Dub Bounce Back

Ormeau Park, Sunday 14 March 2004, 1:30PM

Dub FC (4)4 Ramblers (2)2

After last week's disappointing performance in the Shield Final, Dub got
back to winning ways in the quarter final of the Cup on Sunday at Ormeau
Park. The lengthy post-match analysis in the Rose and Crown had
obviously done the trick and got the disappointment out of the system,
though the shameless karaoke performance by Chris Hodgkinson has forced
him to go into hiding for a few weeks.

The game was played in near gale conditions - with Dub winning the toss
and electing to play with the wind advantage in the first half. From the
whistle Dub piled on the pressure, keeping Ramblers camped in their own
half. The scoring opened as early as the 2nd minute, when Dickson's
trademark inswinging corner sailed into the top of the net. Dub FC top
scorer Phil Doherty headed another soon after, following a wind-assisted
throw from full-back McGurk.

The score remained at 2-0 until the 16th minute, when Dickson made a
great run down the left wing before cutting back to the advancing Smith,
who had raced at full 5mph speed from his defensive position to join the
move. The full-back unleashed a first time left foot shot from 20 yards,
which sailed into the top corner of the net.

Complacency then settled in, and Dub were caught napping at the back
when SA Ramblers broke forward to open their account. Dub FC keeper Neil
Smyth was favourite to save the tame Ramblers shot, but instead seemed
to defy gravity by somehow somersaulting over the ball. This setback
didn't serve as a wake-up call to Dub, however, and a similar Ramblers
move brought the score to 3-2 some 10 minutes later.

Dub raised their game soon after, with Phil Doherty grabbing his second
of the game by an angled header. Doherty produced a number of fine
efforts in the run up to half time, and was unlucky not to get a hat
trick before the interval. Half-time 4-2.

The second half was a muted affair, with Ramblers predictably piling on
the pressure with the wind at their backs. However, Dub defended
resolutely, limiting Ramblers to a few half chances. Despite the wind,
Dub created several good opportunties, most notably another mazey run by
Smith which unfortunately culminated in a shot to threaten low-flying
aircraft.

The game ended with the score unchanged from half-time. Dub can now look
forward to their second semi-final of the season and will be keen to
keep their good record in the knock-out competitions going.
Author: Shane McCusker

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Dub FC 4 SA Ramblers 2

Dub looked to put the disappointment of the Shield final behind them as they took on yet more first division opposition in the cup quarter final. A windy day at Ormeau meant that the game was hardly a spectacle but the first goal of the game proved to be spectacular. Dub played with the wind in the first half and looked to build a good lead before the break. Constant pressure forced the Ramblers to play deep in their own half and eventually a corner was conceded. Dub pushed men into the box but they weren?t needed as Gareth Dicksons corner curled over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. The first half seemed to be going Dubs way as they extended their lead with all the action taking place in the Ramblers box. A long ball from the right was allowed to clear the first line! of defence and Phil Doherty was on hand to head home from the edge of the 6 yard box. Another opportunity fell to Phil in similar circumstances with the same end result. Phil now looks unstoppable in the race for top scorer this year but with Cormac Kernan 5 goals behind and picking the team, Phil may bring his tracksuit to the next few matches.

The Ramblers did rattle Dub in the first half scoring 2 goals in quick succession as they broke from defence in numbers. Neil Smyth had a nightmare for the first as the ball rolled under him and was unlucky for the second when a quick break left him one-on-one with the pacey Ramblers striker. The goal of the half and indeed the game was at the other end. Dub had again pushed numbers into the box but the ball went straight through to the left corner. Dickson picked it up with his back to goal and a Ramblers defender in close attendance. He turned away and laid the ball inside to be met perfectly by the advancing Michael Smyth. His first time shot from just outside the 18 yard box whistled past the diving Ramblers keeper and into the top right corner.

The second half proved to be very scrappy as Dub fought the wind to keep the Ramblers strikers at bay. Despite playing mostly in their own half, Dub soaked up all the pressure and put in a solid defensive display to prevent the Ramblers from scoring. Neil Smyth put in a much better performance, making some critical saves in the second half. The match ended 4-2 to Dub who watched Boca Seniors go through on penalties in the other quarter final. This set up a much anticipated semi-final clash between the top two teams in division two. Boca have been in great form all year and have the league in their own hands but Dub will relish the chance to reverse the result of the last match between these two teams when they let Boca come from 3 goals behind to claim a good win.
Author; G Dickson

Squad

Neil Smyth, Michael Smyth, Mark Harvey, Sean Doherty, Gareth Dickson, Sean Mullan, Shane McCusker, Peter McToal, Ryan McGaughey, Cormac Kernan (sub 75 mins), Phil Doherty

Subs

Kristian Hill (75 mins)

Match Statistics

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