Kinsealy United 7 vs 2 Sandyhill Shangan

Kinsealy United welcomed Sandyhill Shangan to the Sportslink Complex in Santry, Co. Dublin on 24 August 2026 for a league home match that kicked off at 6:30pm. The hosts produced a commanding performance to secure a resounding 7-2 victory in this 11-a-side encounter played over 90 minutes plus added time.

Kinsealy United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, deploying Ben Dunne in goal. The defensive line consisted of Tommy Aylward at right back, Dennis Power and Alan McKenna-Byrne as central defenders, and Luca Immink on the left. In midfield, Dylan Gallagher operated on the right, Pearse Butler held the central midfield role, while Evan Clarke took up the left midfield position. Up front, the attacking trio featured Tom Cassidy on the right wing, Aaron Caffrey as the central striker, and Eoghan Leahy on the left. The substitutes named were Liam Shortall, Alex Creevey, Liam Aylward, Conor Grogan, and Sean O’Sullivan.

The 4-3-3 setup was designed to provide width and attacking impetus from the flanks, with the midfield trio expected to control possession and supply the front three. Defensively, the full-backs were tasked with both supporting attacks and maintaining solidity, while the central defenders focused on neutralising Sandyhill Shangan’s forwards.

The first goal came just before half-time when Aaron Caffrey capitalised on a precise assist from left-back Luca Immink in the 37th minute, slotting home to give Kinsealy United the lead. This was swiftly followed by a second goal two minutes later, with central defender Alan McKenna-Byrne heading in a cross from right midfielder Dylan Gallagher, doubling the advantage. However, Sandyhill Shangan pulled one back immediately in the 40th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 before the break.

The first half concluded with Kinsealy United holding a slender lead, but the visitors struck again early in the second half, scoring in the 47th minute to level the match at 2-2. Kinsealy United responded decisively with a triple substitution in the 52nd minute, bringing on Liam Shortall, Alex Creevey, and Liam Aylward for Tommy Aylward, Evan Clarke, and Luca Immink respectively, injecting fresh energy into the side.

The changes paid dividends almost immediately. Aaron Caffrey restored Kinsealy United’s lead in the 59th minute, finishing off a move initiated by substitute right back Liam Aylward, who provided the assist. Just two minutes later, Liam Aylward turned provider again, setting up Dylan Gallagher to extend the lead to 4-2. The momentum continued as Tom Cassidy netted in the 63rd minute, assisted by Caffrey, before Alex Creevey added a sixth goal for the hosts moments later, further stretching the advantage.

Kinsealy United maintained their dominance and made further substitutions in the 75th minute, with Conor Grogan replacing Dylan Gallagher and Sean O’Sullivan coming on for the prolific Aaron Caffrey. The visitors were unable to stem the tide as Eoghan Leahy sealed the emphatic 7-2 victory in the 87th minute, converting a chance created by Conor Grogan.

Aaron Caffrey’s clinical finishing and overall influence earned him the player of the match accolade, as he scored twice and assisted another, spearheading Kinsealy United’s attacking display. The home side’s tactical flexibility and effective use of substitutions ensured they controlled the game from start to finish, leaving Sandyhill Shangan struggling to keep pace.

This comprehensive win at the Sportslink Complex will boost Kinsealy United’s confidence and league standing as they continue their campaign with a strong statement of intent.