Goals again ensure Aodh Ruadh overcome Cloughaneely to remain unbeaten

For a second week in succession Aodh Ruadh were on the goal trail, and could have finished this game with double the three they registered, but for a sparkling performance by Cloughaneely shot stopper Shaun McClafferty.

The Ernesiders raised two of those green flags in an entertaining first half to lead by 2-7 to 0-8 at the break. And though the Blues closed to within two points in the second half, Aodh Ruadh never really looked in danger here.

Centre back Eddie Lynch laid down an early marker, getting up to hit two points. Cloughaneely had matters level by the fifth minute, their main dangers, Shaun Maguire and Donnachadh Ó Baoighilll both on target.

The visitors were undone two minutes later though. Great vision from Eoghan Kelly saw him pick out Shane McGrath who then let off a reverse pass to Cian Dolan and he slammed a low shot to the keeper's right. Aodh Ruadh would not be headed over the remainder of this game.

The hosts had the ball in the net again in the ninth minute, Cian Rooney driving in on goal only to see Shaun McClafferty stop his rasping shot. Rooney remained alert though, and flicked the rebound to the net. When Shane McGrath fisted over moments later Ballyshannon were seven to the good. 

Shaun Maguire punted over a reply, but Aodh Ruadh continued to attack with menace. Cian Rooney again broke in on goal, but this time McClafferty turned his effort out for a 45 with an excellent reaction stop.

Peter Boyle converted the resultant 45, but Donnachadh Ó Baoighilll hit back immediately as Cloughaneely hung in.

Diarmaid McInerney and Shaun Maguire swapped scores before another exchange, this time between Maguire and Shane McGrath made it 2-6 to 0-6.

With the half drawing to a close the game was lit up with two luminous points from Donnachadh Ó Baoighilll, but the final say of the half went to Ballyshannon after Cloughaneely were caught with just two up in their attacking half, Diarmaid McInerney sending over the free. 

The first score of the second half came three minutes in with Padraig Coyle sending over from range. Not long after Michéal McHugh came barrelling onto a pop pass and torpedoed a dangerous shot just over Peter Boyle's cross bar.

Two minutes later Cloughaneely had Shaun McClafferty to thank for another top drawer save, this time from Shane McGrath.

Diarmaid McInerney opened Aodh Ruadh second half account eight minutes in with a place ball, but Shaun McClafferty repaid that with interest, firing over a two point free to make it 2-8 to 0-12.

When McInerney pointed a free in the 46th minute it was a badly needed score for the hosts who were now spending long spells out of possession. 

Shane McGrath then raised a white flag and McInerney pumped over a two pointer from play to help further settle the local nerves. 

There was to be quite a bit of scoring action packed into the closing moments. First Donnachadh Ó Baoighilll landed his fifth point of the day with four minutes left, then Eddie Lynch and Diarmaid McInerney (free) responded. Ó Baoighilll came back with what was to be his side's last score of the day, but the last word went to Jimmy Langan's men. It was sassy effort too, Darragh Flood Dolan sweeping in on goal, giving an meaningful look to pass left, but then switching on to the right boot to place a deft shot to McClafferty's left.

That put the seal on a fine win for the homesters who continue their unbeaten start to the season. In an unfussy defensive display Eoghan Kelly really caught the eye with his range of passing, and Darragh Flood Dolan's man marked effectively and his goal really was a peach. Matt Gillespie and Eamonn McGrath had the better of matters around the centre of the pitch, while up front Diarmaid McInerney hit important scores at important times, and Shane McGrath also contributed strongly. 

For Cloughaneely Donnachadh Ó Baoighilll's score taking was worth the admission on its own, while Shaun Maguire had a very strong first half. Shaun McClafferty pulled off some phenomenal saves and when he landed his two pointer it looked like it might just swing the tie in his side's favour.

Aodh Ruadh scorers: Diarmaid McInerney 0-7,4f,1tp; Darragh Flood Dolan, Cian Dolan and Cian Rooney 1-0 each; Eddie Lynch and Shane McGrath 0-3 each; Peter Boyle 0-1,’45’.

Cloich Cheann Fhaola scorers: Donnachadh Ó Baoighill 0-6; Shaun Maguire 0-4; Shaun McClafferty 0-2,tp; Micheal McHugh, Padraig Coyle 0-1 each.

Aodh Ruadh: Peter Boyle; Michael Ward, Conor Patton, Kyle Murray; Darragh Flood Dolan, Eddie Lynch, Eoghan Kelly; Matt Gillespie, Eamonn McGrath; Diarmaid McInerney, Shane McGrath, Senan Rooney; Eoin Cassidy, Cian Dolan, Cian Rooney.

Subs: David Dolan for Senan Rooney (42); Damian Weber for Eoin Cassidy (51); Shane Delahunty for Michael Ward (51); Gary Carty for Eoghan Kelly (54); Barry Campell for Cian Rooney (57)

Cloich Cheann Fhaola: Shaun McClafferty; Remy Moran, Cian McFadden, Jamie McGeever; Ciaran McGeady, Seamus Doogan, Sean Geaney; Michéal McHugh, Stephen Curran; Patrick Doohan, Donnachadh Ó Baoighilll, Pádraig Coyle; Ciaran O'Donnell, Shaun Maguire, David Geaney. 

Sub: Chris Barrett for Ciaran O'Donnell (46).

Referee: Anthony McCallig (Naomh Ultan)