Disappointing Result For Mals

Mals skipper Conor McHugh, referee Alan Hayes and Killyleagh captain Barry Walsh

After the euphoria of last week’s victory Malachians returned to reality with a cruel thud today when they failed to beak down a resolute defensive performance from Killyleagh who held on to a first half goal to win the match in windy conditions  that spoiled the game as a spectacle. With McCourt and McDonnell unavailable there were starts for last week’s hero Faulkner and the returning Reilly and Lowe with a settled back four of Corr, Collins, Hackett and McDonagh. Mals faced directly into the gale force wind in the first half, coped comfortably for the first thirty five minutes or so before conceding. However after losing the organisational and cajoling Collins to injury at the break, and despite having the gale at their backs in the second half, Mals simply lost their way in the second half, created only one clear but untaken chance and ran out of ideas against a resolute home side who battled hard for their eventual victory.

The Showgrounds pitch was in immaculate condition, but both teams struggled to overcome the gale force breeze at the homeside’s backs and it was a dour first half spectacle for those brave supporters from both clubs who braved the elements to attend. Reilly and Lowe started brightly for the Mals but the first real chance fell to the home side when full back Gary Murdock ghosted in unnoticed at the far post before slicing his effort horribly wide. Mals still looked threatening on the break despite the wind against and there was a half chance for Faulkner.

Killyleagh broke the deadlock on thirty seven minutes. Malachians lynch-pin in defence Collins was off the field receiving attention for a back injury when a throw in from the left fell kindly for home midfielder Ian Mannus inside the box and he was first to react drilling the ball home for the game’s opening goal.

Mals looked bitterly disappointed to concede as their defence had coped admirably until then with both the wind and the Killyleagh attack but with Collins clearly playing on through the pain barrier the half ended with another great chance for home centre back Hugh Dickson who missed a great chance as the half ended.

HT : Killyleagh YC 1 Malachians 0

Worse was to follow during the break when it became apparent that Collins would be unable to continue and his place was taken in defence by Adams. Despite the setback, with their good showing in the first period and the wind now at their backs, Mals came out full of confidence for the second period and an early effort from distance by full back McDonagh, that whistled narrowly wide, appeared to signal their intent. However it was now Mals turn to try and master the conditions favouring as the home side set out their defensive stall.

Subsequent man of the match Hackett, who looked comfortable and accomplished throughout, was then booked by referee Alan Hayes for obvious dissent. Hayes had an excellent game in the middle, authoritative and decisive when he had to be, but letting the game flow and allowing physical contact wherever possible. Mals were now clearly struggling to find a way through and with Killyleagh still dangerous on the counter there needed to be a good save from Mals keeper Stitt to deny home substitute Lee Morrison.

With fifteen minutes left Colin McGowan came on for his Mals debut replacing Feighan on the left flank. Then came Mals clearest and sadly their only real chance of the second period. Clever interplay between McHugh, having his best performance of the season by far, and Faulkner played Gazza Reilly through the centre direct on goal. The diminutive returning striker took the chance early and connected well but Mals were denied by a superb stop by advancing home keeper Michael McKenna and you knew it just wasn’t going to be Mals day. As the intrepid Daily Mirror photographer Gerard Smyth defied the elements to record events for The Match on Tuesday, there was still time for a cameo appearance from Killyleagh’s Brian Strain who defied both the elements and his advancing years to play his part in the late defensive home effort. Mals pushed defender Hackett into attack as they attempted to salvage something from the game but to be honest the penetration, the composure and sadly the basics just weren’t there as the home side comfortably held out for a win that looked unlikely for the home side at the break.

So back to the drawing board for Malachians. On the positive side the defence looked steady throughout and Hackett was again impressive, McHugh had his best game of the season and continues to lead the side with distinction, but clearly Mals need Collins fit and back on the pitch as soon as possible for the essential difference to the side that his presence brings. Upfront the strikers worked hard, but perhaps missed the guile and inventiveness of McCourt. Hopefully new boy McDonnell will recover soon from injury as he will no doubt provide a useful addition to the attacking options. Malachians will play Crusaders Reserves in the Intermediate Cup next week at the Stadium of Sand with a 1.30pm kick off. Up the Mals !

FT: Killyleagh YC 1 Malachians 0