Maghera too strong as Academy fall short
St Patrick’s Maghera began their Danske Bank U16.5 Rannafast Cup campaign with a victory yesterday, as a strong opening half performance laid the groundwork for a five point victory over St. Patrick’s Academy Dungannon in Ballinderry.
Ciaran Chambers topped scored for Maghera, weighing in with three points, with Shea Birt and Connor Downey helping themselves to a pair each also. It was a strong opening half which done the damage, as Maghera broke through the Dungannon defence threatening for goals. Finn Spence did find the net for the Academy though, and they needed that goal to keep them in touch at the break as they trailed 0-8 to 1-1.
The second half was a scrappy affair, as the elements made life difficult for both sides. Dungannon pushed hard for the goal they needed to get back into the game, with Shea Hughes, Fiachra Nelis and Diarmuid Quinn to the fore, but the Maghera defence held firm. Johnny McGuckin, Connor Coyle, Tom Quinn and Finbhar McShane all grabbed points as the Derry side emerged five point winners and progress to the Quarter Finals.
Full Time
St Patrick’s Maghera 0-11
St Patrick’s Academy Dungannon 1-03
