While it wasn’t the result we would have liked, it was great to be back playing football again last Saturday, after a gap of 10 months.

Even though we conceded an opportunist goal to Shelbourne AFC 10 minutes into the 2nd half, it seemed only to be a matter of time before we would score, based on our possession, but alas that goal never came despite some good chances. The visitors then scored their second in the dying minutes to take all three points in this UCFL Pre-Season Tournament. We move on!

Another penalty shoot-out was needed to decide the winner as the sides finished level at 2-2 after 90 minutes in the Premier Division Shield Final in Terenure.

VEC had to come from behind on two occasions: Coolock Village opened the scoring in the 40th minute only for Seamus Staunton to equalise from the penalty spot just three minutes later. Then three minutes into the second half they regained their lead until the 64th minute when Ray Jaudzems (in pic.)  made it 2-2.

VEC won the penalty shoot-out 5-4 with Richie Hannify brilliantly saving Coolock’s last kick.

Click on image to enlarge.

More photos here.

Adam Flynn scores VEC’s 5th penalty as VEC knock-out South William Street Celtic 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after both sides finished level at 4-4. [click on image to enlarge].

Coming from 2 goals down after 20 minutes, VEC drew level after 38 minutes in the Premier Division Shield Semi-Final in Terenure. But the visitors restored their 2 goal advantage by the 10th minute of the second half, only for substitute Andy Myler to roll back the years with an exquisite 80th minute free kick and then captain Seamus Staunton to equalise from the penalty spot with virtually the last kick of this hectic game to bring this tie to penalties. We now meet Coolock Village in the Shield Final.

Despite around 66% possession, VEC failed to put Harding IF away in the Premier Shield Quarter Final in Terenure, and had to rely on success in the penalty shoot-out (3-1) after the sides had finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Trailing 0-1 after 30 minutes, Seamus Staunton put VEC level with a penalty in the 52nd minute, added to 10 minutes later from a Tom Wrynne deft header, only for the visitors to level matters with 15 minutes remaining.

Click on image to enlarge.

Unfortunately it was not to be! In this strange ‘Covid’ season, VEC failed to score (for the first time in a league game) and had to relinquish our Premier Division title to South William Street Celtic.

This fine header from VEC’s Conall O’Shaughnessy [click on image to enlarge] seemed to be destined to hit the back of the net early in the second half and cancel out South William Street Celtic’s 18th minute ‘cracker’ in the top-of-the-table clash in Ringsend Park. Alas, it was cleared off the line and despite some later efforts – including a rasping shot from Seamus Staunton which re-bounded off the crossbar – and with VEC pushing for the critical equaliser, the home team wrapped up the game with their second goal in the 85th minute to win their first and a well-deserved Premier Division title.

In his first competitive game since March, Richie Hannify’s ‘wonder’ save in the 90th minute ensured that VEC gained all 3 points against Castle Celtic in Terenure to move to within three points (with a game in hand) of Premier Division leaders South William Street Celtic.

Pat Meghen – with another priceless goal – had opened the scoring in the 10th minute and VEC should really have put the game out of the visitor’s reach in the first half, but failed to convert a number of chances. This gave Castle hope as they pushed for the equaliser late in the game, but solid defending and that save kept VEC on course to retain the league title.

The only real save that Rob Newe had to make as his defense stood solid against Arthur Griffith Park FC in the Premier Division clash in Terenure on Wednesday.

Three first half goals from Jordan Howard (10 mins.) Seamus Staunton (35 mins.) and an o.g. five minutes later ensured that VEC picked up all 3 points on a 3-0 scoreline with South William Street Celtic firmly in their sights at the top of the table!

VEC had to wait until the 57th minute to score against Portmarnock AFC on Saturday. But it was worth the wait as Pat Meghen nipped in in front of the home goalkeeper to score the only goal of the game with a delightful header from a Jordan Howard corner.

With another 3 points in the bag, VEC edged closer to the top of the Premier Division with just four games remaining.

It was back to league action in Lucan on Wednesday for VEC after exiting both UCFL cups on penalties in the previous week.

Just 15 minutes into the game, Oisin Kinsella’s excellent cross flew into the net off a defender to set VEC on the way to a 2-1 league win over Beech Park FC. Pat Meghen added a second 5 minutes later but then in the 55th minute, the home team pulled one back after VEC failed to clear their lines, but VEC held out for the 3 points to keep the pressure up on Premier Division leaders South William Street Celtic.

Joey Byrne stole in at the far post in the 48th minute to score the opening goal for VEC against Dunshaughlin in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Unfortunately the lead didn’t last long as the home team equalised with a breakaway goal just 5 minutes later! Finishing at 1-1, the game went to extra time, but without any further goals. In the resulting penalty shoot-out, Dunshaughlin advanced to the semi-final on a 4-3 score.