unlucky when a shot from Wayne was cleared off the line. The second half was very much dominated by us and we came closest when Wayne was put through with a one on one with the keeper. While Wayne struck his shot well the Crumlin keeper did well to block the close range effort. Further chances fell to Ray Whelehan and later to Alan Corcoran, who ran 40 yards with the ball, cut inside and unleashed a fine drive which struck the upright. While a win would have gone a long way to securing the title, a draw leaves us very much in the hunt with only 4 games remaining. We are now looking forward to thhe FAI Senior cup match against Donegal outfit Fanad United on Sunday 23rd April at 2:30 in Gannon Park. Hopefully we will have a strong turnout to support the 1st team for this tie.

Malahide 2 Glenmore Dundrum 1

This was an important tie between 2 teams challanging for the league. Once again we started very brightly and took the lead after only 13 minutes when a through ball from Alan Doyle was touched on by Wayne to Ray who calmly slotted home. We continued to press and the pressure told in the 26th minute when Wayne ran on to a long ball and blasted past the onrushing keeper. Just when it seemed that we were beginning to coast Glenmore got a goal back just 3 minutes later from a free kick at the edge of the box. As expected Glenmore pushed hard in the 2nd half for an equaliser and the back 4 of Stephen Reddy, Neil Beasley, Anthony Mitchell and John Lawlor were immense. Wayne had several chances to put the tie beyond doubt but each time he was denied by a keeper in form. The home crowd were relieved to hear the final whistle and this result means we remain top of the league with only 5 games remaining.

Team: Pat Dunne, Mark Cromwell,, Neil Beasley, John Lawlor, Anthony Mitchell, Stephen Reddy, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Daryll Collins, Wayne Griffin, Adam Firych

Subs: Bobby Prendeville for Firych

Glebe North 2 Malahide 2

This was another game that started brightly, however, manager Bobby Browne was given early problems when an injury to Mickey Wright forced a substitution after only 5 minutes, with Corky replacing Mickey. The sustained pressure in the 1st half paid dividends after 32 minutes when a cross from Wayne was met at the backpost by John Lawlor. His header back across the goal was met by Adam who converted from close range. The 2nd half was surprisingly different from the 1st with Glebe playing with more determination and Malahide looking surprisingly offkey. Glebe took only 4 minutes to equalise when a through ball was latched onto and converted into the near post. Glebe were having the better of the exchanges and on 81 minutes the pressure finally told when keeper Colin Blanche was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the box when trying to cut out a through ball. He was duly sent off and reserve keeper Pat Dunne was brought on. His 1st act was to take the ball out of the net as Glebe converted the resulting free kick. This seemed to awaken us and we equalised 4 minutes later following a flick on from Alan Doyle which fell to Adam who converted for his 2nd. We almost took all 3 points when Spongy was put through in added time however he failed to round the keeper, who made an excellent save.

Next sunday is crucial with the top 4 teams in the league all playing each other. We are at home to Glenmore Dundrum in Gannon Park at 2:00

Team: Colin Blanche, Mark Cromwell,, Paul Reilly, John Lawlor, Anthony Mitchell, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Gareth Logan,, Wayne Griffin, Adam Firych

Subs: Alan Corcoran for Wright, Daryll Collins to Logan, Pat Dunne for Corcoran

Bluebell United 1 Malahide 1

The 1st team started this game very brightly and the early pressure told after only 10 minutes when Paul Reilly broke from the back and found Wayne Griffin. His early shot beat the onrushing keeper. However the ball was rolling narrowly wide until his strike partner Adam Firych followed up and tapped home from 2 yards. Only 6 minutes this move was almost repeated however on this occasion a Bluebell defender managed to prevent Adam converting. After only 23 minutes the large away support was stunned when Bluebell carved nn equaliser from nothing with a stunning volley from 20 yards. The 2nd half was very much like the first with Malahide continuously pressing for a winner. Paul Reilly came closest when his back post effort was brilliantly saved by the Bluebell keeper. Late chances fell to Mickey Wright, Gareth Logan and Ray Whelehan however none managed to hit the target. In the end we had to settle for the point. While it was not ideal, it still leaves us in a challanging position in the league..

