MK Irish continued their impressive FA Cup run with a hard fought 3-1 victory over Concord Rangers. Up against a side that played in the National League South just two seasons ago, Irish knew they were in for a tough test but rose to the occasion with a performance full of quality and resilience.
Irish couldn’t have asked for a better start. With just four minutes on the clock, Whitehead picked up the ball at the back and lofted it forward, finding Spence who cleverly flicked a header into the path of Shrieves. Despite the ball getting slightly caught under his feet, Shrieves managed to outfox his marker and slot it past the keeper into the far corner to give Irish an early lead.
Concord Rangers, determined to get back into the game, started to push forward with their wide players looking particularly dangerous. However, their efforts were limited to a few speculative shots that never truly troubled Ladyman in the Irish goal.
As the first half progressed, Irish doubled their lead in style. Nathan Smith was fouled just outside the box, and up stepped Spence to take the free-kick. His curling effort struck the inside of the post on its way into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Just before the break, Concord nearly pulled one back. A swift counter-attack saw the ball played to a Concord forward inside the box, but Ladyman was quick off his line, spreading himself well to make a crucial save and maintain the two-goal cushion going into the break.
HALF-TIME: Concord Rangers 0-2 MK Irish
Concord came out strong in the second half, creating a couple of early chances that flashed wide of the target. Ladyman was again called into action to deny a powerful strike at his near post as the home side pushed to get back into the game.
Irish nearly extended their lead when Kalek launched a long ball upfield to Meadows. JJ got there ahead of his man and showing great composure, cut back inside, dropping his man in the process, but his shot flew just over the bar.
With time running out, Concord finally got their goal in the 86th minute. Lewis, who had looked dangerous all afternoon, cut inside from the left and unleashed a shot that took a deflection, finding the back of the net. This was the first goal Irish had conceded in over 530 minutes of action this season.
Any hopes of a Concord comeback were short-lived, however. Just two minutes later, Hirst won the ball high up the pitch with some smart pressing. His initial shot was saved, but Ryan Smith was on hand to collect the rebound, calmly rounding the defender and slotting home to restore Irish’s two-goal advantage.
Concord thought they had grabbed a second in added time when a looping cross was headed in, but the referee had blown before the ball ended up in the net for a push in the back.
FULL-TIME: Concord Rangers 1-3 MK Irish
Goalscorers: George Shrieves, Mason Spence, Ryan Smith
Man of the Match: Rev Kalek
Irish’s FA Cup journey continues with another impressive victory, this time overcoming Concord Rangers 3-1 in the Preliminary Round. Despite facing a team recently playing in the National League South, Irish showcased their quality and resilience to secure a well-deserved win. Goals from George Shrieves, Mason Spence, and Ryan Smith ensured progress into the next round, where they will head back to Canvey Island on the 31st August to face their toughest test yet against Canvey Island FC from the Isthmian League Premier Division.
