Mágh Cuilinn fall short in opener

Post date: Apr 8, 2014 1:20:15 PM

The opening game in the u16 Championship in Ballymacward against Pearses was the closest game of the weekend. Mágh Cuilinn faced into a stiff breeze and could be satisfied with the 0-06 to 0-03 deficit at half time, especially not conceding any goals although maybe a little disappointed not to have converted a few goal chances of their own. Most of the first half scores came from frees with Sean Barrett converting two and Daire Davoren the other. It was Pearses who extended their lead by two point early in the second half but a goal from Joseph Lydon brought Mágh Cuilinn right back into it. Mágh Cuilinn added two points to draw level but some poorly conceded frees allowed Pearses to edge three points ahead again. Mágh Cuilinn always looked the more likely to score goals but following a defensive mixup it was Pearses who scored it. Mágh Cuilinn continued to attack and Joseph Lydon scored a second goal to reduce the deficit to three points again. Time was running out and an free for overcarrying gave Pearses the opportunity for an insurance point. In the final minutes, Ciarán Scully drew a magnificent save from the Pearses keeper with his point blank shot. Had it gone in there might have been one final chance to snatch an equaliser. However it was not to be and the when the resultant 65m was defended the final whistle blew. Final score 1-12 to 2-05. The players get an immediate opportunity to get a better result when Ballygar visit on Thursday evening at 6.30pm.

Mágh Cuilinn: Aaron Connell, Oran McLochlann, James Dempsey, Tim McDonagh, Andrew McDonagh, Kian McLochlann, Gareth Kenny, Daire Davoren, Ciarán Scully, Walter McDonagh, Joe Lydon, Sean Barrett, Shane Clancy, Neil Mulcahy, Ceillan Leonard,

Subs: Tom O'Connor for Walter McDonagh, Alan Carr for Ceillan Leonard.