Four Masters U-21s just do enough to get over Glenswilly

Four Masters had four points to spare at the end of a good contest against Glenswilly in Tirconaill Park.

The underfoot conditions along with a swirling breeze made it difficult for the players but to their credit they produced a good game which was level with five minutes to go.

Four Masters led for most of the contest but could never shake off a resolute Glenswilly side, who responded each time Four Masters pulled clear.

But to be fair to the home side, they also responded when Glenswilly threatened despite being short four first teamers in Conor McCahill, Eoghan O’Neill, Cian Gavigan and Thomas Lenehan.

Despite playing against the elements Four Masters were the better side in the opening 10 minutes with points from Tomás Carr, Turlough Carr and Kevin Muldoon inside three minutes.

Oisin McGrenra got Glenswilly on the board and they had a goal on six minutes from the penalty spot, although it should have been a goal in general play. Matthew Enright was in on goal but elected to pass across the goal. The move ended in a ‘45’ from which Glenswilly were awarded a penalty for a pull off the ball with the ball going wide. From the spot Reid Kelly made no mistake.

There was a 10 minute scoring stalemate before Four Masters struck for three points between the 20th and 25th minutes through Alan McHugh, Seanan and Turlough Carr.

Glenswilly were back on terms thanks to a Paul Mullen two pointer and they were denied a second goal on the stroke of half-time when Lewis McCaughan denied Oisin McGrenra.

Half-time: Four Masters 0-6, Glenswilly 1-3.

The second half was more keenly contested with Oisin Doherty pushing Four Masters ahead with a two pointer on 35 minutes.

Kevin Muldoon added another but two Daithi Gildea points (one free) and another from corner back Liam McGinley had Glenswilly back on terms on 45 minutes.

Again Four Masters responded with Turlough Carr, Daniel McGinty fist) and Kevin Muldoon pushing them three clear but by the 55th minute scores from Pauric Devine, Shane Tinney (free( and Daithi Gildea made it all square at 0-12 to 1-9.

Then came the match-winning response from Four Masters. An effort from Turlough Carr came back off an upright and Patrick McGonigle was first to react to fire to the net. Oisin Doherty followed with a two pointer and Turlough Carr put six between the sides with two minutes of normal time left.

But Glenswilly refused to lie down and a great run from Oisin McGrenra saw him hauled down by Caolan Sweeney and a second penalty awarded with Sweeney black carded. From the spot Reid Kelly added his second spot kick.

Glenswilly needed another goal but it was Turlough Carr who had the final score to seal the win for the home side.

Four Masters scorers: Turlough Carr 0-5; Oisin Doherty 0-4,2tp; Kevin Muldoon 0-3; Patrick McGonigle 1-0; Alan McHugh, Seanan Carr, Tomás Carr, Daniel McIntyre 0-1 each.

Glenswilly scorers: Reid Kelly 2-0,2pen; Daithi Gildea 0-3,1f; Paul Mullen 0–2,tp; Liam McGinley, Pauric Devine, Shane Tinney (f), Oisin McGrenra 0-1 each.

Four Masters: Lewis McCaughan; Alan McHugh, Leo McGowan, Caolan Sweeney; Patrick McGonigle, Callum McCrea, David Monaghan; Tiarnan McBride, Tomás Carr; Oisin Doherty, Turlough Carr, Kevin Muldoon; Conor Meehan, Seanan Carr, Daniel McIntyre.

Subs: Jack McGroarty for McGowan (54); Odhran McMullin for C Meehan (55); Callum Dunnion for McIntyre (58).

Glenswilly: Conor McGrenra; Dylan McAteer, Jamie McCauley, Liam McGinley; Aiden Friel, Mikey Toner, Pauric Devine; Eoghan Scott, Matthew McGinley; Shane Tinney, Reid Kelly, Paul Mullen; Matthew Enright, Daithi Gildea, Oisin McGrenra.

Referee: Anthony McCallig (Naomh Ultan)