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Drumquin Pip Derg With Last Gasp Winner
Saturday 11.11.2023
It took extra time and a brace of late, late goals before a winner finally emerged from the Grade 4 under 14 Championship final between Drumquin and neighbours Castlederg. The large crowd that turned up at Aghyaran on Saturday morning were treated to a superb game between two very closely matched teams before the Tones hit the net with the last play of the game to win 1-11 to 1-9.
Drumquin began well and moved into a three point lead following scores from Sean Gormley and Daire Mc Caffrey. The Derg enjoyed plenty of possession early on but missed a number of chances for scores. Ten minutes in and they finally opened their account with a fine point from Ashton Hoynes. The Derg settled to the task and after four unanswered points led at the break 0-5 to 0-3. Their remaining first half scores came from Corin Donaghy, Kian Mc Menamin and the impressive Oisin Harvey.
The second half was a closely fought affair with little between the sides throughout. Points from Daithi McKay and Joseph O’Kane tied the game at five apiece before both teams added one final point to leave the score at the end of normal time 0-6 to 0-6 meaning extra time was required.
Drumquin might have been feeling somewhat sorry for themselves considering they hit the post from a penalty after Derg keeper Eunan Friel was judged to have fouled a Drumquin attacker.
Extra time again saw little between the teams with defences very much on top. The Derg managed to get their noses in front early in the second half before scores from Gormley and Joseph O’Kane had the Tones one in front with six minutes remaining.
As the game enters its final minutes and Drumquin led by two points there was more drama as Castlederg burst through and centre back Harvey set up Caidan Harold who finished to the net to put Castlederg 1-9 to 0-11 in front.
With less than a minute remaining most thought the game was over but a quick Drumquin kick out found Daithi Mc Kay in space and the midfielder finished superbly to take the title and in turn break Castlederg hearts.
Final score Drumquin 1-11, Castlederg 1-9
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