The Shelmaliers opened their account in the under 14 football championship with a comprehensive victory over St.Martins with a final score of 6-8 to 2-7 in favour of the Shels
The game was played in dark wintry conditions but it didn’t stop the Shels attack from piling on the scores in the first half. The opportunistic Colin Cleary struck for two first half goals and for good measure added a point with Kevin O’Connor kicking two nice points and Stephen McGuire also getting on the score board.
The resolute defence with the tough Simon “Dooley” Donohue and Eoghan Nolan manning the pivotal positions gave little opportunity to St.Martins. The Shelmaliers defence was also bolstered by fine corner back performances from Ryan Donnelly and Brian Kehoe.
Shelmaliers went in at half time with a 2-4 to 0-3 point lead. Early in the second half the effervescent midfielder Graham Staples scored a fine goal. With marauding wing backs the Murphy’s Daniel and Aaron and Kevin O’Connor continuing to pull the strings in midfield, the Shels attack were afforded more opportunities to add to their tally.
Johnny Forde added a clever goal, also Stephen McGuire found the net but goal of the day fell to Aaron Ryan who delivered an unstoppable shot to the back of the Martins net. Conor Forde and Gavin Potter played key roles in many of the attacks that lead to vital scores.
Stephen Carr, Aaron Donovan and the Cash’s Niall and James played their part in the crucial win and Glen Malone also bolstered the defence, Michael Feeney, Eoghan Lambe, Aodhan Foley were also members of the Shels setup on the night.