Dublin Bus share spoils with Ballyer

In a highly anticipated Leinster Senior League Senior 1A League encounter, Ballyfermot faced off against Dublin Bus at the CIE Football ground in Inchicore, on a dry Sunday morning reports Rory Merriman.

The local  derby lived up to its reputation, played at an intense pace with both teams displaying hunger from the kick-off on the tight and compact pitch.

Despite missing key players, Ballyfermot dominated most of the game, showcasing their prowess in holding possession. The match was characterized by its physicality, with both teams denying any space for free-flowing football.

The tightly contested affair saw play disrupted in the middle of the pitch, and Ballyfermot displayed exceptional defensive prowess in intercepting corners while Dublin bus broke down the Dublin 10 free-kick set pieces.

Ballyfermot Utd came close to a win when they rattled the crossbar

The game unfolded with Ballyfermot dictating the tempo, but their dominance in possession was accompanied by a frustrating string of missed opportunities.

The most memorable moment occurred when Ballyer’s Leon Heffernan unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, only to see it reverberate off the crossbar with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Ballyfermot’s manager, John Moore, reflected on the match, stating, “For a 0-0 game, it was a really, really good and tough game. For most of the game, it was played at 100 miles an hour.”

Dublin Bus remain eight in the table after a tough draw against Ballyfermot Utd

The intensity of the clash reached a point where both teams’ core objective was not conceding, “both sides were just focused on not losing for the last 10 minutes,” Moore added.

Moore expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, highlighting their resilience in a match where every inch of the pitch was contested. He emphasized the significance of the result, recognizing the importance of not losing ground in the league.

“We are happy with how the season is going. We have qualified for the last 16 of the inter cup and secured a spot in the FAI draw for next year,” added Moore.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreline remained goalless, reflecting the defensive solidity and determination exhibited by both teams.

Dublin Bus on the attack during their league encounter with Ballyfermot United

Ballyfermot’s point earned them a place in the 5th position on the league table, while Dublin Bus occupied the 8th spot in the 14-team competition.

The draw showcased the competitive nature of local football and left fans eager for the next instalment of this gripping rivalry.

Ballyfermot take to Inchicore again Friday evening where they face Inchicore Athletic.