FAI Cup Second round/ Malahide United 2 Cherry Orchard 1: It was billed as something of a "Charity Shield" game with Leinster Senior League champions Cherry Orchard coming up against the Metropolitan Cup winners Malahide United.
And the two sides did not let their supporters down with a rip-roaring cup tie that had everything, including a dramatic late finish. Mick Wright has scored some important goals in his career but he will be hard pressed to match this 90th-minute winner in Gannon Park last night to put Malahide into the third round of the FAI Cup.
Just as it had appeared both sides had settled for the replay, up popped Wright at the back post to bundle home John Lawlor's cross. It was the signal for some memorable celebrations by the home supporters.
Malahide almost took the lead after centre-half Lawlor volleyed against the Cherry Orchard bar from close-range after Gareth Logan's cross caused confusion in the away defence.
It was Cherry Orchard, however, who took the initiative in the 22th minute when Robbie Shields volleyed home David Jackson's right-wing cross to leave their Ballyfermot fans in seventh heaven.
Alan Doyle headed a reply just on the stroke of half-time for the home side before Wright popped up in the box to grab the last-gasp winner.
MALAHIDE UNITED: Cashin; McCormack, Lawlor, Murtagh, Cox; Murphy, Doyle, Wright (Prenderville 90), Shahabadeen; Ivory (Scully, 68 mins), Logan.
CHERRY ORCHARD: Kelly, Sullivan, Barry, P McNevin; A McNevin, Marr, Jackson, McCarthy, O'Halloran; Shields (O'Meara, 75 mins), Sheppard.
Referee: C Fitzgerald
