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The Saturday team travelled out to Scared Heart in Tallaght on Friday night and were narrowly beaten by a late goal 2-1. The game started with both teams looking to get in the ascendancy.
In the opening 30 mins there was very little between the teams, but Porto began to take control of the game and arguably should have taken the lead when Darren Daly did excellently well to win a ball back high up the pitch but could not beat the keeper. Daly had a second chance moments later after more terrific work to win the ball back but couldn't capitalize.
15 mins from half time the ref awarded the home team a penalty which was converted. Porto dually responded with a fantastically worked and taken goal from the stalwart Paul Scully. The sides went in at half time equal.
Porto started the second half on top and continue to apply pressure with the home team not able to get out of their own half. Porto continued to turn the screw but could not get their noses in front. After a corner broke down Sacred Heart broke and were awarded an extremely soft free kick on the halfway line. After so trojan work but Dean Whelan to get a great tackle in was deemed a foul. The ball went into Porto's box from the free kick and after a defensive mix up ended up in the goal. Goal timed at 89 mins. The game finished 2-1.
The management team reflected that while its disappointing to not take anything from the game we could not have asked more from the players. Obviously with losing so many players from last season’s squad it is going to take time for the new look squad to gel.
Man of the match on the night went to Dean Whelan who lead the team by example from the start. Another special mention to Ethan Maiti who made his first ever senior appearance for the club aged 17 along with two other 17 year olds Alex McWilliams and Tom Sullivan who continue to show maturity beyond their years. With performances like we had tonight the results will turn.
