Maynooth University narrowly defeated by UCD in Harding Cup Final
Harding Cup
Maynooth University were defeated by UCD on Wednesday afternoon in the Harding Cup final in an enthralling affair, at the Kildare University’s all-weather pitch at their North Campus.
In a riveting affair, it was the Dublin College who started the brighter and they almost opened the scoring after five minutes following a brilliant delivery from Sean Treyvaud, from the left flank, however to the Maynooth defence no one was on the end of the Kerry man’s delivery.
Maynooth started the game in a 5-4-1 diamond formation and didn’t press too high up the pitch, with UCD dominating the early period. Former Drogheda United player Killian Callioce almost opened the scoring for Cormac Henry’s side however, his right footed effort went wide.
Maynooth grew into the game and they more than matched their Dublin visitors for the remainder of the half with, Finn Cooper-Gray and Matthew O’Hara impressing. The majority of the Maynooth squad was made out of League of Ireland U20 players from Drogheda United, St Patrick’s Athletic, Athlone Town and Klub Kildare, however the side did have numerous players from grassroots clubs.
The Kildare university opened the scoring in the 35th minute from a half-volley by former Mullingar Athletic player, Alex Sheeran. This goal was Sheeran’s sixth goal of the competition.
UCD equalised minutes later however in the 43rd minute, from Odhran McLaughlin. McLaughlin finished from close range, following a Treyvaud cross. This meant the sides went in level at the break.
The second half started at a frantic pace with both sides showcasing their top class quality, however it was UCD who took the lead in 50th minute through a Lorcan Moore header. Moore headed home following a fine Treyvaud corner.
Maynooth pushed for the equaliser for the remainder of the half and almost got it, when Taylor Mooney hit the post from close range.
Despite applying plenty of pressure for the remainder of the half, UCD and Kildare man Sean Mackey hung on for the win in the final.
Andrew Stuart Trainor, Finn Cooper-Gray, Liam Brady (Caighlum Barry Mulvey, 56), Troy O’Dowd, Jonathan Kehir, Alex Sheeran, Taylor Mooney, Josh McGlone (Aaron Omoruyi, 80), Matthew O’Hara, Daragh Murtagh, Noah Byrne.
Harry Buckley, Sean Mackey (Hugh Parker, 55), Cuan Hussey, Lorcan Moore, Carol Lennox, Brian McManus, Odhran McLaughlin, Callum Wynne, Killian Cailloce, Max Mason (Luke Hayes, 75), Sean Treyvaud
