Mallow United Juniors were made to work hard for a win at the Farm in Curraheen last Saturday afternoon as the students were unwilling to be pushed around by their more senior counterparts but Mallow were deserving of all three points in the end as they continue their push for the title. In the opening exchanges UCC showed that they were capable of some excellent football and deservedly took the lead with a long range effort after 15 minutes with Mallow on the back foot and struggling to get to pace with the game. The UCC pressure continued however Mallow gradually began to settle, getting a better share of possession and creating some clear goal scoring opportunities. From midfield James O’Driscoll probed the UCC defence with a number of superb through balls as the students appeared to have difficulty containing the Mallow attack. After a number of spurned opportunities from Mallow, Joe Carroll got a well-deserved equaliser at the 30 minute mark. With Mallow continuing to grow in confidence Carroll got a second to put Mallow ahead and they may have felt unlucky to only be a goal to the good at half time. UCC started the second half as they did the first at a high tempo and were soon back in the game with a well taken volley from 12 yards. The introduction of Anthony Bowles and Liam Dowling at the 60 minute mark proved to be a turning point however as shortly after their arrival Bowles provided a dangerous cross from the right which Dowling slotted home at the back post. Again Mallow continued to create further opportunities and perhaps should have finished the game with a more comfortable winning margin however with time running out UCC once again began to press. Discipline and honesty of effort was required to see Mallow defy the late UCC surge, with the centre back partnership of Barry Doyle and Shane Sheehan refusing to buckle under the pressure. Mallow held on for the win and retain their position at the top of the table in Division 2. Final score UCC 2 – 3 Mallow United.
Mallow Squad: Michael Murphy, Brian Doody, Barry Doyle, Shane Sheehan, John O’Callaghan, Jojo Noonan, John Kelleher, James O’Driscoll, Jay Clow, Derek O’Flynn, Joe Carroll, Anthony Bowles, Liam Dowling, Adrian Potoniec, Sean Woulfe, Dave Barrow
Location
The Farm, Curraheen, Cork
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