Our U17s took on Tarbert side Ferry Rangers on Saturday night at Mounthawk Park in the Division 1 plate final.
In a tightly contested game, it was the 2 defences who shone brightest, with stand-in keeper Sean Brosnan excellent for Ballyhar, and center backs Conrad Long and Conor Giles very busy all game managing Rangers fast, skillful forwards.
On 10 mins, 1 of those forwards won a free-kick just outside the box, which was expertly struck into the top corner for the opener. 0-1 Thankfully, Ballyhar responded with a fantastic strike 5 mins after, when the ball fell nicely for captain Ross Lally, who struck a half-volley from outside the box into the Rangers net. 1-1 The 2 sides battled it out, end to end for the remaining 30 mins, with little clear chances in the 1st half. H/T 1-1
Ferry Rangers came out strong in the 2nd half, with stand-in keeper Brosnan making some vital full stretch saves to keep Ballhar in the game. The hard-working Lally, Tom Costelloe, and Eoghan O'Sullivan did well in midfield, while Cillian Slattery and Lee Cirillo looked dangerous in attack. The introduction of Conor Edwards and Davin Quilter offered more going forward, with the best chance of the game falling to Quilter, who was very unlucky not to score on 75 mins. In the end, it was all square after 90 mins, and while both teams would have preferred to finish it on the night, KDL rules say it goes to a replay. F/T 1-1
It was a good display by the lads who had the upper hand for a good part of the game, but Rangers were a dangerous counter-attacking team who will also fancy their chances in the Replay.
Best for Ballyhar were Conor Giles, Ross Lally, Conrad Long, and Man of the Match - Sean Brosnan, who stepped in goals last minute and did exceptionally well.