It's September 2003 and, in a Blast from the Past, Mayfield Utd Hold on for a Dramatic 3-2 Victory over Corkbeg

September 2003 AUL 1B Blast from the Past!

AUL 1B  Mayfield United 3 Corkbeg 2 

Mayfield Utd Hold on for a Dramatic 3-2 Victory over Corkbeg 

Rewind to September 2003! 

A crisp autumn day sets the stage for a dramatic AUL 1B encounter between Mayfield United and Corkbeg at Mayfield's magnificent pitch. The Beg, fresh off their championship win in AUL 2B, were looking to christen their new season with a victory. But Mayfield, hungry for their first win, had other plans.

A Torrid First Half for the Beg

The game exploded into action from the first whistle. Mayfield nearly took the lead within minutes, but Simon O'Leary's shot was parried away by Corkbeg keeper Paul O'Reilly. Then came the first of many talking points. A deflected shot by Dave Kenny had O'Reilly scrambling, only for a Corkbeg defender to bundle the ball into the own net for an own goal!

Mayfield doubled their lead soon after with a well-constructed move. Alan Costello sparked the attack, Kenny crossed, and Alan Kelly rose highest to head the ball past O'Reilly. The Beg were dealt another blow when defender Christy O'Shea limped off injured midway through the first half.

Mick Brosnan heads clear for Mayfield

It could have been 3-0 in the next minute. Kenny went down under a challenge from Jason Ryan but Kenny's penalty kick was saved by O'Reilly to keep the match very much alive.  Corkbeg's Steve O'Donoghue's shot took a wicked deflection and cannoned off the post, and his follow-up volley was expertly saved by Mayfield keeper Brian Ramsell.

Mayfield's Mick Brosnan in control

Mayfield capitalised on the pressure, earning a penalty of their own when Kenny was brought down in the box. This time, Kelly stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-0 just before halftime. The Beg faithful were left scratching their heads, feeling like they were on the wrong end of some harsh decisions.

Mayfield keeper Ramsell wins this race to the ball.

The Beg Fight Back in the Second Half

Corkbeg emerged from the break with renewed determination. Ramsell had to be sharp to deny Jason Ryan and then produced a magnificent save to tip O'Driscoll's powerful strike over the bar. Denis O'Sullivan also tested the Mayfield keeper with a long-range effort.

Mayfield's Kelly wins header.

Then Mayfield cursed their luck when Mick Brosnan's free-kick found Kenny in behind the defence. His audacious lob beat the advancing O'Reilly but rattled off the post. The goal Corkbeg craved finally arrived on the hour mark. A dangerous run by O'Driscoll resulted in a corner, which was met by Ronan Forde's powerful volley that left Ramsell with no chance.

Mayfield's Simon O'Leary wins this heading tussle

Hope surged through the Beg ranks as they pulled another goal back from the penalty spot. Niall Falvey converted after O'Driscoll was fouled inside the box. The pressure intensified – O'Driscoll nearly stole a goal after a poor Mayfield free-kick, but Ramsell was again equal to the task.

A Tense Finish and Relief for Mayfield

The final minutes were a nail-biting affair. Ramsell bravely came off his line to deny Aidan Cotter a clear goalscoring opportunity and then watched in relief as Cotter's follow-up effort sailed just wide. Despite a valiant comeback attempt, Corkbeg couldn't find the equaliser, and the final whistle blew on a dramatic 3-2 victory for Mayfield United.

A Match of Missed Chances and Fighting Spirit

This game had it all – controversial decisions, penalties missed and saved not to mention those not given, an own goal, spectacular saves, and a nail-biting finish. While Corkbeg will rue their missed opportunities, Mayfield will be delighted to secure their first win of the season. This match serves as a reminder of the passion, drama, and unpredictable nature of local football.

Mayfield United: Brian Ramsell, Sean Madden, Ger Forde, Paul Keegan, Michael Brosnan, Alan Costello, Simon O'Leary, Adrian Saville, Alan Kelly, Dave Kenny and Alan Long. Sub used: Ross O'Connor for Kenny (78th minute).

Corkbeg: Paul O'Reilly, Denis O'Sullivan, Gary Walsh, Christy O'Shea, Jason Ryan, Sean Quirke, Damien O'Driscoll, Steven O'Donoghue, Niall Falvey, Aidan Cotter and Ronan Forde. Subs used: Brian Martin for O'Shea (43rd minute, injured) and Mick O'Shea for Forde (75th).

Referee: Graham Duffy.