Ardara make Ernesiders work for their points
Under 18 Football league
18 April 2012
Aodh Ruadh 2-12
Killybegs 1-7
John Hughes reports from Father Tierney Park
The score board shows an eight point win for Aodh Ruadh, but they were made to work hard for their league points by a strong Ardara side who were let down by their shooting.
In the opening moments of the game the homesters had most of the possession, but turning it into scores was proving something of a struggle. Then Ardara grabbed the initiative and a fine goal crashed home by their most dangerous attacker, Thomas Boyle, put the visitors in the driving seat. Aodh Ruadh settled down to work after that and spent the remainder of the half clawing back the deficit and with the aid of a Johnny Gethins goal went leading 1-4 to 1-3 at the break.
Ardara started the second half the stronger, however a series of three bad wides illustrated their recurring problem. Aodh Ruadh began to dominate in the midfield sector after that with the half back line and midfield gathering up the preponderance of possession. Ryan Granaghan hit three beautiful points and also started to make a greater general contribution. Johnny Gethins creative play was also a significant factor as Aodh Ruadh took control.
Despite losing the possession battle and shooting poorly Ardara were still in the game until well into the second half. That was until Paddy Gillespie sallied forward and cut through the Ardara defence and flicked the ball back across the penalty box where the ball reached James Kelly who picked his spot and finished low and hard.
Shane Ward emptied the bench after that and if the goal didn't finish Ardara the infusion of fresh legs certainly did. Aodh Ruadh started to win frees that hadn't seemed to be available previously and David McGurrin slotted over three. Jamie McDonald came on and hit two late points to add a gloss to the score line, his direct running too much for a tiring defence.
It was a tough test for Aodh Ruadh, but they weathered it well. PJ Gillespie was teak tough in the corner and took a lot of punishment with no complaint. The half back line of Paddy Gillespie, Kieran Keown and Alan Finan were slow to settle, but when they got to the tempo of the game they had a decisive influence. When the supply of ball improved the half forwards really made hay. Ryan Granaghan's point taking was a joy to watch. while Johnny Gethins and Michael McNeely harried and cut out ball relentlessly. James Kelly was very cool for his goal, David McGurrin took the few scoreable frees he had well, while Jamie McDonald was ruthless when introduced. Next up in the league is the away to Naomh Conaill on Friday 27th April.
| Vital Statistics |
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| Teams |
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Aodh Ruadh Daniel Kelly; PJ Gillespie, Eamon McGrath, Ryan Patton; Patrick Gillespie, Kieran Keown, Alan Finan; Pauric Patton, Darren Gethins (0-1); Ryan Granaghan (0-3), Johnny Gethins (1-1), Michael McNeely (0-1); David McGurrin (0-3f), James Barron, James Kelly (1-1). Substitutes: Jamie McDonald (0-2), Conor Gilmartin, . |
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Ardara Aidan Shovlin; Conor Gallagher, Cathal Gallagher, Harry Heneghan; Timmy Morris, Patrick White (0-1), Shane O'Donnell; Killian Boyle (0-1), Aaron Bennett (0-1f); Patrick Gavigan, Kyle Gallagher, Eoin O'Donnell; Eoin Breslin (0-1f), Thomas Boyle (1-2, 2f), Paul Gallagher. Substitutes: Number 21 (0-1) |
| Referee: Ryan Walsh (Bundoran) |
Last modified: Friday, 22 May 2020 at 2:31pm