| - |
| - |
| - |
| - |
| - |
| Marc McKenna | 8 |
| Terry Owusu | 7 |
| Andy Bowd | 6 |
| Conan Hodgkinson | 6 |
| Cristian Andy | 5 |
| David Malanaphy | 5 |
| Gae Lo Jacono | 5 |
| Gareth White | 5 |
| Habeeb Ramos | 5 |
| Mickey Donnelly | 5 |
| Frank Donnan | 4 |
| Mohammed Bashir | 4 |
| Seyi Abiola | 4 |
| Abbey Akinyemi | 3 |
| Alan Abimbola | 3 |
| Fope Akinwumi | 3 |
| Jack Moore | 3 |
| Olufemi Adenuga | 3 |
| Sean O'Neill | 3 |
| Jimmy Lavery | 2 |
Following a match of epic proportions on Sunday 18 January at Ormeau Park in Belfast, Dub F.C. finds itself in the first competitive final of its fledgling existence.
St. Matts F.C. were the opposition on Sunday in the semi-final of the South Belfast Premier League Shield and although they sit a whole division above Dub, and were runners up in this competition last season, there was no lack of confidence from the Dub management team prior to kick off. With a full squad to choose from, both Al Pacino and Alex Ferguson found themselves recipients of the dreaded Saturday night phone call to confirm they wouldn?t be required. Despite their omission they sent forward warm words of encouragement to the Dub side seeking to extend its good record in this competition.
The match had been billed as David against Goliath; however, a quick survey of the starting elevens may have left some bemused spectators wondering exactly who David was in this encounter.
The match started with Dub exerting early pressure. Pushing the offside rule as far as possible, the Dub defence marshaled by Messrs Harvey and Doherty squeezed the game allowing the Dub midfield to push on and create havoc in the St Matts penalty area.
The early pressure soon told as recently returned striker Chris Hodgkinson displayed some neat skills in embarrassing a few of the St. Matts defenders before sending over a laser-precision cross for Dub Captain Shane McCusker to score with a sharp header. Gasps of surprise were heard from the on-lookers as the captain managed to keep his nerve from a few yards out.
Dub were clearly enjoying the better of the game at this stage. Their physical advantage was telling and their pressurizing of the man on the ball, particularly in midfield, meant St. Matts found it difficult to establish their passing game.
More pressure from Dub eventually led to the second goal of the game on 28 minutes when an astute pass from Sean Mullan in Dub's midfield released Hodgkinson to score with a clever chip. Both Hodgkinson and Kernan were causing consternation in St. Matts defence and more goals seemed inevitable.
Nonetheless the next goal of the game belonged to St Matts. Following good build up down their left a telling cross found an on-rushing midfielder inexplicably unmarked in the Dub box. The finish was clinical.
A bout of head scratching in the Dub defence was followed by calls from the sideline for them to raise their game. And so it was, Dub settled back into their rhythm, and from a corner in the 38th minute re-established their 2 goal cushion. A flick on from Hodgkinson found centre-half Doherty unmarked at the back post and a delicate finish from 6 inches out duly followed.
The game reached half time with the score line at 3-1. Dub were in control with the midfield quartet of Dickson, McCusker, Mullan and McToal particularly impressive. A half time huddle produced the predictable roar of enthusiasm which nearly pre-empted a second half collapse.
And so playing down the slope in the second half Dub immediately found themselves on the back foot. The offside trap began to look about as reliable as Saddam Hussein's information minister and St Matts began to boss possession. Playing the ball early and seeking to exploit the space behind the Dub full backs St Matts worked their way back into the game on 51 minutes with a cross-come shot which deceived everyone.
Relentless pressure saw Dub too often squander possession, seeking the safety first option, and despite some last ditch defending from Murphy and McGurk a third goal from St Matts followed on 60 minutes. A free header in the box following a good right wing cross saw the game level at 3-3.
At this stage St Matts had the upper hand and objective observers anticipated the first division side going on to win the game.
But, buoyed by the introduction of Phil Doherty giving another dimension to their game up-front, Dub found energy reserves to lift their game. As the game approached its conclusion Dub had regained the initiative without seriously threatening the winner. As extra time loomed Art Kernan replaced his brother Cormac in what was to prove to be an inspired substitution. An indiscretion from St Matts number 6 saw him issued with a red card. The game drifted into extra-time, and the silver goal rule.
The game was tight in the first period of extra time, with Dub pressing slightly more but lacking any clear cut goal scoring opportunities. The second half was similarly tight until two minutes from the end.
There followed a fairy tale finish for player-manager Art Kernan, when following a period of sustained attacks, a long throw from McGurk and a flick on by Doherty found him steaming in at the back post to finish emphatically. The goal was so late in the game that St Matts had no time to reply and the final whistle was greeted with jubilant scenes from Dub players and supporters. Dub management crowned this their finest hour. Time keeping aside they have reason to be pleased.
Dub FC now meet the holders Rushlight Celtic in the showpiece final in Allen Park, Chimney Corner, on Sunday the 7th March. Supporters can buy tickets in advance from the club's team sponsors, the Rose & Crown bar on the Ormeau Road.
Final Score Dub FC 4 St Matts 3
Man of the Match A Kernan. Popped up with the winner despite a season ravaged by injuries.
Match reporter: Shane Murphy
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