Mals Hit The Spot

Shankill skipper Craig McCann, referee Davy McCartney and  Mals captain Conor McHugh

A second half penalty, coolly tucked away by James Moore, was the difference between the sides as Malachians edged out an impressive Shankill side to claim another vital victory at the Stadium of Sand. After last week’s bitter disappointment this was an excellent, committed, well organised and well balanced display, built on a superb defensive back four, that deserves nothing but the highest praise. Shankill are an excellent footballing side who were on top for the second half of the first half and for a period after the goal in the second period, without really threatening, and their players, management and large travelling support were all sporting and gracious afterwards in defeat.

Mals were without regular keeper Ciaran Stitt which resulted in a late call up in goals for Mals favourite John Finucane, who acquitted himself well throughout, and with McDonnell, Dillon and Dalton all unavailable there were call ups to the bench for evergreen Mals legend Jim Kavanagh and Tony McVeigh who took their seats alongside Jerome McAtee who was being rested in advance of the trip to Cookstown. Conor Allsopp got his chance in the centre midfield role and was impressive throughout alongside captain McHugh, who delivered another, ninety minute, action man display. Mals debating society of McCourt and Moore, who argued, questioned and debated every single move with each other all game, started upfront.

In near perfect conditions the first chance fell to the visitors and only a last ditch challenge by Hackett denied an early goal, whilst Hackett then went close with a header at the other end. Fifteen minutes in and Mals were within a whisker of scoring. A powerful run forward by Sharpe saw him tripped on the edge of the box and, as Shankill lined up a wall, ever alert McCourt took the free kick quickly and his clever chip came back off the post with away keeper James Thompson stranded.

Mals had by far the better of the opening twenty minutes and Moore appeared to be barged over by away skipper Craig McCann, but referee Davy McCartney, perhaps reflecting his rugby days of old, saw nothing wrong and waved play on. The referee had a good game overall, with a sensible approach that allowed the correct degree of physical contact, kept the game flowing and only intervened when really necessary, well done.

After the encouraging opening twenty for Mals suddenly Shankill were on top with pace on the right from Gary McDermott and directness through the middle from centre forward Robert Robinson, whose effort struck Collins on an arm by his side in the box , and it was Shankill’s turn to have loud claims for a penalty waved away by referee McCartney. The visitors then applied more pressure with a series of corners without really threatening and Mals were reduced to fast counter attacks with the bickering Moore and McCourt still threatening, each other at times as much as the opposition goal. As the half ended goal less there was an ungainly scramble in the visitor’s goal mouth with Mals players going down on two occasions in the same incident but again no intevention was deemed appropriate by the referee, Shankill eventually cleared their lines and the half ended with honours even.

 Collins barks out the orders

HT: Malachians 0 Shankill Utd 0

Moore goes for the overhead

Mals opened the second period strongly with attacks on both flanks as Adams and Lowe linked well on the right and Sharpe and Reilly threatened on the left. Collins was outstanding as always in defence, unbelievably toughing it out through the pain barrier, as he repeatedly went down in agony clutching his back before seeing it out remarkably to the bitter end. Collins’ partner in crime Hackett, deservedly given the man of the match accolade afterwards by manager Saunders, was winning everything and popping up with telling interventions in defence on numerous occasions.

Mals continued on top with now Shankill being the side to be reduced to threatening counter attacks as the game flowed. Reilly went close as away keeper Thompson, who was excellent throughout sweeping behind his defence and punching clearances well, denied the Mals flying machine in a one on one. Twenty minutes into the second period and Mals went in front. Great perserverance on the right from McCourt, who worked hard for the team all game, forced a throw which McCourt himself took quickly to strike partner Moore inside the box. Moore was needlessly bundled over by away full back Aaron Robinson and a clear cut penalty was the only possible decision. Moore took the kick himself and with his usual swagger converted in style.

Shankill now upped their game and forced Mals onto the back foot, Away winger McDermott was booked for a poor challenge on Moore, Mals were now battling for everything as Shankill, roared on by their large support, pushed forwards in search of an equaliser. However the Mals back four were exceptional and eventually, as McAtee replaced the hobbling Moore late on, Shankill ran out of ideas and the three points were won for the home side.

This was another impressive performance by this evolving Malachians side who edged out a highly rated Shankill side. The settled back four of Adams, Collins, Hackett and Sharpe were physical and assured. Captain McHugh is having by far his best run of form in a Mals shirt and young Allsopp looks a good prospect. Lowe and Reilly provided pace and width on the flanks , whilst the guile and trickery of Moore and McCourt always threatened chances. Well done to the whole squad, and to management of  Saunders and Collins for getting the team back on track in some style with a great display and hopefully this can be carried forward, as the tough games come thick and fast and Dromara Village come to town next Saturday. Up the Mals !

FT: Malachians 1 Shankill Utd 0

Best for Mals: Decky Hackett

Best for Shankill : James Thompson