This vital save by Richie Hannify in the first minute of this cup match, sparked VEC into life. Thereafter, most chances for both teams came from set pieces, with VEC having most of them. But it was not until the 50th minute that we deservedly took the lead when Joey Byrne’s corner kick was headed into the net by Frankie Nolan. Then, 20 minutes later, a well-worked Blanchardstown free kick sailed into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.
With the match heading for extra-time, a breakaway, after defending another VEC free-kick, saw the home team go the length of the pitch and secure an unlikely winner in the 90+3rd minute. We wish them well in the next round.
VEC’s unbeaten start to the campaign continued as St. Mary’s held out for a hard fought point in Terenure on Saturday morning.
The sides are familiar with each other after both were promoted from Division 2 last season, with St. Mary’s clinching the title.
However, it was the home side who came out of the traps quickly in this one, but with St. Mary’s staying compact and organised VEC were left frustrated during the early exchanges, looking light on ideas.
As the half progressed however, we began to look more threatening with Pat Meghen coming closest as he was denied at point blank range by the Mary’s keeper.
The visitors had battled ferociously in the first half and were a constant concern on the counter attack but the 2nd half of the game saw things opening up as concentration levels dipped.
VEC began to pose a real threat – Joey Byrne rattling the crossbar from close range (pic.) followed by huge shouts for a VEC penalty also being waved away shortly after. Having twice been denied by the woodwork and the Mary’s keeper proving himself the equal of most attempts on goal, we found ourselves under a 10-minute period of pressure as Mary’s bombarded the box with dangerous long throw after long throw. We survived however, and regained momentum but ultimately ran out of time as the ref blew for 90mins in what was a great battle and a well deserved point for each side.
3 Goals for Pat Meghen, 3 Assists for Frankie Nolan and 3 Points for VEC made it a successful Wednesday evening in Terenure yesterday 💥
We lead 2-0 at half time with early goals from Captain Shane O’Connor and Vice Captain Joey Byrne.
However, it had been a competitive half of football and the visitors were denied a goal just before the break with Colly Power in the VEC nets tipping a long range strike onto the bar.
The second half saw VEC overwhelm the visitors thanks to an impressive collective display of pace, fitness and composure in front of goal.
Pat Meghen was unplayable on the day, repeatedly arriving late from midfield and successfully getting on the end of 3 deft Frankie Nolan through balls.
3 clinical finishes later and the game was entirely put to bed. Tshepo Montsho also nabbed his 4th of the season thanks to some excellent high pressing and individual effort.
This vital save by Richie Hannify in the first minute of this cup match, sparked VEC into life. Thereafter, most chances for both teams came from set pieces, with VEC having most of them. But it was not until the 50th minute that we deservedly took the lead when Joey Byrne’s corner kick was headed into the net by Frankie Nolan. Then, 20 minutes later, a well-worked Blanchardstown free kick sailed into the corner of the net to make it 1-1.
