Fona/CAB Ulster Minor Tournament
Cavan Gaels v Mayobridge
Flying centre half forward, Joshua Shehu led Cavan Gaels to victory over a battling St. Molaise of Irvinestown in the final quarter final of the fona/CAB Ulster Minor football tournament and the Cavan champions can go one further when they take on Mayobridge of Down in Tuesday’s semi-final at St. Paul’s.
Shehu contributed 0-6 of his side’s total over the hour and his pace and movement made him a constant threat to the Fermanagh champions but he was only one of an excellent Cavan Gaels side who had strong performers in Ben Tully, Michael Monaghan and Jacub Jaskiewicz.
They certainly didn’t get it all their own way against a battling St. Molaise of Fermanagh who were in contention until the closing stages of the game when a Barry Godwin goal with four minutes of normal time closed the gap to three points.
Joshua Shehu eased the pressure with an excellent point under pressure for Cavan Gaels and mid-fielder, Ben Tully ensured there would be no way back for the Irvinestown side with the final score of the game.
In the other quarter-final Mayobridge overcame the spirited challenge of host side St. Paul’s but were forced to fight all the way against the Antrim champions.
St. Paul’s looked to be heading for a rare victory for Antrim clubs in the quarter-final when they led the Down champions, by three points early in the second half.
Mayobridge looked rattled but they responded positively and Corey Clerkin got them on the comeback trail as he fired over after forcing a turnover.
This score provided the Mourne side with a lift and they would hit a further four points without reply as Woods pointed a free and then O’Keefe broke clear but seemed to have lost control but he volleyed over to level with a quarter of an hour remaining.
From the resulting kick-out, Mayobridge again won the break and it was worked to Woods on the right who fired over and with nine minutes remaining, he would add another from distance to put two between the sides.
Daire O’Keefe was excellent for Mayobridge at mid-field with some excellent fielding for the Mourne side and added a score during the second period while Patrick Woods also made a big impact with some fine scores.
Manager, Francis Poland feels that his side will need to improve on that performance if they are to overcome the challenge of Cavan Gaels.
“Our side showed great character to come back against St Paul’s and I honestly thought we were gone but they dug in. They are the sort of team who never gives up”
Ryan Couler’s goal proved pivotal in the Mayobridge comeback against St. Paul’s while Patrick Woods kicked 0-4 (2 frees) and Daire O’Keefe had a solid hour at mid-field for the ‘Bridge’ but they will need to be on their game right from the start if they are to overcome a fancied Cavan Gaels