Aghaderg Senior footballers had a disappointing end to their season in Ballykinlar on Saturday afternoon, losing out to East Belfast in the quarterfinal of the championship.
The first half started well for Aghaderg with points from Rory Simpson and Chrissy McEvoy putting Aghaderg into an early lead. East Belfast’s first score came from a free on ten minutes followed quickly by another to draw the sides level. It was a cagey affair for the next ten minutes with the sides trading points but a goal from East Belfast on 20 minutes gave them the lead for the first time. Aghaderg responded well with a free and a point from Joe O’Kane closing the difference to one point. However, a second East Belfast goal followed by two quick points sent Aghaderg in trailing by 5 points at half time.
Half time score
East Belfast 2-5 Aghaderg 0-6
The second half started well for Aghaderg with two quick points from Rory Simpson bringing the difference back to a single score game. The Belfast team responded to the Aghaderg pressure with another goal and shortly afterwards when the referee awarded a questionable and hotly contested free kick in midfield, East Belfast took full advantage to move the ball forward quickly and hit the net again. From then on, it was a case of game management from the Belfast team and despite the Aghaderg team working hard for scores, the badly needed goals would not come.
Final score:
East Belfast 4-10 Aghaderg 0-11.
Overall, performances and results across 2022 have seen an improvement on the previous year with Aghaderg’s early season form securing second place in the league. Looking ahead, there is also the promise of players coming through from underage football for the first time in quite a few years.
Thanks to the senior players and the senior football manager Stephen McGee for their efforts all season.