The Inishowen Youth team proved too strong for their Sligo/Leitrim counterparts when they clashed in the final group match of the National Youth Inter-league Competition played at Rasheney on Saturday last. 

From the outset Inishowen dominated and deservedly took the points to ensure runners-up spot in the group. 

The first real opportunity came in the twelfth minute when Johnny Bonner saw his effort well tipped over by the Sligo/Leitrim keeper Aiden Devenney. 

Four minutes later Bonner crossed for Terence Doherty to head narrowly over the bar as the home side piled on the pressure. 

Sligo/Leitrim’s best chance of the half came on the 20 minute mark as Martin McGolderick was denied by a superb last-ditch tackle by Seanan Murphy. 

The Inishowen dominance continued as first of all James O’Donnell headed wide, Seanan McColgan fired his free kick straight at the keeper, Bonner forced an excellent save from Devenney and McColgan hit the post with the keeper beaten. 

As the half drew to a close Inishowen eventually made the breakthrough that their play deserved. A superb through ball by Stephen McLaughlin was seized upon by O’Donnell and he fired low into the bottom corner. 

When play resumed in the second half the same trend continued. Inishowen pressed and the opposition were forced to defend and try and create opportunities on the counter attack. 

Bonner might have doubled the lead but his effort sailed agonisingly over the bar and Terence Doherty saw his shot well saved by Devenney. 

The home team ensured the points with five minutes remaining when Stephen McLaughlin ghosted past three defenders before forcing a stunning save from Devenney but the ball rebounded invitingly to Bonner and he made no mistake from ten yards. 

This was a deserved victory for the Inishowen boys and who knows what might have happened if they had been able to field a full-strength team against the Donegal Youths last month. 

Inishowen: Rory Kelly, James Gillespie, Thomas McMonagle, Shanon Murphy, James O’Donnell, Seanan McColgan, Johnny Eccles, Paddy Doherty, Terence Doherty, Jonathan Bonner, Stephen McLaughlin, Connor O’Brien, Patrick Myler, Shaun O’Donnell

Sligo: Aidan Devenney, Keith Phillips, Conor Davey, Darren O’Hara, Brendan Fitzsimmons, Stephen Hargadon, Kealan Marshall, Paul Reynolds, Adam Hynes, Mark McGoldrick, Paul Devens, Aidan Gaule, Darragh Healy