minors fail to take off at aldergrove

The trip to Crumlin to face Aldergrove was able to be be fulfilled due to a large contingent of under 16’s helping to swell the ranks of the depleted exam-tied minor team.
The first half started well for the visitors with Ben Leonard performing well in the midfield area and James Gildea latching on initially to some break ball. Gradually the Malone boys took the lead thanks to some excellent work by Sean McKernan in defence who broke up attacks and helped set up the counter for Mooney and McGrady to convert at the other end.
The half time score of 9 points to 7 looked promising for the Blues.
The second half started well with Ronan McGrady starting to dominate his man and going on to score from placed ball time and time again. However, with 4 or 5 missing from the normal minor defence, eventually spaces opened and despite the best efforts of 15 year old Niall Lundy and 16 year old Conor Leonard, the lively Aldergrove full forward line got in for two goals to swing the game in the reds’ favour. 
A late McGrady opportunist goal from close range was cancelled out in the last minute with an Aldergrove counter attacking goal.
 
All in all it was a relief to be able to field given the number of players missing due to exam commitments. However, a lack of work rate was a concern for the mangaement trio.
A minor match is scheduled for next Tuesday at 7:15 at Musgrave v Antrim town.
Players are encouraged to train with the Div 4 team over the weekend.