Junior Football Championship Group A Round 2

Moynalty 2:08 Ballinlough 2:10

In our second game of the campaign there was a real feeling of “do or die” for both clubs having both been defeated in round 1. Unfortunately, by the full time whistle it was Ballinlough who took the win.

After Moynalty went 2 points to 1 in front, Ballinlough hit the net after a costly Moynalty mistake.

Ollie Sheridan then got a point from a hop ball after referee Keith Sheerin deemed that one of the Ballinlough rear-guard was not outside the D for the kickout. Paul Lynch then soon added his second point of the match.

With minutes remaining to half time Ballinlough kicked two of their own to leave a goal between the sides; Moynalty 0:04, Ballinlough 1:04.

Soon after the start of the second half the Lough men added to their score line with another major to extend their lead to 6. Nothing was going right for Moynalty, hand passes finding opposition players and kicks were going astray.

Kian Lynch, who had been well marshalled throughout, gave Moynalty a lifeline when he got a goal after a scramble in the square to cut the margin down to 3 points.

Ballinlough then added another few points to their tally. Moynalty cut the margin down to a goal with points from Cathal Reilly, Paul Lynch and a superb effort by Ronan Mc Mahon.

Again, momentum swung, and everything seemed to be going right for the Lough men as they added another 3 points without reply to leave six between the sides again. A free in for Moynalty saw the quick-thinking Paul Lynch squeeze the ball passed a host of players and into the Ballinlough net to bring it to a one score game. With only seconds remaining to full time, Paul Lynch slotted over another free. Before the kick out was even taken the full-time whistle blew to huge cheers from the Ballinlough players and supporters. This was their first championship win in 22 months and we can do nothing but congratulate and applaud them for keeping going.

In what was a poor display by our lads this defeat has left Moynalty with a mountain to climb for the rest of the group. We know there is so much more in this team, and we look forward already to our next outing where we hope we can turn the tide.

It was a game where not many players stood above their peers despite absolutely no lack of effort by anyone involved. It was just one of those days. Our full back this week, Ronan McMahon was a consistent battler throughout, making some great tackles in defence, offloading at the right time and popping up with a great score when it was needed, and he would be our choice for Man of the Match.

SCORERS: Paul Lynch 1:04, Kian Lynch 1:00, Bryan Mc Cormack 0:01, Ollie Sheridan 0:01, Ronan Mc Mahon 0:01, Cathal Reilly 0:01.

TEAM: Johnny Lynch, Ronan Lynch, Ronan Mc Mahon, Liam Brogan, Cormac Kearney, Niall O' Connor, James Cassidy, John Brogan, Pauric O' Connor, Joey Gilsenan, Bryan Mc Cormack, Paul Lynch, Ollie Sheridan, Cathal Reilly, Kian Lynch.

SUBS: Paddy Byrne for John Brogan, Richie Gilsenan for Ollie Sheridan, John Brogan for Paddy Byrne, Michael Lynch for Joey Gilsenan (Blood Sub)