Goals make the difference for Buncrana in win over Killybegs

Buncrana inflicted a second defeat in-a-row on Killybegs thanks to their goalscoring ability.

It was an emotional win for the Scarvey residents as centre-half-back JP McKenna played a week after losing his brother, Jimmy. A minute's silence was observed prior to the start of the game.

Dylan Mulholland had the opening point for Buncrana in the first minute but Ryan Cunningham quickly replied. Buncrana were using the direct ball with big Kevin Treacy the target.

The post saved Killybegs on two occasions before veteran William McLaughlin came forward to nudge Buncrana ahead again.
They did get the goal on their third attempt, this time John Campbell lofted one in and midfielder Peter McLaughlin was in place to flick to the net.

But they were unable to build on the lead and Killybegs gradually got into their stride, although they did have a few wides.
Rory Colyer had their second point on 20 minutes and Jack McSharry quickly added two more, his second just scraping the crossbar as he went for goal.

The impressive Dylan Mulholland had Buncrana's last point of the half while Ryan Cunningham closed out the first half scoring with a free.
Half-time: Killybegs 0-5, Buncrana 1-3.

Ryan Carr had Killybegs level within a minute of the restart and Jack McSharry pushed the Fishermen ahead for the first time. Dylan Mulholland missed an easy free but then made up for it with a great point from play.

There were a couple of great blocks at either end of the field, Ryan Cunningham doing some great defensive work. John Campbell had Buncrana ahead again from a free before a doubtful looking effort from Evan Broderick was awarded.

Odhran McGuinness hit a very good score to have Killybegs ahead again on 42 minutes. It was nip and tuck with Jack O'Loughlin and Odhran McGuinness trading scores but a second goal for Buncrana on 54 minutes proved to be the vital score.

Corner-back William McLaughlin fired in the high ball and big John Campbell was at the back post to fist to the net. Evan Broderick cut the lead to the minimum but two wuick points from substitute Darach O'Connor and John Campbell pushed the lead to three with time almost up.

Killybegs had one last chance and Odhran McGuinness hit a good centre but Buncrana 'keeper Adam Harrigan got a touch to it and it went over the bar.

The win puts Buncrana back in the mix at the top of Division 2 and it looks like there will be three or four clubs in contention.

Killybegs scorers: Jack McSharry, Odhran McGuinness 0-3 each; Evan Broderick, Ryan Cunningham (1f) 0-2 each; Ryan Carr, Rory Colyer 0-1 each.
Buncrana scorers: John Campbell 1-2,1f; Dylan Mulholland 0-3; Peter McLaughlin 1-0; William McLaughlin, Darach O'Connor, Jack O'Loughlin 0-1 each.

Killybegs: Corey Byrne; Eoin McGing, Cillian Gildea, Ryan Carr; Charlie Breslin, Jon Ban Gallagher, Michael Callaghan; Seamus Og Byrne, Evan Broderick; Rory Colyer, Chris Mulligan, Odhran McGuinness; Eoin Mulligan, Ryan Cunningham, Jack McSharry.
Subs: Christopher Murrin for S Og Byrne; Josh Colyer for E Mulligan.

Buncrana: Adam Harrigan; Aedan Stokes, Sean Doherty, William McLaughlin; Liam Jordan, JP McKenna, Evan McCallion; Peter McLaughlin, Darragh Corry; Dylan Mulholland, Oisin Crawford; Oisin O'Flaherty, Kevin Treacy, John Campbell.
Subs: Jack O'Loughlin for Corry; Conor Graham for Jordan; Oisin Grant for O'Flaherty; Darragh Corry for McCallion; Darach O'Connor for Treacy.

Referee: Marc Brown (Four Masters)