Match Report

League leaders prove too strong.

Date Filed: 15 June 2010

Aghaderg traveled to league leaders Teconnaught on Thursday  evening last. The match started off at a frenetic  pace as Teconnaught were immediately into their stride and their fast moving attack threatened to overrun the experimental Aghaderg defence who were short Connolly and Lennon from their normal selection. The home team scored from play but the Reds settled down and while under pressure did not concede another score until the 14th minute. The midfield duo of James McGrath and Fitzsimons were winning their share of possession but the home half back line were dominant and sweeping up much of  the breaking ball. Cathal McGrath relieved the pressure by fielding a high ball and making approx eighty metres before being hauled down as he was about to go for his score. Eugene Devlin converted the free to tie the scores.
Teconnaught continued to have the lion’s share of the possession but good defensive work forced them to shoot from distance. As the match entered the second quarter they began to find the range and moved into a three point lead. The visitors were threatening to get their game together but were often let down by a sloppy pass or by conceding a careless free at a crucial stage and from one of these unnecessary turnovers and with defenders committed forward the home team created a clear goaling opportunity to move into a six point lead.
Aghaderg had a chance for a goal when corner forward Hegarty received a pass close to goal after a strong run from James McGrath but his shot was well saved by the goalkeeper. Teconnaught finished he first half  with two points to leave the

half time score 1-7 to 0-1.

A couple of tactical changes were made at half time and Aghaderg began to gain parity throughout the field. Maguire was moved to half forward where his energy and commitment put the home defence under pressure. Doyle became more prominent and Aghaderg played their best football in the third quarter. Doyle finished off a sweet five man move by chipping over the bar. Maguire picked up a point and then converted a free after a foul on James McGrath. McGrath again punched a hole through the centre of the defence and set up Conor McGivern with a goaling opportunity but it went harmlessly wide. Devlin completed the visitors scoring with a point.  A feature of this period of dominance was the number of times Aghaderg allowed good possession to be turned over and so spoiled their chance of completing a dramatic  fightback. The final quarter was to see the home team again in the ascendancy as they kicked four unanswered points to see the

final score Teconnaught 1  13  Aghaderg 0 -5
 
The league leaders were deserving winners as their overall strength in depth and a more settled combination made them a more consistent team throughout the hour. They made fewer mistakes and were a little sharper in front of goal but overall the visitors played with effort and commitment with some excellent performances. The defence worked hard throughout with promising performances from corner backs McAlorum and McAlinden.James McGrath made a number of outstanding catches at mid field while Maguire, E Devlin and Doyle in the second half were the most effective forwards

Paul McGrath, Niall McAlinden, Martin Fitzpatrick, Conor McAlorum, Paul McGivern, Cathal McGrath, Aaron McAvoy(capt) James McGrath, Stevie Fitzimons, Shea McDonald, Keelin Doyle, Jack Devlin, Tony Hegarty, Kieran Maguire, Eugene Devlin. Subs Mark McGrath, Paul Colgan, Conor McGivern