Mals Grind Out A Result

Mals skipper Aldo Anderson, referee Derek Higgins and Killyleagh skipper Darren Nelson

In perfect playing conditions at Killyleagh a youthful Malachians squad, well organised and fully committed, held on for a well deserved victory . In brilliant sunshine the game’s first opening half chance fell to Devine playing wide on the right before the Mals keeper was forced to tip over a long range effort from home full back Marshall. Killyleagh shaded the early exchanges without really threatening the away goal and both Kavanagh and McKee at the centre of the Mals defence looked confident and composed throughout. Mals eventually got their attacking game going on twenty minutes when centre forward Squiggs Quigley blasted a long range half volley not far off target and a series of corners for the Mals ensued. Mals were playing with four across the midfield with captain Anderson and McGarrigan in the centre and Devine and Crossley on the flanks, whilst full backs McVeigh and McKee were in on the action at every opportunity.

Mals went ahead on twenty seven minutes. A long throw on the right from wily fullback McKee saw Quigley pressurize the home defence into disarray allowing Dimebar Donaldson to finish in style with an emphatic overhead kick. However Killyleagh came storming back and only a brave last ditch block by the Mals keeper denied home winger Boyle in a one on one.

Just five minutes before the break Mals had strong appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Derek Higgins when Dimebar went sprawling in the box but Mals seemed to lose momentum after the goal and the home side finished the half on top although there was still time for a great solo run from man of the match  Kavanagh , Roy of the Rovers style, who carried the ball forty yards into the box to the byeline and almost created an opening.

HT Killyleagh YC 0 Malachians 1

The second half opened with two great chances for the home side to draw level both coming from defensive lapses, with Kavanagh surprisingly squandering possession  allowing home forward Sullivan a clear run on goal only to be denied by a full length finger tip save. Killyleagh now had the upper hand and Mals’ frustrations grew with Dimebar Donaldson booked for dissent by referee Higgins. Mals doggedly held on and, with just five minutes to go, had a great chance to settle the game when Dimebar flicked a through ball goalwards only to see his effort cleared off the line. At the other end a long range effort from Sullivan whistled narrowly wide, as the ever effective McKee limped off to be replaced by the fresh and energetic legs of Osborne on the right. Mals were now on the ropes and another great effort by Sullivan shaved the crossbar as Mals manager Young freshened things up sending on McCurry for the hard working Quigley.

As extra time entered it’s third minute there was an unbelievably headed miss from close range by giant, home centre back Heaney, as Mals appealed vehemently for offside and, with a giant sigh of relief on the sideline, the final whistle sounded and Mals were home and hosed for a second, consecutive, invaluable away win. No joyous scenes at the end just the sight of away manager Young pointing out areas for improvement for his young side to improve on and  delight at the fact that a great team effort had been able to grind out a winning result.

FT: Killyleagh YC II 0 Malachians II 1