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“We could have and should have
won” – Doogan
31.10.08
VHI Healthcare Ulster
Senior Ladies Club Final
MOVILLE'S superb draw with Donaghmoyne in the Ulster
Senior Ladies Club Football Championship in Galbally,
South Tyrone last Sunday drew praise from both team
managers.
Moville boss Anthony Doogan said his side had
performed superbly when their backs were to the wall
in the second half.
Moville’s Anita Doherty was repositioned as an extra
defender in front of the full back line and Niamh
Hegarty was redeployed as a third midfielder. Mr
Doogan said the steps were necessary to try to
negate the Monaghan side’s wind advantage after the
break.
“It was a superb second half performance given that
there was a gale-force wind against us and we were
only two points up at the break. We rearranged at
half-time to set us up with a comprehensive
defensive mentality, with an extra defender, extra
midfielder an two lines of two [up front]. We worked
the ball up [the field] very slowly with lots of
control.
“We were nervous in the first half and over-kicked
the ball. The wind was so strong that passes ended
up over the end-line and side-line,” said Doogan. |
The Moville coach took
issue with the assertion that, coupled with
Moville’s sterling defensive effort, Donaghmoyne’s
display had been somewhat flat.
“I don’t think anyone was flat out there today. It
was a superbly competitive game of football. Both
defences were superb in their handling and working
the ball calmly out of defence. It was typical low
scoring winter football. |
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“We went into the
dressing room [after the match] convinced that we
could have and should have won the match. We had
about 70% of the possession, although we had no
option against the wind but to work the ball
deliberately up the field and the ball just never
got into someone free in the full forward line to
get the scores.”
Donaghmoyne went into the game as favourites, but
after 60 minutes of football against the Monaghan
side Doogan was adamant the ‘fear-factor’ had now
gone.
“The is absolutely no [fear-factor]. We’re
absolutely gunning for the next match. We are
convinced that we can win.”
A relieved Donaghmoyne boss Francie Coleman said his
side ‘were lucky to get a second chance’ against the
Donegal champions.
“I thought Moville were a fine team, they do nothing
wrong. They move the ball very fast, but still keep
the ball well and work for each other. They were
very unlucky they didn’t win today.”
That said, Mr Coleman stressed Sunday’s performance
was not Donaghmoyne at their best.
“We didn’t play as a team today and seemed to panic
in front of goals, but I must say the backs on both
teams were on top.
“The girls are disappointed at how they played, but
relieved to get a second chance. It was a big plus
for Moville to get a draw today and it will help
them maybe more than it will help us.”
The sides will meet again at Pearse Park on Saturday
for the right to face Carnacon in the All Ireland
semi-final in twelve days time. The Mayo champions
defeated Roscommon’s St Brigids in the Conacht final
on Sunday. |
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