UCD are into the next round of the Under 19 Enda McGill Cup after a resounding 5-1 victory over Shelbourne at the Belfield Bowl last night.
In a tight first-half UCD eventually broke through just before the break when Cian Lynch scored. The game opened up in the second half as the visitors ran riot to add four more. Shels did get a consolation late on.
UCD manager Maciej Tarnogrodzki was very pleased after the game, especially as Shelbourne had been unbeaten prior to the game. He said, “Very good performance from the whole team against a very good side, which as you mentioned are unbeaten in the north section.”
“We started the match brightly and created two clear cut chances, plus a couple of half chances. We had to wait until around the 40 minute mark for the first goal, but I thought it was the least we deserved at half-time. Cian Ryan finished the action with a good shot into bottom corner of the goal.”
“In the second half we continued creating chances and scored another four goals through, Mark Dignam, Yousef Mahdy, Sean McDonald & John O’Kane.”
“The encouraging thing is that these were team goals after some very good build up play and quick counter attacks.”
“Everyone performed very well today and contributed to this win. Our defence was very solid and our two midfielders Luka Lovic and Sean Quinn worked tirelessly throughout the game. They linked up very well with our forwards and wide players who also showed very good quality in the game.”
“I was very proud of the team after the match for the effort they put in and the quality of some of our play. Now we have a couple of days off and need to prepare well for our next important league match.”
One of UCD’s goal-scorers on the night, Yoyo Mahdy said, “It was good to get a goal after three games without scoring, but what’s more important is that we got a comprehensive victory and that we’re in the next round.”
Shelbourne’s Wayne Groves was understandably down-beat after the game. He said, “Obviously we’re very disappointed. There’s no excuses from us, as we just didn’t show up tonight.”
“Credit to UCD, they played very well with no real desire or work from ourselves. It’s back to work this weekend and we will regroup and go again.”
“These are a fantastic bunch of players with plenty of talent but it just wasn’t our night and we move on.”