UCD's Yoyo Mahdy: 'We're just trying to focus on ourselves'

Andrew Dempsey reports from the UCD Bowl

UCD’s match-winner against Bohemians Yoyo Mahdy noted the importance of the Students focusing solely on their own performances after a stirring win over the Gypsies at the UCD Bowl.

Mahdy won a 50/50 against Bohemians defender James Finnerty before blasting past a helpless James Talbot into the top corner to secure a one-nil win for Collie O’Neill’s side.

“It was one of those that I knew straight away that the ball was going in after it left my foot,” Mahdy told extratime.ie.

“At the same time, the lads dug deep and we got the clean sheet. At the end of the day, if you get clean sheets you won’t lose games and that’s what we’ve been doing.

“We’re doing well but we’re just trying to focus on ourselves at the moment and not look back at Finn Harps,” the former Limerick underage star added.  

“We know we’re three points ahead now and we still have that game in hand but from now it’s about focusing on us and our results and we’ll look to move on up the table if we can.”

On his side’s performance itself, the 2018 First Division winner was pleased that the Students held firm following a raft of player departures at the club.

“We started off the game really well and we got the goal early and it was just a matter of holding on towards the end there.

“We could have even snatched another, but we’re delighted with the win and the clean sheet as well.



“With four big players gone it’s all about character and I think we have reacted really well. The lads that have come in, from the under-19s have stepped up and have done really well.

“They should be proud of how they’re doing and it’s a great team effort.

“Jack (Keaney) has been really good since he’s come in. He’s been great in training and he’s a great character to have around the team as well.

“From his last two performances, he’s shown he’s a great player and he has been a great boost to the squad.”

On the confrontations that marred the end of the game, the 21-year-old said; “It was just a few celebrations and stuff.

“Players were getting quite heated, but it was all heat of the moment stuff. I don’t think it was anything too serious.”



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