Dub Capture the Fort in Battle Royale

Ormeau Park, Sunday 16 November 2003, 1:30PM

Dub FC (1)2 Fort FC (0)1

When the Kernan brothers get together and discuss all matters Dub, they surely must derive enormous satisfaction from the fact that their team has already amassed a points tally greater than their total haul from all of last seasons' games. New signings, a tough pre-season and a more professional attitude have all contributed to this seasons success.

Fort yesterday

Dub went into to Sunday's game unbeaten and were undoubtedly the pre-match favourites to win. However, the match provided an abject lesson in not counting one's chickens as Dub just about got away with a 2 - 1 victory.

There was bad news for the Kernans even before kick off as Dubs talismanic defender, Sean Doherty, who has a wonderful singing voice, failed a late fitness test. This was, however, to prove a blessing in disguise as Doherty was called upon to replace the main man between the sticks, Neil Smyth. There were rumours that this alleged neck problem was all in Smyth's head and the reality was that the big man from Ardglass was so hungover that he couldn't see straight. They were, as I say, just rumours and I for one don't believe them. Having said that, Sean Doherty's performance in goal surely begs the question of whether or not there should be a 10.00pm curfew imposed on Saturday nights. Although, it is difficult to imagine how any management team could enforce this rule with the likes of Sean Mullan in the squad.

For whatever reason, the Dub got off to a slow start and the usual tough tackling and quick passing that has characterised their play so far this season were missing. This wasn't a pretty game and the first two chances fell to Fort players. Fort were, however, largely restricted to long range efforts by a mean Dub defense marshalled by man of the match Ryan "21" McGaughey. A superb performance from McGaughey was matched only by the equally impressive Michael Smyth who was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet after seeing a powerful header come back off the bar. The two makeshift centre-backs turned in performances that have shown, yet again, that the Dub have quality cover for every single position.

Dub eventually took the lead in the 29th minute after Gareth Dickson was assaulted in the box. Dickson and Murphy have been impressive all season and these handsome, charming and natural left footers combine well to give the Dub a genuine balance. Phil "T.V." Doherty stepped up to take the penalty and his assuredness made Johnny Wilkinson look like a jumpy getaway driver. Low to the keepers right, 1 - 0 Dub.

Halftime gave the Dub a chance to regroup and the suspended John Quinn, who obviously has feck all to do with his time, let the Dub players know that this level of performance was not acceptable. Art Kernan demanded more. More effort, more determination and more money. (Will we ever see our training gear?) Dub did, however, finish the half quite strongly and if the momentum given by Doherty's goal could keep going into the second half, then surely they would extend their lead.

Not so and an awful, horrendous mistake from Sean Doherty brought the sides level. A high, hopeful ball humped into the Dub box looked fairly innocuous until Doherty came to claim it. His pathetic attempt at a punch made John Prescott's girly slap look like a Tysonesque left hook. Doherty blamed the sun. Aye right.

Kristian Hill was, as usual, solid and dependable and his rampaging runs up the Dub right kept the Fort defenders occupied thus freeing up valuable space for Chris 'Figo' Sherrard who cites the Portuguese love/goal machine as his hero. Both Hill and Sherrard were unlucky to be substituted, Hill for veteran Liam McCollum and Sherrard for the criminally underused John Magee. Magee's stunning good looks and effervescence distracted the Fort defense to such an extent that they just stood and stared at him leaving him totally unmarked 18 yards from goal. Dickson, after a mazy run, fed the ball through to Magee who was unlucky to see his thunderbolt hit the Fort keeper, a giant of a man.

The Dub players gradually began to assert themselves in the second half largely due to the industry of Shane McCusker and the cunning guile of Sean Mullan. McCusker is living proof that regular exercise and Oil of Olay can extend a players career well into his forties. The recently married McCusker did, however, make a few minor errors towards the end of the game as his concentration seemed to wane. Conversely, Mullan improved in the second half as he sobered up and he began to express himself like only he can. Running, dribbling, flicks, twisting and turning and pirouetting like a ballerina. But, ahem, of course, Mullan is rugged and powerful.

The Dub looked set for a draw until the 81st minute when Dickson sent another great cross into the box for Cormac Kernan to lash into the bottom corner from 16 yards out. The Dub had created several chances earlier in the game but failed to convert any of them. Thankfully, Kernan's superb strike ensured that the Dub players weren't punished for their earlier profligacy.

Ten minutes to go and it was backs to the wall stuff for the Dub. Fort threw everyone forward but their efforts were in vain. Sean Doherty, determined to atone for his earlier howler, ensured that Fort were denied a second with a string of fine saves and, indeed, Dub were unlucky not to get a third when in the final minute Dickson found himself one on one with the Fort keeper. Unfortunately, Dickson took this opportunity to remind everyone that his right foot is just for standing on.

It finished 2 - 1 and the three points were safely in the bag. The Dub now win matches even when they are below par and that is a characteristic of a team capable of winning promotion. Despite missing quality regulars like Harvey and McToal, both on Godmother duty, the Dub team coped well with anything Fort threw at them.

The next three weeks are crucial for the Dub and one would not be overstating the case if one were to suggest that it's make or break time for the men in yellow.

If Sean Doherty and Neil Smyth manage to get themselves fit then the Dub back four will have a familiar look to it. All successful teams must build from the back and with their creativity in midfield and a seemingly endless supply of goals from the Dub strikers, this team is beginning to look like a side that can go all the way to the first division.

Squad

Chris Sherrard (sub 70 mins), Neil Smyth (sub 20 mins), Michael Smyth, Shane Murphy, Gareth Dickson, Sean Mullan, Shane McCusker, Kristian Hill (sub 55 mins), Ryan McGaughey, Cormac Kernan, Phil Doherty

Subs

Sean Doherty (20 mins), Liam McCollum (55 mins), John Magee (70 mins)

Match Statistics

Goals	Cormac Kernan Phil Doherty
Assists	Gareth Dickson (2)
Yellow cards	-
Red cards	-
Man of the match	Ryan McGaughey