UlsterNet.co.uk

Strabane Athletic FC get their

Thursday, 29 July 2010

Strabane Athletic 3.
Ballybofey 0.

STRABANE Athletic played their first pre-season friendly on Monday night against a talented and competitive Ballybofey team at Melvin. The game was very evenly matched throughout with Athletic taking their chances and eventually running out 3-0 winners.
Goals from James McDermott and Dermot Doherty in the first half were followed by a well-worked goal at the death by Niall Devine. With a very encouraging display by a team who played for the first team together, manager, Martin Doherty stated that it will be very hard to keep all 25 squad members happy throughout the year.
He added that he will endeavour to give playing time to everyone and understands that some players will be disappointed with not playing every game.
Monday's game got off to a hectic start with neither team taking control. Athletic, with a well organised back line, marshalled by captain John Donaghey, were on the back foot early on but Ballybofey were unable to test Athletic keeper, Winters.
Athletic soon started to get some rhythm into their play and with their fast breakaway style started to trouble the Ballybofey rearguard. A few shots rained in from distance but were easily held by the Ballybofey keeper.
Athletic eventually opened the scoring with a tap-in from McDermott on 27 minutes. A precise through-ball from Stewart, on the left, allowed Roulston through on goal but with the ball bouncing awkwardly he kept a cool head and picked out McDermott to tap in.
The only sour note on the night was when Stewart was forced from play with a twisted ankle and was replaced by Niall Devine. Ballybofey responded well and played some slick football with a few long range shots but again Athletic, with the ever cool McMonagle, Patterson and Donaghey brothers, smothere out any danger at the back.
Athletic went 2-0 up just before half-time with the evergreen Tony Donaghey making a great run from left back, swapping passes with midfielder McGrinder, and with the goal in his sights he cut the ball back for Doherty to smash home from all of 25 yards.
The second half was close and with a few suspect challenges the game got more competitive. Manager Doherty made two further changes, replacing Tony Donaghey and James McDermott with Thomas Moore and Adam Coyle.
Ballybofey started to press but by doing so left gaps for the Athletic wingers and forwards to exploit. Winters, untroubled for most of the first half was called into action on a few occasions and made an excellent save from a lively Ballybofey forward.
With Coyle, Marc Devine and McGrinder exploiting the space left by Ballybofey's forward play Strabane had several good chances with the visiting keeper pulling off great saves from Roulston, McGrinder and in particular a Marc Devine close range effort.
Ballybofey for all their hard work started to wilt at the end of the game and this allowed Athletic to snatch their third and final goal of the game. A fast flowing counter attack allowed Coyle to play a neat ball down the line to Marc Devine who took on the visiting left back and made an inch perfect cross to the on rushing Niall Devine to score.
Athletic travel to Castlefin tomorrow (Thursday) night for their second pre-season game.

Subscribe to read full newspaper »

Send this page to a friend »