Four Masters back in Division 1 following win over Milford

Four Masters celebrated their promotion to Division 1 with a triumphant afternoon in Moyle View Park on Saturday with a one-point win over Milford which now sees the men from Donegal Town return to Division 1 for the first time since 2017. 

Kevin Sinclair’s squad faced a tough challenge, with the teams deadlocked at half-time. But the Donegal Town side edged the second half, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. 

Despite the high stakes for Four Masters, it was the hosts who made the stronger start. Shaun Coffey scored the opener, followed by points from Rory O'Donnell and Kane Barrett (mark). 

Callum McCrea brought Four Masters back into contention with a skilful score, and by the 17th minute, frees from Seanán Carr and Conor Reid had levelled the game. 

Although Kane Barrett nailed a significant free for Milford, Four Masters quickly regained momentum, with Carr, Joe Leape, and Killian Faulkner each scoring within four minutes. 

Milford responded perfectly when Rory O'Donnell connected with a long kick-out and surged forward to score a brilliant goal. But Faulkner closed the first half with a free, leaving the sides even at the break. 

Rory O'Donnell put Milford back in front after the interval, but their defence faltered as Four Masters capitalised, with Faulkner (2) and Conor Reid scoring from frees. 

Dylan Dorrian had a chance for Milford, but Ryan Haughey made a crucial save, while at the other end, Peter Curran cleared a Faulkner attempt off the line. 

Carr added another free, but Barrett finally broke Milford’s scoring drought with a long-awaited point. 

Barrett further contributed with a free and a '45', yet David Monaghan and Jason Duignan responded in kind. Barrett again reduced the gap to one, but Milford’s Kyle Black received a second yellow card and was sent off as they pressed for an equaliser in injury time. 

Unable to score again, Milford conceded defeat amid jubilant celebrations from the Four Masters bench at the final whistle in what has been an impressive season for the men in blue and white. 

Scorers – Milford: Kane Barrett 0-6, 4fs, 1 ‘45’; Rory O’Donnell 1-2; Shaun Coffey 0-1. Four Masters: Killian Faulkner 0-4, 3fs; Seanán Carr 0-3, 3fs; Conor Reid 0-2, 2fs; Jason Duignan, Callum McCrea, David Monaghan, and Joe Leape 0-1 each. 

Milford: Shea McBride; Anthony Curran, Cathal O'Brien, Brandon Wilkie; Shaun Coffey, Peter Curran, Ronan Docherty; Lorcan Friel, Eoin O'Donnell; Patrick Ferry, Rory O'Donnell, Dylan Dorrian; Kyle Black, Kane Barrett, Finn Coll. Subs: Shane McNamee for Ferry (46 mins), Gavin Grier for Docherty (56 mins).  

Four Masters: Ryan Haughey, Aidan McHugh. Dylan Kennedy, Callum McCrea; Sean McKiernan, Caolan Loughney, David Monaghan; Paddy Reid, Conor Reid; Joe Leape, Senan Quinn, Alex McCalmont; Killian Faulkner, Seanan Carr, Jamie Crawford. Subs: Jason Duignan and Oisin Reid for P Reid and Quinn (40 mins), Brian Fegan for Loughney (58 mins). 

Referee: Mark Dorrian (Gaeil Fhanada)