KDFL SENIOR DIV TEAM FOCUS

Coill Dubh AFC 5 Newbridge Hotspurs FC 2

Coill Dubh gave an inspired performance against a tough Hotspur side. The return of striker Jason Devine provided a much-needed boost, and the Dubhs started quickest, taking the lead just six minutes in. Mofesayo Awomewe picked up a pass on the edge of the box and finished confidently into the Spurs net.

Hotspur equalised when a chance fell to Noel Kelly inside the box, and he unleashed an unstoppable shot past Alan Sheridan in the Coill Dubh goal. Both sides were dangerous in the final third, with Eoin McGrath and Scott O'Donoghue particularly threatening for Hotspur, while Jason Devine was constantly lurking for goal opportunities up front.

In the twenty fifth minute, Devine's persistence paid off when he capitalised on a clearance off the line from a fine effort by Sean MacMahon, scoring his first goal of the night from a tight angle. With Aaron Lenehan and Ryan Murran controlling the midfield and Sean MacMahon and Awomewe providing width on the flanks, Devine found plenty of opportunities. His second goal came in the 31st minute, putting the Dubhs 3-1 up as they played some excellent football.

However, poor defending moments later allowed Scott O'Donoghue to pull one back for Hotspur, making it 3-2 before halftime.

In the second half, the Dubhs tightened up defensively, allowing Hotspur very few chances. Despite some wasteful finishing, Jason Devine eventually put the game to bed with his hat trick in the eighty second minute. Late changes saw Ryan Grace add a spectacular fifth goal with a low drive from outside the box, sealing a 5-2 victory for Coill Dubh as they continue their quest to retain their Senior Division status.

The players can be proud of their efforts, with standout performances from Ryan Murran, Aaron Lenehan, Sean MacMahon, and Mofesayo Awomewe in midfield, and Eoi O'Reilly solid at center-half. However, the night belonged to Jason Devine, whose hat trick on his return earned him the man of the match. Best for Hotspurs were Ryan Kelly, Tommy Walsh, Greg Kelly and Eoin Walsh.