A hard fought and well played victory over Annacurra means that Stratford Grangecon now progress to the quarter final stage of the 2014 Junior C Championship.
Our Junior team gave a demonstration of true character on a cool and blustery Saturday evening in Baltinglass. They held on to a slender lead when reduced down to 14 players at a crucial stage of the game to win by a single point over Annacurra with a score line of Stratford Grangecon 2-06 Annacurra 1-08.
It was a true classic Championship battle as both sets of players gave it absolutely everything. From the throw in, both teams contested every ball with a hunger and a passion that only knock-out championship games can create.
The game had a real intensity and both teams can be proud of the performance and effort they put in.
The scores for Stratford Grangecon came from Conor Humphreys 1-01, Shane Humphreys 1-0, Nigel O’Neill 0-01, James Whelan 0-03 and Michael Byrne 0-01
The draw for the quarter finals will be held on Monday night (18th August).
Nigel O’Neill wins the ball for Stratford Grangecon
The Stratford Grangecon goal which was not given!
Paddy McKitterick gathers the ball for Stratford Grangecon
Ger O’Keeffe wins a free kick just outside the square
From the resultant free kick, Stratford Grangecon full forward Conor Humphreys catches the Annacurra defence unaware as he quickly unleashes a thunder bolt at the goals to win the first goal of the match.
Ger O’Keeffe breaks the high ball down to James Whelan
Jim Bollard and Hugh O’Keeffe enjoying the game as Stratford Grangecon take the lead
Stratford Grangecon team manager Frank O’Neill plots a potential route to victory
Nigel O’Neill goes back to position after surging up field to score a fine point
The Junior team management provide instructions and encouragement for the second half
Midfielders James Whelan and Ger O’Keeffe go in for the second half throw in
It was a game where club stars were reborn! Michael Byrne puts in a polished performance and scores a good point for Stratford Grangecon
The intensity levels rise and rise around the Baltinglass venue as the Stratford Grangecon and Annacurra men give it everything they have got. The match could go either way as the minutes count down!
James Whelan receives the ball from Ger O’Keeffe and kicks over what turns out to be the final score for Stratford Grangecon
Stratford Grangecon goal keeper Ultan Rooney had a vital role to play in the final minutes as he makes a number of fine saves including a penalty!
Ultan Rooney organsises his defence
Stratford Grangecon win the game by 1 point and advance to the quarter final stage of the Junior C championship!
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2 Comments on "Juniors advance to the Championship quarter finals!"
It was hard to pick a man of the match but for me that honour goes to Shanks, great game lad 🙂