DHFC steal all three points from Rush Athletic at the death

Dublin Hospitals FC (DHFC) travelled out to play Rush Athletic on a cold Saturday morning in the last game of 2023-24 Leinster Senior League Major Saturday 1B action before the Christmas break. A strong squad made the trip, with hopes of bringing a full three points back home with them.

Despite a delay to the game starting, DHFC remained focused and came out the stronger of the two sides, dominating possession in the early parts of the game. Great exchanges between the back four and the midfield trio kept Rush pinned down in their own half. The constant pressure eventually resulted in DHFC grabbing the lead through a tidy finish by youngster Robert Kelly.

Unfortunately the lead was not held for long, as Rush nabbed an equaliser off a cross that was pounced on by an unmarked man in the box. Not to be dismayed, DHFC renewed their pressure, with Damien Connaughton and Luke Sheeran-Purcell causing all sorts of problems down the right-hand side. In spite of the numerous chances, the game remained deadlocked going into half-time.

Restart

A rousing speech from captain Ger Cheevers had the team desperate to stamp their mark on the game at the restart. Once again the team employed their trademark passing football, with Colm Kirby and Paddy McGroddy firing the ball back between each other with the Rush forwards doggedly chasing after them to no avail. Against the run of the game, and despite their lack of chances, Rush grabbed the lead on a fast breakaway and an improbable upset suddenly looked to be on the cards.

Urgency

However, over the next 20 minutes an urgency entered DHFC’s play. A disallowed equaliser off the head of Robert Kelly provided no relief to the team as they searched to level the score. Despite his already impressive work-rate, Fergus Kerrigan somehow found another gear, making darting runs in behind as well as getting on the ball in the midfield. Eventually this led to him laying the ball off to John Cosgrove, who had found space in a dangerous pocket of midfield. Time slowed down as Cosgrove struck a thunderbolt that ricocheted off the crossbar and found the net off the back of the goalkeeper. The celebrations that ensued were kept brief despite the stellar goal, as the lads went looking for the win.

With the minutes ticking away, and the referee threatening to blow the game up early due to the rapidly fading light, three points began to look less likely. An errant challenge from one of the Rush midfielders resulted in a yellow card and a free kick in a dangerous position. Smelling a winner, John Cosgrove presided over the free kick as the team piled into the box. A delightful ball arched to the back post where it was met by Cian Ward, who calmly slotted it past the helpless Rush keeper. His first ever goal for the club couldn’t have come at a better time as he was mobbed by ecstatic teammates.

A nervy last few minutes were played out with Rush throwing every man forward. After defending one last free kick, play was eventually brought to a close by the referee’s whistle and the two teams congratulated each other on a well fought contest.

DHFC entered the Christmas break on 19 points, tied at the top of the table with Dublin Bus FC, a mark of serious improvement on last year. Hopes remain high of securing promotion in the New Year and going in search of the title.

Team: Dylan Dimond, Damien Connaughton, John Cosgrove, Eoghan Daly, Rory Durand, Robert Kelly, Fergus Kerrigan, Colm Kirby, Paddy McGroddy, Luke Sheeran-Purcell, Cian Ward.

PS

DHFC would like to thank our sponsors MPS and Allergy Ireland who kindly provided match-day sponsorship for this game.

Go online to www.dublinhospitalsfc.com for all the latest DHFC news, records, results, and other features.