Gough's goal rescues share of spoils for Ardfield in epic

DRINAGH RANGERS 2

ARDFIELD 2

DRINAGH Rangers and Ardfield served up an entertaining SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U15 Premier League draw in Canon Crowley Park.

It was as good an advert for the WCSL U15 age-grade as you are likely to see took place with both teams contributing to a quality affair.

A physically stronger Ardfield side had to twice battle back before deservedly earning a point against a Rangers outfit that moved the ball confidently throughout the 70 minutes.

Both goalkeepers, Oisin Daly and Adam Crawford, acquitted themselves well in a fixture where both teams’ passing, movement and finishing was of the highest order. 

Drinagh dominated much of the first half, forcing Adam Crawford into a string of saves as Edward Myers, Tuan Shorten and Tom McQueen all went close. Liam McCarthy and Damien Fernandes’ intelligent link-up play maintained Rangers’ tempo until Ardfield’s Annraoi Creedon, Darragh Gough and Tomás Ó Donnabháin began to threaten at the opposite end.

An opening goal arrived shortly before the break and Rangers were the one who grabbed it. A flowing move saw the ball worked to Ciarán O’Regan outside the Ardfield penalty area. The midfielder unleashed a marvellous effort into the top corner to edge his side in front.

Darragh Gough brought the best out of Oisin Daly early in the second period as the visitors enjoyed a prolonged spell of possession. Chances were squandered at either end before Gough took aim from 25 yards and thundered an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

Ardfield went close to adding a second but their profligacy was punished by a superb Drinagh breakaway that ended with Ciarán O’Regan teeing up Tuan Shorten to restore the host’s lead, 2-1.

A terrific final quarter saw Darragh Gough and Cormac McCarthy miss the target by inches while Drinagh’s Ciarán O’Regan, Tuan Shorten and Edward Myers continually pressed their opposing defence.

The next goal would prove crucial and Ardfield made it 2-2 after turning over possession in Drinagh’s half and finding Darragh Gough in space. The visiting striker made no mistake to tie the score for a second time and it finished 2-2 despite Drinagh’s Liam McCarthy going close in the final minute.

Both clubs are likely to be in the hunt for SuperValu U15 Premier League honours based on this display.

Drinagh Rangers: Oisin Daly, Gavin McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Murnane (captain), Paddy McCarthy, Ciarán O’Regan, Edward Myers, Tom McQueen, Tuan Shorten, Paddy Taylor, Damien Fernandes. 

Subs: Evan Fitzpatrick and Stuart Fuller. 

Ardfield: Adam Crawford, Andrew Kevane, Adrian Whelton, Denis Karpa, Rohan Powell, Cormac McCarthy, Tomas Ó’Donnabháin, Denis White, Annraoi Creedon, Darragh Gough, Barry Walsh (captain).

Subs: Darrell Foley, Cian Hurley, Daniel Bennett. 

Referee: Joe O’Donnell.