It was a frosty start for the bare 11 players who were able to turn out on Saturday morning for our U15's away to Mastergeeha.

Ballyhar started brightly with a few half chances for Ryan Vickers, who was unable to test the keeper. Then a great ball in from the left found Diarmuid Casey in the box, who got off a good shot, only to see the keeper parry his effort off the post. Brendan Allman was next to have a chance from the edge of the box, which was also tipped off the outside of the post by the in form Mastergeeha keeper. The final chance of the half fell to Ryan Quilter, who was played through by Jack Kelly 1 v 1 and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper into the net... only for a very tight offside call by the ref to disallow the goal. H/T 0-0 with Ballyhar well aware of the missed opportunities and the threat the home side would pose in the second 35mins.

The 2nd half got off to the ideal start for Ballyhar who took the lead in the opening minutes. A quality free kick delivery from Ryan Quilter met the head of Daire Cornally, who saw his effort saved by the keeper, but the follow up was crossed in again, this time for Diarmuid Casey, who made no mistake from close range. 0-1 After that Mastergeeha grew more into the game, enjoying good spells of possession as the first sign of tired legs began to show by Ballyhar. The work rate of Alan Mrotek and Jack Kelly was immense, as they tirelessly closed down the home side in the middle of the park all game. The back four of Adam Fleming, Eoin Casey, Daire Cornally & Brendàn Allman had a busy second half but were well up to the task. It took a great individual goal for Mastergeeha to equalise, when the ball was won on the halfway line, their player beat two tackles and unleashed an unstoppable strike from 25 yards, that found the top corner, leaving Daniel Duggan in goal with no chance. 1-1
With ten minutes left, both sides went for the winner. Ballyhar created two good chances to seal the 3 points when Quilter was played through but was unable to find the target and then after great work from Dylan Fitzgerald down the right, he put a ball across the 6 yard box which somehow missed the two incoming Ballyhar attackers. F/T 1-1

M.O.M - Daire Cornally

It was an exceptional performance by the 11 lads in Blue, in what was a great game for the spectators with some excellent play on show by both sides.

We look forward to our next match in the last 32 of the National Cup away in Waterford and wish Mastergeeha the best of luck in their home National Cup game against St Kevins of Dublin.