Southend's Ciaran Kirwan shows his delight after opening the scoring, with team-mate Conor Hartely joining in the celebrations. | noelbrownephotographer.com
Southend United 6 Ballinroad 0
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Southend United recorded a superb home victory on Saturday against a fancied Ballinroad team. Going into the game the West Waterford side had been impressive and were fancied to win this contest, but as the game unfolded it was clear to see that a Southend victory was going to be the only outcome.
The movement of the Southend players had to be admired. Ballinroad tried everything they could to get into the game but they came up against a formidable outfit laden with skillful players. At the back the Southend quartet of Eamon Mitchell, Sean Whelan, Darragh Corcoran and Connor Dunphy were in no mood to give anything away. There is no doubt that United will build on this victory and their exciting brand of football will produce many more good results.
After only two minutes Southend went on the attack. Brandon Mylett took the ball past two Ballinroad defenders before crossing for Conor Hartley. The diminutive striker looped a header over Ballinroad keeper Arron Beresford but Shane Ahearne got back to clear off the line.
On five minutes Southend took the lead. Mylett played a short corner and when the Ballinroad keeper could only punch down in the box Ciaran Kirwan pounced to shoot high into the net.
Ballinroad bounced back and Dean Beresford took off on an impressive run past three defenders; his shot beat Ben Murray but Eamon Mitchell was on hand to block the shot on the line.
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