DCU prayers go unanswered against Oldchurch

For the second time in two weeks the DCU Senior Saturday side travelled out to Oldchurch United, this time in the Liam Dodd cup. Coming off the back of two very tough defeats in a row a cup tie was just what the team needed to try and get back into winning ways. Promotion remains the number one target for the side, and while a cup run is always great, there was in effect nothing to lose for DCU in this game.

The last time DCU visited Oldchurch they were extremely unlucky to leave on the wrong end of a 1-0 score line with an own goal making the difference. DCU, however, created plenty of chances that day and really should have come out with a handful of goals and three points. That performance gave the team plenty of confidence going into the cup tie knowing they were able to create chances against their opponent.

Unfortunately, events conspired to prevent DCU lining out with their full 11 for this fixture  with unforeseen problems before the game leaving DCU with the bare 11 meaning midfielder Gary Walsh had to provide cover between the sticks and keep Oldchurch at bay. Despite the setbacks DCU started the game excellently and were by far the better side. On what was a heavy, muddy pitch from the start DCU stuck to their guns and decided to play the football they’re accustomed to.  Brian Kelly and Damien McLoughlin were setting the tempo from the centre of midfield, getting the ball down and spraying it around. The chances became to come early on in the game with both strikers Kevin Hogan and new DCU recruit Moulaye Dao presented with opportunities to get DCU off the mark.

The deadlock was broke midway through the first half as another of the new recruits Philipe Essoh beat his man on the right hand side before getting to the bye line and providing the perfect cross for target man Kevin Hogan to head into the top corner. A beautifully worked goal and a richly deserved lead for the good football that was played.

With DCU having to use midfielder Gary Walsh in goal, the onus was on the DCU back line to make sure they dealt with everything that Oldchurch had to offer and keep their chances on goal to a minimum. Lead by the fantastic William Egan from the centre they were evidently up for the game as they battled and competed for every ball and kept the opposition almost the entire half. The sole chance for Oldchurch came when a clever through ball left their striker one on one with Gary. When playing with a backup Goalkeeper, these were the chances that DCU were desperate to stop; however, Gary stood tall and got a hand to the shot slowing it down for Kevin Haughey to clear from danger.

DCU went into the half 1-0 up but what could easily have 3, 4 or even 5 for them such were the chances that were created. The message was plain and simple to the team at half time, “keep it up”. The effort was excellent, the passing was crisp and the defending was immense. The only thing missing was the finishing.

As the second half wore on the state of the pitch began to play a role in the game. Increasingly cutting up, it became more and more difficult to play football on. Despite that DCU created more chances in the second half than they did in the first. Strikers Kev Hogan and Moulaye again had guilt edge chances that were either denied by fine goalkeeping, poor finishing or foiled by a horrible surface. One could be forgiven for thinking that DCU were going to rue those missed chances and indeed that was to be the case as Oldchurch scored a goal against the run of play.  A deflected shot from the edge of the box just got past Gary Walsh and brought Oldchurch back  to level terms.

DCU went on to create further chances before the final whistle blew but the ball was not going to cross the line. The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time and penalties now beckoned. Unbelievable as it may sound, DCU created even more chances in the first half of extra time. The Oldchurch goalkeeper proving a particular torn in the side as he kept out several close range efforts. 100 minutes of  football on a tough pitch was beginning to take it’s toll on both sets of players but even more so for DCU as they were still playing with the same 11 that started the game. Oldchurch on the other hand were able to bring on 3 fresh sets of legs that were starting to cause some trouble in extra time.  Despite the tired legs, DCU managed to hang on through the second half of extra time and with barely a minute to go all eyes were on a penalty shoot out to decide who was to make it into the next round of the cup.

That, however, proved to be wishful thinking for DCU as Oldchurch stole the win with moments to go. Breaking down the DCU left, the Oldchurch skipper crossed in behind the DCU defence to their striker’s feet. Gary Walsh came rushing out to block the initial shot but the rebound landed right at the feet of their oncoming midfielder who had the simple task of putting his team into the next round of the cup.

It was a sickening blow for DCU who had, according to the Oldchurch players after the game, deserved to win the tie. For the second time in 3 weeks DCU were forced to leave Corcaigh park with nothing to show for what was a fine effort. Promotion still remains a possibility for DCU’s Senior Saturday side as they currently lie 7th in the league but with games in hand on the teams above are within reach of 4th place with a few good results.

Starting XI: Gary Walsh, Paddy O’Toole, Kevin Haughey, Will Egan, Gary Noone, Aidan Homer, Brian Kelly, Damien McLoughlin, Philipe Essoh, Moulaye Dao, Kevin Hogan
Manager: Jude McKenna