Drumragh U15 boys before their game against Strabane on Saturday
Drumragh U15 boys fell to an opening day defeat to Strabane at Clanabogan on Saturday afternoon.
A strong first half performance from the visitors put them in a commanding position, and despite an improved display in the second half, Drumragh could not get back in the game.
Strabane quickly went into a three-point lead but Drumragh were back level with a Dylan Lowry goal. Having won the ball near the corner, Conor Barrett made a determined run along the endline before crossing to ball to Dylan, who punched the ball to the back of the net.
Strabane answered with a scoring burst but Drumragh were unlucky not to get in for another goal during this time with both Conor Barrett and Niall Maguire hitting the post.
Midfielder Oisin Kerlin did put the ball over the bar though after a fantastic pass from Fionn Collins found him in a bit of space. At the other end of the pitch, Rory Dolan, Oisin McManus and Ronan Bresnahan in the full-back line came through with some vital interceptions.
But a couple of Strabane goals stretched out their lead with Drumragh answering back with a brilliant Niall Maguire point after good play from Conor Gormley, Frankie Monk and Aidan McCarney.
A free for Strabane got the scoring underway in the second half. Niall Maguire kicked a free in response for Drumragh after he was fouled himself.
Niall Maguire, Turlough Collins and Dylan Lowry set Oisin Kerlin up for a point and then Conor Barrett caught a high ball into the square, laid it off to Fionn Collins, who blasted it over the bar.
Sean O’Doherty made a couple of good saves as Strabane kept up the pressure as the second half went on. Carraig McKenna, Lorcan McGrath and Ronan Bresnahan also defended strongly with a number of blocks and tackles.
Dylan Lowry scored his second goal and Conor Barrett kicked a good point but Strabane finished the game strong and were deserving winners.
Scorers: Dylan Lowry 2-0, Niall Maguire 0-2, Oisin Kerlin 0-2, Fionn Collins 0-1, Conor Barrett 0-1
Team: Sean O’Doherty, Oisin McManus, Ronan Bresnahan, Rory Dolan, Conor Gormley, Carraig McKenna, Lorcan McGrath, Oisin Kerlin, Turlough Collins, Frankie Monk, Fionn Collins, Aidan McCarney, Niall Maguire, Dylan Lowry, Conor Barrett