Team: Colin Blanche, Stephen Reddy, Paul Reilly, John Lawlor,, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Gareth Logan, Daryll Collins, Wayne Griffin, Adam Firych

Subs: Kevin O Hanlon for Collins

Tolka Rovers 1 Malahide 1 - Metropolitan Cup (Tolka win 4-2 on penalties)

A much depleted 1st team began this encounter brightly and early pressure told after 25 minutes when Mickey Wright fired home from 25 yards. Going in at half time they had every right to believe that they had controlled the game. However, although unchanged, it was a different side that took to the park in the 2nd half, For some reason they seemed to lack the drive annd effort shown in the first half and this spurred on a previously cautious Tolka. The pressure finally told with 15 minutes remaining when Tolka converted directly from a free kick on the edge of the box. This seemed to awaken Malahide and chances fell to Wayne, Bobby annd Corky, however none were taken, Following a fairly eventless 2 periods of extra time, the game went to penalties. Both Ray and John Lawlor converted, however both Spongy and Corky's efforts were well saved. At this stage all eyes are now firmly focused on the league campaign, with only 8 matches remaining we still top the table and face a tricky fixture next week away to a resurgent Bluebell

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Mark Cromwell,, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Gareth Logan, Bobby Prendeville, Wayne Griffin

Subs: Paul Reilly for Cromwell, Alan Corcoran for Logan, Kevin O Hanlon for Prendeville

Crumlin United 2 Malahide 0 - Intermediate Cup replay

In a very tight fiirst half, we had very very much on control and the best chance of the half fell to Mickey Wright following a quick exchange of passes between Ray and Bobby, Sadly his close range effort was well saved by the Crumlin keeper. The 2nd half began in much the same fashion woth Malahide enjoying most of the possession and Crumlin looking particularly dangerous from set pieces. With 22 minutes gone distaster struck when a Crumlin free kick on the right was not cleared into the path of a Crumlin forward and he hit a superb volley from 20 yards. We reacted w ell to going behind and quickly created our best chance, only for Daryll to miss the target from 10 yards. We continued to create chances only for the Crumlin keeper to save well from both. Mickey and Paul Reilly. John Lawlor also came close from a corner. However in pushing for the equaliser, we left gaps at the back and this was exploited with only 2 minutes remaining when a Crumlin player raced from the halfway line and hit a thrunderous shot from 20 yards leaving Pat no chance. The final act of the match involved Mickey Wright who, while challanging for a ball in the middle, unfortunately split his head . Following some bandaging from physio Ciaran Mooney, Mickey was very upset that he was forced to go to the hospital and not allowed to play on.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Neil Beasley,, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Daryll Collins, Bobby Prendeville, Mark McGovern

Subs: Stephen Bennett for Collins, Paul Smith for Whelehen, Alan Corcoran for Reddy

Clover 1 Malahide 3

This was a morning kickoff played at the foot of the Dublin mountains in breezy conditions. In the circumstances it was not surprising that flowing football was at a premium. Things did not begin well for us with both Treanor and Eamonn failing fitness tests. However the two Marks that replaced them showed they were well able to step into their shoes. The first half was scrappy with Malahide playing into a stiff breeze. There was little to admire in the opening stages as both sides struggled to get used to the conditions. However the game came to life after 35 minutes with a moment of brilliance from Daryll Collins. He collected the ball outside the baox, skipped past 3 defenders before curling a ball into the top corner, to put the visitors one ahead. Given the conditions, we were happy to go in ahead at half time. With the advantous of the wind in the 2nd half we began to dominate. After only 8 minutes A through ball from Ray put Wayne through for a one on one with the keeper. However his effort was well saved. The pressure finally told after 22 minutes when Paul Reilly's ball found Daryll he pocked out Mickey Wright as he ran into the box and his firist time strike found the net to put us 2 ahead. We almost extended this lead when Daryll's corner almost went directly into the net, landing on the crossbar instead. Just as we felt the points were in the bag, Clover narrowed the gap with only 5 minutes remaining as a cross from the right was converted from 7 yeards, leaving Colin no chance. This led to an edgy final period however the tie was finally settled 3 minutes later when Ray found himself all alone only 6 yeards out following a mixup in the Clover defense. He made no mistake is slotting home and restoring the advantage. This win maintains our challange for the league title with only 9 games remaining.

