Mulcahy proud of Midleton despite FAI Cup defeat
FAI CUP REACTION
Daire Walsh
They may have exited the second round of the FAI Cup, after last night’s 4-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers, but Midleton FC’s manager, Stephen Mulcahy, was extremely proud of his team’s effort at the Tallaght Stadium.
Considering they were just a goal behind with an hour gone, Mulcahy felt that the final scoreline was somewhat unfair, but did accept that the superior fitness of Rovers was crucial.
“Yeah, look, it’s always going to be tough, but I think, for an hour, we did very well. Possibly the scoreline is a little bit disappointing, obviously. We probably didn’t deserve to lose by four,” Mulcahy said.
“I know they were well on top, but I’m very proud of the lads. As I say, for an hour we did very well. It was only 1-0 after an hour. I think, in the end, fitness was the only difference. They were well on top, fitness wise.”
Former Cork City captain Dan Murray (who also enjoyed two successful seasons under Michael O’Neill at Shamrock Rovers) was on familiar territory last night, but, for the vast majority of the Midleton team, this was their first experience of big-time soccer.
Yet, Mulcahy says they settled well into their new surroundings, and there was a terrific atmosphere around Midleton in the build-up to the game.
“Ninety percent of these lads have probably never played at this level. Never played in a stadium like this. We’ve a very young team, so a lot of lads were nervous and stuff like that, but I think they settled very well.
“Everyone’s buzzing. Training during the week was very good. Everyone around the club, even people around the town, everyone wishing us luck, and stuff like that. They’re the biggest club in the country, so it’s a huge occasion for the club,” Mulcahy said.
While the whole Midleton team can hold their heads high after this encounter, their goalkeeper, Matthew Gledhill, was particularly impressive against Pat Fenlon’s Premier Division outfit. Gledhill produced a number of fine saves, and Mulcahy identified him as one of the key performers.
“To be fair to him, he’s [Gledhill] a very good keeper to be fair. He is an excellent keeper. He was called upon a couple of times, and did everything right.
“He had a great game, and I honestly thought he was one of our better players. Kicking-wise and stuff like that, he was very good.
“I thought he was very good, to be fair,” Mulcahy added.