BLAKE MCGARVEY STRUCK A hat-trick as Donegal Under-13s defeated Cavan/Monaghan in the SFAI Under-13 Inter League Cup in Cootehill yesterday.
Cavan/Monaghan Under-13s 0 Donegal Schoolboys Under-13s 4
Great weather, great surface, great performance and a great result for the Gerry Crossan’s team at the splendid Shamrock Park in Cootehill.
Donegal started well, getting their crisp passing going early but finding a well organised Cavan back five hard to break through.
Goalkeeper Patrick McGarvey made a super save after 10 months minutes to deny Cavan on their only dangerous break in the opening period.
Rory Pyper and Jamie Murray were pulling the strings in midfield, creating opportunities for a lively attacking unit of Daniel Gildea, Blake McGarvey, Adam Murphy and Adam Yissau.
The pressure finally paid off when the menacing McGarvey finished coolly after great approach play.
After the break the pattern continued with most attacks starting at the back, the superb Conor McDaid and Ultan O’Grady the catalysts for a host of raids on the home defence.
Their full backs were in tune too, Finnan Coyle and Shane Black spending most of the day in the opposition half.
The game clincher was arguably a super second from the Falcarragh flyer McGarvey converting a great cut back from the silky Gildea.
A hat-trick now in the air and it came soon.
Crossan rand the changes and the Donegal lads continued to impress in possession and McGarvey outstripped the defence to take the match ball home.
Joshua Bradley came off the bench to add further menace and he narrowly headed over before scoring a wonderful solo goal, running from the halfway line before curling a cracker into the top corner.
Donegal’s subs all impressed when introduced, Kyle Burns, Sean McGinley, Caomhan Wheeler and Tyler Durning all showing glimpses of what they have in the locker.
Next up it’s Inishowen in the local derby on March 12/13.
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