Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-10  St Colmcilles 1-8

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s 3rd team lost out by a point to St Colmcille’s in a closely fought Junior B Championship game in brilliant sunshine in Skryne on Sunday 21st April. The midday sun was beating down and both teams gave their all in a ding dong battle to get their first win in the group.

After a slow start due to a couple of injuries St Colmcille’s got off the mark first with a point on 9 minutes. Donaghmore Ashbourne had to make changes early on when veteran campaigner Niall Moran had to come off due to injury and was replaced by David Donnelly. A quick reshuffle and they immediately equalised from a free by Anthony McAlearney on 11 minutes. ‘Cilles hit back with an unanswered goal and 2 points to appear to take control of the match but Donaghmore Ashbourne fought back with a point on 23 minutes from McAlearney. St Colmcille’s pointed again and then James McKeown pointed on 28 minutes and Faolan Smith pointed a free at the end of the half.

Half time came and just a goal separated the sides, 1-04 to 0-04 to St Colmcille’s.

Both teams came out and traded points with St Colmcille’s never being headed in the game. Points from Smith and James Brady on the 38th and 39th minutes cancelled out St Colmcille’s 2 scores and ‘Cilles extended their lead to 3 points on 44 minutes 1-07 to 0-07. Faolan Smith scored another free to reduce the deficit and his team seemed to get the upper hand.

The last quarter was end to end football with both sides creating chances. Donaghmore Ashbourne broke and as they beared down and goal the ball was flicked across the square with the keeper stranded and the incoming player failed to finish a certain goal. With that chance gone Colmcille’s scored another point on 56 minutes and as time ticked by the Moores pressed hard to create their chance. A free on 57 minutes was converted by Smith and another free with time almost up was fired over by James Brady to leave the minimum between the sides.

Despite their best efforts Donaghmore Ashbourne could not break down the St Colmcille’s resolute and at times last ditch defence and narrowly lost by the point.

Donaghmore Ashbourne: Darragh Morrissey, Aaron McLoughlin, Niall Moran, Luke Barrett, Matt Crumlish, Anthony Lynn, Niall Kavanagh, Joe Magee, James Flavin, Kevin McInerney, Faolan Smith (0-5,3f), James Brady (0-2,1f), Danny Deery, Anthony McAlearney (0-2,1f), James McKeown (0-1).

Subs Used: David Donnelly for Niall Moran

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