Match:        Borora Juniors v Athboy Celtic

Kick-off:      10.00

Venue:        Moynalty

Borora Juniors players:

1. Leo Fitzgerald

2. Doyvdas Glasas

4. Cillian Ryan

5. Eoin Fitzgerald

6. Keelan Sheridan

7. Eoin Murphy

8. Oisin Sheridan

9. Kevin Fitzpatrick

10. Cameron McGarry

13. Aaron McGivern

15. Lochlann Reilly

Substitutes:

11. Jack Moore

12: Joseph McGarry

14. Thomas Whelan

16. Matthew Morris

Players absent:

Liam Brady

Callum Teixeira

1st Half:

In blustery, damp and soggy conditions in this early morning kick off, Borora started the game with intent and showed their determination from the very first whistle. While making late changes to the initial line-up, Leo Fitzgerald took his place between the sticks (from defense) from Matthew Morris and again showed his capabilities in goal while keeping a strong, physical presence within his 18 yard box. Leo was supported with 4 strong defenders in Lochlann Reilly, Dovydas Glasas, Cillian Ryan & Eoin Fitzgerald who gave the keeper every confidence that Athboy would have to work very hard in this game if they were to even get a shot on target, never mind a goal and this proved to be the case. 

The Borora backline stood tall winning every tackle made. On the rare occasion that the visitors might have looked to get by the last line, Dovy and Lochlann made sure that the door was firmly shut just as quick. Midfield was just as dominant in this first half with excellent contributions from Cameron McGarry, Oisin Sheridan, Keelan Sheridan and Aaron McGivern. These players imposed themselves on the visitors while making strong, firm tackles to win the ball back on quite a number of occasions. The strong starting lineup for the home side was completed with Kevin Fitzpatrick and Eoin Murphy up front for Borora (persistently chasing every single ball up front) but the visitors defense were doing just enough to keep out the home side. Truely a half that was dominated by the home side but just unfortunate not to go in at the break a goal in front and ultimately the first somehow ended scoreless.

Half Time: Borora Juniors 0 - 0 Athboy Celtic

2nd Half:

With the introduction of Thomas Whelan (Midfield) and Jack Moore (Striker) at half time, Borora began the second half of the game knowing that the points were still there for the taking if their first half performance was anything to go by. While the tempo of the game did not waiver at all, Athboy began the second half with with some early pressure on the home side goal, winning a few early corners which were generally managed well by the home side. However, from one of these corners Borora tried to play the ball out of defence in their own 6 yard box until the ball was intercepted and finished off well to give the visitors an unexpected lead. 1 - 0 to Athboy.

Borora did not let their heads drop given the manner in which Athboy found themselves in the lead and stepped up their game again. Captain Keelan Sheridan took the decision (with his coach) to switch places with Striker Eoin Murphy and play up front and this was quickly rewarded when a through ball was played to Keelan who quickly latched onto the ball. Bearing down on goal with a defender either side of him, Keelan cleverly stroked the ball home on his right foot under the onrushing goalkeepers left hand to give Borora a deserved goal with t10 minutes still to play. Athboy did have a late goal ruled out for a collision with Leo Fitzgerald (GK) who needed minor treatment and despite the home side deserving the 3 points it was ultimately to be the points shared as the game finished 1-1. Borora will need to show this kind of performance in their remaining games of the season if they want to put more points on the board.

Good contributions throughout from Cameron McGarry, Oisin Sheridan, Keelan Sheridan (Captain), & Leo Fitzgerald in Goal

Full-time result:  Borora Juniors 1 - 1 Athboy Celtic

Man of Match: Fantastic performances from all players all round with Oisin Sheridan and Keelan Sheridan commanding midfield breaking up play and generating chances for the home side so congrats to both players on the joint award.

Yellow Cards: 0 

Many thanks, 

Paul.