Replay heartache for Thirds in Junior B Final

Junior B Championship Final Replay
22 October 2006
Aodh Ruadh 0-5
Glenfin 1-7
Sean Perry reports from Tir Chonaill Park

On a perfect afternoon for football in Tir Chonaill Park last Sunday, Glenfin clinched the Donegal junior "B" title with five points to spare over a disappointing Aodh Ruadh challenge. The winners were 1-4 v 0-0 up at the interval as the Ballyshannon side struggled to find their rhythm.

Both sides made a number of changes from the drawn match of a fortnight previous, veteran Aodh Ruadh goalkeeper, Gary Walsh was on honeymoon and was replaced by Gary Ward. The Finn Valley club brought in Michael Moy in goals in place of current Donegal senior selector, Francie Martin. Christopher Morrow and Martin Bonner also came in at fullback and centre-half forward respectively.

Shaun Scanlon and Liam Ward proved experienced and able target men in attack and chipped in with early points for the Glenfin men as they dominated the opening exchanges. A strong run from wingback, Hugh Boyle created a chance for Scanlon late in the first half, he duly obliged giving Gary Ward no chance with a rocket to the roof of the net from close range.

The goal spurred Aodh Ruadh to life for a time but they were unable to convert pressure into scores as poor shot selection cost them dearly.

However, in the second half, the Ernesiders gave a much better account of themselves, Dermot Slevin chipped over their first score on 34 minutes. A number of goal chances were also created but Gerry Marley's side seemed to always be able to get a limb in at the last moment to thwart their opponents. The Ballyshannon side launched a series of high balls forward to target men, David Downey and Christy Dolan but to no avail as the Glenfin defence held firm.

Aodh Ruadh's last two points came in the final five minutes, Ken Monaghan driving forward from centre-half back with substitute, Joseph Watson clipping over the last point. Paul Connolly and Johnny Dolan worked hard in defence throughout while Anthony Coughlan also made an impact when introduced. A first senior football trophy of the year still eludes Aodh Ruadh, Sunday's loss will be particularly painful with many of the panel in the twilight of their careers and having come so close to victory on the occasion of the drawn match.

Vital Statistics
Teams
Aodh Ruadh G Ward; P Connolly, D O'Donnell, B Dorrian; J Dolan, K Monaghan (0-1), M Dolan; G McGloin, K Vaughan; P Kelly, D Slevin (0-1), D Downey; D McInerney (0-1, 1 free), D Keon, G Anderson. Substitutions A Coughlan (0-1) for P Kelly, J Watson (0-1) for Anderson, C Dolan for McGloin, D McLoone for Dorrian.
Glenfin M Moy; S McGlynn, C Morrow, T Campbell; M Doherty, C McGlinchey, H Boyle; M Campbell, B McMonagle; L Breen, M Bonner, G Dorrian (0-1); L Ward (0-2), D Ward, S Scanlon (1-3) Substitutions B McDermott (0-1) for D Ward, M Marley for Bonner, F McGlinchey for Dorrian, G McCool for B McMonagle.
Referee
Robbie O'Donnell (Naomh Mhuire)

Report Filed: 31 October 2006