Siode finish can't save unlucky Mullingar Athletic side

CCFL Senior Division Result: Mullingar Athletic AFC 1, Temple Villa 3

A significant night for Mullingar Athletic AFC took place on Saturday, with the club's two senior men’s teams lining out simultaneously, involving over 30 footballers between both squads.

The first team hosted Temple Villa on the new 4G all weather pitch in what proved to be a tense affair for the most part.

The visitors took the lead following a fine finished from their in-form striker, but from then on Athletic dictated the play until the dying moments of the match.

With several players unavailable through injury or suspension, Athletic still boasted a strong squad with Craig Sweeney in goal.

The home defence was made up of Doran McDonald, Ben Treanor, Oisín Tyrrell and Jamie Loran. Despite the early set back they defended robustly throughout the opening half.

In midfield, Captain Ben Shaw, Brian Kavanagh and Liam Brennan took control of the game as the home side pressed for an equaliser before the interval. Neilas Vitkauskas coming closest.

After the interval Athletic hit the ground running, Darragh Kiernan and Tadgh Nolan were proving very dangerous in the final third. The introduction of Efe Siode and Jordan Scally reaped immediate dividends, Nolan setting Siode through to finish smartly. Siode came close again with a header, but it went wide of the post.

Keith Hope was introduced, he too came close with an effort inside the box. For all their good work and excellent play, the home team just couldn’t catch a break.

Agonisingly in the dying moments a penalty was conceded which gave the visitors a lifeline. This was hammered home to regain the lead.

Athletic tried to equalise, Nolan hit the post, Rhys Keena had a chance, but it wasn’t to be. Jut as the final moments came, Temple Villa capitalised as Athletic pressed forward to make it 3-1.

Overall, it was a harsh scoreline on the hosts, but credit to the visitors who are a very good footballing side. Despite the defeat, Athletic have to pleased with the level of performance and attitude; on another day things might have been different.

Man of the match for the Mullingar side was Liam Brennan, following a magnificent second performance in particular. Next up for the this side is an away clash against Mountmellick on Sunday, January 18.

Team: Craig Sweeney, Dorian McDonald, Oisín Tyrrell, Ben Treanor, Jamie Loran, Liam Brennan, Ben Shaw (C), Brian Kavanagh, Neilas Vitkauskas, Darragh Kiernan, Tadgh Nolan. Subs used: Efe Siode, Jordan Scally, Keith Hope and Rhys Keena.