Date: 03.05.2023
Match: Borora Juniors v Albion Rovers Black
Kick-off: 19:00
Venue: Moynalty
Borora Juniors players:
1. Oisin McInerney
2. Rocco Genockey
3. Cillian Ryan
4. Matthew Morris
15. Dovydas Glasas
5. Cameron McGarry
6. Jack Moore
8. Callum Teixeira
9. Kevin Fitzpatrick
12. Drew Donaghy
14. Lochlann O'Reilly
Substitutes:
10. Joseph McGarry
11 Oisin Sheridan
16. Leo Fitzgerald
13. Thomas Whelan
18. Liam Brady
7. Eoin Murphy (Dan)
Players absent:
Aaron McGivern
Keelan Sheridan
1st Half:
A determined Borora took to the pitch in this late evening kick off ready to battle again to win 3 points - their first of the season. A strong looking defence, including Matthew Morris, Cillian Ryan, Rocco Genockey & Dovydas Glasas were taking no prisoners - winning tackles, clearing the ball from their box and communicating well to keep a clean sheet. Midfield set up included Cameron McGarry in his trusted position on the right hugging the touchline, accompanied by Callum Teixeira, Jack Moore and Drew Donaghy. Cameron McGarry and Drew Donaghy seriously impressed and played their best game of the season to date ( noting previous performances were also exceptional). Callum Teixeira was a nuisance to opposition players by standing tall by breaking up play and help setting up opportunities for Borora. Jack Moore was his ever determined self using his pace and physicality to outrun Albion Rovers midfielders . Kevin Fitzpatrick again played as striker who showed sublime delicate touches and chased every ball where possible. Despite such a strong lineup and great game play it was unfortunate that the home side found themselves 0-1 down after 2 minutes. In a scramble that saw Goalkeeper Oisin lose sight of the ball after a save, it dropped to an onrushing Albion Rovers attacker who had the simple task of touching the ball over the line.
Half Time: Borora Juniors 0 - 1 Albion Rovers Black
2nd Half:
With a number of changes in the second half, namely the introduction of Joseph McGarry up front in the place of in form Kevin Fitzpatrick. Despite the impact that Kevin made in the first half Joseph kept up the pressure on opposition players making tough tackles and making neat passes to help his team get back into the game. Further introduction of substitutes throughout the half (namely Thomas Whelan) helped Borora drag themselves back into the game. It was the incessant pressure that the home side imposed on the visitors that ultimately brought the team level 12 minutes into the second half. Determined tackles meant that the ball eventually landed at the feet of the home side number 18.
From a full 25 yards outside the visitors goal (to the goalkeepers right), a thunderous shot flew over the visitors goalkeeper into the back of the net. Despite the goalkeeper nearly getting a finger to the ball, the power on the shot was so sublime that the keeper, in truth, never stood a chance.
Chances did fall to either side throughout the second half but for a determined back line of Leo Fitzgerald, Rocco Genockey, Cillian Ryan and Dovydas Glasas stood firm with Oisin MacInerney also controlling his box to perfection - collecting crosses from corners and racing off his line to close down and collect any through balls the visitors wanted to play. Ultimately, swift play with 4 minutes to go saw Borora ultimately claim all three points. After an assist from Joseph McGarry in Midfield, a well placed low drive down to the goalkeepers left from just on 18 yard line was too hot to handle and hit the back of the net. Borora did have chances to extend their lead thereafter but just could not find that final finish. The relief at full time was evident for Borora in a tough, hard fought win. Very well done to ALL players on the pitch in this late evening game.
Good contributions throughout from Oisin McInerney, Drew Donaghy, Rocco Genockey, Dovydas Glasas, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Matthew Morris & Callum Teixeira.
Full-time result: Borora Juniors 2 - 1 Albion Rovers Black
Players of Match: In a fierce competitive game that could have went either ways before the winning goal, there were a number of performances that stood out but the exceptional performance of the game came from Cameron McGarry who ran the roost on the right side of the home sides midfield. Cameron showed exemplary touches with the ball with the confidence to run at opposition players to create chances for the home side. Cameron's persistence also contributed to breaking up the visitors attacking play so well deserved Player of the Game from Cameron.
