Moynalvey’s under 21 side fell to a minimum one point defeat after extra time in this under 21 championship quarter final versus Donaghmore/Ashbourne played in Dunsany on Sunday, November 18th.
Moynalvey 1 – 6 Donaghmore/Ashbourne 0 – 10 (after extra time)
In what was an extremely wet day for football, both teams lacked no effort as Donaghmore/Ashbourne prevailed to advance to the semi finals. The victors started brightly and raced into a 0 – 3 to 0 – 0 lead after ten minutes. However, Moynalvey then settled and despite taking until the 20th minute to open their account, 3 James Weldon points in 5 minutes left the scores tied entering the closing stages of the half. A Weldon centre was then fisted to the Donaghmore/Ashbourne net by incoming midfielder Donal Smith to give Moynalvey a 1 – 3 to 0 – 3 interval lead.
Moynalvey scuffed a couple of chances after the break to extend their lead and gradually Donaghmore/Ashbourne ate into the deficit, drawing level at 0 – 6 to 1 – 3 with ten minutes to go. A James Weldon free in response to a seventh Donaghmore/Ashbourne point meant the game ended level and extra time would have to be played.
Moynalvey lost the very influential David Donoghue to injury at the end of full time and his loss was immense as extra time commenced. Indeed, after the first 10 minute period, Donaghmore/Ashbourne had scored 3 times on the trot to lead by 3 on the change around.
Moynalvey had to battle and points from Weldon and Raymond Ryan left the minimum between the sides with 5 minutes left. Try as they might Moynalvey could not find an equaliser despite hitting the post and then missing a last minute 30 yard free and so Donaghmore/Ashbourne clung on to advance to the last 4.
Best for a disappointed Moynalvey side were William Mahady, David Donoghue, Johnny Duffy and Weldon.
Team & scorers – B Reilly, P Heapes, S Weston, W Mahady, D Donoghue, J Duffy, P Garvey, D Smith (1 – 0), R Ryan (0 – 1), P Durnin, S Courtney, F Cunningham, J Weldon (0 – 5). Subs – C Phelan for P Garvey, C Farrelly for S Courtney, P Garvey for R Ryan, R Ryan for D Donoghue, K Weldon.
