League

Meenachallow Park
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) Balladian FC's Begley Caffrey started the match with a crisp pass. The crowd had been anticipating this game for weeks and the excitement in the stadium was easily visible. 6 minutes into the match, Meenachallow AFC's goal looked a bit too open when Begley Caffrey came free, but Jarlath Sheridan reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Begley Caffrey in the 9th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Jarlath Sheridan prevented the ball from getting in the gole. A sloppy throw-in by Brennon Scully in the 10th minute of the game went astray and was snapped up by Balladian FC's Rylie Frankson. After 11 played minutes Meenachallow AFC got a freekick which was hit by Rourke Crowe. When Donn Benson fell near the penalty area in the 17th minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored Meenachallow AFC's protests and gave Donn Benson a yellow card for diving instead. Donn Benson hit a great freekick 18 minutes into the match. In the 21st minute Begley Caffrey shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Jarlath Sheridan saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. If Rownun Ghee had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 26th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. 35 minutes into the game, Keely Cooney was given a yellow card after he appeared to trip an opposing player. Balladian FC's manager was livid on the sidelines, but the referee was unmoved and gave Meenachallow AFC the free kick. In the 35th match minute, Balladian FC was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Keely Cooney to maneuver through the defense. The long shot by Donn Benson in the 36th minute really tested Toren Kirby's skills. The ball was on its way into the goal to the left of him when he managed to stretch himself and save the shot and avoid a goal. Binnech Ghee kicked well hit freekick during the 36th minute of the match. With his leg Toren Kirby managed to avoid a goal in the 41stth minute, when Meenachallow AFC's Rownun Ghee fired away a shot with a lot of spin towards his right hand side. All the noise was coming from the home fans when the whistle went for half-time. The home team had fought hardest to put themselves in a deserved lead.

When the second half was about to start, both teams quickly lined up and Rownun Ghee made a kick off. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Rownun Ghee in the 51st minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Toren Kirby prevented the ball from getting in the gole. An unexpectedly hard shot by Rownun Ghee in the 53rd minute of play forced Balladian FC's goalkeeper Toren Kirby to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Meenachallow AFC's Brennon Scully suffered a concussion in the 54th minute, after a hard challenge, and had to leave the field. After 54 minutes, Rylie Frankson mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the Balladian FC and the Meenachallow AFC players grew even worse after the yellow card. In the 59th minute of the game Rylie Frankson made a throw-in which Binnech Ghee played forward. After a rather tough play, Balladian FC's Binnech Ghee got a free kick in the 60th minute. 65 minutes into the match, Balladian FC's goal looked a bit too open when Rownun Ghee came free, but Toren Kirby reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Balladian FC's Begley Caffrey got a good chance for a goal in the 66th minute, but he totally mistimed the shot and it went over the crossbar. Harry McVictor could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 68th minute of the match, but Jarlath Sheridan made a huge save. Rylie Frankson made in the 75th minute of the game a throw-in that took a bad bounce and was taken care of by Meenachallow AFC's Rownun Ghee. Toren Kirby showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Rownun Ghee, who was totally free with the ball in the 76th minute. The supporters of Balladian FC booed when Meenachallow AFC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 78 match minutes in a wonderful position. Fionn McLiam didn't get a good kick on the ball. Gearoid Mullan charged in rather forcefully in the 80th minute of the match, and managed to knock his opponent down. The referee showed Gearoid Mullan the yellow card, and asked the players to shake hands before continuing play. In the 80th minute, Gearoid Mullan hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. In the 86th minute, one of Meenachallow AFC:s players had the ball in front of the goal but got pushed and fell. The referee felt it was an obvious case and blew a penalty for Meenachallow AFC. Begley Caffrey walked up to take care of the penalty kick. He was aiming for the top corner, but the ball went just outside the post. Caoilte Gough recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 96th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Many of Balladian FC's supporters were seen to leave the ground early as it became clear their team was going to lose. Balladian FC may have spent more time on the ball, but Meenachallow AFC were more willing to take their chances and they walked away with the win.