DONAGHMORE ASHBOURNE 3-13 ST. LOMAN’S, MULLINGAR 1-3

DONAGHMORE-Ashbourne under-15 boys football side qualified for the knock out stages of the Leinster Leagues Division 1 with a fine win under lights on Wednesday night in the town. 

That made it two wins out of two to date this season, after a victory in Rhode two and a half weeks ago.

Once again, the team’s huge tackle count, and the discipline of the players to make themselves hard to break down, by selflessly tracking back into good defensive positions, stood out. 

But, the support playing going forward and the finishing were also there, as the side posted 3-10 from play.

The team had seven different scorers, and while the shooting was good in general, a few points were left behind with balls that dropped short, or shots hurried where players snatched at the ball. 

Skipper, Matthew Scanlon won the toss and for the second game on the bounce the team played with the breeze, and were able to amass a 1-8 to 1-1 half-time lead. 

Tellingly, after a St Loman’s outfit with plenty of quality players, and who were Westmeath Feile champions last year, struck for a goal, the home side replied with a point in the very next attack.

Alex McCann stepped in to do goals for the injured Jodev Puchon, who turned up to support the team, and the big netminder was outstanding again as the team retained all their own kickouts, creating a great platform to go on and win the game.

Jack Doran came in at wing forward at half time, and was a real threat, going at people, and winning his share of opposition restarts.

Conor McNally, Cian Quinn and Andrew Skelton are good footballers as well as backs.

They marked tightly in the full back line and were tidy in posession, working the ball out well when they had to.

Ryan Murphy, in only his second game back, read the game expertly and won a raft of opposition kickouts, while Matthew Scanlon on the other wing was a fine outlet option all the time with a big work rate, and Aidan Mackey pulled off some good interceptions at number six.

Eoin Kelly and Oisin Daly covered an immense amount of ground and competed well with two fine opponents at midfield, driving forward and covering back.  

Evan O’Kane went from full back to midfield in a half time rejigg, and was a strong presence.

Up front, the accuracy was pleasing with Michael O’Sullivan really on it, notching one of his 1-4 tally with his left foot, and half volleying another from a right angle.

Leon Mahon shot two points and turned over two balls back in his own half, with Zach Thornton the link man, covering back as well as getting forward to score. 

Sam Dunne and Guy Sharlott’s tackling stood out again with Loman’s struggling to work the ball out of defence, the two boys creating some rallying moments with their turnovers. 

Jack Lynch played an important target man role, winning and laying off ball and was unlucky not to get a second half goal, while Niall O’Sullivan came off the bench and hit a rocket to the net. 

Thanks to the club for making sure the game went ahead with the recent weather conditions.  

The team are always on the lookout for new players. Call in at the club and leave your details and we’ll make contact. Everyone is welcome.

DONAGHMORE-ASHBOURNE: Alex McCann, Conor McNally, Evan O’Kane, Andrew Skelton, Matthew Scanlon, Aidan Mackey, Ryan Murphy, Eoin Kelly (0-2), Oisin Daly, Zach Thorton (0-3, 2fs), Leon Mahon (0-2), Guy Sharlott, Jack Lynch, Sam Dunne (1-1) Michael O’Sullivan (1-4, 0-1f), Cian Quinn, Jack Doran (0-1), Niall O’Sullivan (1-0).