Match Report - STELLA MARIS - 10 Dec 2023

Malahide secured a dramatic victory in the dying moments of the game, propelling themselves to the top of the table, albeit temporarily, with a 3-2 win over Stella Maris.

Despite challenging conditions that hindered their performance, the team faced initial disappointment when Finn's 25-yard strike into the top corner was disallowed due to a handball in the build-up play. Gav eventually gave Malahide the lead with a beautifully curled shot into the keeper's left side. Hoping we would push on and get the 2nd goal, Stella Maris drew level, exploiting a ball over the top that caught our lads off guard and left an easy tap in to make it 1-1(The referee apologised at full time for missing a clear offside for the goal).

The second half proved challenging as ball control became an issue, and missed opportunities ensued with some overhit passes. In the 60th minute, a well weighted through ball, played in Cillian who managed to get a shot away before being taken down by the keeper. The ball fell to Luke, who slotted in from 2 yards out to regain the lead. As the game approached its end, a ball over the top of our back four caught us out again, and under pressure from our two CBs, the Stella forward equalized to make it 2-2.

In what seemed like the final kick of the game, Luca Whiting (helping out the team as a sub), skillfully maneuvered past two players and fired in the winning goal, sparking joy among the team, coaches, and watching parents.

Currently leading the table, we have one more game before the Christmas break.