UCD continued their fine early season form with a comfortable 3-1 victory over south Dublin rivals Cabinteely at Belfield on Friday night. The Students scored two relatively straight forward goals before the break, through Georgie Kelly, and Yo-yo
UCD continued their fine early season form with a comfortable 3-1 victory over south Dublin rivals Cabinteely at Belfield on Friday night.
The Students scored two relatively straight forward goals before the break, through Georgie Kelly, and Yo-yo Mahdy. The second-half was a more even contest, but a Gary O’Neill goal from a free-kick ended the game as a contest, before a Cabinteely revival.
Drogheda’s fightback at United Park means UCD end the night top of the First Division table. College took the lead inside five minutes. Cabinteely might feel aggrieved after Paul Doyle appeared to catch Sean Bragazzi in the middle of the park.
But there was nothing wrong with his through pass, as he left Kelly with one of the easiest finishes he’ll have all season. He did his part, placed it in the right corner, for his third goal in two games.
Conor Keely and Kevin Knight were marshaling the centre of the Cabinteely defence with authority, and Marty Waters was battling away on his own up front, but the hosts continued to create the chances.
And they were two up in the 43rd minute.Daire O’Connor battled on the left wing, before crossing for Kelly. His effort was blocked, but the ball fell fortuitously for Mahdy, who finished smartly from close range.
Cabo had their best period just after College’s second goal. Jack Watson headed a cross over the bar, before Kaleem Simon couldn’t keep Karl Byrne’s pacey cross down. A difficult task was made nearly impossible for the visitors in the 63rd minute when Karl Byrne was sent off for a last-man challenge on Mahdy.
And the game was ended as a contest four minutes later. Gary O’Neill’s free-kick from a tight angle seemed to miss everyone, before nestling in the right corner of Stephen McGuinness’s goal. Cabinteely didn’t give up, and they had a goal back in the 74th minute. Jack Watson got on the end of Dean Casey’s corner to head home from close range. Despite much endeavour, they couldn’t get any closer.
