MK Irish and Cockfosters FC met in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash, with both teams level on points but Irish holding two games in hand. Irish came into the match with an unbeaten league record over 11 matches, claiming 10 wins and one draw with an impressive goal difference of +33. Cockfosters were looking to catch up and break Irish’s streak, entering the match with 10 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, with a goal difference of +16. Both sides showed their competitive edge, while Irish brought a strong away following that kept spirits high throughout a fiercely contested encounter.
Irish began brightly, taking the game to Cockfosters from the outset, and within the first minute, Spence tried his luck with a shot on target, though the Cockfosters keeper managed an easy save. Cockfosters responded well, showing their physicality and skill on set pieces. They were close to taking the lead with a header from a corner that was put over the bar, keeping the Irish defense on high alert.
Debutant Boyce showcased his quality early on, working well with his teammates to carve out a strong chance that was saved by the Cockfosters keeper. Meanwhile, Cockfosters persisted with their primary threat: set plays. One of their long throws into the box created a tense moment as the ball rebounded off a defender before being cleared by Irish’s backline.
Midway through the half, Hirst launched a fantastic solo run from the halfway line, beating his man before slipping a pass through to Shrieves. Shrieves looked set to score, but Cockfosters’ keeper came up big, rushing out to make a critical save that denied Irish an opener.
However, it was Cockfosters who broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. A quick counterattack saw the ball worked down the right and squared across the face of goal, where a Cockfosters forward was waiting to tap in at the near post. The home side nearly doubled their lead just minutes later with a hopeful ball over the top that found their winger in open space, but a superb recovery tackle from Zawe denied them the chance to pull further ahead.
Irish responded with intensity and were almost rewarded when Boyce capitalized on a misplaced clearance by the Cockfosters captain and lashed a shot on target, however the keeper got a fingertip to it to tip it around the post.
Irish didn’t have to wait much longer to get the leveler, Spence delivering a lovely lofted ball over the top for Boyce again. This time, the debutant’s shot took a fortunate deflection, looping over the keeper to level the score.
Cockfosters nearly reclaimed the lead right before the break, striking the post with a powerful snapshot from the edge of the box. The visitors survived the scare, heading into halftime on even terms.
HALF-TIME: Cockfosters FC 1-1 MK Irish
The second half began more cautiously as both teams adjusted, each searching for a way to edge in front. The game reignited on 57 minutes when Callum Hirst picked up the ball around 25 yards out, took a touch to steady himself, and unleashed a brilliant shot that rocketed into the top corner. The Cockfosters keeper was rooted to the spot, and Irish’s away supporters erupted in celebration as they took the lead with what will surely be a goal of the season contender.
Undeterred, Cockfosters kept pushing and managed to equalize in the 73rd minute through a free kick at the near post. Controversy surrounded the decision, with Irish contesting the decision to award the freekick, but Cockfosters made the most of the opportunity to level things up at 2-2.
Irish pressed forward in search of a winner, and Ryan Smith nearly restored their lead with a well-taken free kick that sailed just over the bar. Shortly after, Smith was back in the thick of it, connecting with a cross from Spence only to see his header sail over the bar.
Despite their efforts, both teams were forced to settle for a hard-fought point, and the referee’s final whistle confirmed a result that kept Irish’s unbeaten league run alive.
FULL-TIME: Cockfosters FC 2-2 MK Irish
Goalscorers: Boyce (42′), Hirst (57′)
Man of the Match: Callum Hirst
MK Irish’s unbeaten league streak remained intact after a 2-2 draw against Cockfosters FC in a match filled with intense competition, quality goals, and moments of individual brilliance. Both sides created a wealth of chances, with Irish debutant Boyce leveling the score in the first half before Callum Hirst’s stunning strike briefly put them ahead in the second. Cockfosters responded through a disputed free kick and held firm as Irish sought a late winner.
Though Irish may feel they missed an opportunity to secure all three points, the result keeps them level with Cockfosters and preserves their unbeaten record, underscoring their resilience in this top-of-the-table battle.
💭☘️ | POST MATCH THOUGHTS
— Milton Keynes Irish FC (@MKIrishFC) November 2, 2024
Terry Shrieves talks about today’s tough 2-2 draw away at Cockfosters.#NonLeague #UpTheIrish #SSML pic.twitter.com/wkcrzkvoLH
