On the morning of the Umbro B Cup final the DIT players were singing and laughing happily on the bus. It was if they knew that soon they would be All-Ireland champions and it was a sign of the team’s exuberant confidence. When the final whistle blew that afternoon, the atmosphere was even more raucous.
The finale against Carlow IT started slowly but it became a dramatic encounter with DIT B’s soccer team clinching it 2-1 in extra-time at the AUL Complex, Dublin.
Carlow IT began the game better and they were awarded a deserved penalty on 23 minutes which they converted easily.
Despite the game not going to plan the conceded goal inspired DIT into life.
Half-time was edging closer when left back Marfide Mantano dribbled the ball splendidly from his own half into the opposition area to feed in right winger Darragh Maguire.
Maguire shot across goal into the bottom left corner which the Carlow keeper saved.
However he spilled the ball into the path of DIT striker Michael Christian who buried the finish to make it 1-1.
It was an even first half with midfielder David Majola demonstrating good composure throughout.
No team dominated the initial 45 minutes but DIT showed attacking intent in the second half.
They held a high line and pressed Carlow IT.
DIT missed an opportunity to take advantage of their good play when Adam Zayed whipped in a corner which an unmarked Christian Lotefa hit wide.
15 minutes from time the drama began. A scuffle between the sides resulted in a player from both teams being sent off.
Marfide Mantando was DIT’s stand out performer before being dismissed.
There were not many clear cut chances for either side throughout but the final kick of the 90 minutes fell to DIT’s Oluwamayowa Akinola.
Christian Lotefa fed him clean on goal but his effort was straight at Carlow’s keeper.
Into extra time it went.
“Their more tired than we are,” DIT assistant manager Garry Doyle told his players.
He was correct because during extra time DIT went for the victory and looked the fitter side.
Striker Oluwamayowa Akinola was causing Carlow IT’s defenders major problems with his constant runs towards them.
Time elapsed and it looked certain to go to penalties until in the last couple of minute’s midfielder Adam Zayed, who was exceptional, ran one on one with the keeper and scored comfortably.
The celebrations were excellent and DIT saw out the remaining seconds to claim the Umbro B Cup.
After the match Soccer Development Officer John O’Carroll said: “It was a great win. The conditions were very difficult with the strong wind. The lads dug in and it really looked like we were going to win it in the end.”
Manager Gavin Fleming was in a joyous mood also especially because it was his first trophy win with DIT.
“I’m delighted. We didn’t play great football but the team all season has been amazing as has the player’s commitment and my assistant Gary Doyle’s been a brilliant addition this year,” said Fleming.
In relation to the sending off the manager stated he didn’t want “to do an Arsene Wenger” but stressed he genuinely didn’t see what happened.
“I think from all the reports that our lad was at fault and it’s not like him in fairness, he has been one of our best players all year but he just got it wrong, but he had a good game,” Fleming added.
The manager ended the interview by giving praise to his squad.
He stated: “I have had some good teams in the past but that’s my first cup win with DIT. A lot of the players will probably go up to the first team as they are very strong. This is the best team I’ve worked with here.”
The team travelled home on the bus singing and laughing as they did at 11 am that morning.
But this time they had a trophy with them and could call themselves champions.
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