Under-20 Football League
Erin’s Own Cargin 3-08 St Ergnat’s Moneyglass 3-12
Moneyglass claimed the bragging rights in the under-20 development league when they beat neighbours Carin in Toome in a closely fought encounter in the opening game of the U20 Football League on Saturday.
St Ergnat’s opened strongly as full forward Tyler Cassidy punished an unforced error to raise a green flag after Conleth McCann had opened the scoring with a point.
Cargin responded in kind when Tome Shivers pointed before the artistry of PJ Quinn opened the door for Dylan Gallagher to fire to the back of the net.
The game proceeded in tit for tat fashion as score at one end prompted similar at the other and at the end of the opening quarter the sides were tied on 1-04 apiece but the second quarter was to belong to the blue and saffron.
Back to back points from Josh Mc Cormac allowed the visitors to nip a couple clear before the latter launched a high delivery to find the back of the Cargin net.
The visitors were dominating and late points from Frank Duffin and a long range follow up by the industrious Kevin Mc Cann earned hi side a deserved 2-06 to 1-04 interval lead.
Cargin trailed by five but as the second half proceeded Tom Shivers pointed within a minute of the restart.
The visitors were quick in their response however and Kevin Mc Cann capitalised on a defensive mix up to plant the leather in the back of the Cargin net and Moneyglass had opened up an eight point lead 3-06 to 1-05.
The home side looked in trouble and they were about to receive another blow as their net minder Shea Laverty received a second yellow and faced a long trek to the side line a minute later.
Malachi Johnston took up the vacated position between the posts and was called into action to make a smart save to deny Shea Madden’s attempt to find the net.
Moneyglass continued to press and further scores from Tyler Cassidy and Charlie McCloskey extended the gap to 3-06 to 1-05.
The home side faced a mountain to climb at the commencement of the last quarter but a smart goal by the artistic PJ Quinn with a point to follow signalled hope, but such hope was soon to be dampened.
Back came the visitors with a trio of white flags raised in turn by Conleth Mc Cann (2), and Tyler Cassidy to see them on the cusp of victory.
Cargin finish strongly with replacement Benen Kelly splitting the posts and Tom Shivers followed with a goal but the long blast was to follow with Moneyglass greeting the chequered flag with a 3-12 to 3-08 winning verdict.
Cargin: Shea Laverty, C Kennedy, Craig Thornton, Conan Kennedy, Malachai Johnston, Cahir Donnelly, Cahir Donnelly, Odhran Molloy (0-01), Conan Johnston, Shane Gribbon, PJ Quinn (1-03), Charlie Mc Cann, Conor Kelly, Tom Shivers (1-03), Dylan Gallagher (1-00)
Subs
Diarmuid Quinn for C Mc Cann
Ryan O’ Neill Dylan Gallagher
Cian Scullion C O’ Boyle
Benen Kelly for C Kennedy
Moneyglass: Rory Gribbin, James Mc Laughlin, Harry O’ Donnell, Ruairi Duffin, Jamie Totten, Matthew Mullan, Frank Duffin (0-01), Conor O’ Kane, Charlie Mc Closkey (0-01), Conleth Mc Cann (0-04), Kevin Mc Cann (1-02), James Mc Cormick (1-00), Tyler Cassidy (1-02), Shea Madden (1-01)
Referee G Dougan (Kickham’s)