Glen 0-8 1-04 St Eunan’s
Derry champion’s Glen beat Donegal champions by a single point in a very heated affair in the first round of the Ulster Senior Club championship.
In a game, that was in all honesty, a pretty tough watch for the first 50 minutes or so, burst into life in the last ten minutes, packing in all the drama you would expect in these games.
St Eunan’s were boringly, but impressively defensive, and frustrated the life out of the Watty Graham’s, throughout most of the game.
St Eunan’s manager Rory Kavanagh organises his teamAfter an early goal, the Donegal champs held onto their lead, keeping possession for most of the match, and taking an age to take their set pieces, much to the frustration of Glen.
It seemed to be working a treat as they kept the Derry side at bay by two points for what seemed like forever, until the 54th minute, when centre half back Ciaran McFaul kicks a wonder score to turn it into a one point game.
Then, almost out of nowhere, the St Eunan’s usually well packed defence was completely wide open as substitute Stevie O’Hara was one on one with the goalkeeper, only to be dragged down, and a Glen penalty awarded.
FT RESULT: @AIB_GAA Ulster Club SFC First Round@StEunansGAA 1-4 (7)@WattyGrahamsGAA 0-8 (8)#UlsterClub2021 #ClubMeansMore
— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) November 21, 2021
Bizarrely no one seemed confident enough to step up and take the penalty and after much deliberation, Conleth McGuckian took the spot-kick only to be denied by the keeper, and with the clock ticking past the 56th minute it seemed time was running out.
That was until Michael Warnock found himself with some space as a nervy St Eunan’s defence stood off, hoping the distance would be too much for him to score, a grave mistake in this instance.
Warnock’s long-range equaliser came as the game just tipped into injury time, and in a moment of craziness, Eunan’s half-forward collects a kick out and hand passes it straight back to the goalkeeper.
Brilliant drama in the Ulster Championship as Glen miss a penalty late in the game when still a point down, but equalise soon after. On the 59th minute a silly back pass to the Eunan's keeper results in a easy free for Danny Tallon to tap over the winner!
Glen are through!!
— Lee Costello (@sitelee) November 21, 2021
Knowing straight away the mistake he made he had his hands in his head as the referee awarded Danny Tallon with the easiest, and yet, most important free of his career.
The sharp shooter didn’t disappoint, slotting the ball over, and securing Glen’s place in the next round of the Ulster Championship where they will face Monaghan’s Scotstown.
This was a historic day for Glen, as it is the first time they have ever competed in this competition, and they know have their first win under their belt.
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