Understrength United Go Out Fighting

A severely depleted UCC United side put in a very strong performance on Saturday against MSL Junior Premier Division side Midleton F.C. The College side could not manage what would have been a massive cup upset and ended up with a 4-1 reverse. However, they were left to rue what might have been as UCC United missed a penalty after 60 minutes which would have left the scoreline poised at 3-2 and set up a storming final period.

UCC United went a goal down after 10 minutes which could have sparked a Midleton scoring spree. United regained their focus however and their hard work was rewarded with an equaliser from Ronan O'Dubhghaill. He made his way up from the back to hit a fantastic curling free-kick over the wall and into the back of the net. The Midleton keeper couldn't be faulted for failing to keep out such a well-struck free.

There were chances at both ends after that - but Midleton's finishing was more clinical. They scored two goals without reply to leave it 3-1 at half time. UCC United were under severe pressure in the second half an only fantastic goalkeeping and brave defending kept Midleton out. The game threatened to take on a different complexion on the hour however when UCC United were awarded a penalty, which looked to be very harsh on Midleton. It wasn't to have a significant effect in the end as Marcel de Kruijf, deadly from the spot in training, had his effort pushed away by a relieved Midleton keeper.

United had no substitutes to bring on and the tired legs were unable to keep Midleton out. It was a brave and skillful performance by UCC United who can take a lot of positives from the game. If this form is brought into the league games it will only be a matter of time before UCC United move up the table.

UCC United: S. Coffey; D. Jordan, R. O'Dubhghaill, D. Kiely, G. Moloney; G. McAlester, D. O'Sullivan, D. Soden, J. Eakins; M. de Kruijf, N. Browne.