It could have gone either way by the end of ninety minutes however this game ended in a 2 - 2 entertaining draw. It was an even affair through out the first half with a few chances on both sides. Crumlin UTD started brightly and it took MM few minutes adjusting to the rhythm of the game. Austin Skelly was working hard Crumlin's defence and had a few half chances that could have well ended in the back of the net. He scored the first goal of the game after 33 minutes with a nice volley from 16 yards which brings his tally to 3 goals so far this season. MM looked comfortable up to that point however an error at the back same as the week before in the Cup at the end of first half gave Crumlin the opportunity to comeback at this game.
Again in the second half chances were not on a plate but some good movement on the right hand side from Crumlin's RW and a dummy in the centre of our defence by CF gave Crumlin the lead for the first time in this game. MM made a substitution up front with David Lee giving way for Brendan Markey and Merrion looked eager to find that equaliser. David Mcgill and James Timmons were pushing hard from midfield and a good pass from Skelly put Mark Cullen alone with the keeper and he made no mistake with his first of the season and second for Merrion on the day.
Merrion understandably at this point were pushing for a winner however a red carded Boby Byrne didn't help Merrion's cause at the dying minutes of this game. A draw is a fair reflection of what happen in the game and both teams wont feel harsh done. This was a very solid display from Merrion and probably the best game they have played so far. They were some outstanding performances from the back four and our midfield players however man of the match goes to Mark Cullen.
Sean Kelly pictured above right
