MK Irish made a strong start to the season with a commanding 3-0 victory against FC Romania in an impressive away performance.
The game began at a slow pace, with both teams feeling each other out in the first 15 minutes. However, it was MK Irish who broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Ladyman spotted Shrieves in space on the right and picked him out superbly. Shrieves drove past his marker and squared the ball to Mason Spence, who calmly tapped home from six yards, putting Irish ahead 1-0.
FC Romania had their first shot on goal in the 32nd minute with a free-kick from about 25 yards out. Ladyman reacted swiftly to get across and make the save, maintaining MK Irish’s lead. The hosts continued to press and came close again in the 36th minute. A long throw into the box was flicked back to the penalty spot, where it was headed towards the top corner. Once again, Ladyman was up to the task, making a crucial save.
As halftime approached, FC Romania’s best chance came in the 43rd minute. A defence-splitting pass put their forward one-on-one with Ladyman, who stood tall and made a superb save, preserving MK Irish’s 1-0 lead at the break.
HALF TIME: FC Romania 0-1 MK Irish
The second half saw MK Irish come out with much more intent, and this improved performance was rewarded when they doubled their lead in the 57th minute. A great passing move began with Coleman collecting the ball from a poor Romania clearance. He laid it back to Brito, who spread it out right to Zawe. A series of one-touch passes ensued, ending with Hirst returning the ball to Ryan Smith, who struck it into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
With Irish now in control, they created several chances to extend their lead further. In the 62nd minute, a corner to the back post found new man Brito completely unmarked. His volley across goal almost resulted in a tap-in for Coleman, who was inches away from connecting. Shortly after, another corner found Smith with a free header, but he put it wide.
Shrieves continued to be a threat, this time down the left, delivering a perfect ball to Spence in the 64th minute. Spence’s header seemed destined to make it 3, but the FC Romania keeper spread himself and somehow managed to save it, although he didn’t seem to know too much about it.
Irish came close again when Coleman poked a shot at goal in the 65th minute. The ball hit the post, bounced back onto the keeper and went out for a corner.
FC Romania attempted a quick counterattack in the 67th minute, but debutant Kelsey made a great recovering tackle to prevent the ball from being played across the face of the goal.
The hosts had another chance in the 69th minute, but the Romania no. 10’s hesitation allowed Whitehead to pressure him, forcing a scuffed shot that Ladyman easily collected.
The game was wrapped up in the 84th minute when debutant Ben Shepherd scored with a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the box. He curled it into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance and making it 3-0 for MK Irish.
In the dying moments of the game, substitute Groom nearly added a fourth. He displayed great strength to hold up the ball, spun his marker, and fired at goal, but the Romania keeper tipped it over the bar.
FULL TIME: FC Romania 0-3 MK Irish
Goalscorers: Mason Spence, Ryan Smith, Ben Shepherd.
Man of the Match: Ryan Smith
A well-deserved victory to start the season off with 3 points. The debuts of Shepherd, Brito, and Kelsey were particularly promising, with Shepherd marking his first game with a stunning goal.
You don’t have to wait long for Irish’s second game of the season as we welcome Shefford Town and Campton to Manor Fields on Tuesday the 30th July.
