UCD 0-0 Sligo Rovers

[Schumi]

Will do a report when I remember anything that happened.

In the meantime, here's RTE's report complete with a photo of Matt Gregg doing an excellent Darren Quigley impression. http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/...igorovers.html

[pineapple stu]

Good report actually.

Didn't realise Bolger was on the bench.

[pineapple stu]

Following a five goal thriller on the UCD Bowl's debut three weeks ago, last night's game against Sligo saw the other end of the spectrum with what can only be described as a turgid game played in a stiff breeze, freezing cold and occasional swirling rain.

How the Students cope when hit by a few injuries and suspensions is going to be a key factor in determining how successful or otherwise this season will be, and last night, missing Ian Bermingham, Paul Byrne and the still-injured Derek Doyle, they struggled to get any rhythm into their play. The two consolations from last night's game are a point in the bag and the fact that, on last night's showing at least, Sligo won't be too far from the drop come the season's end either.

Killian Gallagher and Darren Forsyth were brought in to replace the injured Bermingham and the suspended Byrne, with John Reilly, Pat Mullins and Greg Bolger making their first appearances on a decidedly lightweight bench. UCD started reasonably, however, and on 13 minutes, Alan McNally headed narrowly wide from Brian King's cross, while two minutes later came the best chance of the match - Darren Forsyth beat his marker all ends up on the half way line to find acres of room; he made it to the edge of the box before pulling back a low cross for Pat McWalter, whose shot from 20 yards was straight at Richard Brush in the Sligo net; he could only parry, but his defence finished clearing the danger.

However, even by this early stage, the game was already being defined as one where first touch was poor, passes went astray and players seemed unassured as to what the ball would do on the bobbly pitch. Sligo were winning the possession battle, but still found it hard to hold onto the ball to create any clear cut chances. Matt Gregg dealt comfortably with a couple of hopeful shots from outside the area, while on 38 minutes, former Student Anto Murphy was gifted space inside the area, but Gregg saved well with his feet.

Sligo continued to press into the second half, but Matt Gregg wasn't really tested until twenty minutes to go, when Brian Shortall left his back header short under pressure from Benin international Ramuald Boco, but the UCD keeper was out quickly to make a superb save as Boco tried to go around him. Ten minutes from time, Gregg was called on again to tip over Alan Moore's 25-yard lob.

Again, however, it was arguably UCD who had the best chance of the half - Timmy Purcell's header was only half cleared, Alan McNally's drive from the edge of the box was blocked and Conor Kenna's shot on the turn was well over from less than ten yards out.

UCD looked more lively after the introduction on the hour of Shane Fitzgerald for the largely ineffective Darren Forsyth, but if ever there was a game where neither side deserved a point, this was it. As it is, the draw sees UCD move ahead of Drogheda and, until they play tonight at least, Cork and into the top half of the table.

UCD - Gregg; Mahon, Gallagher, Kenna, Shortall; McNally, King, Finn, McWalter; Purcell, Forsyth (Fitzgerald 60). Subs not used - Brennan, Bolger, Reilly, Mullins.

Att - 525

[deecay]

Why thank you.

Would you believe I left it behind?

Thats a shame