Malahide 5-1 Dundrum: Spectacular Weather, Spectacular Performance
First of all, a big shout-out to Sam Dinan for lacing up his boots as the bank holiday weekend meant we were short of players for today’s squad.
The lads were determined to prove that the reverse fixture against Dundrum was a fluke win for them, as we certainly had our chances to win that game. Today, they showcased their intent right from the kickoff.
We started off at a blistering pace, almost immediately threatening down the right-hand side. Our defence, resolute and organised, kept Dundrum’s quick striker quiet, attacking every high ball and playing out from the back with ease. Just 15 minutes in, Sam picked up the ball in the Dundrum half and found himself at the byline. He put in a lifted cross that sailed over the keeper and nestled into the back of the net. The pressure had paid off, and the goal was well deserved.
Continuing to play with purpose, it took just 22 minutes for us to double our lead. Cillian was played through towards goal, and although the fullback forced him wide, a lovely chop back inside allowed him to create space. He delivered a precision cross into the six-yard box, where an onrushing Toby met it with a composed side-foot finish. At this point, Dundrum didn’t know what had hit them. Things got even worse for them when Sam picked up the ball on the halfway line, weaved past five players, drove into the box, and slotted past the keeper for a brilliant solo goal. We went into half-time with a commanding 3-0 lead.
The second half began just as dominantly as the first. Playing the ball around with intent, we sought the next goal, which arrived in the 49th minute. Sam found himself free inside the box, and although his shot was saved by the keeper, Toby was there to slot home the rebound, making it 4-0.
Dundrum, desperate to get back into the game, started to play long balls to bypass our defence. However, Oliver and Conor were up for the challenge, winning all their duels both in the air and on the ground. As we pushed for another goal, Sam was tripped in the box and won a penalty. In a surprise twist, Matty came out of goal to take the penalty, calmly sending the Dundrum keeper the wrong way to score his first goal.
Cillian picked up his third yellow card of the game for dissent, though he had a case as he was clearly being pulled back while trying to get the ball. As we eased off the pressure slightly, Dundrum got their first real chance. A fierce shot aimed for the top corner was brilliantly saved by Matty, diving to his right to tip it over the bar—a contender for save of the season.
Dundrum did manage to get a consolation goal on 60 minutes when a save from Matty fell to the feet of their striker, who had an easy finish to make it 5-1. As the final whistle blew, it was a comfortable win, much to the delight of the lads.
Every player out on the field today put in a fantastic performance and won all of their individual battles making it a joy to watch.
