South West Feile semi-final
All Saints 3-04 Dunloy 1-04
All Saints went into this match as favourites but were made to fight all the way by a determined Dunloy side. The home side were hoping to book their place in a third Feile final in a row and with a galeforce breeze behind them they had every opportunity of building a substantial lead by half time.
The All Saints side were guilty of some poor decision making during the opening exchanges too often trying to walk the ball into the net when opportunities for points were there for the taking. They squandered a number of chances for points whilst trying to score goals and time was moving on. They then worked a couple of good goals with Corner forward Carter Reid fisting to the net twice with identical moves. Fintan Brady showed great awareness for the 2nd goal spotting the lurking Reid ready to finish. A couple of points from Ciaran McQuillan had the Saints in control but it didn’t look like the lead would be enough when Dunloy, who had looked dangerous on the break got a goal at the other end.
Sean O’Boyle climbs to fist home All Saints third goal
Daniel Kelly then scored a good point in reply for Saints. A crucial score then gave the home team a boost right on half time. A long free from McQuillan was dropping short and the impressive Kevin O’Boyle jumped the highest to fist home.
There was enough evidence from Dunloy to suggest that the 8 point lead would be hard to defend as the dangerous Oisin McCamphill was proving a real handful for the Saints back line.
Dunloy got the first 2 points in the 2nd half with McCamphill leading the charge and the strong wind making it difficult things were looking dodgy for the home side. Having already lost Harry Connon from the half back line they were dealt a further blow when goalkeeper Lewis Devlin was forced off with Ciaran McQuillan leaving his full-forward role to take over between the sticks.
More points followed for Dunloy and the gap was down to 4, however vitally at this stage the All Saints backline really dug deep and a couple of good turnovers from Aodhan McGarry and Archie McGreevey led to Kevin O’Boyle breaking from midfield. He was dragged down and keeper McQuillan popped the free over to put 5 in it.
Time was running out and All Saints were now back in control. And the hard working Ryan Thom popped over a late point to seal the win.
On the day the All Saints defence was certainly their best asset as they put bodies on the line to protect their lead. Their forward line will need to be better in their choice making if they are to overcome a strong Cargin outfit in the final, though special mention to Carter Reid for his predatory instincts which led to his 2 goals.
Dunloy certainly contributed very well to a hard fought game that was unfortunately very stop start with a lot of frees breaking any flow to the game.