Team: Colin Blanche, Paul Reilly, John Lawlor, Neil Beasley, Mark Cromwell, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Daryll Collins, Wayne Griffin, Mark McGovern

Subs: Stephen Bennett for Collins, Kieth Rock for Whelehen

Cherry Orchard 0 Malahide 2

We arrived out to this game early only to find a frozen pitch. Luckily the pitch thawed sufficiently for the game to proceed, however, it was far from ideal conditions for this important game. Things seemed to be going from bad to worse when Treanor was substituted after only 5 minutes as a result of an injury received the previous week. Manager Bobby Browne was to be given more headaches when he had to replace Eamonn Sheridan just 5 minutes later following a hefty challange. However, substitutes Mark Cromwell and Bobby Prendeville took their opportunity and showed that they could easily perform at this level. After taking some time to settle we slowly took the initiative and this paid off after 35 minutes. Darylll produced some fine footwork to take the ball into the box, following several tackles, the ball fell to Bobby and he struck the ball into the rook of the net from 8 yards. The 2nd half began with Malahide very much on the back foot. There were several last ditch tackles from the back 4 to deny the Orchard . There was worse to come 15 minutes into the half when Wayne was on the end of another strong tackle ending his morning. He was replaced by Paul Reilly. Having withstood the pressure from Cherry Orchard we created several chances to wrap up the game, with both Mickey Wright and Alan Doyle coming close. The pressure finally told with only 8 minutes remaining when Daryll found Mickey Wright, who converted at the back post to secure all 3 points.

Team: Colin Blanche, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Daryll Collins, Wayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Mark Cromwell for Mitchell,, Bobby Preneville for Sheridan, Paul Reilly for Griffin

Malahide 1 Tolka Rovers 0

This was a game of 2 penalties, with Wayne converting a penalty whereas Colin Blanche saved a penalty from Tolka in the dying minutes. This result moved us to giant-top of the table.

Malahide 3 Greystones 1

This was a game played in tough conditions with the wind and rain howling. There was no surprise that the crowd was sparse, however those hardy souls that arrived witnessed another good win. The game opened brightly with Ray Whelehan showing the way after only 5 minutes when he broke through the Greystones defense only to shoot narrowly wide. However, the early pressure paid off after 14 minutes when a through ball from Stephen Connolly found Eamonn Sheridan. who cooly converted into the far corner. Playing with the benefit of a stiff breeze we continued to press and Eamonn was unlucky when after 24 minutes he chased down the Greystones keeper, blocked his clearence but was unlucky to see his header from 3 yeards into an empty net bounce narrowly wide. This was without doubt due to the spin on the ball from the deflection. For all our pressure in the 1st half the sides went in at half time with Malahide only 1-0 ahead. Going into the 2nd half we expected an onslaught from Greyatones, thankfully it was Wayne who provided the first sparkling moment in the 2nd half. He collected a ball on the sideline, ran towards the goal, beat 2 players and then passed the ball past the keeper into the far post to put us 2-0 up. If we thought we could then rest on our laurels, we got a quick awakening when Greystones scored only 3 minutes later. This came from a Malahide corner, Greystones broke quickly and keeper Colin Blanche was unlucky to be beaten with a shot that took a slight deflection. The dangling nerves were settled by Wayne with only 5 minutes remaining when a hard tackle by Neil Beasley saw the breaking ball fall to Wayne, who managed to chip the keeper from 25 yards to finally secure the 3 points. We are looking forward now to a Metro cup tie away to an in form Tolka Rovers next week.

