League

Athnaleenta Park
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Roordan Sheridan kicked off to start the match. When Turlough Deery fell near the penalty area in the 3rd minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Knockrath AFC's protests and gave Turlough Deery a yellow card for diving instead. Athnaleenta's Shannon Ferguson played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Reilley Ghee in the 7th minute of play. When Knockrath AFC's Reilley Ghee in the 9th minute got a chance for a shot 9th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye Athnaleenta's goalie prevented a goal. Athnaleenta's Shannon Ferguson played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Bram McGlynn in the 14th minute of play. After a defensive mix-up in Knockrath AFC's zone, Bercan Byrne stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Bradagain Murphy came out of the goal and Bercan Byrne tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. With a little luck, Knockrath AFC's Bradagain Murphy got control of the ball when Bercan Byrne tried to sneak it across the goal line. Reilley Ghee sent away a hard shot on goal in the 22nd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Reilley Ghee received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 24th minute. Shannon Ferguson tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Shannon Ferguson took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Reilley Ghee, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. In the 31st minute, Roordan Sheridan got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. 35 minutes into the game, Bercan Byrne was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Athnaleenta's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Knockrath AFC the free kick. The supporters of Knockrath AFC booed when Athnaleenta was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 35 match minutes in a wonderful position. Bercan Byrne didn't get a good kick on the ball. Shannon Ferguson showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Reilley Ghee, who was totally free with the ball in the 37th minute. Toren McSteven charged in rather forcefully in the 41st minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Toren McSteven the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. A collision led to Athnaleenta getting a freekick after 41 minutes play. Toren McSteven hit a great ball. A collision led to Knockrath AFC getting a freekick after 42 minutes play. Bram McGlynn hit a great ball. The first half was very even, with the score at 0-0 when the whistle went for half-time. The players welcomed the break and quickly retired to the dressing rooms.

Bradagain Murphy made a wonderful reflex save on a shot from Roordan Sheridan in the 53rd minute of play. Reilley Ghee could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 55th minute of the match, but Shannon Ferguson made a huge save. Bradagain Murphy stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Bercan Byrne's shot from short distance in the 60th minute. Roordan Sheridan recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 61st minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. After having played for 64 minutes, Bram McGlynn managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. Knockrath AFC's supporters crossed their fingers, but Bram McGlynn was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. Roordan Sheridan sent away a hard shot on goal in the 65th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Bram McGlynn received a nice pass, split the defenders, and ran untouched towards the goal. Shannon Ferguson came out and tried to block the shot, but Bram McGlynn slotted it home off the left post making it 0-1 in the 68th minute. If Roordan Sheridan had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 72nd minute. The ball went over the crossbar instead. In the 75th play minute Reilley Ghee came free and shot an unsuspected shot which went into goal from the right pole behind a surprised Shannon Ferguson. 0-2. The referee was alert and spotted a serious foul by Brecc Dunne during the 78th minute. The player immediately received a yellow card. After 78 played minutes Knockrath AFC got a freekick which was hit by Brecc Dunne. The supporters of Knockrath AFC booed when Athnaleenta was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 90 match minutes in a wonderful position. Blavock McMichel didn't get a good kick on the ball. The Knockrath AFC supporters could be heard counting down the last seconds of the match. They errupted in celebration when the whistle blew, knowing Knockrath AFC would go home with victory in their luggage after a match that easily could have ended differently.