Ballymun United and St Pauls Artane finish all square By Tom Rooney | on September 15, 2013 | 0 Comment AUL Our Headline News IMG_0017 Ballymun United 1 St Pauls Artane 1 Ayrfield United’s loss to Eastwall Bessborough last night provided Ballymun United and St Pauls Artane with a chance to put a firm grasp on third place in today’s only game in the AUL Premier A . A win would have put both sides on eleven points, just one behind second place O’Devaney Dunard, with a game in hand. This afternoon’s result means they are on ten points, with Ballymun moving into third based on goal difference. In truth, a draw was the fairest possible outcome after a scrappy and physical affair which was hugely influenced by a swirling and unpredictable wind-making flowing football a near impossibility. Stewie Glen’s equaliser 22 minutes from time cancelled out Barry Kavanagh’s opener in the third minute for the hosts. Neither of the goalkeepers had a particularly busy day, but this was a match played at a frantic pace and contested ferociously. Ballymun could not have asked for a better start when Barry Kavangh ran onto Christopher Sheridan’s through ball from the left before sending a beautiful first-time lob over the head of Stephen Wheelan, giving United the lead. Dave Rogers’ side were committed to keeping it on the deck despite the elements and were probably the better side in the first half, most noticeably in the opening 20 minutes. Colin O’Brien and Paul Matando were impressive on the flanks for Ballymun and interchanged positions regularly, as well as moving into the engine room to lend Peter O’Reilly and Dean O’Brien a hand. It was also in the middle third where Artane had a standout performer in Karl Young, who, through his neat passing, was a useful conduit to the front men Glen and Graham Sullivan. It was Glen who was afforded the visitors’ first chance of note and his half-volley on the turn forced a fine save from David Conroy. Colin O’Brien would then see his long range effort sail over after a neat exchange of passes with Daniel Murphy. Ballymun’s fullbacks Mark Cromwell and Christopher Sheridan gave Artane plenty of concern as they conspired to attack the byline time and again, but the hosts were pinged for offside often, meaning their endeavour counted for little. Little changed after the break, with exception of Artane enjoying slightly more possession, and despite the industry of both teams the goal mouths were just short of having tumbleweeds blow through them. It was the hour mark before Stewie Glen’s tame header from Mark Logan’s free kick provided some semblance of a goal. Eight minutes later, however, Glen popped up at the near post to tap home Martin Moore’s low cross from the right and level things. This temporarily imbued Artane, and they went in pursuit of the win, with former Malahide United player Mark Logan becoming more prominent on the right and Peter Keegan doing likewise on the opposite side. In the final period Artane looked more likely to sneak a winner and would have, if not for Anthony McGuiness’ fine block from Glen’s shot after he had rounded Conroy. There could be no complaints from either camp with the end result, but come the business end of the season they may rue not taking full points. Man of the Match: Christopher Sheridan. Created the opening goal, as well as attacking and defending with gusto throughout.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 14:30:35 +0000
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