Mullingar Men’s 1s team (3-1 win over Bray 2s):, Back row (left to right): David Kingston, Stephen Wiltshire, Robert Ashley, Cameron Wiltshire, Rueben Thornley, Aidan Hopkins. Front row (left to right): Aran Cahalan, Holger Marl, Marc Watters (Capt), Tommy Crowley (GK), Owen Wiltshire, Ronan O’Neill. Missing from photo: Stuart Dunbar, Tom Bowers.

Winning start for Mullingar over Bray

Published: Fri 13 Sep 2024, 11:02 AM

Leinster Men’s Division 3: Mullingar 1s 3-1 Bray 2s

(Goalscorers: Holger Marl x1; Tom Bowers x1; Marc Watters x1)

Player of the Match: Owen Wiltshire.

On Saturday, September 7, Mullingar Men’s 1s hosted Bray 2s in their season opener. Mullingar fielded a much-changed side with six regulars unavailable, yet they still controlled the first quarter, with both Aran Cahalan and Holger Marl coming close to scoring.

Mullingar continued to dominate in the second quarter and broke the deadlock through a brilliant combination between captain Marc Watters and Holger Marl. Watters delivered a perfect aerial ball, allowing Marl to round the keeper and score. However, Bray quickly equalised, but Mullingar regained the lead before half-time when Tom Bowers finished a well-worked move. Captain Watters missed a penalty flick shortly after, striking the post.

In the third quarter, both teams had chances, with Bray pressuring the Mullingar defence through several short corners. Mullingar keeper Tommy Crowley and his defenders held firm, particularly Stephen Wiltshire, Ronan O’Neill, Rob Ashley, and debutant Stuart Dunbar.

As the game wore on, Mullingar’s midfield trio of Owen Wiltshire, Aidan Hopkins, and Tom Bowers controlled possession. Watters sealed the win with a deft chip over the keeper to make it 3-1. Bray pressed late on but couldn’t break through Mullingar’s defence, securing their first win of the season.

Mullingar next face Glenanne 3s away at 11:45am on Saturday, September 14.

Leinster Men’s Division 5

Mullingar 2s 1-1 Pembroke 6s

Goalscorer: Stephen Wiltshire.

Player of the Match: Aran Cahalan.

On Saturday, September 7, Mullingar 2s faced Pembroke 6s under sunny skies. Pembroke took an early lead, but Mullingar responded well. Captain Stephen Wiltshire, playing higher up the field, forced a short corner in the second quarter. From a perfect injection by Barry Watters, Wiltshire flicked the ball past the defenders to level the match.

The third quarter saw an even contest, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. Pembroke tired in the final quarter, and Mullingar applied pressure, with debutant Stuart Dunbar moving into midfield. A late counterattack by Wiltshire nearly led to a winner, but the match ended 1-1.

Mullingar 2s will face Naas away at 11:45am on Saturday, September 14.