KDFL Senior Division Team Focus

Leinster FA Junior Cup Action

Grange United FC 4 5 Coill Dubh AFC

Coill Dubh travelled to Mullingar for a 2pm kick-off in glorious autumn sunshine, with the excellent facilities at Grange United providing a fine backdrop for what proved to be a thrilling cup tie. Coill Dubh started brightly, and it was no surprise when Ryan Grace struck his 18th goal of the season to put them 1–0 ahead. However, Grange United responded quickly. A defensive slip allowed them to equalise before they struck again to take a 2–1 lead. Coill Dubh showed resilience, and a fine cross from Cian MacMahon found Jay Devine unmarked at the back post to level the contest at 2–2 heading into half-time.

The second half began in dramatic fashion as Grange’s striker rounded goalkeeper Ryan Bagnall and somehow cut the ball back from an impossible angle to restore their lead. Once again, Coill Dubh hit back. Joe Bowers delivered a pinpoint pass that Grace latched onto, finishing superbly to make it 3–3. The game swung again when Grange broke the offside trap. As Bagnall and the Grange striker met the ball simultaneously, the forward stayed on his feet but shot wide of an open goal. The referee awarded a penalty. Grange made no mistake from 12 yards to edge ahead 4–3. With the game on a knife edge, Grace once again came to the rescue. In the 84th minute, he completed his hat-trick—his 20th goal of the season—bringing Coill Dubh level at 4–4. The drama wasn’t finished. Deep into injury time, Jack O’Brien fired from the edge of the box. The Grange keeper parried the effort, then denied Grace what looked certain to be his fourth goal. But substitute Alex McGivergan was on hand to smash home the rebound and break Grange United hearts.

Rivermount FC 2 5 Clane United FC

Clane United FC cruised into round 2 of the LFA Junior Cup on Sunday when they proved too strong for Rivermount FC. Goals from Liam Deane, Cathal Geoghegan, Mark Kelly, Brian Kirwan and Aidan Ralph saw then progress to round 2 emphatically.

Rathangan AFC 3 1 Enfield Celtic FC

Goals from Lee Moore, Colm Cunningham and Finn Black saw KDFL side Rathangan overcome NEFL side Enfield Celtic in Round 1 of the LFA Junior Cup, to see them through to R2. 

Senior/Premier Shield Action !

Moone Celtic FC 6 3 Ballycane Celtic FC

A brace from Liam Reynolds and Evan Farrell and one each from Owen Fox and Calum Kelly saw Moone Celtic FC dispatch Ballycane Celtic FC and progress to the Quarter Finals of the Senior / Premier Shield where they will take on Suncroft AFC from the premier division next Sunday. 

Newbridge United FC 2 3 Mavida FC

Mavida FC from the Premier Division produced a stirring upset to book their place in the KDFL Senior Premier Shield semi-finals, overcoming Newbridge United 3–2 in a thrilling encounter.

Drawing belief from a strong pre-season showing against the same opponents, Mavida arrived in Newbridge full of intent. The early exchanges were cautious, but it was the visitors who carved out the first real opening. A David Samuel corner created chaos in the United penalty area and when the clearance fell kindly, Daniel Phillips unleashed a crisp half-volley that was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by the home goalkeeper. Mavida continued to dictate the tempo, restricting United to speculative long-range efforts that rarely troubled goalkeeper Lambert. The visitors’ persistence finally paid off shortly before half-time. Manny Phillips was tripped inside the box and namesake Daniel Phillips held his nerve, sending the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot to give Mavida a deserved 1–0 lead at the break. Mavida picked up where they left off after the restart. David Samuel beat his marker and delivered a low cross into the area where Manny Phillips cleverly teed up Victor Oladapo, who calmly stroked home the second. With the underdogs firmly on top, the pressure told again when Aviwe Tshula and Benedict Fordjour combined to force another opening. The loose ball fell to Fordjour, whose deflected strike wrong-footed the keeper to make it 3–0.

Newbridge finally found their rhythm and pulled one back through James Mahony after a slick passing move. The tie could have been sealed moments later when Mavida were awarded a second penalty, but Daniel Phillips struck the post. That miss gave the hosts renewed belief. Mahony struck again in the dying minutes to reduce the deficit to 3–2, but despite late pressure Mavida’s resilient defence held firm. It was a statement performance from Mavida, who showed composure and character against higher-tier opposition. Daniel Phillips, Aviwe Tshula, Naasson Mazapi and Manny Phillips all impressed, but the man of the match honours went to Victor Oladapo. The tireless midfielder not only covered every blade of grass but also netted a crucial goal in an unforgettable 3–2 victory.

Old Fort Celtic FC 0 1 Enniscorthy United FC