B League Division 1 – Round 8. Donaghmore/Ashbourne 1-08 Skryne 0-07

Donaghmore/Ashbourne were hoping to bolster their position at the top of the B League Division 1 table this evening in sunny Ashbourne. This was a game where defences reigned supreme as both sides struggled to find space up front to pick off scores. Skryne shaded the first half exchanges but wayward shooting saw them register six wides in the first half. Donaghmore/Ashbourne opened the scoring with two points inside the first three minutes. A long range point from Jason Reddy was Skryne’s first score of the half. Donaghmore/Ashbourne tagged on another point. Meanwhile, Skryne were struggling to find their range and registered three wides in a row before finally adding their second with James Hegarty getting on the scoresheet. Two more points from Ian Davis saw Skryne take the lead in the game for the one and only time. Donaghmore/Ashbourne won a penalty on the 23rd minute of the half as their corner forward bore down on the Skryne goal, but just as he was about to take a shot, he was dragged to the ground by two Skryne defenders inside the penalty area leaving an easy decision for referee Liam Reddy who had little option but to point to the spot. The penalty was dispatched expertly to the left corner of the net. A pointed free saw Donaghmore/Ashbourne extend their lead as half-time approached. Skryne almost grabbed a goal for themselves when Frank Carty released Aidan Tuite in on goal. However, the keeper stood firm and batted away Tuitey’s effort. Half-time score: Donaghmore/Ashbourne 1-04, Skryne 0-04.

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The second half saw both sides exchange points inside the opening minute of the half with Donaghmore/Ashbourne converting almost straight from the throw-in. Ronan McCabe replied with an excellent point after a pacy burst forward through the heart of the Donghmore/Ashbourne defence. In the second minute of the half substitute Niall Morley reduced the gap to two with a fine point from near the right hand side touchline. Skryne wouldn’t find the target again for another 23 minutes. Meanwhile Donaghmore/Ashbourne hassled and harried Skryne forcing numerous turnovers and ensuring that the possession stakes in the second half favoured the men in green. Despite this, the Skryne defence held up well with good performances from Ronan McCabe, Mark Harrington, David Carroll and Timmy Lennon. Donaghmore/Ashbourne added two points at the midway point of the half with Ian Davis pointing a free late on to maintain a three point gap as the game approached it’s conclusion. Skryne pushed forward in search of a goal to level matters inside the last two minutes, but Donaghmore/Ashbourne turned the ball over again and no less than five Donaghmore/Ashbourne attackers broke forward to find only two Skryne defenders minding the house. The Donaghmore/Ashbourne player opted to take a point to ensure Skryne needed two scores to get anything out of the game. Skryne threw everything at the Donaghmore/Ashbourne defence in search of these scores, but could find no way through. Donaghmore/Ashbourne held on to record a victory which ensured that they maintained their lead at the top of the B League table. Full-time: Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2-08, Skryne 0-07.