The club, founded in 2007, were due to compete in the League of Ireland and Setanta Sports Cup- with their opening fixture against Lisburn Distillery originally set for next Monday.

But yesterday the club announced that they were unable to compete in this year’s Setanta Sports Cup, and released the 13 players they had signed to the club.

Today, Fingal Director of Football Liam Buckley told RTE Sport of how he is “devastated” at the club’s demise.

Buckley also acknowledged that replacing the funds supplied by developer Gerry Gannon- who originally bankrolled the club but pulled out last summer, was a difficult task.

“Finding a replacement for our supportive backer was always going to be a major challenge but we were pleased with the progress made. Sadly, the suddenness and timing of last week’s sponsorship set-back sent us back to the drawing board, a predicament we were simply unable to overcome so close to the season kick-off.”

Fingal had announced the signing of a new player and the appointment of a new Commercial Manager in recent weeks. The club  won the FAI Cup in 2008, and competed in the UEFA Europa League last season- losing out to Portuguese side CS Maritimo.

Sporting had plans to move into a new sporting complex in Lusk [see the Fingal Independent], to be built by Fingal County Council, which was due to be completed by 2015.

David McGill of Shelbourne, Ken Oman of Bohemians and Ian Bermingham of St. Patrick’s Athletic are to feature on the billboards to be erected around Dublin City in a joint exercise between Dublin City Council and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

The FAI state that “the billboard will be displayed at various locations throughout Dublin City, encouraging Dubliners to get behind their local heroes as Dublin continues to mark its European Capital of Sport title.”

This game started at a cracking pace with Mark Quigley instrumental in some early moves for Bohemians that might have yielded a goal within the opening two minutes. After a soft shoe shuffle that set him free in central midfield, Quigley put Paddy Madden away down the left. He in turn found Rafaele Cretaro, who fired a ball across the Sligo box that Gareth McGlynn only narrowly failed to meet.

Moments later, Quigley made more space for himself and almost succeeded in chipping Brush from fifteen yards. But if these early moments suggested a Bohemians romp, Sligo had other ideas.

Just six minutes in a Joseph Ndo corner was glanced wide of the far post by John Russell and a minute later Padraig Amond sprung the off- side trap but lobbed both Barry Murphy in the home goal and the crossbar.

Sligo defender Gavin Peers provided the next moment of drama when he met a Conor Powell cross and almost turned it into his own net. He’ll be buying Richard Brush a pint for clawing the ball out from under the crossbar.

Quigley might have done better with a 15th minute header from a Paddy Madden cross before Sligo went back on the offensive, a dangerous Ndo cross being headed behind by Brian Shelley. From the resulting corner Sligo worked the ball across the field where Alan Keane met a dropping ball full on the volley from 20 yards. His shot was fizzing towards the top corner of Murphy’s net until the ‘keeper’s flying save tipped the ball onto the post and behind.

Two minutes later Ndo set up Amond again with another pinpoint cross from the right, but the striker powered his header wide from just six yards out.

It was a miss that the Bit o’ Red would have cause to regret because on 28 minutes Madden broke down Bohemian’s left flank and dragged a low cross back behind the on-rushing hordes, Paul Keegan met it crisply and the ball flew pat Brush and into the Sligo net.

Despite the unstinting efforts of the traveling fans, complete with enthusiastic drummer, the goal drew Sligo’s sting for a short while and it was Bohemians who were next to raise the heartbeat with a neat free kick on the edge of the Sligo box. Ruaidhri Higgins slipped a ball past the wall and into the path of Quigley, but the invention of the moment did not stretch to the finish as the winger blasted over the bar from 15 yards.

With just seven minutes until the half time break, Cretaro really should have done better than become entangled with Brush on the byline. Madden had wrestled the ball from Jim Laughlan wide on the right and the Tubbercurry man skipped in to steal the loose ball. A simple pull back would surely have yielded a second goal but that two goal half time deficit would have been grossly unfair on the visitors.

