Successful start to reserves league title defence
Senior Reserve Division 3
21 March 2015
Aodh Ruadh 1-9
Buncrana 1-5
David McLooone reports from Father Tierney Park
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The Aodh Ruadh reserves set about defending their 2014 Division 3 league title with a well deserved win against the visiting Buncrana team. A few late call ups to senior duty left manager Jim Kane having to make a few changes to his starting line up, the most notable being the loss of Cookie O'Halloran.
The hosts started well with James Kelly getting the scoring started. Buncrana had barely managed to get into the Aodh Ruadh half of the pitch before James Barron had the ball in the net to put the hosts 1-1 to no score ahead. Aodh Ruadh dominated for large spells in the first half, with Niall Thomas getting to grips in midfield and having the better of the exchanges with Stephen McGonigle to win the majority of possession. most notable being the loss of Cookie O'Halloran.
The early season rustiness was evident however as misplaced passes and wayward shooting meant that only three more points for the hosts were added during the first half, those coming from Jamie McDonald, Mickey McNeely and Nicky Sheerin. The half time score was 1-4 to 0-1.
Buncrana started the second half determined to make the most of the advantage of the mild breeze, putting McGonigle into the full forward line for the direct ball in. Within minutes, Buncrana had a penalty after referee Lee Jordan harshly penalised Chris McCabe for pulling down his man, which was even harsher given that the tackle has happened just outside the area. After dispatching with the penalty neatly into the bottom corner past keeper Dolan, Buncrana added a point to leave just two points between the sides. An exchange of points for each team followed, with James Barron, Anthony 'Waddle' Coughlin and Jamie McDonald adding the scores for the Erne men, leaving the score at 1-8 to 1-5 entering the final stages.
Aodh Ruadh were able to finish the stronger by introducing fresh legs from the bench, whilst Buncrana had been reduced to 14 men for too many exuberant protests to the referree. Ryan Granaghan added a free late on to put the result beyond doubt. All in all, the lads will be glad to have got off to good start. The defensive unit were well in control off throughout the match, with Ryan Patton and Patrick Meehan really solid through the centre. Waddle Coughlin can be happy with his start to his captaincy of the team, and nearly put the icing on the cake with a first half goal effort that came off the angle of the goal. Last years captain Dermot Slevin also had a fine game covering every corner of the pitch and always available to receive the ball. Next up is the trip to Clonmany to face Urris.
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| Teams |
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Aodh Ruadh Jack Dolan; Chris McCabe, Ryan Patton, David McLoone; Mickey McNeely (0-1), Patrick Meehan, Daniel Kelly; Ryan Granaghan (0-1), Niall Thomas; James Kelly (0-1), Jamie McDonald (0-2), Dermot Slevin; Nicky Sheerin (0-1), Anthony Coughlin (0-2), James Barron (1-1). Substitutes: Jason McMenamin for James Barron, Jack Dolan for Nicky Sheerin, Patrick McKenna for Jamie McDonald, Raymie Granaghan for James Kelly. |
Last modified: Friday, 29 May 2020 at 1:10pm