THE DONEGAL SCHOOLBOYS UNDER-13 side had a productive day in Galway on Saturday with four intense games for Gerry Crossan’s side, who defeated Salthill and Mayo before losing against Mervue and drawing against Crumlin.
Donegal 7 Salthill 1
Donegal got off to a great start with a Jamie Murray goal on 3 minutes after good work from Adam Yisau down the right.
Joshua Bradley finished well with the outside of his right foot on 5 minutes. Ultan O’Grady got on the scoresheet from close range after a corner on 7 minutes.
Yisau had a cool finish himself on 17 minutes to put Donegal four up. Donegal dominated the first half but Salthill got themselves on the score sheet after a free kick from the left side that should have been cleared and was slotted home on the stroke of half time.
Donegal made 10 outfield changes at the break and Adam Murphy scored a brilliant volley five minutes in.
Tyler Durning got on the scoresheet twice and was denied his hat trick after a great through ball from David Boyle but was narrowly called offside.
It finished 7-1 to Donegal in what was a very good start to the tournament.
Donegal 3 Mayo 0
Donegal got off to a good start against the 2015 All Ireland Inter League Champions with a Blake McGarvey goal but it was called offside.
His goal did come on 9 minutes with a flicked header after a nice ball in from the right from Daniel Gildea. A
long ball from Donegal keeper Patrick McGarvey sent Bradley on his way where he rounded the Mayo keeper to roll the ball into the empty net on 16 minutes.
Donegal finished the half 2-0 up and were playing some fantastic passing football at a high tempo; whilst Mayo were glad to see the break.
The game was put out of Mayo’s reach on the 12th minute after the break when Blake McGarvey slotted a penalty to the back of the net after Bradley was fouled inside the area. Donegal kept the ball really well and were fully deserved of their victory.
Mervue United 3 Donegal 2
The home side started this match much the brighter & deserved to go ahead with goals after 6 and 12 minutes, the second after a failed Donegal short corner and a quick break up the field.
Donegal struggled and didn’t get up to the pace of the game in the first half. Mervue finished the half 3-0 up after Donegal keeper lost the flight of the ball from a free kick on the right side.
Donegal rung the changes at the break & slowly grew in to the game. Ultan O’Grady finished well at the back post after good work from Bradley down the left channel.
Donegal got their second goal from a corner after a good direct ball was whipped in & the unfortunate defender headed to his own net. The Donegal comeback was now on but ran out of time.
Donegal 1 Crumlin 1
The Dublin side took the lead on five minutes after a corner was saved by Donegal goalkeeper McGarvey but the lively forward tapped home from close range.
Crumlin were very impressive; a good passing side caused a tiring Donegal side that was gathering injuries lots of problems.
Crumlin should probably have been further ahead only for some good Donegal defensive displays. Donegal got their equaliser against the run of play on the 19th minute through a well struck Shane Black free kick from the edge of the box to go in all square at the break.
The early morning start and long day for Donegal was starting to take its toll through injuries but the North West lads to their credit dug in and showed great resolve.
There weren’t many chances for either side in the 2nd half & it finished a goal apiece.
This tournament again was a good workout and a very productive day in Galway for the 2003 lads with four intense games that will benefit all involved.
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