GOALS FROM Matthew Byrne and Anthony Doherty paved the way for the Inishowen League to beat the Roscommon League in today’s Oscar Traynor Cup quarter-final.
Inishowen League 2-1 Roscommon League
The 2-1 win means it’s the fifth time in succession that the team under the management of Diarmuid O’Brien have reached the last four of the competition, having taken the trophy home two years ago.
In a first half that was dominated by defenses, the highlight was the opening goal on 13 minutes from Byrne. The full-back strode forward and unleashed a powerful drive from 25 yards out to put the hosts a goal to the good.
The visiting goalkeeper, Noel Fallon, might’ve been unsighted by one of his own defenders but it was still a fine finish from Byrne.
In the second half, the game opened up significantly, with Kevin McLaughlin, the home team’s goalkeeper, saving from Gregory Grogan.
Then, Matthew Henry skied from 14 yards out following good approach play by Doherty.
The Roscommon League got back on terms on 57 minutes when a shot from David O’Brien was deflected onto the goalpost by goalkeeper McLaughlin. However, assistant referee Eamonn Doherty signaled the ball had actually crossed the line although plenty in attendance were not in agreement.
Ten minutes later, though, Inishowen got back in front. Following a fine move, the ball ended up at the feet of Doherty, who drilled a superb shot into the bottom corner.
Ronan Curran almost leveled for Roscommon but he took a touch too many before his shot was blocked and then his side lost Daragh Concannon to a straight red card for a strike on Brendan McLaughlin.
Inishowen League: Kevin McLaughlin; Matthew Byrne, Michael Byrne, John Gerard McLaughlin, Shaun Doherty; Anthony Doherty, Shane Canning, Matthew Henry, Aidan Friel; Brendan McLaughlin (Gavin Doherty 90), Terence Doherty.
Roscommon League: Noel Fallon; Gary Canavan, Enda Kenny, Joe Woods, Jack Higgins; Gregory Grogan, Des Hope, Dominic Bliagh, Ronan Curran (Andy Higgins 84); Peter Farrell (David O’Brien 54), Daragh Concannon.
Referee: Mick Lagan.
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