LONDON RISSC V Dundee Utd 11/4

A “6” pointer double header in which the Irish needed at least 3 points to ensure safety from relegation whilst Dundee Utd needed all 6 then wait till all fixtures are completed. With Goal keeper Darren Nolan, Adrian Ward, Phil O Dwyer, Sean O’Halloran missing and Paddy McGee saving himself for the Rangers game next Sunday we lined up with yet again a different 11, which saw the return of Donnie Mullen at the back and Colombian import Mauricio up front.

With the wind behind us, Timmy Nagle and Karl McGee took control of centre midfield whilst Steve Benitez and Mick Coffey operated efficiently out on both flanks making probing runs and sending inviting balls into the Dundee box for forwards Liam Kelly and Mauricio to run onto. The defence with Pat Flannery playing the anchor role allowing Donnie to go and win every ball that bypassed the midfield and to make his darting runs forward. Dan Healey wasn’t letting anything pass him on the right winning everything and covering for Donnie as well. Jon Carey ventured forward trying to double his tally for the season though also defended superbly. A penalty awarded to the Irish in the 1st half was unfortunately hit over the bar, 0-0 halftime. Dundee came out in the 2nd half knowing this was their season on the line and soon made the breakthrough 10 mins in, scrambling the ball into the Irish net. Despite possession and some great passes we couldn’t get the equaliser, the Scots grabbed a second as we left gaps at the back. 2-0 Dundee Utd 1st game.

The 2nd game began knowing 3pts for the Irish would see us remaining in the top Division and Dundee relegated. The defence was strong with Dan Healey making crunching tackles and adding some comedy when after one tackle referee Derek Russell called him towards him and on asking Dan his name Dan replied “ you should know it you took it in the first game”
A free kick was awarded to the Irish about 25 yards out from the Dundee goal, Mick Coffey and Steve Benitiez decided to give Timmy Nagle a crack as previous efforts didn’t penetrate the Dundee goal. The ball was rolled to Tim who curved it round the wall into the bottom left hand corner 1-0 RISSC. Mick Coffey was replaced at half time having run himself into the ground likewise Dan Healey was replaced soon into the 2nd half-knowing his efforts would hopefully get the 3pts required. The Irish defended like a wall had gone up and with Dundee tiring gaps were opening up, Liam Kelly Mauricio and Steve Benitiez both came close to making it 2-0. Liam Kelly was all over the pitch helping out in defence and trying to get that 2nd goal.
When the final whistle went the relief was felt all round 1-0 RISSC
we can go into the next 2 games v London Rangers and Middlesbrough, seeking revenge on Rangers after the defeat earlier in the season and hoping to complete another double against Boro.

2 man of the Match combined over both games - Dan Healey / Timmy Nagle