Cratloe on top in game of missed chances

Cratloe  0-8   Clondegad  1-3

In a game of missed chances at Gurteen on Sunday evening, competition favourites Cratloe came out on top to progress to the semi-final stage of the U-21A Football Championship.
Both sides were guilty of missed chances and this was particularly true of the winners in the opening half.
Lining out without players of the calibre of Shane Brennan (injured) and Tony Kelly (absent due to Clare minor hurling commitments) was a huge blow to Clondegad.
Cratloe led by three points at half-time and increased this to four early in the second half. A pointed free by Paudge McMahon closed the gap before the Clare U-21 captain scored the game’s only goal to tie up the game.
This sparked off a strong response from Cratloe and with Conor Ryan dominating at midfield, they created the chances that led to vital points from Paudge Collins, Cathal McInerney and Joe McGath.
Clondegad tried hard to get back on terms but McMahon lacked support up front.
In the semi-final, Cratloe will play Lissycasey.

Cratloe: Jamie Joyce; Wes De Loughrey, Sean Hynan, Gerry Cooney; Pa Carey, Liam Markham, Enda Boyce; Conor Ryan, Shane Golden; Dean De Loughrey, Paudge Collins, Kane O’Shea; Cathal McInerney, Joe O’Connor, Conor McGrath.
Subs: Pa Sheehan for D De Loughrey and De Loughrey for O’Shea.
Clondegad: Declan O’Loughlin; Cormac Ryan, Brian Murphy, Conor Gavin; Joe Neylon, Declan Keane, Paul Flanagan; James Murphy, David Sheehan; Stephen Enright, Paudge McMahon, Shane Harkin; Patrick Glynn, Eoin Donlon, Liam Meaney.
Subs: Kieran McCarthy for Sheehan and Eoin Glynn for P Glynn.