VEC player/manager Simon Roche was forced into action in extra time of today’s RK Cup Quarter Final win over Boghall Rovers and scored this towering back-post header just 3 minutes after his deft backheel goal, as VEC completed an excellent comeback, having fallen 2 goals behind to an impressive Boghall side! VEC’s other goalscorers were Gav Murphy, Tom Wrynne, Jack Nolan and Aidan Hyland. It ended 6-3. This followed VEC’s win over the same opposition in the recent quarter-final Challenge Cup match in Bray.

Meanwhile on the adjoining pitch, VEC 2nds also came from behind to surprise high-flying Stedfast Utd. with a thrilling 3-1 win to advance to the semi-final of the MMI Cup. Fionn Riordan, Ronan Corbett and Conor O’Neill were the VEC goalscorers.  See Cup Draws & Dates

Unfortunately, this brilliant strike from James McGauran in the 75th minute wasn’t enough for VEC after conceding two set piece goals in the 16th and 40th minutes against Arthur Griffith Park FC in this crucial Premier Division clash in Lucan on Wednesday evening. Despite constant pressure from VEC thereafter, including a rasper of a shot from Pat Meghen that hit the crossbar, there were no further goals!

Following a mazy run through a number of defenders, James McGauran (7) makes it 5-1 for VEC in the 77th minute of this Challenge Cup quarter-final match against Boghall Rovers in Bray.

An Oisin Kinsella corner had completely evaded the home goalkeeper in the 5th minute, followed by Conor Tiernan’s first goal for VEC just 5 minutes later. Neill Love made it 3-0 ten minutes before half-time. Then Pat Meghen scored VEC’s fourth in the 65th minute, and although Boghall pulled one back with 15 minutes remaining, this tie was never in doubt!

Aidan Hyland smashed home a volley after only 30 seconds to set VEC on their way to 3 valuable points in the Premier Division race against Beech Park FC in Lucan on Wednesday evening.

The weather turned biblical on the quarter hour, but when it brightened up, a Ray Jaudzems strike from distance proved too hot to handle and Joey Byrne followed up for a poacher’s goal with just 7 minutes remaining in the first half, giving VEC a 2-0 lead.

The game petered out in the second half, without further impact on the scoreboard, as VEC failed to convert a stream of half chances.

In his first start for VEC in three years after injury, Aidan Hyland (left) slotted home at the back post on the stroke of half time after excellent work from Gav Murphy to score for VEC in the Premier Division in Terenure. The visitors Malahide Utd. had opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with an unstoppable strike, but VEC fought back and equalised with James McGauran finishing off a surging run himself in the 35th minute re-acting to Jeff De Castro’s effort, before Aidan’s winning goal. More pics.