Our U16's were at home to Liatroim last Thursday. This top of the league table clash was played out on a brilliant summers evening at Pairc Baile Anna. Liatroim got the first two points of the game, both from free kicks before Conor Robb sent over for the Fin's first score. Trae Crawford then hit the net after some confusion in the Liatroim goalmouth to give the Fin the lead. Liatroim got back in front with some fine point scoring from distance. Points from Shea Croskery closed the gap before the Fin won a penalty after Conor Robb was denied a goal scoring opportunity. Instead of the black card sanction for dragging Robb to the ground just in front of the small rectangle the Liatroim goalkeeper only received a yellow and was very lucky to remain on the field. Crawford stepped up to expertly dispatched his second penalty in two games to put the Fin back in front. Liatroim regained the lead again keeping the scoreboard ticking over with a flurry of points while Crawford and Croskery replied for the Fin to leave it a one point game at the short whistle. Halt time Aughlisnafin 2-05 (11) Liatroim 0-11 (12)

 

After the restart the Fin were unable to benefit from the first two attacks before allowing Liatroim in to extend their lead to two points. A brilliant goal from Croskery swung the advantage back to the Fin again as the game ebbed and flowed in the same vein as the first half. Another point from the impressive midfielder Crawford edged the Fin two points ahead for the first time in the game. Aaron Flanagan by this stage had been switched to nets with Morgan Croksery moving outfield. Flanagan made a brilliant save to deny the Fontenoys a certain goal before they pointed from the resulting '45. Points from Croskery and Crawford gave the Fin a three point lead as they looked to try close out the game with eight minutes remaining. A second yellow card for a Fin defender saw Liatroim gain numerical advantage and they hit three points in succession to draw level. The Fin then lost another defensive player to a black card. Cathal Murphy made a brilliant 40 yard solo through the heart of the Liatroim defence but saw his effort drop short. Croskery saw a free drift agonisingly wide. Liatroim then went up the other end and scored what was thought to be the winning goal. But Croskery had other ideas and won possession on his own 45 before make a driving run down the right side and having lost possession of the ball he superbly improvised by dribbling it soccer style before unleashing an unstoppable shot to the net to level the game again with regulation time up. A draw would have been enough for Liatroim to win the league but they were able to win the next three restarts to add three more points to win what was a very enthralling game from start to finish. Due to the other results on the night it was confirmed that the 'Fin were runners up with one game yet to be played. Final score Aughlisnafin 4-08 (20) Liatroim 1-20 (23). After finishing third last season in the U16A league, finishing runners up this season is a measure of progress and the players should be congratulated for their efforts.

 

It was a brilliant team performance from the 'Fin. Notably, goalkeeper Morgan Croskery with his brilliant kickouts, Rory Walsh the standout defender, the midfield pairing of Trae Crawford and Dermy Lavery were superb while up front Shea Croskery was the main threat with Cathal Murphy, Conor Robb and Peter OHare also prominent. Aughlisnafin: M Croskery, A Lenaghan, A Flanagan, C Steen, C Matthews, R Walsh, D Lavery, T Crawford (2-03, 1P), C Murphy, C Robb (0-01), S Croskery (2-04, 1F), P O'Hare, D McKibbin ; Subs: M Flanagan, J McCabe, R Clarke, M Quinn, O O'Neill.

 

*Baile an Locha minors prepared for their upcoming All County championship games with a useful run out away to Carryduff on Tuesday evening. The hosts won a high scoring encounter by five points in the end. Both teams were not at full strength but it gave both sets of players and management an opportunity to work on a few things. Thanks to Carryduff GAC for the game. Prior to the game the East Down Chairperson Ger Connery and league sponsor, Paul McCartan, presented the McCartan Sports East Down Minor Football League Cup to Baile an Locha co-captains Tiernan Noade and Oran Flanagan,  their team-mates and management team. Baile an Locha now look forward to the championship where they will play Saul, RGU and Bredagh with the top two teams progressing to the quarter finals. First game was away to Saul on Tuesday evening.

 

*The U14's opening championship game at home to Kilclief had to be postponed as there was no referee available for the fixture. It was disappointing that both teams were togged out and had taken the field with no word forthcoming that there would be no referee in attendance. The game has been re-fixed for this Wednesday at 7.30 pm at Pairc Baile Anna. The U14's will have played Dundrum by then with that game having taken on the Monday before. The final group game is at home to Dromara Wednesday week at 7.30 pm.

 

*The Year 6 and 4 teams travelled to Liatroim for Go Games only to find that there was a belated venue change. They ended up playing a match amongst themselves. The Year 4's are at the Ballykinlar Tournament this Saturday.

 

*Upcoming fixtures ; U14's v Kilclief (h) Wednesday 7.30 pm; U16's v Castlewellan (h) Thursday 7.30 pm ; U8.5's at Ballykinlar Tournament ; U14's v Dromara (h) next Monday at 7.30 pm ; Baile an Locha minors v RGU Downpatrick (h) next Tuesday at 7.30 pm.

 

*Lotto 3, 14, 18, 25. Rory Murphy matched three numbers. Jackpot £2,750.

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