Fine victory for Mullingar Town over Dunshaughlin
Mullingar Town Soccer
With our underage season coming to an end, the only fixture last weekend was our u13 squad in action away to Dunshaughlin Youths in the U14 SFAI Trophy.
In very windy conditions, on a very open but great facility in Dunshaughlin, Mullingar Town’s U13s played against the wind in the first half, but started strongly and were eager to keep their season alive. In the first 10 minutes with Harley attacking from the right wing, they had an effort just over.
The centre back pairing of Ryan and Reece again controlled the defence with the latter travelling up for a corner and producing a great effort which again just went over. On 17 minutes, Terence continued his recent goal scoring form when he calmly ran onto a through ball from Dylan and calmly slotted the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
Dylan, who was having his best game for MTAFC, offered Harley an opportunity to score with another through ball, the latter going close but the first half was to finish with MTAFC leading, 1-0. Overall, the first half performance was a great team display with the back four of Reece, Ryan, Stephen and James Whyte stemming every Dunshaughlin attack. Rian as the number six was patrolling and kept a good eye on any counter attacks.
The second half started with the wind blowing in Mullingar Town’s favour and with a change of shape to take advantage of same, with Harley moving to support Terence in attack. Mullingar Town AFC U13s put pressure on the opposition defence at every opportunity. Stephen at left back continued his good form with James at right back as solid as ever. The foundation for the team’s attacks was built on the defensive shape.
After two minutes Conal hit an effort off the crossbar but on four minutes turned provider for Rian, who had moved out to the wing and calmly dispatched a right footer beyond the ‘keeper’s despairing dive. The pressure was mounting on the home side and the chances continued to be created, but the offside trap caught Mullingar out several times.
However, after 15 minutes of the second half, Terence finished off a good team move with a relatively easy finish for a striker in the scoring form of his year. Harley, after good work, found Terence, who again duly obliged to finish off his well-deserved hat-trick.
All members of the squad got game and contributed, the team was not weakened at all and kept pressing to find a fifth. Conal tried his luck with a cheeky effort from inside his own half after spotting the opposition keeper off his line - the ‘keeper turned and raced back just in time to clear the ball. Conal was not to be denied and, after hitting the crossbar again with another effort a pass from Rian to Conal in the box, took the ball from the air and rounded the ‘keeper to finish the scoring.
Mullingar Town AFC U13s were well deserved winners on a scoreline of 5-0. They move onto Round 4 with a home tie v Drogheda Town – date to be confirmed. All our squad contributed significantly to this excellent team performance but a special mention to Stephen and Terence with his hat-trick who was excellent in defence again today. Player of the Match however must go to Dylan who had his best game for our U13s and has continued to improve every game.
Squad: James Meehan, James Whyte, Ryan Doyle, Reece Markey, Stephen Irwin, Rian Quinn, Conal Murphy, Dylan McAteer, Filip Robierzynska, Harley Sexton-Bryne, Terence Gibson, Theo Messionave, Luke Dowd, Ledion Bardoshi and Keelan Sweeney.
Other news
Our u14 squad are away to Park Celtic in the Shield semi-final next Saturday with time to be confirmed. Training continues for this squad during the week.
MTAFC are holding a Christmas raffle to help raise funds for our underage and club development plans. Cards have been given out to players and would like to see as many as possible sold. Fundraising is the lifeblood of the club and is needed throughout the year as with many other local clubs.
The raffle draw will take place in Canton Casey’s upstairs on Saturday November 29 at our parent / coach appreciation night where there will be music and finger food. A good night is promised for all.
Our underage awards night takes place in Mullingar Shamrocks clubhouse on Friday December 5 at 6pm.Pizza and drinks for our underage troops with tea and coffee for the parents. Again we would like to see all our players make the evening.
Also the club would like to congratulate Darren Meehan on achieving his ‘Me and my Teammates’ FAI qualification. Mullingar Town AFC are delighted to help all our coaches on their coaching pathway.