By Emma Dineen
It’s really starting to feel like the onset of winter at the Markets Field. Last Friday, as the dark skies rolled in over the stand before halftime against UCD, the atmosphere matched the mood around the club. But perhaps, just perhaps, the dark times are beginning to lift for the Limerick side.
Winter nights are here at the Markets Field
Treaty United finally have a win again, their first in almost two months. Their last three points came way back on July 11th against Cobh Ramblers (who, fittingly, they’ll face again this week). Since then? One FAI Cup exit, four league defeats, and two draws.
That’s why this one felt like a relief.
Flags flying high at the Markets Field
Friday September 5th: Treaty United VS UCD AFC
UCD, “The Students,” lived up to the name with an average starting XI age of just 20.3 years compared to Treaty’s 22.6. Extend that to the full matchday squads: UCD at 20.7 vs Treaty’s 23.3. Remove 37-year-old Ronan Finn from the equation, and UCD’s average drops below 20. Their oldest starter? Just 23, and he didn’t even last the full game.Treaty United welcome UCD AFC to Limerick
The first real test came in the 15th minute. A dangerous cross skipped past Richkov Boevi and found Stephen Mohan sneaking in and around Ben Lynch, forcing young Matt Boylan into his first proper save at the Markets Field.
Seven minutes later, UCD almost struck. Carl Lennox floated a long ball into Hugh Smith, which was met by the head of Robbie Lynch and its subsequent bounce misjudged by Boevi. Smith squared it across the edge of the box for Killian Cailloce, who blasted over under pressure from Evan O’Connor.
At the other end, Patrick “Dixie” Ferry had joy through the middle, sliding in Joe Hanson on the right. Hanson cut inside his man and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that forced Kavanagh into a strong stop.
Seven minutes later, UCD almost struck. Carl Lennox floated a long ball into Hugh Smith, which was met by the head of Robbie Lynch and its subsequent bounce misjudged by Boevi. Smith squared it across the edge of the box for Killian Cailloce, who blasted over under pressure from Evan O’Connor.
At the other end, Patrick “Dixie” Ferry had joy through the middle, sliding in Joe Hanson on the right. Hanson cut inside his man and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that forced Kavanagh into a strong stop.
Treaty United's Ben Lynch takes a throw-in
Things began to heat up when Jake Doyle went into referee John Sconnie Walsh’s book for a tug on Colin Conroy’s shoulder.
Plenty of half-chances followed. In the 53rd, Louis Dignam’s effort soared much like Cailloce’s in the first half. Hanson then carved out another chance after a neat link-up with O’Connor, Wilson, and Ferry. His rocket from outside the box forced yet another spectacular save from Kavanagh. Hanson, to his credit, was lively all evening, rattling UCD’s backline at every opportunity.
Treaty thought they had a penalty shout when Robbie Lynch’s trademark long throw pinballed in the box. Hanson’s shot seemed to clip Cailloce’s arm, but nothing was given.
Yellow cards started piling up. Verdon entered the book in the 66th after halting a bursting Ben Lynch run, then dramatically hit the ground clutching his ankle despite him walking into Lynch himself. Minutes later, Evan O’Connor joined him in the book for what replays (and even some teammates on the sideline) confirmed was a blatant dive.
Confusion as to whether that was a Treaty penalty shout or not...
Substitutions rolled on. Verdon eventually saw red for a second yellow, sending Devitt down after he got the better of Wells on the wing. Meanwhile Cailloce tangled with Conroy on the ball which had rolled away from Lee Devitt. Still, even with UCD down to ten, Treaty looked destined for another frustrating stalemate.
Connor Wilson makes way for 19-year-old Ben Lee
Deep into stoppage time, relief finally came. Robbie Lynch rose highest at the back, winning a towering header to set Treaty away. The ball found 18-year-old Roy Lawlor, facing his old club, who burst down the wing. He fed Ben Lee, whose shot was blocked, before Steven Healy and Ben Lynch recycled possession back to Lawlor.
His cross arced perfectly to the far post, where a bandaged Lee Devitt stretched just enough to keep it alive with the outside of his boot. The ball dropped to Niko Kozłowski, on the pitch barely eight minutes and from a metre out, he squeezed it past Kavanagh and inside the post.
