The Culchies took the bragging rights in the first ever OTB Derby. Brian Kerr's charges ground out a hard fought 2-1 win over the Dubs team, managed by John Giles.
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Here's how the player's rated.
Mossy Quinn 8/10
Dublin’s sharp shooter was arguably the best player on the pitch, energetic and eager to get on the ball, the Vinnies man made the best of a bad situation. Despite his clear quality it wasn't enough to drag his team through the game.
Darren Cleary 5/10
A big mouth for a little man, conceded twice but did manage to deny Nathan Murphy from close range and spare Phil Egan’s blushes when he steered a poor pass towards his own goal. Surprised many by being able to reach the crossbar.
Phil Egan 6/10
The Dubliner marshaled the defense and was a shining beacon of light, but enough about his head. Phil put in a solid performance despite coming dangerously close to sending a pass into his own net.
Joe Conroy 5/10
Conroy learned something from his time working with Keith Andrews, his passing sideways and backwards despite being accurate was unlikely to create chances. The highlight reel will feature one clip, Kilbane buying Conory's dummy.
Simon Maguire 3/10
Maguire is only comparable to Ronaldo in that he didn't bother tracking back. The Spurs fan did excel in the ‘telling everyone what to do’ department. The second mouthiest man on the pitch, that dubious distinction went to Nathan ‘the Mouth’ Murphy.
Adrian Barry 7/0
A Cruyff turn in the first half that left Nathan Murphy looking like a mug elevated the Westmeath man from a solid six to a 7/10. Barry majestically marauded into midfield and on one occasion managed to not leave the ball behind.
Dylan O’Neill 5/10
Expectations were high for O’Neill, being young and fit it was thought he could offer much more than his rotund teammates. He did not. Failed to get the Dubs playing and didn't provide the youthful exuberance needed among the hardened, soft belly pros he called teammates.
Dave McIntyre 6/10
Brought composure to the team and was always an option for a pass. Crafted some half chances and managed to silence the critics that balked at his football ability on national radio. A week of protein muffins and double leg day sessions paid off as he continued to run until the bitter end
John O’Donnell 5/10
The industrious O’Donnell worked hard in defense and tried to get the team moving in midfield. He didn’t have the killer instinct the find the right ball in the final third. Despite being at times overran he continued to show for the ball.
Eoin McMahon 7/10
The Dubs goalscorer was full of energy, he covered every inch of the hard wooden floor and made crucial dispossessions to keep his side in the game. Also managed to fashion a goal out of nothing but Kevin Kilbane’s incompetence.
Culchies Player Ratings
Kevin Kilbane 4/10
The Ireland centurion was late and at fault for the Dubs goal after being disposed by the classy Eoin McMahon, the 41-year-old was capped over 100 times for Ireland, judging by this display it’s unlikely he’ll get second cap for Team OTB.
Shane Hannon 6/10
The leggy Monaghan man made a nuisance of himself, showed some ability in challenging conditions. In the end he was let down by a lack of quality around him. In particular, his football friend, Kevin Kilbane. Never meet you heroes, high.
Enda Coll 7/10
A frustrating night for Enda, who despite hitting the net in the first half was left making aimless runs that none of his fellow Culchies had the vision to spot. The Donegal man was a bright light on an otherwise dark and dreary day for indoor Monday afternoon football.
Shane Stapleton 2/10
Headless running and an ineffectual attempt to out muscle the opposition saw Stappo become more of a hindrance than a help for his team. There were instances in which he reminded this reporter of Sanda Bullock fumbling around blind folded in the film ‘Bird Box’. Stick to the small ball, big man.
Johnny Ward 5/10
A relentless appetite to chase the ball, Ward had the engine of a small horse. Unfortunately for his team he also had the touch of one as well. 'His touch was as bad as his tips' was one withering assessment from the sideline.
Ciaran Bradley 6/10
A fingertip save to deny the Dubs an equaliser proved the difference. The English import denied Adrian Barry’s ambitious effort. Offered his team an option in general play too. Perhaps this victory will make up for football not coming home last summer.
Dan McDonnell 8/10
McDonnell put his reputation on the line in this match, a tough task master when it comes to analyzing players on the football show, he led by example and was comfortable and creative in possession. His cool finish for the Culchies second goal one of the many moments of class from the Indo scribe.
Nathan Murphy 1/10
Anyone who's met Nathan will know he talks a good game. His first half performance was so pitiful it was no surprise he was banished to the commentary box by Brian Kerr. The empty vessel made the most noise but he was by a stretch the worst player on the pitch.
Raf Diallo 4/10
His high profile defection from the Dubs hogged the headlines before the game. Raf was fine when the going was good, as soon as they conceded Kerr hauled the Leitrim native off.
Shane Smullen 7/10
A solid display from the Kildare native with a soft spot for Cork City, he had a positive influence when in possession and worked hard off the ball. Few were surprised to learn that he was once on trial with Kildare County (RIP 2002-2009)
Managers Ratings
Dublin – Manager, John Giles 7/10
Managed to get the best out of a bunch of agricultural players, despite their limitations they abided by Giles principals of ‘get the ball and pass to your mate’.
Rest Of Ireland – Manager, Brian Kerr 8/10
The crafty former Republic of Ireland manager made clever substitutions and encouraged his team to run down the clock at every available opportunity.
You can watch the full match here.
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