Irish continued their flawless start to the season with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Kempston Rovers. Irish dominated from start to finish, showcasing both their attacking talent and defensive solidity.
The game began with Irish on the front foot. Just two minutes in, George Shrieves twisted up his marker on the right and cut back to Ryan Smith, who fired just over the bar from the edge of the area.
Irish’s early pressure was relentless, and they forced a series of corners within the first few minutes with both Zawe and Spence going close.
The hosts could barely escape their own half as Irish continued to press high and move the ball. In the 8th minute, Kalek switched play out to Spence on the right. Spence’s first touch took him past the Kempston defender and he whipped a dangerous cross to the back post to Hunt who was inches away from nodding it home, but a last-ditch touch from a Kempston defender turned it out for yet another corner.
The breakthrough finally came in the 25th minute after relentless pressure from Irish. Zawe’s run into the box was abruptly ended by a clumsy challenge from behind, and the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Mason Spence calmly converted the penalty to finally put Irish 1-0 up.
Irish continued to press, with Spence and Shrieves both testing the Kempston keeper on multiple occasions, but the man between the sticks made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
HALF TIME: Kempston Rovers 0-1 MK Irish
The second half began much like the first, with Irish on the attack. In the 48th minute, Ryan Smith showed his skill with a lovely bit of play, only to have his goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up. But the pressure finally paid off in the 60th minute when a short corner routine led to a brilliantly worked move, with Nathan Smith superbly finding Shepherd, who had made a run from deep, dived to head home and double the lead.
Eight minutes later, Shrieves’ pace once again caused problems, earning a penalty after being clipped in the box. Spence stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way for his second goal of the match, making it 3-0.
Irish continued to dominate, and in the 84th minute, debutant Osei-Addo capitalized on a defensive mistake, coolly rounding the keeper and slotting into an empty net to make it 4-0. Kempston did manage a couple of efforts on target late on, but Ladyman was equal to them, maintaining Irish’s clean sheet.
FULL TIME: Kempston Rovers 0-4 MK Irish
Goalscorers: Mason Spence x2, Ben Shepherd, Kelvin Osei-Addo
Man of the Match: Nathan Smith
MK Irish remain unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal this season. Their performance against Kempston Rovers showcases their strong start as they continue to build momentum. Irish will look to carry this form into their next fixture on Tuesday night as they host Tring Athletic at Manor Fields.
