There were a number of key players away for this match but three in a row was definitely a possibility against Orchardville. After some some initial confusion as to what pitch to use at the half empty Ormeau Park, the Dub players were ready but there was only 6 Orchardville players on the field. Dub were keen to start without the rest to catch some of the Carling Cup final but eventually the match started when the Orchardville keeper ran onto the pitch from the changing rooms.
Dub enthusiasm to start without the opposition's full squad out had riled Orchardville and they were keen to "get stuck in." However this played into Dub's hands as they started to give away free kicks in dangerous areas. After 2 minutes a resulting McCann free kick from the right found Harvey unmarked six yards out but he headed over the bar. After 8mins this was repeated as another well delivered McCann free kick from the right found Harvey unmarked six yards out but the header was well over the bar. After 22 minutes the Dub won another free kick on the right - apparently Donal took the manager's instructions to keep the ball from Harvey and shoots but the cheeky defender follows up the rebound and manages to keep it on the deck this time. Goal Mark Harvey. Orchardville had more possession later in the half without causing much concern for the Dub defence. Despite Doherty playing out of his usual position he was able to smoothly phil into the back four without any problems. At the end of the 40 minute first half another free kick was awarded to the men in black. The dangerous McCann's shot deflected off a defender but as it was on target he is awarded the goal. 2-0. There were a number of contentious off side decisions given against the Dub attackers in the first half and the shrewd Art had a quiet word with the referee about his decision making hoping this would influence the Dub favourably in the second half. No changes made a half time and more of the same the message.
A solid second half performance showed glimpses of the Dub passing game. Price and McToal were strong in the midfield and covered a lot of ground. Orchardville, who were forced to change their keeper at half time, had periods of pressure and a mistake from Charlie left Alan exposed for the opposition to get one back. Dub had some chances too and McCann was first to a breaking ball at the edge of the box and neatly chipped the keeper. 3-1.
As expected Orchardville then tried to up their game but the Dub defence soaked up the pressure. Orchardville's indiscipline also began to show, including a rash challenge on McCann by their keeper. In their frustration they pretty much complained at every decision awarded to Dub from then on. However Dub held on and the game ended 3-1. McToal, McCann and Harvey were all mentioned as contenders for man of the match. Only one sub was made on 68 minutes with Teague on for Elmore. Linda and an unsteady looking Conan were there if needed.
Incidentally...following up on the last match report about the programme shown on BBC4 about Zinedine Zidane being filmed by 14 cameras while playing for Real Madrid. I watched some if it and it was crap, he just sweated a hell of a lot. I think he has some medical condition though. Anyway I would rather watch a Dub match any day.
2mins McCann Free kick from the right -Harvey umarked six yards out heads over the bar
8mins McCann Free kick from the right Harvey umarked six yards out heads well over the bar
22 mins McCann Free kick from the right - Donal takes the manager's instructions to keep the ball from Harvey and shoots but the cheeky defender follows up the rebound and manages to keep it on the deck this time. Goal Mark Harvey.
40+1 McCann Free kick from the right - He shoots again - comes off a defender but as shot was on target he is awarded
Half Time - Dub 2 Orchardville 0
52 Orchardville goal
62 McCann Goal
68 mins Teague for Elmore
Subs not used; Conan Hodgkinson and Linda Kemperman
Squad
Alan Plunkett,
Mark Harvey, Phil Doherty,
Darren Price, Peter McToal,
Andy Bowd, Ryan McGaughey,
Donal McCann, Cormac Kernan,
Charlie Duffy,
Liam Elmore (sub 68 mins)
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