Tempers flare as Raphoe edged out in fiery Linden Cup clash with Civil Service

Raphoe made their return to competitive action at the weekend, travelling to Belfast to face Civil Service in the opening round of the Linden Cup.

The first quarter proved evenly balanced, with both sides enjoying periods of possession and creating chances. Civil Service finished the half on top, but Raphoe’s defence held firm to keep the game scoreless.

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Raphoe grew into the second quarter and began to dominate midfield. A slick move down the left saw Keith Meehan and Sam McKnight combine cleverly, with McKnight winning a penalty corner. 

From the top of the circle, Matthew Lecky stepped up and rifled his effort past the goalkeeper to give the Donegal men a deserved lead.

Raphoe looked to push on, but the momentum shifted when two green cards reduced them to nine players. 

Civil Service made their advantage count early in the third quarter, converting a penalty corner to level matters.

With the hosts piling forward, Raphoe carved out a golden chance on the counter as Jake McKnight raced clear. His reverse-stick strike was well saved, and the rebound trickled narrowly wide.

The final quarter turned scrappy with no branch umpires present, and tempers threatened to boil over. 

Civil Service continued to press, and with Raphoe again down to nine men, the home side struck late from another penalty corner, squeezing the ball in at the near post. With tempers continuing to flare, the game ended prematurely.