However, by the time the second goal did come, in the 59th minute, it was thoroughly deserved. Bohemians had shown all the initiative in the second half, Keegan driving just wide from twenty five yards and Cretaro clipping the ball millimetres over the bar following a magnificent 40 yard pass from Mark Quigley.

And it was Quigley who provided the crucial ball again when his free towards the back post was met by Ken Oman. Somehow the defenders header bounced into the goal between a frozen Richard Brush and the post.

Sligo did show some signs of life as Richie Ryan, Amond and substitute Gary McCabe all had shots on goal but none of them really threatened Barry Murphy, and it was the home side who could have added a third when a superb run and cross from Gareth McGlynn was just inches too high for the onrushing Madden.

Jason Byrne and Glen Cronin came on for Bohemians in the final quarter, a declaration of the Champion’s strength in depth and, despite a Richie Ryan free that Murphy gathered low down, they were entirely comfortable as the dying minutes ticked away.

Bohemians: Barry Murphy; Brian Shelley, Owen Heary, Ken Oman, Conor Powell; Gareth McGlynn, Paul Keegan (Glen Cronin, 73), Ruadhiri Higgins, Mark Quigley (Killian Brennan, 89); Rafaele Cretaro, Paddy Madden (Jason Byrne, 79).
Subs not used: Chris O’Connor, Jason McGuinness.

Bookings: Keegan (57).

Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush; Alan Keane, Gavin Peers, James Laughlan, Iorfhlaith Davoren; Eoin Doyle (Conor O’Grady, 85), Richie Ryan, John Russell (Danny Ventre, 85), John Dillon (Gary McCabe, 58), Joseph Ndo; Padraig Amond.
Subs not used: Ciaran Kelly, Mark McGoldrick.

Bookings: Laughlan (88).

extratime.ie Man of the Match: Mark Quigley.

Referee: Dave McKeon.

Attendance: 2,500 (estimate).

By Simon O’Gorman

Originally posted on extratime.ie

Mathews’ side had a dream start when Michael Coburn gave the Reds the lead after just two minutes.

Some pressure from Shels yielded a corner which was delivered into the Derry penalty area, and after the defence missed successive clearances Coburn was on hand to smash the ball past Gerard Doherty in goal.

The home side went on to dominate the half, not affording Derry much time on the ball and using it well.

Despite all of their eloquent passing and possession Shels couldn’t kill Derry off, something that would come back to haunt them later in the match.

On five minutes David Cassidy forced Doherty to save well after his free-kick arched towards the top-left corner.

Shels kept up their dominance and Derry didn’t manage a clear chance until just before half time.

After thirty-eight minutes Mark Farren should have equalised for the Candystripes. Two clever passes put the striker through on goal, only for Farren to shoot wide.

Shels had a corner a minute half time which came to nothing, and Derry mounted a counter-attack.

Derry forced a corner, but Shane McEleney headed wide after rising the highest, leaving it 1-0 to Shels going into half time.

The Reds came out with the same mentality they had emerged for the first half with.

Sean Byrne shot wide from yards out on forty-eight minutes after Adalberto Pinto did well to find him.

Colin O’Brien had another great chance to finish off Derry three minutes later, gliding past two defenders before shooting wide.

But by far the best chance for Shels to seal the win came on sixty-six minutes. After he did well to get through on goal McGill agonisingly shot straight into the arms of Ger Doherty.

Shels were made to pay for their failure to finish the match off two minutes later as Mark Farren at last got the equaliser for Derry.

Goalscorer Michael Coburn was at fault, after a he let a Derry clearance bounce under him- inadvertently letting Farren in to slot the ball simply past Dean Delany.

From then on, it seemed as if it was a matter of time before Derry scored again.

Philip Gorman had a chance with six minutes left but couldn’t get his header on target. Derry then went to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation in search of the winner.

With just two minutes remaining, Derry broke Shels hearts with a winning goal. A cross from David McDaid found Thomas McBride, whose header looped over Delany and into the Shels goal.

The Reds went in search of a late equaliser, but ultimately Derry were able to hold out and grab a deserved win.

