SANDYHILL/SHANGAN SECURE VICTORY AGAINST BALLYMUN UNITED IN INTENSE BALLYMUN DERBY

AFL Premier Division: Sandyhill/Shangan 1-0 Ballymun United

In a highly anticipated Ballymun derby clash, Sandyhill/Shangan emerged victorious against Ballymun United in a tightly contested AFL Premier Division match. Despite the significant difference in the league standings, this local derby lived up to its reputation, with both teams displaying tremendous determination and skill throughout the game.

The match kicked off with Sandyhill/Shangan seizing the initiative, and they wasted no time in taking the lead. Within two minutes, Mick Rafferty burst through the midfield and played a precise pass to Alan Kinsella, who was denied by an excellent save from Ballymun United's goalkeeper, David Conroy. Shortly after, Padraig Drew delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, finding the head of Mick Mooney, who expertly directed the ball into the corner of the net.

However, the momentum shifted in the 13th minute when Sandyhill/Shangan were reduced to ten men after a player received a red card. Seizing the opportunity, Ballymun United's Paul McMillan unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box, only to be denied by a remarkable save from Sandyhill/Shangan's goalkeeper, Jay Cosgrove.

With Ballymun United having the numerical advantage and Sandyhill/Shangan benefitting from the wind, the match became evenly balanced, leading to chances at both ends. In the 26th minute, Gary Mahoney and Anthony O'Connor combined effectively, with Mahoney forcing another superb save from Cosgrove. Three minutes later, Rafferty found Dan Murphy in space, but his effort narrowly sailed over the crossbar. Just before halftime, O'Connor delivered a precise cross from the right, setting up McMillan, whose controlled shot agonizingly missed the target, leaving Ballymun United trailing by a single goal.

The second half saw Ballymun United start strongly, capitalizing on the wind at their backs. In the 48th minute, Mark Eades unleashed a powerful long-range strike from 25 yards, narrowly missing the target. Seven minutes later, Rob Keeley's cross found Mahoney, who headed just over the crossbar as Ballymun United pressed for an equalizer.

In the 61st minute, Ballymun United had a golden opportunity to level the score when an excellent cross from Paul Dempsey found Mahoney with an open goal, but his shot found the waiting arms of goalkeeper Cosgrove, much to the relief of Sandyhill/Shangan.

The match took another turn in the 71st minute when the teams were leveled numerically with a red card being shown, providing Sandyhill/Shangan with a newfound confidence. Despite Ballymun United's late efforts, including an almost fortuitous deflection from Dempsey off a scuffed shot by Eades, which went wide, Sandyhill/Shangan held on for a well-deserved victory.

Overall, it was an enthralling encounter that showcased the intensity and excitement of a local derby. The stage is now set for the upcoming Leinster Over 35's meeting between the two teams, which promises to be another captivating contest.

Sandyhill/Shangan: Jay Cosgrove, Clive Ross, Darren Nolan, Ross Carrig, Alan Groves, Michael Rafferty, Alan Kinsella, Michael Mooney, Padraig Drew, Paul Delahunty, Daniel Murphy, Ciaran Ryan, Vinicius Terico, Pat Groves, Derek Barry, Paul Reddigan, Alan Ray.

Ballymun United: David Conroy, Stephen Geraghty, Jay Delaney, Peter O'Reilly, Ger Elliott, Lee Tormey, Mark Benan, Paul McMillan, Anthony O'Connor, Gary Mahoney, Robert Keeley, Joe Hannaway, Chris Sheridan, Mark Eades, Stephen Murphy, Stephen Cahill, David Elliott, Paul Dempsey.

Referee: Michael Lynch

Assistants: Gary Leeper, Brian Cleary