<p class=”subheadMIstyles”><strong>TEK United FC 7 – 1 St Vincent’s Hospital FC</strong>
<p class=”subheadMIstyles”><strong>Sat 15 September 2018: Noel Ryan Cup Round 2</strong>
TEK United are unusually named after the battle of Tel el-Kebir, part of a 19th century British war in Egypt and are an established club with senior teams near the top of both Saturday and Sunday LSL divisions. The first half was lively and Vincent’s responded well to going a goal behind. TEK, however, jumped on a loose pass and strung a few quick passes together before finishing smartly past Gavin McDaid from close range. Kieran levelled before the break, moving into the box past a number of defenders and cutting onto his left to smash a low drive into the bottom corner.
Despite a bright start to the second-half, the wheels came off after TEK took the lead. Thoroughly ruthless when chances arose, TEK seemed to find the corners with each attempt. Andy Delany, Barra Neary and Dean Huggard defended admirably under severe pressure. Eddy Wrynn and Fionn Nally carried a threat in the final third, but chances were few and far between.
7 – 1 the final score. A result to forget, but a game filled with learning opportunities to improve going forward.
<h3 class=”subheadMIstyles”>One and two-touch football</h3>
Next time you watch a high-level game of football, whether Ireland in international action or an English Premier League game, keep an eye on how quickly the ball is moved around the pitch. Players anticipate the next move, and rarely take more than two touches. Pass, touch, turn, pass, repeat.Every touch is performed quickly with lots of teammates swirling around the action. Dribbling is refined to the final third, or when there are acres of space. Rarely will you see runs into trouble, or a player stagnating in possession. Weaknesses are exploited, while possession is not given away cheaply. Shooting is decisive, the trigger pulled once an opening presents itself.
The best see the future, understanding how their movement off the ball and play on it impacts flow around them. Xavi, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, famously spends more time looking away from the ball than at it, seeing movement patterns and identifying space to exploit. In a 90 minute match, the typical player will spend only four-to-six minutes in possession, highlighting the importance of awareness and enterprise off the ball.
We are committed to moving towards this style of football, though it will take time to get there. The constantly changing starting lineup complicates things, but this is the unique challenge that comes with a team of medical professionals. Competing against top teams accelerates the developmental process, but can offer a sobering reality check at times.
<h3 class=”subheadMIstyles”>Key performer</h3>
It is often difficult to look for positives from a heavy defeat, but the reality is there were a number of solid performances before the late capitulation. Andy Delany had a superb afternoon in the heart of defence before coming off late with a dead leg. The club stalwart used his strength, pace and tactical acumen to break up a number of dangerous attacks and stepped into midfield to get involved in the play when afforded the opportunity. Clearly a man enjoying his football, Andy will be looked upon to lead the lads through the typical ups and downs as the season progresses.
<h3 class=”subheadMIstyles”>Matchday squad</h3>
Gavin McDaid, Kieran Keane, Barra Neary, Andy Delany, Dean Huggard, Paul Carroll, Rory Durand, Ronan Murray, Fionn Nally, Fionn Lynch, Eddy Wrynn, David Kennedy, Alex McDaid, and Sean Keane.
<h3 class=”subheadMIstyles”>Club News</h3>
Kiely’s of Donnybrook recently closed their doors for the last time and all of us from Vincent’s Hospital FC would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Crimin family and the rest of the team for all the support over the years. Kiely’s have been our primary sponsor for the better part of a decade and have seen it all, from the low of relegation to the high of title success. We wish Mary and Pat the very best in their future endeavors.
<h3 class=”subheadMIstyles”>What’s next?</h3>
Looking to get back on track, Vincent’s welcome current division leaders St Kevin’s Boys to Benildus College astro. Picking up positive results at home is crucial in every league campaign and the team knows a big performance is needed to claim three points.
<h3 class=”subheadMIstyles”>In addition</h3>
Training will be every Wednesday evening from 20:15 to 21:45 at St Kilians’s German School until late March and we are always looking for new faces to get involved.
The club is on the lookout for a title sponsor to take over from Kiely’s and invite any groups or individuals who may be interested in the opportunity to get in touch.
Follow the St Vincent’s Hospital F.C. facebook page, or get in contact via email <a href=”mailto:svuhfc@gmail.com”>svuhfc@gmail.com</a>
