REPORT: SSE AIRTRICITY MEN’S FIRST DIVISION
MATCHDAY 13: UCD AFC 0-1 Kerry FC
Kerry FC were on the road once again on Friday as they faced UCD AFC in the capital to kick off the Bank Holiday weekend. Kerry FC came into the game against UCD off the back of three defeats in a row against Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers and Finn Harps, so points on the board from this one are a much-needed result for the Kingdom.
UCD have just two wins in their last six games, with a win away to Wexford last week in Ferrycarrig Park being a huge three points for the Dublin side. A win for the College would bring them into the playoff places, depending on other results across the First Division.
Kerry FC had a great travelling support up in Dublin, and hopefully, a win would be a great reward for the dedicated travelling Mounthawk Park faithful.
FIRST HALF
The match got off to a lively start with Hiemer making an excellent save in the opening minute to deny the hosts. The opening 15 minutes were evenly balanced, with both sides struggling to carve out clear opportunities.
In the 19th minute, Daniel Okwute went close for Kerry, sending a low effort just wide from outside the area. Hiemer was called into action again in the 24th minute, pulling off a brilliant point-blank save to stop Ciaran Behan. Moments later, Alex Dunne’s dazzling footwork created space for a volley, which Dara Kavanagh managed to hold onto, though the move deserved a goal. Jake Doyle saw a glancing header drift wide for UCD in the 28th minute.
The hosts had a golden chance to take the lead in the 42nd minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Hiemer made a crucial save to keep the score level.
SECOND HALF
Kerry came out stronger in the second half and were rewarded in the 53rd minute when they won a penalty of their own. Great work between Ronan Teahan and Daniel Okwute saw Kerry’s number eleven taken down inside the area. Sean McGrath stepped up and fired it home despite a strong hand from Kavanagh, his powerful effort proving unstoppable.
As the game progressed, Kerry’s confidence grew, and they looked the better side overall. Michael Raggot came agonisingly close to drawing in the 74th minute when his effort rattled the crossbar for UCD
UCD were handed a lifeline in the 82nd minute with a second penalty, but incredibly, Hiemer denied them again, making him only the fourth goalkeeper in First Division history to save two penalties in one game.
A standout performance from Tim-Oliver Hiemer and a clinical finish from the spot saw Kerry FC take all three points in an impressive away display. All roads now lead to next week’s Munster Derby clash as Treaty United travel down to Tralee in Mounthawk Park.
UCD AFC TEAM: 16. Dara Kavanagh, 3. Adam Wells, 4. Eanna Clancy, 7. Michael McCullagh, 8. Ronan Finn (C), 10. Ciaran Behan, 17. Killian Cailloce, 19. Colin Bolton, 24. Adam Verdon, 26. Luke O’Regan, 29. Jake Doyle.
SUBS: Kian Moore (GK), Carl Lennox, Michael Raggett, Brian McManus, Niall Holohan, Odhran McLaughlin, Sam Norval, Stephen Mohan, Adam Brennan
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. Tim-Oliver Hiemer, 2. Alex Dunne, 5. Chris McQueen, 18. Samuel Aladesanusi, 15. Kevin Williams, 28. Niall Brookwell, 4. Oran Crowe, 7. Sean McGrath (C) (GOAL PEN ‘54), 8. Ronan Teahan, 11. Daniel Okwute, 9. Ryan Kelliher.
SUBS: Mathyas Randriamamy (GK), Cian Brosnan, Sean O’Connell, Carl Mujaguzi, Robert Keane, Finn Barrett, Abel Alabi, Nathan Gleeson, Luke Palmer
