McColgan pleased with second half performance in Oscar Traynor first leg

Inishowen League defender Lee McColgan was pleased with his side's second half performance as they took a 3-2 loss away to the Donegal Junior League in the Oscar Traynor Cup.

Andrew Foley’s men were 3-0 down at the break, despite having more chances than their counterparts, and the tie could have run away from them.

But goals from Jay Bradley and Peter Doherty gave them a big help going into the second leg at Maginn Park on December 13.

“Going in at half-time, everybody kind of knew we still had a chance, and it was three mistakes more than anything," McColgan said post match.

“We stayed in the game, and we had our own chances in the first half, so we knew to go flying at it in the second half.

“We changed the shape in the second half and went two up front, and that caused a lot of danger. With Garbhan (Friel) coming on, we knew he’d be a handful up front, so we knew with a high press and keeping them in with the wind in the second half that we’d have as much chance as any.

“At half-time, we would have definitely taken 3-2. It didn’t look great at that point, but we’ll be happy with that going back to Maginn Park. Hopefully, the weather will be a bit better, and there can be a bit more football played.”

With no Cavan/Monaghan side anymore since the return of the Oscar Traynor, Inishowen and Donegal have become familiar foes in this competition, but the Donegal men have gotten the better of them over the last two years.

But the Cockhill Celtic man feels that their side are strong and, with a host of Cockhill and Buncrana Hearts players in the team, Jamie McKinney of Clonmany Shamrocks the only starter from Sunday outside of that pair, the team cohesion is a big help.

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“We have a good squad, and we’re looking to give it a good rattle, so hopefully we can do the business in Maginn.

“We know most of these boys we’re coming up against from club level, and the Oscar Traynor, and they have a good side, so we’re almost used to playing against them at this point, but it’s always a good fight.

“There’s a bit of chemistry there, and you know the man beside you and the way he plays, and how to cover him, when to attack and sit in, so it’s definitely a help.”