Moynalty 1-15 Nobber 2-11 

Moynalty opened their Division 4 league campaign with a hard-fought win at home to neighbours Nobber.

Played in blustery conditions, the contest didn’t disappoint as both sides showcased excellent skill, including a number of two-point scores and some well-taken goals. Nobber will be disappointed not to take something from the game. They led for long periods and physically dominated their youthful opponents in several key areas. However, they were unable to finish off the men in red, who battled relentlessly and eventually snatched the win deep into added time. 

Nobber opened the scoring with a free after some indiscipline in the Moynalty attack. Young Eoin Gilsenan, who had an impressive outing at full forward, responded almost immediately to level matters. The visitors then hit a purple patch, striking for two goals in the space of two minutes. This seemed to sap Moynalty’s energy as they struggled to get their passing game going and made several handling errors. Paul Lynch eventually settled them with a superb two-point score to reduce the deficit. 

Nobber responded with another point from a free before Moynalty began to grow into the game. Cathal Donaghue showed great skill to nip in for a point from close range, while Sean McMahon opened his account for the day. Paddy Byrne then added a point from a free before Paul Lynch struck his second two-pointer from almost the exact same position as his first. Despite the momentum shifting, Nobber remained composed and finished the half strongly with another point from close range. 

Half-Time: Moynalty 0-08 | Nobber 2-04 

Moynalty emerged for the second half with renewed intensity and quickly got on the scoreboard through Paddy Byrne. Moments later, Sean McMahon struck for Moynalty’s crucial goal and suddenly the game was firmly in the balance. Nobber, now aided by the wind, responded with an excellent two-point score, but Moynalty answered again through two well-taken frees from Paddy Byrne after sustained attacking pressure from the home side. The visitors hit back once more with a huge two-pointer before adding another point to edge themselves back in front. 

By this stage Paddy Byrne was becoming a major influence in midfield. He was dominating the kick-outs and much of Moynalty’s attacking play was flowing through the hardworking midfielder. Bryan McCormack then showed great strength and awareness to create space and slot over a fine point with eight minutes remaining. Both teams worked tirelessly to carve out scores in the closing stages. It looked as though Nobber were about to secure the victory when they struck points in the 29th and 30th minutes to move two ahead. 

However, Moynalty kept their composure and continued to attack. Their persistence paid off when they were awarded a free which Paddy Byrne confidently converted. Jude Gilsenan then levelled the match with an excellent score from the left side, setting up a dramatic finale. 

Nobber had a late chance to win the game, but some superb defending from Joey Gilsenan snuffed out the danger. Within seconds the ball had been worked up field, passing through the hands of ten Moynalty players in a sweeping move before the home side won a free. Paddy Byrne stepped up once again and calmly slotted the winning score. 

Almost immediately after the kick-out, the final whistle sounded, securing a dramatic victory for Moynalty. 

Moynalty scorers: Paddy Byrne 0-6, Paul Lynch 0-4, Sean McMahon 1-1, Eoin Gilsenan 0-1, Bryan McCormack 0-01, Cathal Donaghue 0-1, Jude Gilsenan 0-1 

Moynalty Team: Johnny Lynch, Shane Bennett, Niall O Connor, Joe Gilsenan, Dylan Farrelly, David Daly, Ollie Sheridan, Paddy Byrne, John Brogan, Paul Lynch, Seanie Curran, Cathal Donoghue, Bryan McCormack, Eoin Gilsenan, Sean McMahon. 

Subs Used:, Jude Gilsenan, Joe McMahon 

 

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