ST EUNAN’S COLLEGE defeated Abbey Vocational School today at St Patrick’s Park in the semi-final of the Bank of Ireland FAI Senior Ulster Cup.
St.Eunan’s College, Letterkenny 5 Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town 0
BY CONNOR MCGINTY
A fast-paced opening saw Eunan’s start their dismantling of Abbey early on – just five minutes to be precise. A good run down the left by Jordan Ryan picked out Shane Doherty in the centre to head home with comfort.
Possession was largely in favour of the Letterkenny side who added to their lead from another cross by Finn Harps latest addition in Ryan. It was a fine cross but arguably a better finish by Eoin Kelly letting the ball drop to score a fine volley from close range.
Abbey had a good chance to bring the game back within reach but the offside flag was raised with a very good high line by the back four.
Shane Blaney, just back from International schools duty, saw a perfectly executed header end up in the back of the net just before halftime to top off an excellent half and have St Eunan’s three up.
Abbey came out a better team in the second half with pride at stake and belief that a comeback was possible but a pinpoint pass down the centre found Dylan McCroary who had his initial attempt saved but rounded the keeper and made sure the second chance found the net to make it 4-0.
A lifeless second half however this didn’t stop Eunan’s adding a fifth from the spot with a second half sub Ryan O’Donnell converting.
A good performance all round notably Gallagher and O’Reilly linking up for a great passage of one-touch play but a man of the match performance from the captain Blaney will give the Paul Browne managed side great momentum for the Ulster Final against fellow Donegal side Carndonagh.
Abbey: A.McCrea, I.Campbell, M.McKenna, C.Gavigan, J.Keaney, G.Harron (S.Kennedy), B.Sweeney, D.Meehan, R.McHugh, C.Monaghan.
St Eunan’s: Matthew Gallagher, D.O’Donnel, D.Ellison, E.Kelly, S.Blaney, C.O’Reilly (T.O’Boyle), C.O’Donnell, Michael Gallagher (Jerome Angel), S.Doherty (R.O’Donnell), D.McCroary (C.Daffan), J.Ryan (B.Barr).
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