Ó Laoi strike is critical as An Spidéal stay senior

Monivea-Abbey 0-12

Pádraic Ó Ciardha at Pearse Stadium

AN Spidéal secured their place in next year’s senior football championship after the Connemara men scraped through their relegation semi-final with Monivea-Abbey on Saturday. With so much at stake and little between the sides, this contest was always going to be a tense affair and it finished in dramatic circumstances.

Four points up with 58 minutes on the clock, An Spidéal nearly undid all of the good work that got them in that position. Goalkeeper Maghnus Breathnach was forced to pull off a great save in the 61st minute to keep An Spidéal ahead. Cillian McDaid then had a chance to snatch the win for Monivea-Abbey, but his 14m free cleared the crossbar to result in a one point win for An Spidéal.

With this game put back due to An Spidéal’s appeals after their controversial group game against Salthill-Knocknacarra, it was the first football game in five weeks for Alan Melia’s side but they showed no rustiness in the early stages.

Antaine Ó Laoi opened their account after a minute and two of his brothers, Finnian and Cormac, then combined for a crucial goal 60 seconds later. A trademark run through the middle saw Finnian cut the Monivea-Abbey defence open and he slipped a pass inside to Cormac, who settled himself before rifling a shot into the top corner.

Eoin Blade got Monivea-Abbey off the mark with a delightful score but An Spidéal’s response was instant. A brilliant kick out from Maghnus Breathnach picked out Ciarán Ó Laoi in space on the left wing and, a couple quick passes later, Antaine Ó Laoi stroked the ball over from 40m.

The quick start to the contest didn’t continue though as both sides began to make sloppy mistakes. While Paul Flaherty did reduce the gap with a fine score from distance, Monivea-Abbey were guilty of some poor shooting as they kicked three wides and dropped another two short in a ten minute spell.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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