Team: Colin Blanche, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Stephen Connolly, Daryll Collins, Wayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Mark McGovern for Whelehan, Stephen Conway for Sheridan, Mark Cromwell for Connolly

Malahide 2 Bangor Celtic 2

This was one of the most entertaining matches ever in Gannon Park. From the very start there was contoversy. Strainght from the kickoff Wanye found a way though the Bangor defense, only to be pulled back by a Bangor defender. Despite the crowd baying for a red card, the referee just gave the free kick and a dressing down to the player. The game quickly settled into a battle with neither side looking dangerous. However with 20 minutes gone, a corner from debutee Darly Collins found John Lawlor at the backpost. He headed across goal and found Wayne at the opposite post but his header was cleared off the line. Following a sustained period of Malahide pressure, centre-half Treanor was caught on the ball and the Bangor player moved on goal, he evaded the tackle of Stephen Reddy and slotted the ball past a stranded Pat Dunne. Rather than unsettle us, this goal only made us raise the pace of the game and Wayne was unlucky to see his shot narrowly clear the crossbar just before halftime. The 2nd half began much like the first with Malahide applying the pressure and Bangor defending stoutly. However it came to life after 20 minutes when we put the ball out of play to allow treatment to an injured Bangor player. Bangor indicated that they were returning the ball to Pat, but he "inadvertantly" managed to score from 30 yeards. With that all hell broke loose with both Bobby and Deccie on the pitch threatening to take the team off. The game did resume with Eamonn trying to score from the tip-off. With the protests still ringing, the Bangor keeper deliberatly passed the ball to Wayne to score. However the fullback was having none of this and tackled Wayne before he could convert. At this stage the message came from the Bangor dugout and the keeper again passed to Wayne who converted. However this was disallowed by the referee who adjudged that the ball had not left the box. For a third time the keeper passed to Wayne who finally brought the score back to 2-1. The game once again returned to normal and the same pattern emerged. With only 2 minutes remaining Bobby made his last throw of the dice and brought on Stephen Conway. Immediatly Neil O Brien did some excellent work outside the box adn passed into the onrushing Conway who converted to level the scores. This was not the end of the drama as young Conway was then substituted following his one and only kick. All said, this was a good result and bodes well for the remainder of the campaign.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, ,Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Daryll CollinsWayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Neil O Brien for Reddy, Stephen Conway for Collins, Mark Cromwell for Conway

Malahide 2 Moyle Park 0

For the second game in a row we managed to score very early when Wayne latched onto a long ball on the righthand edge of the box and finished excellently into the far corner giving the Moyle Park keeper no chance. We continued to press and this nearly paid off when, after 12 minutes, Mickey Wright ran into the box and passed to Darren Brady at the back post. He was unlucky to see his early strike come off the crossbar. 4 minutes later Ray beat the offside trap and attempted to chip the onrushing keeper, sadly this went narrowly wide. The game continued in this fashion with Malahide applying all the pressure. We again came close when a ball fell to Alan Doyle at the edge of the box, he struck it sweetly which produced a fine save from the keeper. However, for all the pressure we went in at half time just one goal to the good. The second half was a much closer affair with few chances falling to either side. We nearly had cause to rue all the missed chances in the first half when, after 65 minutes, a Moyle Park player broke through the back 4 however Pat Dunne was quickly off his line and saved his shot from close range. The game was finally put to rest when Ray once again broke through the defence. with only 2 minutes remaining. and tucked the ball under the approaching keeper. This was a great way to finish off the year and it now leaves the side in a strong position to challange for the league in 2006. With this job done Bobby, Deccie and the lads can now enjoy Christmas (but not too much lads), see you all in the new year.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Darren Brady, Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Wayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Mark Cromwell for Brady, Stephen Connolly for Mitchell

Greystones 1 Malahide 3

Once again we started very brightly and went in front after only 2 minutes when Neil Beasley met a Darren Brady corner at the back post and powered a header home. We continued to totally dominate the game but failed to increase the margin. Following harsh words at halftiime we emerged in the 2nd half as determined. Once again we managed an early goal when Eamonn Sheridan turned nimbly in the box and slotted home in the corner to put us 2 up. We continued to dominate until the 70th minute when all hell broke loose following some indiscipline by a Greystones player. This resulted in him receiving his marching orders. However, the 10 men of Greystones lifted their game and slowly began to exert pressure. This soon paid off when they managed an equaliser when Pat was given little chance from a fine strike (it is about time John Lawlor found the net) to reduce the deficit. Memories of last weeks draw away to Tolka came to mind. However these were soon dispelled when a run into the box from Mickey Wright resulted in his shot being blocked. Wayne was first to react and cooly performed an overhead kick to beat the keeper and restore the 2 goal lead. This was an important victory as it secures not only a place in the quarter-finals of the Intermediate cup but also secures a place in the first round of the FAI Senior Cup.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Darren Brady, Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Wayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Bobby Prendeville for Brady

