Gaoth Dobhair will be a big test next weekend - David Monaghan
Four Masters U-21s defeated Glenswilly on Sunday and now turn their attention to an away game against Gaoth Dobhair this weekend
Four Masters got the better of Glenswilly in the opening round of the Donegal U-21 Championship on Sunday and captain David Monaghan is already looking forward to the trip to Magheragallon next weekend to take on Gaoth Dobhair.
Last Sunday, Monaghan and his Four Masters side started well against the wind but were pegged back a couple of times in the second half by a tigerish Glenswilly side. But the Four Masters captain was not surprised by the Glenswilly challenge.
“I suppose, you know, it's what you're going to get with the Glenswilly team. They're battle-hardened and they're going to be tough.
“Any game against Glenswilly, no matter whether it’s home or away, it's going to be a tough dogfight. The conditions definitely played a part. In the first half we ran the ball out and tried to get our shot selection 100 per cent, but I’m not sure if that's ever going to happen. It's good to get through anyway,” said Monaghan.
The sides were level at half-time and while Four Masters were never headed in the second half, Glenswilly got back on terms on two occasions and never threw in the towel.
The conditions certainly played a part and both sides probably played their best football against the elements. “There was a lot of rainfall but the pitch actually held up rightly. I suppose it was about getting the breaks, getting numbers around it,” said Monaghan, who felt the goal from Patrick McGonigle in the final quarter was a big score.
McGonigle was first to react after a Turlough Carr effort came back off the upright with just over five minutes remaining. And even though Glenswilly cut the lead to three points late on, a final point from Turlough Carr eased Four Masters to the win.
The victory was achieved without the aid of four big players - Conor McCahill, Cian Gavigan, Eoghan O’Neill and Thomas Lenehan - but David Monaghan made light of their absence.
“Yeah, we had a good few missing but it’s up to the next man up. We’re away to Gaoth Dobhair next week and that will be a big test. Then we are home to Termon in the final game,” said Monaghan, who is hoping that the weather improves a little in that time.