Accurate Lavey Edge Out Davitts

Swatragh 2-08 Lavey 0-17

For the second time in recent weeks Swatragh took on Lavey at Davitt Park, this time in the Derry League. Swatragh took to the field buoyed by their mid-week victory over Middletown in the Ulster League. The Davitts were still without key defensive duo Michael Conway and Malachy Scullin still on the sidelines with long term injuries. However, having kept a clean sheet in mid-week the Davitts were confident of doing so again.

Swatragh got of to a sluggish start, conceding a couple of early points and their hopes took a further knock when they lost key defender Niall O’Doherty to an arm injury. Luckily they were able to call on O’Keefe winner Declan McNicholl to fill the void.

With the wind in their favour Lavey were hitting some fine scores from long range, and were thankful for the accuracy of the experienced Olly Collins from placed balls. However, the returning Paddy McQuillan stormed through to bag a fine goal just before the break to keep the Davitts in touch.
Half time: Swatragh 1-05 Lavey 0-11.

Lavey opened the second half with a fine score from the wing, but Swatragh narrowed the gap once again with a goal out of nothing from Ruairi Convery. He somehow managed to dispossess the keeper and turn the ball into the net in one movement. Indeed the home side could have taken the lead when a thunderbolt from Convery hit the post with the keeper beaten.

However, for the remainder of the game Lavey regained their composure and with some further long range scores edged a tight game. The Davitts played some good stuff in fits and starts, but Lavey’s greater accuracy in front of goals paid dividends. Their ability to take scores from long range was particularly impressive.

Swatragh will be encouraged at keeping a clean sheet against a dangerous attack but need to close down their opponents better further from goal as well.
Final Score: Swatragh 2-08 Lavey 0-17

Team & Scorers: P. McFlynn, S. McFerran, S. Bradley, N. O’Doherty, C. McQuillan, C. Quinn (0-01), S. O’Kane, M. Quinn (0-01), M. McKenna , D. McGuckin (0-01), A. Diamond (0-01), J. McKeagney, P. McQuillan (1-01), R. Convery (1-02), E. McGuckin (0-01)
Subs: D. McNicholl for N. O’Doherty (inj), O. McGuckin for M. McKenna (inj), P. O’Kane for P. McQuillan.