Tolka Rovers 2 Malahide 2

We started well with the first chance of the day falling to Eamonn after 7 minutes, whose shot from outside the box was well saved by the Tolka keeper. Early in the half the crowd all ducked for cover when Spongy was all alone on the 18 yard line watching a long ball come towards him, from nowhere he was shot by a sniper (no relation of Eamonn's) and fell to the ground and a Tolka player was through on goal.. Luckily he was too surprised to finish. The game progressed with little opportunities falling to either side, however, with 30 minutes gone Eamonn latched onto a loose ball in the box and curled a ball over his head (and the keeper) into the roof of the net to give us the lead. Just before halftime Ray made a powerful run into the Tolka box, passed to Wayne who duly chipped the keeper to put us 2 up at the interval. While we expected an onslaught in the second half, Ray and Mickey did very well in midfield to break up Tolka moves. Tolka came closest after 65 minutes when Pat made a superb save following a free kick. Regretfully Tolka did manage to close the gap when they converted with a near post shot from a corner in the 75 minute. Worse was to follow when Tolka equalised with just 6 minutes remaining. While we had several chances to clear the ball, it eventually fell to a Tolka forward at the edge of the box and his shot gave Pat little chance. We cintinued to press for the winner and John Lawlor was unlucky to see his close range effort come off the upright, Treannor was also unlucky when, after beating 2 players in the box, his effort was well saved by the keeper. With the way the game went we felt disappointed with the draw but now look forward to next weeks important Intermediate Cup game away to Greystones.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Mark Cromwell, Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Mickey Wright, Wayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Malahide 0 Wayside Celtic 2

We were very slow to get into this game and keeper Pat Dunne was forced to make 2 good saves in the opening 5 minutes. However, this was to no avail when Wayside opened the scoring after 6 minutes following a free-kick that was not cleared and a Wayside forward pounced on a second ball to gave Pat no chance. Despite this setback we slowly began to gain momentum and after 25 minutes a free-kick from Darren Brady fell to John Lawlor and his effort just cleared the crossbar. 10 minutes later Mark Cromwell came close following another ball to the backpost from Darren. This was a wake-up call for Wayside and they once again dominated and forced another fine save f rom Pat. However the pressure again told when a Wayside player jumped unchallanged to nod home a corner just before halftime. Despite our best efforts we were unable to create any chances of note in the 2nd half as Wayside closed-up shop. The only events of note were an injury to Treannor (bad head swelling, he will have a beauty black-eye when he wakes on Monday) and a sending off for Neil O Brien (2 yellow cards). There can be no doubt that Wayside dominated this game and we will need to learn a lesson quickly if we hope to challange for the league.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Mark Cromwell, Neil Beasley, Alan Doyle, Ray Whelehan, Neil O Brien,, Darren Brady, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Bobby Prendeville for Reddy, Mickey Wright for Cromwell and Paul Reilly for Mitchell

Malahide 4 Clover United 2

This game opened brightly with Eamonn Sheridan opening the scoring after only 7 minutes wiith a near post header following a cross from Neil Beasley. Chances soon followed with both Wayne and Ray coming close. However it was not all one way and Pat Dunne made a fine save following a corner and Anthony (Treannor) Mitchell headed off the line. We contiinued to press during the opening half and both wayne and Eamonn forced good saves from the Clover keeper, however despiite these chances the score remained 1-0 at half time.

While we began brightly in the 2nd half, mistakes in the 52nd minute allowed a Clover forward time and space in the 6 yard box to head home an equaliser. However soon after a free kick was converted by substitute Darren Brady to once again give us the lead. This lead was short lived as a series of corners resulted in Clover once again leveling the scores in the 65th minute. But with 10 minutes remaining Wayne was put through by Darren and his early strike was superb beating the keeper at the near post. 5 minutes later Wayne settled the tie when he was again put through by Ray to finish emphatically.

