Drumragh minor boys picked up a win against Na Doiri Oga in the league at Clanabogan Park on Friday evening. It was a deserved victory for Drumragh who had good performances throughout the field.
Ryan Montgomery opened the scoring with a free after Aidan McCarney had been fouled, Dara Cox having done well to win the ball back in the build-up. Goalkeeper Sean O’Doherty then came up the field to double Drumragh’s lead with a nice point from play. Back came Na Doiri Oga, and they were soon level with two quick scores.
Ryan Baxter put Drumragh back in front after good play from Niall Maguire, Rory Dolan and Conor Barrett. Ryan then turned provider, and his kick pass inside allowed Ryan Montgomery to take and convert a mark. Ryan was soon on target again from a placed ball to increase Drumragh’s lead.
The away side hit two points on the bounce, but Aidan McCarney had the final say of the half, sending a free over the bar following a foul on Niall Maguire.
Drumragh captain Niall Maguire with the Na Doiri Oga captain and referee before the start of the game
Both sides had chances at the start of the second half. Frankie Monk, Ryan Baxter and Connor McLaughlin were creating opportunities with some good attacking play, while the Drumragh defence snuffed out a few attacks for the visitors. But it was Drumragh who did open the scoring when Aidan McCarney kicked another free. Na Doiri Oga were soon level though with a goal, and hit the front for the first time with a follow-up point.
However, the Drumragh response was excellent, pushed on by the introduction of a number of subs. Aidan McCarney scored a brilliant point with the outside of his left foot, Ryan Montgomery set Shea Mullin up for a score from distance, while Ryan was also on target from a free.
Na Doiri Oga did not give up though and fought back to level terms once again. The game was end-to-end and it was hard to call a winner as it entered its final stages. Oran Barrett, Lorcan McGrath and Frankie Monk were called upon in defence to prevent Na Doiri Oga from taking the lead, and from that, Drumragh worked themselves into a winning position.
Oisin McManus set up Conor Gormley for a terrific point, Niall Maguire drove through the away defence before firing over and Conor added another good effort from distance. Again, Na Doiri Oga refused to give in and two frees left just a point in it approaching injury time. But a goal with the last act of the game ensured victory for Drumragh after a terrific contest.
SCORERS: Conor Gormley 1-2, Ryan Montgomery 0-4, Aidan McCarney 0-3, Shea Mullin 0-1, Ryan Baxter 0-1, Niall Maguire 0-1, Sean O’Doherty 0-1
TEAM: Sean O’Doherty, Oran Barrett, Lorcan McGrath, Shea Mullin, Frankie Monk, Niall Maguire, Connor McLaughlin, Conor Gormley, Ryan Montgomery, Aidan McCarney, Rory Dolan, Dara Cox, Ryan Baxter, Oisin McManus, Conor Barrett
SUBS: Matthew O’Doherty, James Fyffe, Sean O’Donnell, Matthew Barrett, Ben McCullagh
Drumragh’s Shea Mullin looks to make a pass during the game last Friday
