Seconds Claim Vital Win In Style

Squiggs and Kevin Feighan both on the scoresheet

A depleted Mals 2nds side were on the road for the third game in a row on Saturday as they travelled to Crumlin to take on the local team and hoping to avenge an early season 2-0 defeat to the same opposition.

Without Stephen Devine, Kavanagh and Crossey, Mals were slow to start on a very heavy muddy pitch and took a while to find their feet in the re-jigged line up. Possession in the opening 20 minutes was dominated by the home team who moved the ball well passing across the back and building slowly from midfield. One of the Crumlin forwards kept dropping into the midfield in the opening exchanges finding space and causing problems for the Mals defence. However for all their possession only two clear chances were created. The first was when Crumlin worked an opening just inside the penalty area but the returning Murphy made a smart save low to his left. The second on 18 minutes however lead to Crumlin going in front. Again the ball was moved from left to right finding the Crumlin winger in space and despite the best efforts of McKee to block, the young winger drove the ball hard and low giving Murphy no chance.

At this point things looked a little ominous for the visitors but little by little the Mals played their way into the game. Connolly playing in an unfamiliar centre half role pushed onto the Crumlin forward causing the problem and the hard working midfield pairing of Johnston and Mickey Devine began to win tackles and spread the ball wide to McStravick and Feighan in particular who was becoming more influential causing danger every time he had the ball at his feet.

As the game reached the half hour mark Mickey Burns warmed the hands of the home keeper with a well hit shot and shortly after fired another shot wide after Feighan had got to the bye line and pulled the ball back. Crumlin themselves almost broke through again only for the alert Murphy to be quickly off his line and first to the through ball.

As the game approached half time Mals put together a fine passing movement with Small winning a tackle at the back and finding Feighan at the half way line. The sprightly winger played a one two with Quigley and then another with Devine before crossing with the ball falling to Johnston but his shot was blocked for a corner which was comfortably cleared. There was still time for Feighan to again pass his marker and being upended with the Crumlin defender receiving a
yellow card for his troubles.

HT: Crumlin Utd II 1 Malachians II 0

Although one down at half time Mals did not panic, remaining confident and opened the second half on the front foot. The back four of Small, McKee, Reilly, and Connolly held a higher line and pushed the midfield of Johnston and Devine further forward and 10 minutes in Mals grabbed a deserved equalizer. Again it was Feighan who picked up a goal kick and passed to Burns. The big man held off his marker, turned and played a return pass to Feighan. This time the winger turned inside finding Devine and his low cross was controlled by Burns just inside the penalty area before he rifled a shot past the keeper low into
the corner of the net.

Having battled to get back on even terms Mals pushed on but within 5 minutes of squaring the game found themselves behind again. A free kick was conceded wide on the left and although the first effort was cleared the ball fell to the Crumlin winger who steadied himself before placing a shot into the top corner of the net again leaving Murphy with no chance.

With 30 minutes remaining Mals made a double substitution with Mickey Burns, who had picked up an injury, being replaced by Michael McVeigh and Adam McCurry replacing McStravick. This forced a re-shuffle with McCurry dropping in at the back and Reilly going forward with Quigley, and within minutes Mals squared the game again. Quigley who chased everything all day(and all night apparently) won a corner which Reilly floated to the back post. A number of players challenged for the ball which eventually fell to Feighan who trapped the ball and then shot through a number of players rushing towards him for another well taken and well deserved goal.

The visitors were now on top and within minutes were in front. Johnston found Devine who jinked passed a couple of defenders and found Quigley on the edge of the area. Quigley then pushed the ball past the last defender and shot home at the near post for an excellent finish.

With 15 minutes to go McVeigh then scored the goal of the game. Johnston won yet another tackle in midfield, injuring himself in the process, and the ball was played wide to McVeigh who set off on a run from just inside his own half and wide on the right. Crumlin had three defenders back but both Reilly and Quigley were up in support. The defenders all backed off until realizing the danger. One attempted to tackle but McVeigh went around him and with both the other forwards screaming for a pass then unleashed a thunderbolt which arrowed
straight into the top corner to give the Mals a 2-4 lead ( thats not a gaelic score Dermot!)

Crumlin continued to go forward and, although it was never a dirty game, there were one or two skirmishes which the referee let go and overall he had a very good game considering the surface which was now cutting up very badly.

Mals increased their lead with 12 minutes remaining with Quigley scoring a second goal and reward for his efforts. Devine again combined with the forward who this time cracked a shot into the right corner of the Crumlin net.

With both McCurry and Connolly defending strongly and Reilly holding the ball up well and playing the ball into gaps Mals when it was past up to him Mals played the final minutes out to collect a valuable 3 points and a deserved victory.

Whilst fitness was a factor there is no doubt that the team at last showed some character in twice coming from behind to win and hopefully with the confidence this victory will bring Mals can now start pushing up the table. Certainly the win shows that there is character and ability there and a benchmark has now been set for the remainder of the season.

FT: Crumlin Utd 2 Malachians II 5

P.S Many thanks for the hospitality shown by Crumlin after the game.

MOM - Mickey Devine

Up the Mals!