A wet, grey Sunday morning set the stage for Dublin University AFC’s, Trinity’s mens’ soccer team, opening game in the Leinster Senior League which saw Trinity begin the season with a victory over Ballyfermot United. This was the side’s first match in the men’s senior 1A soccer division following last season’s impressive promotion, as well as the start of Aaron Callaghan’s reign as head coach. Their opponents from Ballyfermot were a strong and experienced side, eager to spoil Callaghan’s inauguration.
Early rain cleared up just in time for kickoff, much to the relief of the already somewhat damp spectators. Indeed, despite the weather, it was all sunshine for DUAFC early on as winger Conor Dalton calmly slotted home a tidy finish within three minutes of play. A high ball played up to striker Jay Walsh was expertly controlled and laid off to Dalton to allow DUAFC to make a dream start.
The early euphoria was short-lived, however, as Ballyfermot quickly equalised with a towering header from their number 9. With the score level, every challenge became a fierce contest, with tough slide tackles and shoulder-to-shoulder clashes defining the match.
Both teams created brilliant chances throughout the first half. Trinity repeatedly tested the Ballyfermot goalkeeper with an array of attempts, while Ballyfermot launched several attacks on the DUAFC box. On one memorable occasion, a desperate defensive clearance saw the ball wallop the referee as it flew out of the box, perfectly capturing the intensity on display.
As halftime loomed, Trinity appeared to be the stronger side, applying sustained pressure on the Ballyfermot defence. A brilliant piece of skill from Dalton saw him beat two defenders before delivering a driven ball into the box. Striker Walsh stretched to meet it, but the Ballyfermot goalkeeper managed to parry it aside. Waiting, however, was Conor Purcell who buried home from close range to restore DUAFC’s lead just before the break.
The second half began with a vengeance for Ballyfermot, who threw everything they had at the Trinity defence. Thanks to remarkable saves by goalkeeper Tom McDonagh and the commanding presence of captain Darragh Timmons, DU AFC stayed in the game as the opposition squandered several significant opportunities. With each missed chance, the game grew increasingly, tense, nervous and scrappy. The usually white DUAFC jerseys turned brown with mud as the tackles from both sides became even more hectic.
With less than five minutes remaining and Ballyfermot growing in momentum, it seemed that another equaliser was due. That was until Conor Dalton collected the ball in a late counter attack. With incredible flair and footwork, the Trinity number 10 turned the defence inside out, leaving one defender sprawled out on the College Park grass. Dalton then perfectly placed the ball in the back of the net, sealing the victory for DUAFC with a spectacular solo goal.
Overall, it was a superb team performance to start the campaign, marked by unwavering doggedness, determination, and drive from the DUAFC players. Callaghan’s squad displayed strong character against a formidable Ballyfermot United team, providing a fantastic start and setting the stage for a successful season ahead.
