ACFL Division 2

Moneyglass 3-10 Glenavy 1-23

Glenavy travelled on Sunday looking to build on their win last time out against St Patricks, Lisburn, to play Moneyglass who have only suffered one defeat in the league all year. That defeat saw Sarsfields pip Moneyglass to secure the league and the automatic promotion spot meant that this game carried less importance in the league standing. However, that didn’t stop both sides serving up an exciting and entertaining hour of football, where Glenavy’s cutting edge made the difference and earned them the win.

With both sides starting line ups missing a number of regular players, there was a few last minute positional adjustments before the referee threw the ball in to start the game. It was Glenavy that started the better and raced into a 1-3 to no score lead in the first quarter. At this point, Glenavy’s retention of the ball and dominance around the middle and half back line was causing the home team problems and when Glenavy cut through the Moneyglass defence for Patrick Gallagher to finish the move palming the ball into the net, the home supporters could have been forgiven for thinking that the game was already up. However, the young Moneyglass side got to grip around midfield and were soon back in the game with two, 2 pointers and a goal to turn the game around in their favour. The second quarter was end to end with both sides trading scores. Glenavy’s full forward line and quick ball was causing problems, while at the other end, Moneyglass’s running from deep and overlaps was creating space which Glenavy found difficult to pick up.

At half time it was game on with Glenavy holding a narrow 1-9 to 1-8 lead.

The second period started slowly with both sides looking to gain control of the football, however it was a Glenavy mistake forced by the Moneyglass press that presented a clear opening to the Moneyglass attacker who made no mistake and finished to the net.

Glenavy to their credit didn’t panic however they were struggling to make the ball stick in the full forward line and the Moneyglass pressure forced several turnovers. Despite their defence being on top, Moneyglass failed to capitalise in the forward line and Glenavy eventually punished them with a number of impressive 2 point scores. At this stage the Glenavy midfield had gain control again and were putting huge pressure on the Moneyglass kick outs and created several scoring opportunities which their impressive full forward line took to open up a lead going into the last quarter.

Both teams made several substitutions and with the game entering the final stages, Moneyglass struck back with a tally of 1-2 in the closing stages to narrow the gap. However, Glenavy saw the game out and finished with a final score to win on a total of 1-23 to 3-10.

Both teams will take positives from the game and no doubt will have their sights firmly fixed on the forth coming Intermediate championship.

Referee: Cathal McDermott