This was our only goal scored by Joey Byrne in the 33rd minute. It was a lackluster performance on the night, but we were on course for all 3 points until 2 minutes from time, when the most bizarre equaliser was scored.
While the St. Mary’s player was clearly offside, the referee decided to play advantage as the ball reached the goalkeeper. However, when Eoin placed the ball for what he believed to be a free out, the St. Mary’s player ran onto the ball and kicked it into the net. The upshot of this is that the opposition gained an advantage and scored a goal (to draw the game) when clearly their player was flagged for offside and confirmed by the referee when questioned, that he was offside!
Law 5 of the IFAB Laws of the Game states that “A referee can penalise the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue”. There is no rigid time limit written into the rules. Clearly, the anticipated advantage did not ensue to VEC and arguably the goal should not have stood!

Shane O’Connor’s goal (and VEC’c 2nd) in the 75th minute ensured a hectic ending to this game as we battled hard for an equaliser, Having gone 0-2 down in the first 20 minutes. Paddy Cook’s 10th goal of the season a minute later made it 1-2 only for the visitors to score their 3rd on the half-hour mark. Then a marvelous 2nd half VEC performance unfortunately just fell short at the end.

The visitors were somewhat fortuitous to be leading 4-0 at half time. Although they played some nice football, 3 of the goals came from rebounds in a 20-minute spell. A better performance from VEC in the 2nd half, even after sustaining 3 injuries, kept the score-line down, and although we missed some good chances (pic.), Harding added a fifth on the hour mark and fully deserved this victory.