Attendance: 930 (official)

Referee: Graham Kelly

Shelbourne FC: Dean Delany, Ray Scully (Gareth Whelan ’90), Sean Byrne, Ian Ryan, Mick Coburn, Colin O’Brien, David McGill, David Cassidy, Dinny Corcoran (Brian Farrell ’59), Philip Gorman, Adalberto Pinto (Stephen Quigley ‘74)
Subs Not Used: Steve Williams, Mick Clarke
Yellow Cards: David McGill

Derry City: Gerard Doherty, Eddie McCallion, Emmet Friars, Barry Molloy, Mark McChrystal, Shane McEleney (Michael McCrudden ’62 (Seamus Sharkey ‘91), Ruari Harkin, Mark Farren (Daniel Lafferty ’85), David McDaid, Patrick McEleney, Thomas McBride
Subs Not Used: Eugene Ferry, Stephen Parkhouse

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Ruari Harkin

Originally posted on extratime.ie

UCD beat a sorry Bray Wanderers side 4-0 thanks to a Ciaran Kilduff hat-trick at the UCD Bowl with both sides ending the game with ten men.

It took four minutes for UCD to create the first chance of the game. Ciaran Kilduff shot inside the box but was denied by Bray keeper Brian Kane. Keith Ward then took a shot from just outside the box seconds later but Kane easily held on.

Bray started off the game well and kept the ball with some good passes in midfield and they created their first chance eight minutes into the game when David Webster’s pass found Shane O’Neill free in the box but the Bray forward’s shot was tipped over by Ger Barron.

Barron was tested from some dangerous corners and he had to be on his toes, tipping the ball over the bar on numerous occasions.

At the other end Brian Kane kept Kilduff out with a string of fine saves in the first half, the best coming on 40 minutes when Keith Ward played Kilduff through but Kane stood up and saved from point blank range.

It was a different story in the second half though and Kilduff finally beat Kane but it was an easy chance for the UCD front man. A 30 yard effort was tipped onto the bar but the ball fell kindly to Kilduff who headed into the empty net. The Bray players were furious as they thought Kilduff was offside and Brian Kane saw yellow for kicking the ball at the assistant referee.

Three minutes later and UCD were two up. The Bray goalkeeper spilled Michael Kelly’s cross and Kilduff was on hand to put the loose ball into the net.

Kilduff completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute when Robbie Creevy played him in to put it past Kane who could only get a hand to it.

Substitute Greg Bolger made it four for the Students after a neat one-two with Kilduff saw Bolger smash home from close range.

Bray never got back into the game and UCD looked comfortable for the rest of the match. The match ended on a sour note when Bolger and Shields both saw red in the 90th minute. Shields saw red for a harsh tackle and Bolger was sent off for reacting to it with both sides ending the match with ten men on the field as UCD ran out easy winners.

UCD: Ger Barron, Michael Kelly,(Gareth Matthews 64) Ciaran Nangle, Andy Boyle, Evan McMillan, Robbie Creevy, ( Greg Bolger 73) Paul O’ Conor, Keith Ward, Ciaran Kilduff, Dwayne Wilson,(Paul Corry 84) Graham Rusk
Unused Subs: Stephen Roche, Billy Brennan

Bray Wanderers: Brian Kane, Shane O’ Connor, Dane Massey, Derek Prendergast, Danny O’ Connor, Chris Shields, Shane O’Neill,(Daire Doyle 79) Dvid Webster(James Kavanagh 76), Robbie Doyle,(Ian Tuoy 76) John Mulroy, Jake Kelly
Unused Subs: Adam O’ Connor, Adam Mitchell

Red Cards: Greg Bolger (UCD) Chris Shields (Bray)

Referee: Padraig Sutton
extratime.ie man of the match: Ciaran Kilduff

By Philip O’Rourke

Originally posted on extratime.ie

1. Stephen Cluxton (Parnells)

2. Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala)

3. Rory O’Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes)

4. Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams)

