Ahane 3-5 Claughaun 0-14
This was an exciting game of football the result of which hung in the balance right to the end. Both sides had chances to win, but in the end a draw was a deserved result.
In the final moments Ahane could have sealed the deal but overelaborated and were disposesed in front of the Claughaun goals. When Claughaun counter-attacked Gavin Byrnes had to come to Ahane’s rescue with a magnificent save. At the interval Ahane lead by two points 2-3 to 0-7.
Claughaun came storming back to level midway through the second half, Liam Quinn goaled to give Ahane a three point lead but in the final ten minutes Claughaun showing great character added four points to a solitory point for Ahane to leave sides level 3-5 to 0-14.
Claughaun were first to settle in this game and opened up a three point lead in the opening six minutes one from play and two from frees. Ahane looked particulary vunerable in their full back line in these opening minutes and struggled to get beyond the half way line. Gradually they came into the match and threathened with every attack.
Paul Fanning lead the way when he crashed the ball to the back of the net to get Ahane back on level terms. Then Evan O’Neill gained posession solo’d thru the center and added a minor to give Ahane the lead. Claughaun were quick to respond and three attacks yielded two further points to give them m a one point advantage. Back came Ahane and playing some great attacking football Conor MacNamara crashed home an unstopable shot to restore the lead for Ahane. This was quickly followed by two further points from Dan Morrissey and Gary O’Keeffe. With an unlikely four point advantage Claughaun were stung into action and they reduced the defiict by adding the last two points to leave it 2-3 to 0-7 at the break.
The second half proved to be as exciting as the first. Claughaun baggged the first point within the first few minutes. Claughaun pressed for an equaliser but Liam Quinn struck a point to retore Ahane two point lead. Claughaun stepped up their game some more and added the next two points to level matters.
Ahane sensing the game was going away from them, put a great move together from their half back line and Liam Quinn took full advantage to net Ahane a third goal. Claughaun came storming back and quickly added two points to leave just one point in it. Ahane responded with a Liam Quinn free to restore their two point advantage. To Claughauns credit they didn’t panic, rallied and added two more points to leave it all square entering the last couple of minutes. A final flurry from both sides failed to raise a flag and in the end a draw was a deserved result. Claughaun will rue some missed chances particularly in the first half, Ahane have plenty to work on too if they wish to progress.
Ahane lined out as follows:
Gavin Byrnes in goals had a solid game and made a magnificent save at the end of this match, Andrew Minihan was an able deputy at corner back and after a nervous opening he settled well in this position. Richard Ryan had a good game but tired due to his exertions with the Seniors and U21 in the previous days. Brian O’Keeffe also played well.
Half backs Cathal Ryan and Ryan McAuley got to grips with their opposite numbers and Alan Cuneen had a solid game at center back marking one of their better players. In fact our half back line were very influential in setting up the Ahane attack in particular their good use of the ball when in posession. Midfield duo Dan Morrissey and Evan O’Neill had their hands full against a physically stronger midfielder pairing, they gave great support to our attack.
Half forwards Sean Moran and Liam Quinn played well, some great attacking moves. Dean Lilis at center forward had a stormer, drifting into great position to take a pass and won some timely breaks in around midfield.
Corner forward Conor MacNamara and Gary O’Keefe made good use of every ball they received. In particular, Gary came deep in the second half to win some vital possession. Paul Fanning at full forward was a menance when in possession
Liam Quinn 1-2 (1 from frees)
Paul Fanning 1-0
Conor MacNamara 1-0
Evan O’Neill 0-1
Dan Morrissey 0-1
Gary O’Keeffe 0-1
Next game is home to Newcastlewest August 6th.