His cross arced perfectly to the far post, where a bandaged Lee Devitt stretched just enough to keep it alive with the outside of his boot. The ball dropped to Niko Kozłowski, on the pitch barely eight minutes and from a metre out, he squeezed it past Kavanagh and inside the post.
That winning moment for Treaty United
Watch the highlights here: Treaty United VS UCD AFC
Treaty United
#32. Matt Boylan, #2. Richkov Boevi, #3. Ben Lynch, #5. Lee Devitt ©, #8. Colin Conroy (88’ Healy), #9. Patrick Ferry (84’ Vrljicak), #11. Mark Byrne (76’ Lawlor), #16. Joe Hanson (88’ Kozlowski), #18. Connor Wilson (76’ Lee), #20. Evan O’Connor, #27. Robbie Lynch
Subs: #1. Corey Chambers, #6. Steven Healy, #10. Valerii Dolia, #12. Niko Kozlowski (⚽90+6’), #24. Ben Lee, #25. Mark Walsh, #26. Roy Lawlor, #28. Chris Horgan, #99. Trpimir Vrljicak
UCD AFC
#16. Dara Kavanagh, #3. Adam Wells, #4. Eanna Clancy ©, #5. Carl Lennox, #6. Declan Osagie, #17. Killian Cailloce (73’ Finn), #24. Adam Verdon (76’ 🟥) , #29. Jake Doyle (68’ Raggett), #31. Stephen Mohan (68’ Alonge), #39. Louis Dignam, #40. Hugh Smith (90+1’ Bolton)
Subs: #28. Noah Douglas, #8. Ronan Finn, #9. Michael Raggett, #12. Matthew Alonge, #19. Colin Bolton, #21. Odhran McLaughlin, #35. Kyle Donoghue, #36. Sean Mackey, #38. Harry Whelan
All smiles at the Markets Field
Elsewhere Around The League
Elsewhere, the playoff picture tightened and for the most part, fell favorably for Treaty. Finn Harps, one point behind Treaty at kickoff, conceded late to Longford, gifting Treaty breathing room. Cobh Ramblers failed to capitalise, drawing 1–1 with Kerry. Bray beat Athlone 3–1, but the bigger picture remains unchanged.So here’s how it stands: Dundalk top with 66 points, Cobh second on 60 (and the two meet on the final day). Bray sit third on 56. UCD stay on 46. Treaty’s win lifts them to 38, clinging to fifth and the last playoff spot. Finn Harps trail by three (35), Wexford six (32). At the bottom: Kerry and Longford on 30, Athlone marooned on 17.
Because of the FAI Cup, only three league games are scheduled for next Friday. Treaty must wait until September 19th to see how Harps get on vs Bray. Between now and then, Barrett’s side simply must beat Cobh and start stringing wins together. Relief, yes. Respite, no.
Another Turning Point?
It wouldn’t be a normal blog post without some of my opinion mixed with the facts…Matt Boylan has been a welcome addition to the starting lineup. The English keeper has now started the last two games, and while the goal scored last week by Finn Harps was a joint failure between him, Robbie Lynch, and Boevi, this time he looked solid. Vocal, commanding, and confident between the sticks, he really marshalled his backline and was rewarded with his first clean sheet on Markets Field soil. It’ll be interesting to see who Tommy Barrett favours in the final few games - Boylan or Chambers - because right now, he’s making a strong case for himself.
Treaty United in action
Speaking of Tommy Barrett, he was watching from the glass room at the Markets Field after his red card in Ballybofey the week before. Another controversial red too. Fans might have actually enjoyed a game without him being the presence on the touchline, though of course he was still pulling the strings. Maybe the break was exactly what he needed with a chance to reset before leading the lads into a huge clash with second-placed Cobh this Friday.
I have to say, I was really impressed with young Roy Lawlor. He’s only had about six senior appearances this season (more with the U20s), but every time he’s come up against his former side, UCD, he’s looked fearless. He brings energy, directness, and composure for a lad who only turns 19 next month. When that ball left his foot for the 96th-minute cross, you just knew something was coming, it had that inevitability about it. With so little academy talent breaking into the squad this season (Sean Costelloe and Scott Murphy practically on the missing list this season) it’s refreshing to see new youngsters, whether homegrown or picked up elsewhere, getting chances. Lawlor is a real bright prospect, and hopefully we’ll see more of him next year.