Team: Pat Dunne, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Mark Cromwell, Neil Beasley, Paul Reilly, Ray Whelehan, Neil O Brien,, Wayne Griffin, Eamonn Sheridan

Subs: Darren Brady for Reilly and John Traynor for Sheridan

Crumlin Utd 4 Malahide 3

We did not begin this game as well as we would have liked and it clearly showed when Crumlin opened the scoring after 5 minutes when an effort was converted at the front post following a corner. However we settled well after this and Paul Smith came close following a free kick from Treanor after 15 minutes. Another chance came on the half hour when Eamonn Sheridan was just wide following a Smithy corner. However as the half ended we were lucky when Ray cleared off the line only for Crumlin to score soon after follwing a cross from the right which was converted at the back post.

Following harsh words from the management at halftime we began the 2nd half with a little more grit and determination. This quickly resulted in a goal when Stephen Bennett hit a super pass over the back 4 for Eamonn to convert. On 55 minutes Neil O Brien cleared off the line, from the resulting attack Eamonn crossed to the backpost and this was converted by the onrushing Paul Reilly to equalise the scores. Not long after a chance fell to John Lawlor whose header went narrowly over the bar. However with only 15 minutes remaining a contoversial penalty was awarded to Crumlin when keeper Pat Dunne was adjudged to have fouled the onrushing Crumlin forward. The spotkick was converted to again give Crumlin the lead at 3-2. with 5 minutes remaining Ray Whelehen made a superb run from midfield which ended with him being upended in the Crumlin box for the 2nd penalty of the game. While Eamonn's spotkick was initially saved he converted with the rebound to level the scores. In the dying minutes both sides pressed for a winner, regretfully this fell to Crumlin who scored a spectacular winner following a fine move. We cntinued to press despite this knockback and Wayne was unlucky to see his effort cleared off the line in the dying minutes.

While this was a disappointing result, against a side that are currently undefeated in the league, it was a spirited second half and we will hope to take the positives into the next league match whixh is away to fellow title contenders Wayside Celtic

Malahide 7 Home Farm 2

This was an excellent performance by the 1st team and guarentees a place in the all important 3rd round of the Intermediate cup, which is the qualifying round for the FAI Senior cup. The game began brightly with Eamonn (mon mon mon) Sheridan turning in the box and slotting cooly into the far corner after 5 minutes. Our constant pressure was again rewarded after 26 minutes when hesitation in the Home Farm defense allowed Wayne (I'm a tough nut midget) Griffin in to score the second. Malahide again came close when Ray (long balls sublime) Whelehan came close with a header. There then followed 2 efforts off the upright (from Wayne and Darren (I'm obsessed with my nuts) Brady before a through ball from Alan (twinkle toes) Corcoran found Wayne who allowed Paul (taxi driver daddy cool) Smith in to score the 3rd just before half time. The second half began much the same as the first with Malahide continuing to pile on the pressure. This was quickly rewarded when a corner from Darren was met by Neil (Mexican Miguel) Beasley who headed home from the backpost. 5 minutes later Darren slipped Wayne through and he finished to make it 5-0. However straight from the kickoff Anthony (I'm hard and I dont shave) Mitchell and John (the leper) Lawlor gave the Home Farm centre forward too much room and he chipped keeper Pat (I talk loads) Dunne leaving him no chance. The 5 goal advantage was quickly restored when Eamonn picked the ball up at the halfway line, shrugged off several tackles and again beat the onrushing Farm keeper. With 5 minutes remaining Home Farm again reduced the lead to 4 with an excellent finish. However the game ended with Eamonn completing his hattrick converting a cross from Stephen (Bobby Charlton) Reddy. The 1sts now look forward to a very important league fixture next week away to Crumlin Utd.

