Date:          20.05.2023

Match:        Borora Juniors v Drogheda Town

Kick-off:      10:00

Venue:        Moynalty

Borora Juniors players:

1. Oisin McInerney

2. Cillian Ryan

3. Rocco Genockey

4. Thomas Whelan

15. Leo Fitzgerald

5. Drew Donaghy

6. Jack Moore

7. Eoin Murphy (Capt.)

8. Keelan Sheridan 

9. Lochlann Reilly

11. Cameron McGarry

Substitutes:

13. Joseph McGarry

12. Callum Teixeira

10. Aaron McGivern

Players absent:

Kevin Fitzpatrick (Injured)

Liam Brady (Other)

Oisin Sheridan (Injured)

Matthew Morris (Suspended)

1st Half:


Without a doubt, one of the best games that this Borora side has played all season! There were goals a plenty in this 10:00 kick off in Moynalty. Borora players owed themselves this type f performance and despite pushing Drogheda Town all the way, not winning the game paled in comparison to the way Borora approached the game. In one of the strongest line ups that the home side had all season, their change in fortunes was evident. Borora's defence of Rocco Genockey, Leo Fitzgerald and Cillian Ryan saw Thomas Whelan join the ranks to try keep Drogheda out. Lochlann Reilly, Keelan Sheridan, Drew Donaghy and ever present Cameron McGarry played across midfield with Captain Eoin Murphy and Jack Moore back into their comfortable positions up front. 


Borora's explosive start to the game saw them take an early lead just after 2 minutes. A fantastic spirited run from left back Rocco Genockey. Rocco used his significant pace to work his way into the 18 yard box before he was able to comfortably side foot a pass into the goalkeepers left hand side to give his team a 1-0 advantage. In truth, Borora continued to press the opposition and somewhat dominate the game in the early stages, making some great tackles and superb passes but were unable to extend their lead even further. In fact, Borora's goalkeeper, Oisin McInerney was never really in danger through out the first half of the initial first 40 minutes. In a quick counter attack however, Drogheda did win a free kick inside the home sides half. A speculative shot / cross from distance saw the ball travel straight to the hands of Oisin who did save the initial shot but in inadvertently dropping the ball Drogheda were quickest to pick up the pieces and round the keeper to make the scores level, 1-1. The scoring in the game was quick to continue when Borora again too the lead in the game. From a corner, Drew Donaghy was on hand to place a well executed header (unchallenged) low into the left of Drogheda's goal. This was a goal that was well deserved from Drew given his performances in midfield in previous games. Borora's hard work was however undone just 60 seconds later when a ball across their own 18 yard box (for second week in a row) lead to Drogheda's equaliser. Score was now 2-2. The scoring was not finished yet though. There were still 2 goals to come before half time. 


On 29 minutes, Drogheda, who were coming back into the game at this stage, took the lead (2-3) when a simple tap in at the back post was neatly finished by the visitors. Despite all the goals and the manner in which they were played, without a doubt, the best piece of play in this half came just before half time (38th minute). Just when it appeared that the ball was destined to go out for a goal kick to Drogheda, Captain Eoin Murphy persisted to keep the ball in play, made the best tackle of the game to win the ball from near the corner flag out on the left of Drogheda's goal, a superb cross into the box found team mate Jack Moore inside the 6 yard box who had the simple task of scoring to bring the sides level. Eoin's persistence was exceptional and just displayed his character of never giving up. Well done Eoin for leading by example. Also well done to Jack for reading the play and being in the right place at the right time. Borora back in the game! 

Half Time: Borora Juniors 3 - 3 Drogheda Town

2nd Half:

Borora were in the mood to score goals in this second half given the opportunities that were created in the first half - some taken and some near misses. In truth, both sides were to find themselves creating a lot of chances through out the second half but again, both sides not to concede. Defensive mix - ups and lack of communication was to be the main reason for some of these chances going abegging in the second half. With the game evenly poised at half time, it was Drogheda who struck the first blow in the second half just 5 minutes after the game recommenced. A mistake in the Borora defence and subsequent lack of communication gave Drogheda the lead - score was now 3-4. 

However, this did not deter Borora. Jack Moore created a number of chances by winning the ball and again using unbelievable pace to bare down on Drogheda's goal. Jack was so unlucky to see two of his shots just drag wide of the goal and another go over the crossbar. At the other end of the pitch however, it was also clear that the home side defence had to be on their toes when Drogheda had introduced a tall and physical number 6 forward who created alot of chances but again, Leo Fitzgerald, Rocco Genockey, Cillian Ryan and Thomas Whelan stood tall. However, On 73 minutes, it appeared that Drogheda would take the points when they scored a fifth goal (3-5) of the game and then started to slow the game down. Credit to Borora, they continued to pick up the pace much to the probable frustration to Drogheda Town.

Despite a spirited team talk before the game and again at half time. Borora dug deep to get a goal back on 82 minutes. Once again, that man Eoin Murphy was determined to cause trouble in Drogheda's box (when they thought the game was won). In winning the ball back he managed to flick a delicate shot over the goalkeeper into the goal (just under crossbar) to make it 4-5!. After kick off there was little time for the equalizer to earn a deserved point from the game. 

As stated from the outset, this was a vastly improved performance from the home side (which you can only be proud of) and this will need to be shown in the next game also. Well played from all concerned on the day. 

Good contributions throughout from Jack Moore, Rocco Genockey, Keelan Sheridan, Thomas Whelan, Drew Donaghy & Lochlann Reilly (yet again)

Yellow Cards: Borora Juniors 0 - 1 Drogheda Town

Red Cards: Matthew Morris (after final whistle)

Full-time result:  Borora Juniors 4 - 5 Drogheda Town

                             Genockey 2'

                             Donaghy 25'

                             Moore 36'

                             Murphy 82'

Player of Match: Leo Fitzgerald had a commanding performance in defence despite the high scoring from both teams but without a doubt one of the outstanding performances on the day came from Eoin Murphy who again displayed his never give up attitude to finish the game with a goal and potentially making the game nervous for the visitors.