UCD AFC began life in the Under 19 League with a 3-3 draw.
UCD AFC began the under 19’s Championship with an exciting 3-3 draw against Bohemians in Dalymount Park. It was the first run out for UCD’s newest team and they started brightly, with an attractive style of football that will surely stand to them as the season moves on. Goals from Chris Lyons, a James Kavanagh penalty and a wonder goal from Dean Clarke were not enough to beat a Bohemians team who came from behind to snatch a draw.
UCD began the game on the front foot and looked to get forward at every opportunity. Chris Lyons was proving to be a pivotal player as UCD’s most dangerous attacks came through him. UCD’s midfield was flooding forward trying to capitalise on Lyons’ intelligent use of possession. It wasn’t long before a Lyons flick on left Robbie Slater clean through on goal but his effort was saved by the home keeper.
It was a warning sign and not long later UCD were ahead. Dean Clarke took on his opposing full back on the right hand side of the pitch and after he left him in his wake he advanced into the box. The Bohs number one came off his line to close the angle but Clarke’s shot was too much for him and UCD had a deserved lead.
UCD doubled their lead not long later. Chris Lyons worked tirelessly through the first half as the focal point for many UCD attacks and when the ball bounced kindly for him outside the box he did not hesitate to take his goal scoring chance. Lyons lobbed the keeper and UCD looked favourites to go to the break with a two goal lead intact.
Unfortunately for the Students it wasn’t to be the case as Bohemians gave themselves a lifeline that came with a huge slice of luck. A Bohemians shot from outside the box appeared to pose no threat as it hit a teammate on the back. The Bohs striker took full advantage of the confusion caused and smashed a shot past Niall Corbery in the UCD goal.
This goal appeared to rattle the visitors and as the second half got underway it was clear that Bohemians were gradually getting the upper hand. UCD continued to force the issue however and caught the home side on the break midway through the second half. Chris Lyons was brought down in the penalty area and James Kavanagh stepped up to restore UCD’s two goal lead.
The scoring wasn’t done there and two quick fire goals later and Bohs were back in the game. UCD will be disappointed to concede two goals from corners but with a long season ahead of them there was plenty to be positive about from UCD’s first start at this level.
UCD: Niall Corbery, Ian Goulding, Ryan McLaughlin, Giovanni, Ryan Matthews (Sean Russell), Robbie Slater, Hughie Douglas, James Kavanagh, Luke Fitzgibbon, Chris Lyons (Mark Mornahan), Dean Clarke
