Ballyboughal come out on top in goal-fest that saw one of the great Croke Park midfield performances

St. Andrew's Malahide NS 4-02

Ballyboughal NS 4-13

Daniel McGill was inspirational for Ballyboughal today as they came out on top in an absolute goal-fest at Croke Park against St. Andrew's Malahide.

It was the Malahide team who started the brighter of the two racing into a two goal lead. Their first was scored by captain Sam Forde who battled hard all day long, their second was coolly executed by corner forward Anna Grogan. The two goals was exactly the kick that Ballyboughal needed, as they came right back at their Malahide counterparts with a goal through Harry Bryan. Bryan, who showed some great skill throughout, in particular a sidestep that Brian Howard would be proud off, drove his side back into the match. They quickly levelled the game up and it was clear that this game would be remembered for it's goals Ballyboughal looked to be taking control of the game as they tagged on a couple scores. St. Andrew's where given a lifeline however, when Anna Grogan was bundled over inside the square. Up stepped captain Forde to bury the penalty and leave St. Andrew's only four behind at half-time. St. Andrew's battled bravely in the second half, in particular Grogan and Oscar Prenderville, the latter scoring an absolutely magnificent goal, fit to grace any occasion. Despite this, Ballyboughal dominated proceedings in the second half, in particular McGill who kept popping up all over the pitch. He chased, he harried, he won clean ball, dirty ball. It was one of the best individual performances of the day. His point towards the end was a joy to watch as he intercepted a loose pass, executed a one-two and fired over from a tight angle. St. Andrew's never gave in, and could have had another couple of goals themselves, one feels the umpires should have done more to alert the referee to a goal-mouth scramble where the ball did indeed cross the line. However, Ballyboughal where full value for the win. McGill's performance was really something special, this is definitely a talent to watch out for in the future.