Dublin University Association Football Club (DUAFC) upset the odds yesterday as they recorded a surprise 4-2 victory over Leixlip United in the first round of the FAI Intermediate Cup. Trinity were not cowed as they made the short trip south to take on a side who play three tiers above them in the Leinster Senior League, with goals from Rory Nairn, Ronan Hanaphy, Oisín Pennycook and Muhanned Bukhatwahelping them run out easy winners.
DUAFC made the perfect start to the game when captain Robbie Gaul found Nairn at the end of a superb run down the right flank. Nairn finished emphatically, placing the ball expertly in the bottom right-hand corner.
Trinity continued to dominate proceedings in the aftermath of the goal, but were caught napping as Leixlip equalised against the run of play. After spotting the Trinity goalkeeper off his line, Leixlip’s striker maintained his composure and lifted the ball into the net. This seemed to spur DUAFC into life once more, and they regained their lead almost immediately, Hanaphy getting on the end of a long ball from Chris Allan before expertly finding the far corner.
There was to be no let-up for Leixlip, as Trinity added to their lead after the break. Jason Boateng found Pennycook with a pinpoint cross and the latter did the rest, volleying home with his weaker foot. DUAFC were beginning to turn on the style. Their fourth goal began with some neat build-up play, before Bukhatwa rounded the keeper to continue his excellent start to the season.
Leixlip were playing for pride at this point, and did manage to find a consolation goal towards the end of the game. A long kick out found a Leixlip shirt for a tidy finish. However, it proved to be little more than a consolation, as DUAFC emerged deserved victors. They now progress to the second round, the draw for which will be made in the coming weeks.
Yesterday’s game saw Trinity preserve their perfect start to the season. After suffering relegation at the end of last year, they have yet to taste defeat in this campaign and are playing with an intensity and confidence they perhaps lacked at times last year. They will hope to maintain such a high level of performance over the weeks and months ahead.
