Donegal League 3
Inishowen League 2
BY CHRIS ASHMORE
The Donegal League hold a slender one goal advantage following an absorbing Oscar Traynor Cup 3-2 first leg victory over their Inishowen counterparts at Diamond Park, Ballyare today.
Despite the wet, windy and cold conditions, the first half served up a level of entertainment that was much higher than one would have expected, at the end of which the Donegal League led by 3-0.
It could hardly have been a better scoreline for the Eamonn Sheridan managed side, but it was a flattering margin.
Indeed, the Inishowen side had more than double the number of chances before the break and trooped off somewhat stunned.
But, not unexpectedly, they upped their game in the second half and pulled two goals back to set up what will be an eagerly awaited second leg at Maginn Park in Buncrana on December 13th.
The Donegal League created the first opening with Patrick Carr heading over at the far post following a good build up involving Ryan Shields and Brendan McCafferty.
The Inishowen League then went close twice with Kevin O’Loughlin heading over a Damian Duffy free while the ever-lively Jay Bradley’s delicate chip over Michael Lynch landed wide of the post.
The home team then took the lead on 24 minutes. A wayward pass from O’Loughlin was seized upon in lightning fashion by Shane McNamee who fired into the goal from just inside the box.
The Inishowen side responded positively in every respect, except on the scoresheet.
They were completely on top for a 15 minute spell during which they peppered the Donegal goal. Jamie McKinney, who was full of running, shot across the face of goal and wide. Then, following the best move of the game to that point, Jay Bradley had a shot deflected out for a corner from which Inishowen saw no fewer than three efforts blocked.
Moments later Bradley was denied by a super point-blank reflex save by Michael Lynch and captain Peter Doherty also had an opportunity to equalise.
But the Donegal League struck with two goals in 90 seconds at the end of the half.
Simon McGlynn got the slightest of touches as he met a Gareth Harkin corner to double the advantage and while the Inishowen League were still recovering when they conceded again as McGlynn twisted and turned before sending in a cross to the near post where Johnny Robb produced a superb flick to send the ball into the far corner.
The Inishowen League, with substitute Garbhan Friel making a real impact, pulled one back on 57 minutes as Conor Graham put Jay Bradley through on goal and he finished with confidence.
The deficit was reduced further on 70 minutes when Tiernan Ruddy floated in a free with O’Loughlin headed on and Doherty was on hand to rifle the ball home.
After that Shane McGinty, Carr and and Ryan Shields had chances to stretch Donegal’s lead while at the other end Luke Rudden and Doherty both could have nabbed an equaliser.
The tie is very much in the balance. The cream of the junior crop deserve great credit for producing such a good open game, given the conditions.
Donegal Junior League: Michael Lynch; Padraic Gilsenan; Brendan MCafferty, Ryan Shields, Dean McCarry, Gareth Harkin, Adrian Delap, Patrick Carr, Johnny Robb, Shane McNamee, Simon McGlynn. Subs: Shane McGinty for McNamee (58 mins), Eddie O’Reilly for Robb (65 mins), Ronan McHugh for McGlynn (66 mins).
Inishowen Junior League: Taylor Clarke, Lee McLaughlin, Lee McColgan, Peter Doherty, Kevin O’Loughlin, Jamie McKinney, Jay Bradley, Conor Graham, Luke Rudden, Damian Duffy, Caolan Doherty. Subs: Garbhan Friel for Doherty (h-t), Tiernan Ruddy for McKinney, Jack Bradley for Bradley, Brendan McLaughlin for Graham (all 63 mins).
Referee: Vincent McLaughlin.
Man Of the Match
The hugely experienced Inishowen League captain Peter Doherty gets the nod on this occasion. Assured at the back, he was often the launchpad for several attacks, he scored their second goal and could have had more.
Turning Point
There are a few contenders here. The first goal was always going to be key, scored by Shane McNamee. But arguably the turning point insofar as it keeps the tie very much in the melting pot, was the second goal for Inishowen, from Peter Doherty.
The Whistler
For the most part, Vincent McLaughlin let the game flow and it was refreshing to see such an open game in such testing conditions. Both sides had quibbles when a couple of frees went against them in the second half, and the Donegal League were certainly not happy when the final whistle went as they were about to launch a counter-attack.
Talking Point
The biggest talking point afterwards was the blowing up of the game as the Donegal League won possession and thought they would have one last counter-attack. Ultimately, though, it is the referee’s prerogative as to when he decides the game is over.
What’s Next
The two sides will meet again in the second leg, at Maginn Park in Buncrana, on Saturday, December 13. The winners will go straight through to the semi-finals.