5. Kevin Nolan (Kilmacud Crokes)

6. Ger Brennan (St Vincent’s)

7. David Henry (Raheny)

8. Michael Darragh MacAuley (Ballyboden St Enda’s)

9. Ross McConnell (St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh)

10. Niall Corkery (Kilmacud Crokes)

11. Alan Brogan (St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh)

12. Paul Flynn (Fingallians)

13. Bernard Brogan (St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh)

14. Eoghan O’Gara (Templeogue Synge St)

15. Kevin McManamon (St Jude’s)

Results so far:

Dublin

Dublin 2-16 Wexford 0-15 (Leinster quarter-final, after extra-time)

Meath 5-9 Dublin 0-13 (Leinster semi-final)

Dublin 1-21 Tipperary 1-13 (Qualifier Round Two)

Armagh

Armagh 1-10 Derry 1-7 (Ulster preliminary round)

Monaghan 1-18 Armagh 0-9 (Ulster quarter-final)

Armagh 2-14 Donegal 0-11 (Qualifier Round One)
Armagh 0-11 Fermanagh 0-7 (Qualifier R2)

A last gasp equaliser from Robert Bayly sent Shamrock Rovers fans into rapture at Tallaght on Thursday night as Bnei Yehuda finally succumbed to a Rovers side that simply wouldn’t give up.

Overcoming Bnei Yehuda in their Europa League qualification second round tie was always going to be a tough task for Shamrock Rovers but it was one that got immeasurably tougher when the Israeli side scored on the break after 26 minutes.

It was a setback that Rovers scarcely deserved as what attacking play had taken place up to that point had all been played by them. Both James Chambers and Paddy Kavanagh had been lively on the flanks and Chris Turner and Stephen Rice in central midfield had presented a formidable barrier to Yehuda while still finding time and space to contribute to some sweeping attacking moves.

Thomas Stewart was the first man to threaten when he picked up a sublime ball from Chambers in the eighth minute, but his curling cross, aimed at the arriving Twigg, was too close to Aiyenugba in the Israeli goal.

Aiyenugba almost presented Stewart with a tap in two minutes later when he mis-controlled a back pass but the Nigerian recovered himself in the nick of time. Nice build up play from Twigg, Chambers and Stewart set up Kavanagh on 19 minutes but the wingers shot was off target and Rovers forged another chance three minutes later when Craig Sives cross found Stewart at the near post. But his shot also flew wide of the Yehuda goal.

Then came the Yehuda breakthrough. A pass from Assi Baldout split the Rovers defence and put Eghia Yavruyan through on goal. Alan Manus seemed to hesitate and by the time he met the Israeli striker at the edge of his box, he could do little but deflect the shot into the path of substitute, Omri Afek who had a simple task to tap the ball into the net.

Having taken the lead, Yehuda began to pass the ball with more freedom and Rovers had to work considerably harder as the half wore on. Craig Sives did manage to get a header on target from a Chambers corner and then, just seconds before half time, Twigg blasted a close range shot against Aiyenugba having been put through by Turner.

Rovers continued to battle for everything in the second half against a hard and well organised Yehuda side. In the 49th minute Gary Twigg had the hearts of the Tallaght faithful firmly in their mouths when his overhead kick was deflected narrowly wide and a strong run from Paddy Kavanagh saw him hauled to the ground just outside the Yehuda box, though Chambers subsequent free came to nothing.

With half an hour to play the Israeli side replaced striker, Yavruyan with Oz Raly and pulled back into a 4-5-1 formation that signified the strength of the Rovers threat. Michael O’Neill brought on Billy Dennehy for Price in an effort to freshen up the home sides attack and within moments the Cork winger was in the thick of things.

Chasing a ball into the box he ran a ball against an Israeli arm and although all of West Dublin screamed for a penalty it was never more than a desperate call. Then, moments later, a Dennehy cross found the head of Twigg but the Scot’s effort sailed wide.

In the final fifteen minutes, as Rovers legs tired, the half chances became less clear cut and their hopes of salvaging a draw slipped slowly into the realm of the unlikely. Robert Bayly came on for Turner and fought the good fight, but there seemed little chance of the goal that they needed until, in the 91st minute a cross from Rover’s left wing found Bayly beyond the back post. His first effort bounced back to him off Twigg but his second, driven across goal from practically on the end-line, somehow tucked itself in at the back post.

