Under 17\'s Match Report Saturday 5th April 2008
SBYFL League
Result: St Marys FC 2 Aquinas 0
Before this game news had come through that SOPYC had won the league even if St Mary's were to beat them in the last league encounter. Therefore it was an experimental and changed team that took the field against Aquinas with one great surprise being Ryan McAuley in goals due to unavailability of he regular goalkeepers.
However, any nerves were soon settled when a Michael Donaghy though ball released Daniel McCreesh to fire home early in the first half. St Mary's continued to control the game with Michael O'Reilly going close on several occasions. At the other end the defence was strong with McAuley dealing with anything that did get through.
At half time the score of 1 - 0 still meant nothing could be taken for granted so St Mary's had to keep pressing. Jim Boyle went close but finally Declan Hackett rose at the far post to head in an Antoin Rooney corner. Manager Dessie Donnelly used this position to bring in all the substitutes for a run out.
Unfortunately disaster struck mid way through the second half when Michael Donaghy fell heavily after a challenge and had to leave the pitch in severe pain. Then Jim Boyle suffered cramp but remained on the field to help the team effort. Despite only having 10 left on the pitch St Mary's worked tirelessly to thwart every Aquinas attack and finished with a very creditable 2 - 0 win.
However, the match was of little consequence when later news came through that Michael Donaghy had broken his shoulder as a result of the fall experienced during the game. All the players and management wish Michael a speedy recovery.
Team:
Ryan McAuley, Michael Donaghy, Michael Kane, Declan Hackett ( sub Daniel Lunney ),
Conor Saunders ( sub Chris Boy ), Michael O'Reilly, James Cachart, Antoin Rooney ( sub Michael Fearon ), Jim Boyle, Daniel McCreesh ( sub John Meighan ), Chris Walsh.