Date:          23.08.2023

Match:        Albion Rovers vs Borora Juniors 

Kick-off:      19:00

Venue:        Monasterboice, Co. Louth

Borora Juniors players:

1. Oisin McInerney

3. Cillian Ryan

4. Matthew Morris

15. Rocco Genockey

5. Lochlann Reilly

6. Jack Moore

7. Eoin Murphy (C)

8. Aaron McGivern

10. Callum Teixeira

11. Cameron McGarry

12. Drew Donaghty

Substitutes:

9. Kevin Fitzpatrick

14. Joseph McGarry

Players absent:

Thomas Whelan

Liam Brady

Keelan Sheridan

Oisin Sheridan

1st Half:


After edging out a narrow 2-1 win in early May against Albion Rovers, Borora made the trip  east to play the reverse fixture in Monasterboice. Given Albions record so far this season (P11 W8 L2), the visitors knew that it would be a game whereby they would have to be switched on, focused and alert to the impending attacking play from the hosts. From the first whistle when Borora kicked off, this proved to be the case, Albion Rovers immediately impressively pressed Borora into quick passes in order to make mistakes. This proved to be the case for majority of the first half. Bororas back line of Cillian Ryan, Matthew Morris, stand in defender Lochlann Ryan and ever impressive Rocco Genockey knew it was going to be a long night, but a fight they were well experienced and prepared for. In truth, questions were only asked of the defensive line when Albion managed to breach the physical tackles and aggressive play from 5 across midfield of Cameron McGarry, Drew Donaghty, Callum Teixeira, Aaron McGivern and returning Captain Eoin Murphy. Jack Moore stood as lone striker for Borora up front ready to pounce should any opportunities come his way. Kevin Fitzpatrick and Joseph McGarry geared themselves up to come into the game when called upon. 


Albion created a number of chances throughout the first half but the spirited competitiveness of the visitors frustrated the hosts for large periods of the first half. While neat passes were made in an effort to break down Borora and take the lead, Borora broke up every play and on the odd occasion that the line was breached, poor finishing from Albion added to their frustrations when it was easier to score the chances continued to be missed. Bororas momentum in the first half was disrupted when Callum Teixeira was forced off after 25 minutes with an ankle injury which ultimately saw his game come to an abrupt end. Enter Joseph McGarry into the game to play up front which in turn saw Jack Moore drop back into midfield where his pace and physicality added to Bororas play. Bororas chances in this half were very minimal. However, Bororas play ultimately meant that Albion were forced to take shots on goal from long range which were covered on every occasion by Oisin McInerney between the sticks. One such shot (from a free kick) was struck from near half way which cannoned back into play of the crossbar. 


It was ultimately Albion Rovers who did take the lead 5 minutes (35' minute) before the interval. Amid confusion in trying to break another attack, the ball managed to find its way across the box where the onrushing player neatly finished to Oisin McInerneys left hand side. Relief for the home side that their constant pressure finally paid off but disappointment for Borora that their resilience was finally broken. 

Half Time: Albion Rovers 1 - 0 Borora Juniors

2nd Half:

Bororas determination was stepped up at the start of the second half after being afforded the opportunity to take on a drink and regroup. The tough tackles continued with Lochlann O'Reilly and Matthew Morris in the centre of defence with Rocco Genockey venturing forward down the left hand side when afforded the opportunity. However, just 8 minutes into the second half, Borora were 2-0 down after a pass across their own 18 yard box was not cleared and Albion made the most of the opportunity. Really disappointing to have this early setback which made the challenge even bigger for the visitors. 

Not to be too deflated, Borora stepped up their play and impressively started to press Albion back. With the introduction of Kevin Fitzpatrick up front, he made a number of impressive tackles to win the ball back for his side. He made a number of neat passing plays with Joseph McGarry (who was now playing out on Bororas right hand side kissing the touchline) working their way towards the home side goal. Such was Kevins confidence he latched onto a lose ball just outside the 18 yard box which just went wide. Borora were now on fire and taking shots on goal when possible to get back in to the game. On the rare occasions that Albion did manage to break, Oisin was there to race out of his line to collect the ball cleanly. Oisin was caught on one of these occasions with a cynical foul by the Albion forward which did need intervention from the referee to break up a subsequent scuffle. 

While the game was very physical from both sides and very competitive, it was good to see the respect between both sides during the handshake after the final whistle. The game ended in a 2-0 win for the home side. Well done to Borora for stepping up to the challenge of the home side who will definitely finish top of the league when all is said and done come the final game of the season.

Full time: Albion Rovers 2 - 0 Borora Juniors

Yet again, beyond excellent contributions throughout from every single player for Borora, it was a team effort!

Player of Match: While he may be relatively new to the position, Matthew Morris again stood up to the challenge against a very tough and physical side who are top of the division. Making aggressive tackles, clearing the defence with authority and sprinting to cover opposition forwards added to this special performance from Matthew. Accompanied by Lochlann Reilly in defence meant that they broke up alot of attacking play from the home side so richly deserved award.