On a perfect day for soccer Ballyhar hosted Park for a 3pm kick off.
Ballyhar started brightly and straight from kick off looked up for the challenge. Moving the ball extremely well the midfield duo of Jack Duggan and Rueben O Leary Griffin were pulling the strings. Elliot Lyne and Thomas Flatherty giving great options out wide and helping spread the play. Up front Josh Nelligan and Darragh Mcloughlin looked lively and gave the Park defenders no time in the ball. At the back captain Lorcan O'Mahony lead by example, bringing energy and bravery to every tackle. Full backs Liam Smyth and Ciaran Ferris were solid in defence and stylish in attack offering overlaps and options to the midfielders which was great to see. Ollie Kirwan was, as always, marshalling the back four with great communication and encouragement on display. In goal, Adam Quirke was reliable as always and on what was a quiet day in general for him was alert when called upon with some sweeper keeper clearances and 2 great saves. Ruairi Casey came in and made several penetrating runs pushing into the box on several occasions. On another day he could have had 2 penalties but the decisions didn’t go our way.
Ballyhar were looking very smooth on the ball and passing with confidence as well as defending with assurance and covering for each other when needed.
The breakthrough came on 50 mins when Rueben O Leary Griffin after beating two players crossed a great ball from the left flank into box where the waiting McLoughlin took a touch and slotted home.
Shortly after this goal, Josh Nelligan made a fabulous run down the right hand side and crossed for the incoming Casey who finished well …. only for the ref to (correctly) rule out the goal due to offside. Ballyhar were in control of this games throughout and deserving of their win. A great result for the boys who gave a near flawless performance. F/T 1-0
Best on the day…
Ruairi Casey with tireless penetrating runs.
Reuben O Leary Griffin whose vision and work rate was second to none!
Ciaran Ferris strong defending and good distribution.
Lorcan O Mahony led by example with brave and reliable defending.