Our first match in four weeks saw us take on Dundela Colts in the cup. They are lying 5th in the first division and are semi finalists in the NIBFA Cup.

Throughout the game we matched them though and were really unlucky to concede with a couple of minutes to go.

We had great performances right through the team and, as difficult as the result is to take, all the lads should be very proud of themselves.

The first big chance in the match fell to us. After about 12 minutes Paddy won the ball, drove into the box, shot and the ball rebounded to Tongai who tried to curl the ball around the keeper but he saved it.

The next ten minutes were very even. Hal, Paddy & Sam battled strongly in midfield and prevented Dundela launching any meaningful attacks. It was clear that we were growing in confidence.

Around 25 minutes some good pressing resulted in us winning a corner; Azaan floated the ball in, Hal rose above everyone and nodded it into the net for 1-0. The lads were delighted; Dundela were stunned – their coaches just looked at each other in disbelief.

For most of the rest of the half things were pretty even; the play was mainly in midfield and when they did break through our back 5 were solid – with no signs Jack Bs injury!

It looked like we would take the lead into the half time break. With about two minutes to go though, we failed to clear properly from defence; they won the ball and in a flash the ball was in the net.

1-1 at half time.

We were on top for the early part of the second half but couldn’t apply enough pressure to create decent chances.

Dundela gradually grew into the game. They began to have the majority of the play but again weren’t creating too many chances.

With about ten minutes to go it looked like we had lost it. Their striker broke through and was one on one with Jack. Somehow he managed to save it; they shot again Jack leapt up and saved it again; they shot again and incredibly Jack saved it again. Brilliant goalkeeping and a triple save like we’ve seen before.

With just over a minute left on the clock our thoughts were turning to who might take the penalties (thinks Shane!). Somehow they broke free on the right; their striker appeared to handle the ball; time stood still and they scored – total total agony. To make things worse Jack B got injured trying to make the save – Michael stepped in.

In the dying seconds we almost clawed it back. A superb corner from Azaan won by Adam H – from where we were standing we thought it was in – but it went inches wide.

That was it – outta the cup and our first home defeat of the season. A brilliant performance but a painful result.

One of their coaches (there were 4 of them!) came to me immediately after the final whistle and said we were the best team they had played all season – a nice compliment, but…

A lot of big performances and a full squad of “men of the match” – so well done to everyone!

On a personal level - Jack B deserves a special word for the triple save, particularly with his injury. Michael played in 3 different positions and was willing to do anything for the cause. A word too for Adam B and Shane, who put their personal desire to get on the pitch & play to the side for the overall good of the team – true team players.

Let's win our last three games