St Mochta’s 3
Lucan United 0
Jonny Stapleton
It was the same old story in very different start-of-season weather for St Mochta’s last weekend.
The reigning champions started the new term just as they ended the last – winning!
The Porterstown club got the defence of their title off to a great start in dreadful conditions in Porterstown last Friday.
Fittingly it was a solid beginning that ensured them a first three points of the new season, with three first-half finishes accounting for Lucan United.
The frontman who scored the most Senior Sunday goals last season scored the first of the new term, 20 goal top scorer last term, Gareth McCaffrey getting off the mark as early minute three of the new season.
The former League of Ireland striker collected the ball in the area after a solid press forced United into an error and in true goal-getter style bought himself space before finishing well.
Just seven minutes later and it was two, this time Liam Brady finding the net in real style. The younger brother of respected ballers ‘Redser’ Brady and the more known Robbie Brady collected a clearance on the corner of the box and found the back of the net with a nonchalantly executed looping volley.
Five minutes later and the midfielder was doing dirtier work, clearing a Luke Walsh header off the line.
Former Crumlin United frontman Jake Donnelly then threatened to mark his return to Senior Sunday with a goal and put the Saints three to the good, only to see his effort whizz over the bar.
Brady did manage to make it three just before the turn, rolling the ball into the back of the net after being rolled down the inside left channel by captain McCaffrey.
Lucan had the better chances in a rain-soaked second half but couldn’t find passage back into the tie, due to some solid net minding by Adam Hayden.
Elsewhere, Wayside Celtic didn’t warmly welcome Tolka Rovers back to the Intermediate top flight. Goals from Jack Byrne and Cormac Kelly were enough for Celtic to start with a two-goal win.
Malahide United, who this week confirmed a link-up with Shelbourne, also managed to win by a 2-0 scoreline, beating Bluebell United at Gannon Park
Kilbarrack United’s first-ever Senior Sunday clash was abandoned due to the weather but they won’t mind considering they were trailing to goals from Jamie Whelan, Willo McAdams and Ger Shortt all on target.
The weather also put paid to the proposed Liffey Wanderers Killester Donnycarney clash, although that one was called off before it kicked off.
Garreth McCaffrey slots home for St Mochta’s (main) and action from the season opener against Lucan United at Porterstown. Pics: Martin Doherty
- Laura Woods hosts breakfast morning for Laura Lynn Charity
- ‘Chupi’ to open new flagship Dublin store this month!
- Make sweater weather even better – Go Barefoot This Season
- A Green Flag for wonderful Hartstown Park!
- Shiels wins Top Goalie award
