MK Irish maintained their perfect league record with a 2-0 victory over a resilient Colney Heath side, extending their streak of not conceding a goal in the league this season.
Irish controlled the game early on, though they struggled to create clear chances against a well-organized Colney defence. Clinton Zawe came close twice with headers from corners, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
The visitors had a penalty shout midway through the half when it looked like Ladyman had brought down their forward, but the referee waved away their appeals. Irish soon started to apply more pressure, with Spence forcing a save from the Colney keeper and Shrieves firing over after some smart play on the edge of the box.
Irish’s persistence paid off in the 35th minute. Shrieves intercepted a poor clearance, danced past three defenders, and fired at goal. The keeper made the initial save, but the rebound fell to Spence, who played a slick one-two with Ryan Smith before calmly finding the far corner to make it 1-0.
Colney Heath struggled to trouble Irish, with only a speculative volley from the edge of the area going over the bar before the half-time whistle blew.
HALF-TIME: MK Irish 1-0 Colney Heath
Irish came out strong in the second half, with their free-flowing passing causing problems for the visitors. Ryan Smith came close to doubling the lead with a powerful strike from 25 yards, but it whistled just wide of the post. Another penalty appeal followed when a cross from Shepherd clearly struck a Colney defender’s hand, but again the referee waved play on.
Shrieves, as lively as ever, came close to extending the lead, turning his defender smartly and driving a shot that required a diving save. The Colney defense looked stretched when Shrieves had his shirt pulled after beating his man, but despite being on a booking, the defender escaped a second yellow.
Irish had more chances to wrap up the game, with Spence sending a free kick just over and Ryan Smith almost scoring after a clever dummy by Hunt, only for the Colney keeper to recover and tip it away.
The win was sealed in the 90th minute. Colney’s keeper attempted to play out from the back but misplaced his pass straight to Shepherd, who calmly lofted a shot from 40 yards over the retreating keeper and into the net, securing the 3 points.
FULL-TIME: MK Irish 2-0 Colney Heath
Goalscorers: Mason Spence, Ben Shepherd
Man of the Match: Jordan Wright
MK Irish maintained their perfect start to the league season with a 2-0 win over Colney Heath. Goals from Mason Spence and a late long-range strike by Ben Shepherd secured the victory, while Irish’s defense kept another clean sheet, continuing their record of not conceding a goal in league play.
The team are back in action again on Tuesday as they travel to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos.