Tallaght erupted. It was a fitting end to a magnificent performance and, fitting too, in an historical context, that Rovers first ever European tie at their new home was rescued from the flames. There remains an immense task in Tel Aviv next week, but for now this feels like some kind of victory.

Shamrock Rovers: Alan Manus; Craig Sives, Dan Murray, Aidan Price (Billy Dennehy, 64), Enda Stevens; James Chambers, Stephen Rice, Chris Turner (Robert Bayly, 71), Paddy Kavanagh; Gary Twigg, Thomas Stewart.
Subs not used: Robert Duggan, Danny Murphy, Pat Flynn, Stephen Bradley, Graham Barrett.

Bookings: Dennehy (93).

Bnei Yehuda: Dele Aiyenugba; Yitzhak Azuz, Ivan Garrido, Aviv Haddad, Kfir Edri; Liroy Zhairi, Linic Sinisa, Assi Baldout, Shalev Menashe (Hasan Abu Zaid, 73); Yeghia Yavruyan (Oz Raly, 58), Moshe Biton (Omri Afek, 19).
Subs not used: Ran Kadoch, Tal Mishan, Dean Mori, Shlomi Levi.

Bookings: Azuz (51).

extratime.ie Man of the Match: Stephen Rice.

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi (Italy)

Attendance: 4,850
By Simon O’Gorman

Originally posted on extratime.ie

Dave McGill’s goal three minutes after half-time was the solitary difference, giving Cork their third home defeat on the bounce, while giving the Tolka Park men a huge boost.

Tommy Dunne’s charges will have been particularly disappointed by failing to threaten Dean Delany, especially when they went behind, and their lack of potent goalscorers, with the exception of Graham Cummins, it was hardly a surprise that once Shels went ahead there was no way back.

There was a distinct lack of urgency after falling behind and Shels were thoroughly deserved of the win. They showed a bigger hunger, and fought harder than their opponents and more performances like this will see them really push for promotion.

If only Cork could display the same passion and desire, they too would be up near the leaders. Shane Duggan was a solitary bright point for them, and time after time they really needed somebody else to help the midfielder creatively.

They simply must improve from this point onwards to keep this season alive and the only positive note is that with old stalwarts such as Billy Woods and Neal Horgan returning to the fold, they have the personnel to improve results.

In an even opening half, both sides had a decent share of the ball, although the home side had the better chances. Cummins went closest six minutes before the break with a powerful header which was well held by Delany

. Cork didn’t look wholly convincing at the back however, and if Shels’ target-finder was a little more fine tuned the Dubliners could have been ahead at the break. David Cassidy almost caught out Mark McNulty with an audacious chip which just narrowly missed the target in the eighth minute, as the City goalkeeper scrambled nervously back towards his goal.

The Ballincollig man was almost found wanting again on 32 minutes, when Adelberto Pinto played to Dinny Corcoran, but the striker’s effort struck the side netting with the ‘keeper beaten again.

Other than that, chances were few and far between from Shels’ point of view but they kept Cork quiet for much of the half. Greg O’Halloran and Stephen Mulcahy missed the target, while Eoghan Lougheed also rifled over but clear-cut opportunities were as rare as the sun on Leeside in a dreary evening.

The deadlock was broken three minutes after the interval as a quick one-two which saw McGill and Corcoran combine ended in the former drilling the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Shels a deserved lead.

The onus was on Cork to really put some men forward and Shane Duggan’s through ball was collected by Cummins but yet again he missed the target on 54 minutes.

The introduction of Billy Woods, back to the league after a spell with Midleton in the MSL, immediately sparked a bit of life into the home team and his 61st minute shot deflected narrowly over.

As the match wore on, Cork just couldn’t break down the Shels rearguard and Brian Farell went very close to doubling the advantage when he forced McNulty into a decent stop, the forward’s deft flick palmed away at the bottom corner.

