U17 National Cup Last 32 Result

Ballyraine FC 4:2 Lifford AFC

The curtain came down on the last 32 in the national cup for Lifford afc in Donegal. We travelled up to Letterkenny on the Friday and stayed over so we would be ready for the Saturday morning Fixture.

The game kicked off on the Letterkenny FC astro turf pitch and the Lifford players settle in well, and were the better of the two teams in the first half, the defensive shape was working well with the boys covering the half spaces and our number 10 Cain Guilfoyle dropping into midfield to make it a 5 man midfield when needed. The Ballyraine boys had a few half chances in the first half but with the back four of Dean ORourke,Cal kirby Owen OGorman & Frank Lynch all playing well and on top.

The second half started and Lifford were still on top and playing well. From a Lifford goal kick ,YES A GOAL KICK !! Goalkeeper Luke Kennedy sent a thunderous kick out from the ground which went all the way to the goals to put Lifford 1 up in this tie.. This seemed to spark Ballyraine into action and came forward with menace. the Lifford boys were dropping deeper and deeper and then the equaliser came. The game was more open now and more chances started to appear. A free kick for Lifford , up stepped captain George Quinn to score to put the Lifford boys back in front and were back on top in the game. some players started to look tired now and a change was made in midfield ,Eric McDonnell came off due to an injury and was replaced by Iarlaith McElroy in midfiled. The Ballyraine boys were looking stronger and were hunting to level things up again and it came from the penalty spot . So now 2:2 and all to play for. 5 minutes later a brilliant free kick from the number 11 from Ballyraine curled into the top corner to put them ahead. Conor Farell was introduced to the Lifford midfield to replace Jack Madigan. Conor had a brilliant volley only for the keeper to make a great save. With 5 minutes left the Lifford players were now chasing the game looking to get an equaliser . The fresh legs from the subs for Ballraine was helping them gain control of the midfield they created some good chances only to be stopped every time by Luke Kennedy in the Lifford goal. With only a few minutes to go Ballyraine scored agian to make it 4:2 on the day and send them into the next round. We wish Ballyraine fc all the best in the next rounds.

The Lifford players were clapped and applauded off the pitch by the home crowd and their parents, this was a tremendous gesture as the boys had given everything.

We would like to thank everyone at Ballyraine FC and in particular Enda McNicolls for their kind and generous hospitality and making sure everyone was feed before the 5 hour journey home

A big thanks to all the parents who travelled to Donegal to support the team.

" IN FOOTBALL YOU WIN AS A GROUP, & YOU LOOSE AS A GROUP" Gianlugi Buffon

#liffordrising