Dramatic Finish to U21 Q/F

Post date: Oct 27, 2013 12:31:45 PM

St. Patricks 2-11

Wheery 2-10

A late rally saw the Reds edge out Ferbane outfit Wheery in he U21 Q/F Replay in Edenderry last Saturday. Played in heavy conditions following torrential rain the quality of play was very good at times as two very evenly matched sides slogged it out for a place in the S/F against Clara.

A sluggish start for the Reds saw them fall behind to a well worked Ferbane goal and they trailed 1-02 to 0-01 in the early stages. The introduction of Aaron McDonnell for the injured Dean Cummins gave the Reds a target up front and this helped Edenderry as they played there best football in the 15 mins prior to the half time break. They went in at the break two up on a scoreline of 0-09 to 1-04 despite playing against an ever stiffening breeze.

A rejuvenated Ferbane team brought the game to Edenderry and another goal early in the first half spurred them on. They played the better football for long periods and a wasteful Edenderry watched them kick some fine scores from distance. A well worked goal for Edenderry steadied the ship but the final ten minutes it looked if the west Offaly side wanted to win that little bit more. Entering the final two minutes, Edenderry midfielder David Hanlon saw red and the writing seemed to be on the wall for this young 14 man Edenderry. However a long ball to full forward A. McDonnell resulted in a flick to the net and the sides were all square again and it looked like extra time for the 2nd week in a row. With the dander up the Reds went in search of the winner and Ciaran 'Gazza' Farrell had the confidence to go for a long range effort and succeed to give a one point lead with time up. Ferbane had one more chance but it was stoutly defended by Gary Blong.

On the final whistle the Reds were happy and through to another semi-final for 2013, albeit luckily, but not giving up and throwing in the towel kept them in the game and allowed them to snatch it at the death.

The sending off of David Hanlon will be a blow and hopefully Dean Cummins recovers from his twisted ankle. The management and supporters will be encouraged by the performances of the younger members of the team especially Adam Mahon, Jamie Dolan and Ciaran Farrell.

Next up is a Semi FInal meeting with Clara in Ballycommon next Saturday and a win there would line up a final against Rhode.

TEAM

C. Hurley, J. Mackey, D. Nolan, G. Blong, S. Moriarty, D. Kelly, A. Mahon, C. Lawton, D. Hanlon, C. Farrell, C. Hurley, J. Dolan, O. Lawton, D. Cummins, S. Doyle.

SUBS

A. McDonnell for D. Cummins (inj)

M. Abbott, A. O'Connell, J. Kenny, A. Forde, C. Cummins