This eagerly anticipated return league match was played at the dragons den Astro turf ground in testing windy conditions kicking off at 4:30pm under lights. The previous match was tight, with a 3:2 win to MEK only two weeks ago. Our lads kicked off with the aid of a cross field wind lining up in a four-four-two formation.
Conditions didn’t allow for free flowing football with both teams struggling to settle into any pattern of play. Our final pass into the strikers was often quite heavy and ran away for a goal kick due to the smooth surface and strong wind.
MEK were well on top of a scrappy first half where the only noticeable effort on either goal was when a killorglin defender nearly scored an own goal with a deflected header landing on their own crossbar. The half time team talk was stern with emphasis on focus and slowing the final pass down to allow our strikers opportunity to test killorglins keeper. With these words still ringing in our lads ears it didn’t take long for our first opportunity on goal to arrive. This was an instinctive turn and strike a good 25 yards from goal that Kevin left fly. Like a sniper, the ball rocketed into the bottom left corner of the killorglin net with a few gasps from the supporters, a truly fantastic goal giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance. This seemed to settle us but then we were all left in the dark as the floodlights went out. After much running around with the aid of phone lights by Mike Lynch , the opposition coach, electrician and general handy man, power was restored. The wind had dropped considerably by now and the second half was now being played at a much better standard.
Our defense were completely dominant with the most action taking place in the middle of the park. As instinctive as Kevins first strike was timing and power his second goal was all about pace and precision. A lovely through ball from midfield put him away and again with laser accuracy the ball sizzled under the outstretched keeper putting us 2 up.
The game was now being played at a nice tempo with both teams putting together some lovely passages of play. With 5 mins to go Eddie picked up the ball on the left side of midfield and started on one of his mazy runs. He turned inside and out carefully opening an opportunity for a strike. That strike duly arrived in a wonderful disguised shot curling around the Centre back and into the top right corner of the killorglin net making the final score 3:0 to MEK. The second half of this match excellent to watch no matter which side you supported,both teams giving their all in a very fairly contest leaving Michael Chapman, the referee for the evening an easy job to do.
With the recent disgraceful treatment of a referee it was fantastic to see a young referee with so much enthusiasm officiate to such an incredibly high standard and given the upmost respect by both teams and supporters. Well done to all and this RESPECT is whats expected of each of us at all times.
There was some excellent performances all round the park from both teams,especially in defense.
From our side, our two strikers were all you would want in any tight game. Three fantastically taken goals when opportunity’s were at a minimum. Three of our shots from a total of four on target ended up as goals where killorglin only tested Dean once. This is the type of clinical play that was the difference between the slim margins of the match ending as a scoreless stalemate or as a 3:0 victory. The margin of victory may have been a bit harsh on killorglin but it shows that you must take your opportunities when presented, a familiar team talk message spoken by all managers regardless of what level you are playing at. It’s also a true saying that “ goals win you matches but defense win you leagues ”.
Our defense was the difference with man of the match, Sam Buckley towering over everything killorglin threw at MEK. All our lads put in a polished second half performance that I’m sure pleased the coaches no end. The majority of this group of lads have been together now since they first kicked a ball together at U11s and now it’s become evident how hard work and commitment is paying off. We are now joint top of the league with a positive goal difference with four games left. This is the most points ever scored in a league season by this group and playing at U15 level for the first time.
Liam,Ger Moroney and Thomas have developed a wonderful team that is now up there with the best in the league which we at MEK are all proud of.
We wish Killorglin the best for the remainder of the season and thank them for two wonderful games of football and we were glad to come out on top of.
Our next outing is in two weeks time at home to tralee dynamos where we hope you will turn out to support our lads again.
Team
Dean Sheehan Tadhg O'Sullivan Connor Harty Sam Buckley Eden Murphy Daire McCarthy Shane Evans Shane O'Connor Sam Griffin Eddie Moroney and Kevin Harant
subs Sean O'Sullivan Steven OBrien Leo Healy Mason Courtney Con Lenihan Scott Drew.
Scorers Kevin Harant 2 , Eddie Moroney 1.
Go MEK United.
