DCU 1-2 Seaford Rock United
LSL Sat Div 3
A superb double from striker Francis Mulhall secured Seaford a hard-fought win over Division 3 strugglers DCU in North Dublin this afternoon.
In their first outing of the new year, it was a rusty and lacklustre first half for the seconds. DCU, without a win all season, took advantage of a strong wind and controlled the game during the opening period, and deservedly took the lead on the half hour park.
From a break down their left hand side, the ball was laid into the path of Trevor Gethins, who capped an impressive first half display with a well taken finish from 16 yards
But for all their territorial dominance, DCU struggled to test Seaford keeper Dylan O'Reilly, and after the half-time break it was a different game as Seaford produced a fine team effort to turn the match around.
Early in the second period, Mulhall showed strength and tenacity to hold off a defender, running on to Darren Grealish's long clearance before smashing the ball past Jordan Corbett at the near post.
DCU suffered a blow around the hour mark when their dangerous winger Daryl Bolger was forced off through injury, and Mulhall completed the visitors' comeback with fifteen minutes to play. Amer Herenda's long throw was allowed to bounce in the DCU goalmouth, and the veteran Mulhall produced a super bicycle kick to find the back of the net.
With five to play, Tony Bennett, redeployed on the left wing for the day, missed a golden opportunity to open his Seaford account when put through on goal with just Corbett to beat, but the DCU stopper managed to block his effort, and sub Domhnall Howley volleyed the rebound just over from long range.
Seaford suffered a scare in injury time when DCU headed just over from a right wing cross, but held on to secure the three points.
Seaford: D O'Reilly; A Herenda, R Murray, B Kirwan (c), D Grealish; T Crichlow, M Smith (P O'Fatharta, 70), A Brennan, T Bennett, R Boyle (D Howley, 62); F Mulhall (R O'Riordan, 84). Goals: F Mulhall (55, 74)
Rosemount Park, Dundrum - 31 October 2015
In their first outing of the new year, it was a rusty and lacklustre first half for the seconds. DCU, without a win all season, took advantage of a strong wind and controlled the game during the opening period, and deservedly took the lead on the half hour park.
From a break down their left hand side, the ball was laid into the path of Trevor Gethins, who capped an impressive first half display with a well taken finish from 16 yards
But for all their territorial dominance, DCU struggled to test Seaford keeper Dylan O'Reilly, and after the half-time break it was a different game as Seaford produced a fine team effort to turn the match around.
Early in the second period, Mulhall showed strength and tenacity to hold off a defender, running on to Darren Grealish's long clearance before smashing the ball past Jordan Corbett at the near post.
DCU suffered a blow around the hour mark when their dangerous winger Daryl Bolger was forced off through injury, and Mulhall completed the visitors' comeback with fifteen minutes to play. Amer Herenda's long throw was allowed to bounce in the DCU goalmouth, and the veteran Mulhall produced a super bicycle kick to find the back of the net.
With five to play, Tony Bennett, redeployed on the left wing for the day, missed a golden opportunity to open his Seaford account when put through on goal with just Corbett to beat, but the DCU stopper managed to block his effort, and sub Domhnall Howley volleyed the rebound just over from long range.
Seaford suffered a scare in injury time when DCU headed just over from a right wing cross, but held on to secure the three points.
Seaford: D O'Reilly; A Herenda, R Murray, B Kirwan (c), D Grealish; T Crichlow, M Smith (P O'Fatharta, 70), A Brennan, T Bennett, R Boyle (D Howley, 62); F Mulhall (R O'Riordan, 84). Goals: F Mulhall (55, 74)
Rosemount Park, Dundrum - 31 October 2015