Goals are decisive as An Spidéal stumble to final defeat

An Spidéal 0-9

Pádraic Ó Ciardha in An Spidéal

GOALS early in the first half and late in the second were enough to secure victory for Micheál Breathnach as they had five points to spare over local rivals An Spidéal in their U19 B West final. This was very much November football, with everything that entails, and any goals were always going to have a big impact on the outcome.

Both goals had a bit of luck to them too. Maidhc Mac Gearailt was surely going for a point after three minutes but saw his effort drop just under the crossbar to give Micheál Breathnach a great start, while Ruraí Ó Curraoin’s goal ten minutes from time came after he capitalised on a mistake from the An Spidéal goalkeeper.

That good fortune meant the five point gap between the sides at the end wasn’t reflective of the nip-and-tuck nature of the game, but it couldn’t be said that Micheál Breathnach didn’t deserve the win. Led by an excellent performance from Cillian Ó Curraoin, they were far more clinical than An Spidéal, who only chalked up 0-9 from 27 shots.

The tone of the game was set early with An Spidéal enjoying plenty of possession, but Micheál Breathnach making the most of their chances. Maidhc Mac Gearailt’s goal came with their first shot in the fourth minute while An Spidéal kicked four wides, hit the upright and saw another shot blocked for a ‘45 before Liam Ó Conghaile finally opened their account from a free in the 10th minute.

Micheál Breathnach responded with a skyscraper effort from midfielder Séamus De Búrca, but An Spidéal were beginning to find their range with Cillian Ó Laoi knocking over a free before CIan Ó Conghaile kicked a super score, riding a couple of tackles before firing over a left-footed shot.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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