Ardboe Win Loughshore Derby In Association With Devity

Sunday 09.07.2023

All County League

Ardboe 2-15 1-13 Moortown

Ardboe deservedly claimed both points in the loughshore derby, played before a large crowd in glorious sunshine in Michael Coney Park.
Three early points in the opening ten minutes gave Ardboe the perfect start. Converted frees from Peter Devlin and Brian McLernon reduced the margin to the minimum prior to Kyle Coney kicking his second free before the game’s first goal arrived.
Michael O’Neill drove at the Moortown defence only to see his shot blocked but the deflection fell invitingly to Shay McGuigan who calmly steered the ball pass Tony Quinn soccer style. Kyle Coney extended the advantage as Ardboe assumed complete control of the midfield sector and put serious pressure on the Moortown kick out. Jack Martin almost got a second goal but the visitor’s defence did well to clear the danger.
A much needed Peter Devlin free stemmed the tide in the 21st minute before Eugene Og took his tally to three with a brace of points. With seven points separating the side Moortown gave themselves hope registering the final points of the half to trail 1-7 0-5.
The impressive DD Mulgrew opened the scoring after the restart before substitute Ryan Kelly kicked a monster free followed by a Conor Quinn point to narrow the gap to four. Four points in a row by the home side seemed to end the contest with 15 minutes remaining. A Blaine Ryan point, followed by a brace of Devlin frees set up a mini revival. In the 52nd minute Moortown were thrown a lifeline when the returning. Michael Cassidy picked up a black card.
DD mulgrew responded with two points but the momentum was now with Moortown. Paul Quinn and Devlin reduced the deficit further as the game entered injury time. Shay McGuigan put five between before another long ball was launched towards the square ended Blaine Ryan fisting home. Moortown pressed forward but were penalised for overcarrying, Ardboe went the full length of the field with their youngest player Conan Devlin coolly finishing to the net with the final whistle sounding moments later.