Dub were left shellshocked after losing the Shield semi-final to St Matts at a windy Ormeau Park. Preparations were not great as several Dub players and staff came to the pitch with other things on their minds. Charlie Duffy was also unlucky to pick up an injury after some good recent performances had surely secured a place in the starting line up for the big game. Despite the setbacks, Dub were focused and looking forward to another memorable encounter with the Saints - particularly after another changing room visit from Big Al.
Dub had the advantage in the first half of slope and weather conditions and early signs seemed to tell that the MIBs were going to at least take the game to St Matts. Mullan was the first man to make an impression with a smart volley from the edge of the box just going wide, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. Dub took heart from this and continued to force the opposition back with set plays looking likely to pay dividends. Hodgy was impressive in the air and provided dangerous knockdowns from long balls and free kicks - one of which nearly resulted in a goal as Dickson pounced in the box only to see the rushed shot go wide.
St Matts were very comfortable on the ball as expected and looked to use the wings to provide ammunition for their centre forward but were frustrated by a resolute Dub back 4 in the shape of Harvey, Docs, Dickson and McGurk. Their centre forward did create a few chances but was given very little opportunity to convert with Sean D playing a very tight marking game. In fact, the men in red had no real shots on target in the first half and Dub were unlucky not to have the lead at half time. Andy and Sean Mullan had played well down the wings and Donal and Hodgy looked dangerous up front despite seeing little of the ball. Captain Phil and new signing Barry fought well in the middle of the park but were understandably a little frustrated from their lack of possession or opportunities.
Dub went out for the second half and immediately it became clear just how difficult the conditions were going to be. However, the lads raised their game again and continued to deny St Matts any real chances even though they now had the territorial advantage. The first 20 minutes of the half belonged to Dub and having already hit the post, Donal found the net after taking the ball around the keeper. This was just as Dub deserved and things seemed to be going as planned by master tactician Art Kernan. As the clocked ticked away, Dub tried to slow the game right down - much to the anger of the St Matts supporters.
However, the Saints were pushing forward and Dub (although defending well) were continually under pressure. Everything was coming down the left wing and it was all Dub could do to clear their lines. Eventually, the equaliser came as a low shot squeezed in at the near post past the unlucky Plunkett who had dealt with everything well so far - this was St Matts first real chance of the game. They continued to press but Dub responded well to deny any easy opportunities. And so it was bad luck which ended Dubs Shield aspirations. Another attack down the Dub left wing resulted in a low hard cross which beat the centre forward only to find Harveys deadly right boot. Mark was facing goal and could do nothing as the ball ricocheted into the corner of the net past Al who could do nothing. Again Dub heads did not drop but time was against them - in fact time seemed to fly past as the referee blew up seemingly early to end Dubs Shield dream.
This was a great performance from every man on the pitch - particularly the back 4/5 - and another example of what Dub can achieve. They were at least the equals of a St Matts team who featured a couple of Irish League players and the performances drew praise from the St Matts line as well as the Dub supporters.
Squad
Alan Plunkett,
Mark Harvey, Sean Doherty,
Gareth Dickson,
Andy Bowd (sub 83 mins),
Sean Mullan,
Donal McCann, Chris Hodgkinson (sub 75 mins), Mark McCormick (sub 0 mins),
Ryan McGaughey,
Barry Spence, Phil Doherty
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