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Neal Horgan, Stephen Mulcahy, Greg O’Halloran, John Meade; Davin O’Neill (Mark O’Sullivan, 78), Gearoid Morrissey (Gareth Cambridge, 58), Shane Duggan, Cillian Lordan, Eoghan Lougheed (Billy Woods, 58); Graham Cummins.
Subs not used: Jonas Piechnik, Gavin Kavanagh.

Shelbourne: Dean Delany; Mick Clarke, Ian Ryan, Michael Coburn, Sean Burke; Dave McGill, David Cassidy, Ray Scully, Adelberto Pinto; Dinny Corcoran, Brian Farrell (Marwan Azim, 90).
Subs not used: Stephen Quigley, Gareth Whelan, Jack Flynn, Stephen Williams.

Referee: R Rogers
Official Attendance: 1170

Originally featured on extratime.ie

A dramatic late winner from David McGill gave Shelbourne a slender 2-1 win over Sporting Fingal after extra time in the semi-final of the Leinster Senior Cup on Monday night at Tolka Park.

The match was forced into extra-time after an 87th minute goal from Philip Gorman, and it was a goal from captain McGill that sealed the win for Shels after 116 minutes of play.

Sporting took the lead after just 17 minutes through a Keith Quinn free-kick after the referee booked Michael Coburn for a foul just outside the Shelbourne penalty area.

The home side attempted to peg Fingal back immediately, with youngster Marwan Azimi having a chance on the half hour mark. Azimi arrived at the back post and was unmarked as a free-kick was drafted in to the Fingal box. His attempt at a volley ended up well over the bar, but Shels were still on the attack. After a bright start, Fingal only had themselves to blame for letting Shels back into the match. Some sloppy passing and poor closing down let Shelbourne have most of the posession.

Despite all their chances and posession, Shels couldn’t level. The chance to tie the match going into half time was presented to the Reds in the shape of a 41st minute penalty. Azimi was brought down as he tried to claim the ball in the Fingal penalty area, but David Cassidy’s shot hit off the upright and came back out to be cleared from danger.

The second half began with the same frenetic pace as the first half ended. Shels had most of the chances but seemed to be lacking the cutting edge required to turn the chances into goals. Fingal had a rare chance to finish the match off on 64 minutes when Dean Delaney was forced to fist the ball clear, but for the most part Shelbourne had the upper hand.

Sporting didn’t do themselves any favours when John Frost, making a rare start for Fingal, got himself sent off on 74 minutes. David McGill was clean through on goal when Frost, the last Fingal defender, clumsily brought the Shels captain down.

McGill had a late chance for Shels after 86 minutes to level but dragged his shot marginally wide. Just as Shels seemed devoid of any more ideas, Philip Gorman popped up to equalise with a header from a free-kick in front of a small but vociferous crowd on 87 minutes.

Both teams were jaded going into extra-time, but Shelbourne always looked the more likely to get a winner. Fingal managed just one attack in the first half of extra time. Dinny Corcoran had a chance for Shels on 98 minutes, but the ball went just beyond his reach as the former Fingal striker slid at the far post.

Just as it seemed like the match would end in a Fingal win before Philip Gorman equalised, it seemed the match was headed for penalties at half time in extra time. On 115 minutes, after Shels threw everything at Sporting, David McGill finally grabbed the winner. The ball bobbled loose yards from the Fingal box and McGill hit a beatiful shot into the top left corner of Darren Quigley’s goal.

An anxious final five minutes saw Fingal have a few half-chances, but heroics from Dean Delaney and his defence ensured that the day belonged to Shelbourne. Shelbourne now await the winner of Bray Wanderers and UCD in the final of the Leinster Senior Cup, marking the first appearance by the Reds in a final since 2006.

Shelbourne: Dean Delany, Gareth Whelan (Ian O’Reilly ’69), Ray Scully, Michael Coburn, Michael Clarke, Paul Shiels (Adalberto Pinto HT), Colin O’Brien, David McGill, David Cassidy, Marwan Azimi (Philip Gorman ’56), Dinny Corcoran.
Subs Not Used: Steve Williams, Cian McDonald, Jack Flynn.