I’ve said it multiple times this season, but Niko Kozlowski is criminally underused and underappreciated. Having watched him week in and week out with the U20s, he’s one of those players who looks like someone’s taped the ball to his foot and just let him skip past defenders. A Cobh player told me recently that Niko is a “nightmare to mark,” not just because of his technical ability but because he enjoys embarrassing defenders. That joy, that cheek, that swagger, it’s something this Treaty side could really use more of. He now has two senior goals to his name, but you can’t help but feel that with more minutes, we’d see even more. The question is whether he’ll actually get them.
I have to say, I was really impressed with young Roy Lawlor. He’s only had about six senior appearances this season (more with the U20s), but every time he’s come up against his former side, UCD, he’s looked fearless. He brings energy, directness, and composure for a lad who only turns 19 next month. When that ball left his foot for the 96th-minute cross, you just knew something was coming, it had that inevitability about it. With so little academy talent breaking into the squad this season (Sean Costelloe and Scott Murphy practically on the missing list this season) it’s refreshing to see new youngsters, whether homegrown or picked up elsewhere, getting chances. Lawlor is a real bright prospect, and hopefully we’ll see more of him next year.
I’ve said it multiple times this season, but Niko Kozlowski is criminally underused and underappreciated. Having watched him week in and week out with the U20s, he’s one of those players who looks like someone’s taped the ball to his foot and just let him skip past defenders. A Cobh player told me recently that Niko is a “nightmare to mark,” not just because of his technical ability but because he enjoys embarrassing defenders. That joy, that cheek, that swagger, it’s something this Treaty side could really use more of. He now has two senior goals to his name, but you can’t help but feel that with more minutes, we’d see even more. The question is whether he’ll actually get them.
Niko Kozlowski and more warm up while a corner takes place
It was another scoreless game for Lee Devitt, but he did notch the assist for Kozlowski’s winner with that well-timed, outside-of-the-boot flick to keep the ball alive. Head bandage and all (which has practically become part of his kit this season) he was right in the thick of it. Still, what I’ve said before is starting to come true: Treaty can’t rely on one man, or one moment of magic, to drag them through. They need goals, and right now, it’s hard to see exactly where they’re going to come from.
A dark night at the Markets Field
And then there’s the style of play. It’s becoming more and more of a long-ball game, and honestly, it makes for pretty dire viewing. Yes, Friday had its big moment at the end, but overall? Pretty boring stuff. Treaty lined up 4-3-3 with the usual back four, a midfield of Devitt–Wilson–Conroy, and a front three of Byrne–Ferry–Hanson. But it’s a system that basically skips over the middle of the park. And this midfield has chopped and changed all year: Lee J. Lynch and Karl O’Sullivan have been hammered by injuries, Mark Murphy’s been in and out, Wilson’s grown into a bigger role, and Devitt is the only player to have played all 30 league games. Earlier in the season, we saw Conroy and Steven Healy working well in tandem, but lately Healy’s been benched to accommodate this long-ball setup. It’s a shame, because I’ve always rated his energetic, gritty style and I’m far from the only one wondering why he’s been sidelined, I don’t think he even really knows why himself. You’d imagine the Galway United loanee won’t be thrilled about his lack of game time at the business end of the season, and it would be a real loss if Treaty can’t hold onto him for next year.
The Blue Army matches the blue sky
Looking Ahead To Cobh Ramblers
Next stop is St. Colman’s Park, where Treaty look to repeat their July 11th victory over Cobh, their last win before this week’s breakthrough. Connor Wilson and Mark Byrne were heroes that night at the Markets Field, but St. Colman’s has been less kind.This one feels huge. Win, and the playoff gap stretches. Lose, and Finn Harps are right back breathing down their necks.
And on a personal note, I’ll be joining Alan O’Brien on commentary for Cobh vs Treaty this Friday on LOI TV. Possibly the first time two rival supporters share the mic for one game. Should be fun, tune in!
Watch the announcment here: Commentary Duo!
Cobh Ramblers vs Treaty United
SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division
📍 St. Colman’s Park
📅 Friday, September 12th
⏰ KO 7:45 PM
Cobh Ramblers vs Treaty United
SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division
📍 St. Colman’s Park
📅 Friday, September 12th
⏰ KO 7:45 PM
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