Lifford Well Worth Their Derby Victory.

Another derby game between these 2 sides started with both teams very much trying to cancel each other out rather than take any early risks. Lifford were slow to start but did get going when the excellent Billy Doherty had a shot across goal that just went inches wide and in a dull first half Lifford ended well on top. The second half started fast from both teams. Rory Matthewson was coming more into the game for Castlefin after being well shackled by the tireless Billy Doherty and the sharp Euan Ward at left back. Billy was causing so many problems for Castlefin that they decided to man mark him but to no avail. Billy played a eye of the needle through ball to Captain Jake Devine,his first touch was outstanding setting himself up to dink the ball over the impressive Castlefin keeper. 1-0 Lifford. The score reflected how the game was going,Lifford were well on top and shouldve been awarded a penalty only for the ref to amazingly wave play on,much to the disgust of the outstanding Karl Friel. He allegedly said something that the ref deemed serious enough to show a red card. Much to the shock of everyone in the ground. Lifford down to 10 men,debutant Callum Boyle slotted back into the defence and although Castlefin created 2 or 3 chances Liffords defence was rock solid as they had been all first half. Logan Todd went into nets after the red card,he had an excellent defensive display right upto the moment he went into goal. He looked comfortable as he covered for his team. Callum Boyle played as if hes been playing with his team all season. He was outstanding as were all the team especially when they went a man down. The midfield 3 dominated again and the front 3 were electric all game. The defence were magnificent and held their nerve and stood strong for 20 mins against an extra player. Ronan O'Neill dictated the play all game with Gavin Rutherford breaking play up and doing the dirty work,letting O'Neill and Billy Doc take the game to Castlefin. Jake and Josh defended from the front after the red card and still caused Castlefin loads of problems. Corey McGlynn,Logan Todd,Blake Porter,Euan Ward and new boy Callum Boyle were like an immovable object all game. Karl Friel as ever was excellent when called upon and on the 1 rare occasion when Castlefin did get a clear shot away on goal,Karl pulled off a world class save. Another tight competitive derby that Lifford edged all due to utter resilience and determination and moment of brilliance from Billy and Jake for the goal and Karl Friels save. That resilience and belief was missing in the early stages of the season but is there in abundance now. Another 3 points and solid performance overall from Lifford. Castlefin will be a very hard team for anyone else to beat that is for sure.