Sporting Fingal: Darren Quigley, Brian Gannon, John Frost, Kenny Browne, Stephen Paisley, Colm James, Shane Barrett (Anthony McCabe ’97), Ger O’Brien (Jason Marks ’62), Eamon Zayed (Jordan Nolan ’76), Kevin Dawson, Keith Quinn.
Subs Not Used: Brendan Clarke, Kevin Boyd, Philip Hand, Niall Cullen

Attendance: 154
Referee: Paul Tuite
Extratime Man of the Match: David McGill

A late winner from UCD captain Evan McMillan gave the students a
dramatic last-gasp win over Sporting Fingal last night at Morton
Stadium.

Goals were the priority for both sides from the opening whistle, with
Eamon Zayed scoring the opener after just 4 minutes.

Alan Kirby played the ball into Zayed from the left wing, who knocked
it down for Conan Byrne out wide on the right.Byrne the returned the
ball low for Zayed to tap the ball in.

Fingal enjoyed near-total domination of possesion in the opening ten
minutes, but began to back off UCD more afterwards.

As UCD enjoyed more possession, the Students were able to come back
into the match.

Andy Boyle levelled for the away side on 18 minutes. Shaun Williams
gave away a free-kick out wide to the right of the Sporting box, and
Paul Corry whipped it in for Boyle to head the ball in.

Ciaran Kilduff had a glorious chance to level for UCD after 27
minutes. Evan McMillan lobbed a ball over the Fingal defence to allow
Kilduff, still onside, in on goal.

Shaun Williams got back just in time to make a goal-saving tackle
before Kilduff shot.

Clarke was called into action eleven minutes later as the Fingal
‘keeper had to make a fine save to deny David McMillan a goal.

Dwayne Wilson turned inside Lorcan Fitzgerald on the right wing and
passed fore McMillan, on his own in front of goal. Clarke parried the
ball over the bar brilliantly as the shot came in though.

After half time, Sporting reaffirmed their dominance on the match.
Lorcan Fitzgerald had a chance from long-range go wide on 48 minutes,
but Conan Byrne should have put the home side into the lead on 53
minutes.

Glen Crowe passed to Alan Kirby out wide, who cut into the penalty
area and found Byrne with a precise pass.

Byrne, left with just the ‘keeper to beat, somehow dragged his shot
wide when it looked a certain goal.

UCD ‘keeper Billy Brennan was again at the centre of the action
minutes later after he pulled off another fine save to deny Alan Kirby
a goal.

Evan McMillan made a number of goal-saving tackles, including one on
ex-UCD player Conan Byrne right in front of the College goal.

UCD did have a majority of possession in the last fifteen minutes, but
the students weren’t able to finish off their fine passing moves with
a goal until the 87th minute.

After a period of sustained UCD pressure, David Mulhall whipped in a
dangerous corner. Captain Evan McMillan was at hand to head the ball
powerfully past the helpless Brendan Clarke.

Two goals from set-pieces gave UCD a win in a match which could have
gome either way, keeping College in 6th position in the Premier
Division.

Sporting Fingal: Brendan Clarke, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Shaun
Williams, Colm James, Brian Gannon, Conan Byrne, Ronan Finn, Alan
Kirby (Shane Barrett ’88), Shane McFaul, Glen Crowe, Eamon Zayed
(Keith Quinn ’79) Subs Not Used: Darren Quigley, Stephen
Paisley, Kevin Dawson

UCD: Billy Brennan, Brian Shortall (Sean Harding ’71), Ciaran
Nangle, Evan McMillan, Andrew Boyle, Ciaran Mulhall, David McMillan,
Robert Creevy (Stephen Roche ’75), Paul Corry (Paul O’Conor ’81),
Dwayne Wilson, Ciaran Kilduff  Subs Not Used: Ger Barron, Keith
Ward

Referee: Grahan Kelly

Attendance: 511

extratime.ie Man of the Match: Evan McMillan