It wasn't a great day at the office for our U15 lads on Saturday evening, after a heavy defeat to Division 1 league winners Mastergeeha.

A strong, physical home side looked to lay down a marker early and avenge their only league defeat this season, but this time, our lads just couldn't get going. They battled hard, and for most of the first half went toe to toe with the league leaders but their intensity and desire to win the ball had Ballyhar on the back foot. Mastergeeha opened the scoring after just 5 mins when a ball was crossed from the left to the back post and was slotted home from close range. The 2nd was from a corner on 20 mins when keeper Eoin O'Mahony got a hand to the cross but couldn't keep it out of the net to give Mastergeeha a 2-goal lead. It could have been worse only for the crossbar and some last ditch interventions from Marcus Clifford and O'Mahony to keep it at just 2. Ballyhar threatened on occasion with Cillian Slattery and Jim O'Dowd working hard down the wings but just couldn't break down the home side defence and test the keeper. H/T 2-0

The 2nd half kick that Ballyhar needed never materialised, despite good performances from Clifford, Jamie Quirke, Ross Lally & O'Mahony in goals - with Mastergeeha dominating proceedings and scoring 3 more in the second half.

It was one of those frustrating games for the lads, who knew they were better than the performance they put in. But all credit goes to Mastergeeha, who are a premier calibre side, and worthy Division 1 winners.

For our lads, it now all comes down to the U15 Shield Semi-Final to hopefully finish the season strong.