Posted online: May 21st, 2008

Donegal Senior Football Division 1b

Buncrana 1-12 

Termon    1-07

Buncrana were at home to Termon in a top of the table clash on Saturday evening with both teams keen to take the points that would consolidate their position in the top three.

Although Termon scored first with a point from Declan Alcorn, Buncrana settled down and dominated the next 20 minutes of the half.

Points from Odhran Doherty, David Bell, William Mc Laughlin and Christopher Mc Dermott steadied the Scarvey men before Garbhan Friel, making his senior debut, weaved his way past several defenders and calmly flicked the ball over the Termon goalkeeper for an excellent individual goal.

The game seemed at this stage to be flicking away from the visitors but they replied in the best possible fashion with a well taken goal by Darren Gibson and two points from former county man, Kevin Mc Menamin.

A final point from Odhran Doherty left the half time total, Buncrana 1-07 Termon 1-03.

The opening phase of the second half was evenly matched with neither team dominating nor scoring.

After ten minutes it was Termon who notched the first point, then from a 45, Christy Conaghan struck for a second point to leave just two points between the teams and all to play for.

This was a crucial phase of the game and if Buncrana had lost their composure or shape then the visitors would certainly have gained the upper hand.

As is often the case it took the experience of Ryan Bradley and Paul McGonigle to settle things as they won several crucial high balls at midfield and Paul notched two important points to ease Buncrana ahead.

Ronan Doherty and David Bell added points with Noel O’ Donnell in goals making two sharp reactionary saves.

The Buncrana defence was in no mood to give away cheap scores and having weathered the storm, Buncrana ended the game with a five point victory on a score of Buncrana 1-12 Termon 1-07.

Buncrana manager, Sean Clerkin and his backroom team will reflect on an overall team performance where everyone contributed well to a hard earned victory. This was the type of game which Buncrana might have lost, had they not worked hard in every position on the field. The players look fit and in good condition as they prepare for their upcoming Championship match against Fanad Gaels, confident that they are now Top of the Table in the League.

Buncrana; Noel O’Donnell, Simon Mc Grory, John Doherty, William Mc Laughlin, Andrew Mc Laughlin, Oisin Doherty, Ronan Doherty, Ryan Bradley, Paul Mc Gonigle, Garbhan Friel, Odhran Doherty, David Bell, Adrian Doherty, Stepnen Mc Gonigle and Christopher Mc Dermott.

Subs used; Gabhan Mc Connell and Dan O’ Callaghan

Termon; Michael Boyle, Jimmy Mc Elwaine, Sean O’ Donnell, Brian Trearty, Ollie Doherty, Paddy Mc Daid, Anthony Mc Grenra, Declan Alcorn, Bernard Alcorn, Brendan Robinson, Dairenn Gibson, P.J. Mc Fadden, Kevin Mc Menamin, John Mc Cafferty and Marty Sweeney.

The Reserve game was a disappointing affair with a very under strength Buncrana side losing to a strong visiting team.