(Nicknames courtesy of Alan Corcoran as a parting shot to his teammates. We will certainly miss him but wish him all the best in his travels)

Malahide 0 Bluebell 0

This was a disappointing result for the first team given that Bluebell are currently bottem of the league, however a recent change in management together with a good win in the cup against Cherry Orchard last week meant that we were facing a resurgent Bluebell. The game began brightly with early chances falling to Terry Corbally and Wayne Griffin. However on 20 minutes we survived a scare when keeper Keith Donoghue was beaten only for Stephen Reddy to clear off the line. On 31 minutes Wayne Griffin shot narrowly wide from just outside the box.Two further chances fell to Malahide before the halftime whistle with Wayne heading wide from a corner and Ray Whelehen forcing a great save from the Bluebell keeper from a free kick. The second half began with Malahide continuing to press a busy Bluebell defense, however with after 57 minutes the in form Alan Corcoran was sent off for retaliation, much to the dismay of all in Gannon Park. Although reduced to 10 men Malahide continued to look the more likely side to break the deadlock. On 67 minutes centrehalf John Lawlor made a surging run through midfield, found Ray Whelehan on the edge on the box and his early ball slipped Wayne through the Bluebell defense. While his angled shot beat the Bluebell keeper, the full back managed to make up the ground and cleeard off the line.Malahide continued to press in the closing minutes and chances fell to Darren Brady and Mickey Wright. However we failed to convert and so the game ended scoreless. While this was a much improved performance from last week the failure to convert any of the chances left the management team very disappointed. No doubt the sending off of Corcoran was a turning point in the game. Ironically Corky is heading off to Australia in 2 weeks. Hopefully he will be able leave on a brighter note if he is selected next week in the Intermediate cup.

Team: Keith Donoghue, Stephen Reddy, Anthony Mitchell, John Lawlor, Mark Cromwell, Alan Corcoran, Darren Brady, Ray Whelehan, Barry Cooney, Wayne Griffin, Terry Corbally

Subs: Mickey Wright for Cooney

Subs not used: Pat Dunne, John Traynor, Neil Beasley, Sean Hogan

Verona 1 Malahide 1 (Verona win 3-2 on penalties)

 

Malahide started the game well and were quickly rewarded with a fine finish from Wayne Griffin. However what followed next was hard to view. It seemed as if Malahide felt that the game was over and that they just needed to go through the motions and progress in the cup. However, you learn the hard way at this level that there are no easy games. All victories are hard fought for. Verona were well worth their equaliser when it came with 15 minutes remaining. To be fair to the lads they managed to raise their game and totally dominated the rest of the match. Verona to their credit defended stoutly and managed to repel all attacks. Then came the dreaded penalties. The first 2 pens were well converted by Alan (spongy) Doyle and Wayno Griffin. Sadly Anthony (treanor) Mitchell blasted over. The next 2 penalties (from Stephen Reddy and Barry Cooney) were saved. At this stage the score was 2-2 so we went into sudden death. Ray Whelehan stepped up and his pen was well saved. Verone then stepped up and converted and we were going home. If nothing else it will be a lesson learnt and hopefully the lads will lift themselves back up for home game against Bluebell next Sunday at 2:00

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(click here for last seasons epic...)!

Malahide edge out the Glebe in local derby tie
© Fingal Independant 02/09/05

Malahide 2:1 Glebe North

By Paraic Brady

LAST season the rain came down in buckets as the new kids on the block met their more experienced counter parts from Balbriggan and shared the spoils and after this mid-week fixture as the players left Gannon Park the heavens opened again. But it was the home side who drove away the happiest after bagging all three points thanks to a somewhat fortuitous opening goal.

Malahide had the best of the first half but it was Glebe who got on the score sheet first when Jonathan O'Brien took a quick free kick and found Pat Campbell who finished well into the right corner netting. It was 1:0 to the Balbriggan side at half time.

The pendulum began to swing Malahide's way when 13 minutes after the break a ricochet off the cross bar fell favourably into the path of their number 16, Alan Corcoran, and he coolly slotted home. While they were lucky with their first their second, five minutes later, was simply breathtaking as Adam Shehabadeen's shot from outside the box gave his old team mate, keeper Colm Blanche, no chance. In fairness the home side did have a Stephen Reddy penalty missed and on the balance of play deserved the victory and the result was Malahide's second win of the season and Glebe's second defeat but as Manager Bobby Brown knows it is early days yet. As the final whistle blew it was great to see Blanche make his way up the field and congratulate Griffin on Malahide's win.

