U-14s v Ballina Stephenites – Match Report
Davitts U-14’s exited the County B Championship at the semi-final stagewhen they were defeated by Ballina Stephenites by 1-14 to 1-6 in Ballina on Thursday evening. The scoreline suggests an easy victory but this was not the case as they had to work extremely hard to see of a plucky Davitts team.
Davitts cause was not helped by a straight red card issued to centre half forward Conor McDermott in the tenth minute, one of a number of puzzling decisions by the referee, who had a shocker. Ballina were leading by 0-3 to 0-1 but 14 man Davitts fought back superbly and points from the stylish Dylan Gallagher and a Harry Fallon goal saw them lead by 1-4 to 0-6 at the break.
Davitts were under the cosh in the second half but their defence were heroic none more so than Conor Feerick who gave an exhibition all through the game. They restricted Ballina to three pointed frees in the third quarter with Dylan Gallagher and Harry Fallon scoring two for Davitts and we looked to be set for a grandstand finish. A disputed free kick for the homeside saw Davitts energetic midfielder Sean Keadin blackcarded for dissent and a similar incident a few minutes later saw Davitts full back Aaron Trench sent off, black card followed by red as he was booked earlier.
Ballina, making full use of their numerical advantage, dominated the closing minutes and they shot an unanswered 1-4 before the finish to book a final spot.
Dylan O Brien was superb in goals for Davitts, pulling off some breathtaking saves. Conor Feerick was man of the match with Seanie Meehan, Mark Birmingham, Aaron Trench, Ethan Boyle and Brian Hett defending very effectively throughout. Dylan Gallagher (0-5) and Sean Keadin were in top form at midfield. Up front, Conor McDermott was having a blinder until his dismissal, Fionn McLoughlin had a fine match, Harry Fallon bagged 1-1, while Ciaran Treacy, Ronan Kelly, Brian Corless and Dylan Gormally all worked their socks off.
