Ulster Football League An Riocht v Loup. 22/02/2005

Our debut game in the Ulster Senior League was competitive though the result was disappointing. A good first half showing was undone when a harshly awarded penalty gave Loup a 1:4 to 0:6 interval lead. At the start of the second half we were reduced to fourteen men and Loup plundered a second goal. It was all uphill after that double blow and Loup went on to win 2:12 to 0:10.

It had started promisingly with points from Aidan Cunningham and Neill Doran (2) giving An Riocht a three nil lead by the tenth minute. Loup replied with four points of their own and Barry Annett equalised with a goal on. Paddy Cole too came in on the end of a good move but delayed the pass to Ciaran Walsh and the chance was gone. Walsh and Doran added points but a soft penalty gave the Derry side a lifeline.

On the restart we lost captain Deaglan O’ Reilly and gave away a bad goal in the disarray which followed. Loup worked the extra man well and both Joe Mc Veigh and Stephen Flanagan effected goal mouth clearances. The team at times overrun never gave up and further points came from Doran (2), Cunningham and Jim Clarke.

After the game both teams were ready for soup and sandwiches, and thanks to all who helped.