Senior Reserve Shield
Glenravel 1-21 Glenavy 3-13 (AET)
As darkness descended over Fr Maginn Park, referee Colm McDonald called this game to a halt after ninety minutes of football including extra time. At that stage Glenravel were two points ahead and will be delighted to have got over the line with their noses in front. Ahead by seven points at half time and completely dominating the match, they allowed Glenavy back into the game and the lough siders didn’t need a second invitation. They drew level on the hour mark and whilst they never managed to get that vital score to nudge ahead they did stay within one or two points right to the end. Glenavy scored the final point of the first game two minutes into added time and indeed both teams had chances in the following four minutes but couldn’t convert so we headed into extra time as the game ended Glenravel 0-15 Glenavy 2-09.
Glenravel again dominated the first period of extra time opening up a four point lead with one minute remaining but the visitors managed a couple of score to reduce the gap to two points at half time in extra time; Glenravel 1-18 Glenavy 2-13. At this stage players were cramping all over the pitch and both teams emptied their respective benches bringing on fresh legs. Once again Glenravel started brightly and opened up a four point lead but with five minutes remaining Glenavy pounced for their third goal to reduce the gap to the minimum and it was certainly game on at that stage. However the visitors could not add to that tally and as light started to fade the home side notched up the final score of the game to end up victorious by two points.
An exciting game of football which both sides will look back on missed chances but over the hour and a half, Glenravel did look the sharper team and it is they who proceed to the next round.
Glenavy were well served by Niall McCann, Finn Shannon, Odhran Arthurs and Finn Malley but special mention to goal keeper Fergal Green who’s free taking was outstanding including a fifty five metre free from the sideline which was the score of the game.
Glenravel will be well pleased with the performances of Daniel McQuillan, Declan McKeown, Conleth O’Loan, Aiden O’Donnell and Shea O’Broin when he came on but a special call out to the quietly effective Adam Campbell who snuffed out numerous Glenavy attacks throughout the game.
