University College Dublin (UCD) moved up to third on the SSE Airtricity League First Division table after a strong 5-1 victory over Cabinteely on Friday. The Students were in top form when they ran out to the UCD Bowl, and cruised past the visitors.
The first half was evenly contested, with neither side able to threaten each other’s goals with solid chances. Luke Boore for UCD and Christian Lotefa for Cabinteely were each entered into the referee’s book a quarter of the way into the match, with halftime being a welcome break for both sides.
The second half, however, was in complete contrast to the first. The Students’ prolific goal-scoring duo of Yoyo Mahdy and Colm Whelan each scored within the first 11 minutes of the half to take the hosts to a 2-0 up. Liam Kerrigan added a third for the hosts midway through the second half.
Cabinteely got one back, though through the boot of Kieran Waters, almost immediately after Michael Gallagher was shown yellow for UCD. Danu Kinsella Bishop made up for his yellow card in the 81st minute with a brilliant goal of his own for the Students just a few minutes later.
The final score of the match went to none other than Mahdy, who was gifted a penalty in the 86th minute. He slotted it past the ‘keeper, securing the hosts as the victors.
The win brings UCD into the top three of the table, with only Drogheda United and Bray ahead of them heading into the final round of the regular season. The Students will have tome to prepare heading into their next match, as they will travel to Galway United on Tuesday 27 October for the final match before the knockout stages.
Stephen Kisbey-Green – Co-Editor