On Sunday Brown's sides super start to the season was halted by Glenmore Dundrum as Malahide suffered their first defeat of the season going down by 3:1 with Alan Corcoran scoring a late consolation goal. 'It was a bad day at the office,' said spokesperson for the club, Gary O'Toole, afterwards and their poor performance was compounded by another missed penalty and news that their new keeper Keith O'Donoghue who picked up an injury against Glebe could be out for some time. Last season's second keeper Ivan Sherlock filled in against Glenmore.

Malahide United: Keith O'Donoghue, John Gaines, Alan Doyle, John Trainer, Stephen Reddy, Alan Corcoran, Adam Shehabadeen, Ray Whelahan, Darren Brady, Eamon Sheridan, Wayne Griffin.

Subs: Niall O'Brien (Darren Brady), Bobby Prendiville (Eamon Sheridan), Paddy Donoghue (Keith Donoghue).

Four-star Malahide enjoy a perfect start
© Fingal Independant 26/08/05

Moyle Park 0 : 4 Malahide United

MAGNIFICENT Malahide enjoyed one of their best starts to a new season with four super goals, a clean sheet and a spirited performance that saw their star striker Wayne Griffin score twice as they ran out clear winners against Moyle Park.

'I was very pleased with everyone and could not have asked for more,' said a pleased Declan Roche, Malahide's assistant manager, afterwards.

His charges started brightly with Alan Corcoran getting the opener in the 10th minute thanks to a fine volley from close range after a pass from Paul Smith. It was no more than they deserved as the Fingal outfit already look like the form horse.Moyle Park applied pressure for the next 15 minutes and came close on two occasions following a free kick and a corner but Malahide's new Keeper Keith Donohue was up to the task. Then in the 25th minute a Corcoran cross was met by Ray Whelahan who headed home from 6 yards to make it 2-0.

Malahide literally began to strut and looked in control from then on. After the break the Fingal side, as sprightly as before, had a great chance when Adam Shahabadaneen beat the offside trap before blasting narrowly over. Griffin bagged his first in the 64th minute after Corcoran, who was having a great game, passed to Smith on the right and his early ball found Wayne who bundled home.

The Fingal side content with their three points began to experiment and brought on Stephen Hardiman as well as two youngsters Bobby Prendiville and Mickey Wright (son of league of Ireland player Mickey Wright) who both played under 18 football last season. Both young man put in an impressive showing and it augers well for the future. With ten minutes remaining a misplaced Moyle Park back pass hit Griffin and ricochet into the netting to make it four and the result send out a warning to the others in the senior division. 'It was just the start we wanted and we just have to build on that,' added Roche who said he was impressed by signings Keeper Keith Donohue, Anthony Mitchell, Ray Whelahan and Darren Brady. Eamon Sheridan, another new player on the block who was away today but will be back for the big one against Malahide on Wednesday.

Malahide United: Keith Donoghue, John Gaines, Alan Doyle, Anthony Mitchell, Stephen Reddy, Alan Corcoran, Ray Whelahan, Adam Shahabadaneen, Darren Brady, Paul Smith, Wayne Griffin.

Malahide show good form in early season victory
© Fingal Independant 05/08/05

St. Kevins 0 : Malahide United 4

MALAHIDE cruised to a comfortable victory in a friendly against St. Kevins last Sunday that was as much about trials and signings as it was about pre-season preparation. All three players on the score sheet were new names at the club with Terry Corbally from the Navan Road finding the netting twice. The first came when he broke and rounded the keeper after Adam Shehabadeen passed through while his second followed a keeper's mistake.

Malahide Manager Bobby Brown admitted that talks were ongoing with Corbally and spoke of him as 'an exciting player. It is the first time I've seen him. He has a big presence and fitted in well. So hopefully he will come on board.' The two other goals came from Neil O'Brien and Ciaran Beasley, two players that are 'set to sign'. Neil beat the offside trap before going past the keeper and two defenders to get his one while Ciaran capitalised on another error by the Kevin's keeper.

'All in all I hope to have at least five or six good signing before we start back,' said Brown who went on to say his two most promising acquisitions Keeper Keith Donoghue from Killester and player Anthony Mitchell from Ussher Celtic had looked sharp against Kevins. Malahide first league game is the weekend of the 21st of August and they hope to better last season's impressive fifth place finish as well as bag a trophy.