Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Junior A Football - Aidan McAnespies v Donegal




McAnespies started the game the stronger side and pressuring the Donegal defense immensely.  The Macs were unlucky not to be 1-3 up after 5 minutes, with a series of points from Paddy O’Neill and Pauric Dillon starting off the scoring for the McAnespies.   A great save from Keeper Padraig McLaughlin denied the Macs a goal.  Donegal broke their scoreless run after a break from the backs from Neil McEnaney, whose burst from the back put the McAnespies defence under pressure.  
Another win for the McAnespies Juniors 

Despite Donegal’s efforts McAnespies  kept the pressure up, with scores from Ciaran Wallace and Mark Coughlan from play putting the McAnespies up by 4 with 15 minutes gone. Donegal weren’t backing down however, and despite a great save from  McAnespies keeper Jack Lake, Donegal kept running at the Macs, and were rewarded with frees that brought the game within a point at half time, where the Macs lead 0-6 to 0-5.

Donegal began the 2nd half leveling the match with a score from James Newall, and then gained a man advantage, as Aidan O’Malley received a black card, leaving the Macs down to 12 men for 10 minutes.  With the man advantage Donegal Built on their lead, and scores from Ruairi Rafferty and Ronan Gallagher led to Donegal building a 3 point lead.  At this pioint it looked as if Donegal had gained all the momentum.

However, after his 10 minute sin bin, Aidan O’Malley came back on and made an instant impact, scoring a great goal to bring his team level once again.  Driven on by the goal, the Macs increased the pressure, and got a penalty after Pauric Dillan was pulled down in the box, leading to Gavin Reilly getting his marching orders as he gathered his 2nd yellow card.  Donegal kept fighting and got a goal from Darren Grant, however, when it was all said and done, the Macs were the better team on the day, defeating Donegal 3-9 to 1-13.

By Evan McDonagh

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