November 13th- Match Report by Darragh McCann
The first half be
gan with a bang; just five minutes in, Rathmines were already a goal up as Oliver McNamee put the home side ahead. Rathmines piled on the pressure in the first ten minutes with their most positive display of the season. They were rewarded again in the 11th minute, as Felami Areola scored a beautiful finish inside the box, making it 2-0. After the second goal, Rathmines were on cruise control for the next 25 minutes, with DCU struggling to bu
ild any momentum and unable to gain a foothold in the game. In the 40th minute, Stanislav Boiechko scored a third goal for Rathmines, but it was controversially ruled offside, to the dismay of Rathmines players and coaching staff.
The second half started strong for the home side, who maintained their momentum, with three or four close efforts from Liam Saudan and some tantalizingly skillful plays from one of today’s standout performers, Mohamed Rhuma.
Rathmines College into the Semis
The third goal finally came as Stanislav Boiechko got on the scoresheet—a well-deserved reward for his efforts on both sides of the game today. The fourth goal was a Thierry Henry-like finish from Rathmines’ man in form, Felami Areola, marking his second of the day.
In conclusion, Rathmines showed that their hard work has paid off, playing like a well-oiled machine from back to front and demonstrating what they’re truly capable of when at their best. They are a team that should instill fear in any opposition they face in the semi-final.
