Raphoe boost survival hopes with win in seven-goal thriller

Raphoe travelled to Newry, knowing anything less than a win would all but end their Premier League campaign. 

Newry 3

Raphoe 4

Raphoe didn’t get off to the best of starts, conceding a goal from a short corner in the first quarter.

Newry nearly doubled their lead from only their second chance in the entire quarter, the initial penalty corner superbly stopped on the line by Alan Meehan but the rebound unfortunately struck his feet, a penalty stroke awarded.

Raphoe ‘keeper, David Moore, produced a fine penalty save to keep the score at one-nil, which was the turning point in the game. Raphoe continued to have all the possession but could only muster a few chances, Matthew Lecky, Simon Goudie and George Patterson going close.

Donegal ladies overcome Galway in League opener

Geraldine McLaughlin hits seven points as Maxi Curran's team win

With a goal looming Raphoe came out of the blocks in the second quarter, only one minute in and Jake Watt produced the goal of the game, skilfully passing three Newry defenders to leave himself one on one with the keeper, who could do nothing about the calm lobbed finish from Watt for 1-1.

Raphoe took the lead minutes later, a well worked penalty corner routine saw Matthew Lecky fire in a fine reverse stick finish.

Raphoe continued into the second half with an instruction of more goals from coach Jonny Long. It didn’t take long as George Patterson made it 3-1, good attacking work from defender Alan Meehan who drove at the Newry defence and found Lecky whose quick pass found Patterson to slot home.

Raphoe weren’t finished yet, James Wilson chipped in with his first and Raphoe’s fourth, Wilson who had a good game throughout exchanged clever passes with Sam Magee and Jack Pearson before very calmly stroking the ball past the oncoming keeper. 1-4.

In the final quarter Raphoe continued with high possession but a lapse of concentration at the back allowed Newry to pull a goal back, yet again another penalty corner given away and Newry punished them.

With five minutes left Raphoe pushed for a fifth. Patterson and Goudie had efforts saved, Evan Lyttle had an effort disallowed but it was at the other end a goal was scored, Newry scoring their third penalty corner to make it 3-4 leaving a nervy end to the game for Raphoe.

Solid defending from Zack West and Tom Eaton at the back and Lee Stewarts return to pitch from injury steadied the ship until the final whistle.

Raphoe play their final away game next Saturday in Mossley, again points will be needed to boost their chances of automatic safety in the Premier League for another season.

Raphoe: M.Lecky, A.Meehan, G.Patterson, S.Magee, S.Goudie, J.Watt, E.Lyttle, J.Wilson, L.Stewart, D.Moore, J.Pearson, Z.West, T.Eaton.