Longwood's U14 footballers lost out to rivals Moynalvey in the final of the Spring League in Dunganny.

There was little between the teams as they matched each other score for score throughout the game.

Despite playing with the aid of a breeze, Longwood took some time to settle and were unlucky to concede a deflected goal in the early minutes.

Josh Meagher was starting to cause the opposing defence some problems with his pacy runs and he opened Longwood's account with a well taken point from play

in the ninth minute.  Moynalvey responded with two quick points from play to extend their lead.  

The remainder of the first half saw the team share 4 scores; a brace of frees from Sam Dixon sandwiching two more Moynalvey points.

Half time: Moynalvey 1-4 Longwood 0-3

Facing into a strengthening breeze for the second half, Longwood came out in determined mood.  A hotly debated penalty was dispatched to the roof of the net by Sam Dixon

to reduce the margin to just 1 point within 5 minutes of the restart.  The Longwood support roared their approval with the cup now very much up for grabs.

To Moynalvey's credit, they responded with an excellent point before Luke O'Donnell fisted over another to once again leave the minimum between the teams.  Ciaran Sheridan, who played a captain's part with a commanding performance in midfield brought the sides level with a fine point from play.  

Just as Longwood appeared to be taking control, a high ball into the square fell somewhat fortunately to a Moynalvey forward who finished it to the net.  This proved to be the crucial score and, try as the might, Longwood's young warriors could not bridge the gap in the remaining minutes.  A Quin Fisher goal gave hope but Moynalvey were always able to respond with a score.

So the spoils go to Moynalvey and we congratulate them accordingly.  Defeat in a final is always hard to take but there are positives to be taken from the game. 

Those present at the game will have witnessed strong performances from Coyle O'Brien, Adam Leacy, Ciaran Sheridan, Quin Fisher and Sam Dixon to name but a few.

Another heartening aspect from a Longwood perspective was the incredibly strong contribution from many of our U12 players throughout the league campaign.  These fine young footballers have a chance to gain immediate compensation when they play in Saturday's U12 Football League Final.  We wish them every success.

A disappointing end to the league for the boys in white.  They played 7 matches in the league and tasted defeat only once, sadly in the final.  However, they have progessed with every game and, with a number of key players set to return from holiday and injury, they look well set to perform strongly in Féile Peile Na nÓg next weekend.  

We ask everybody to come out and support the team during Féile.  These lads are the future for Longwood and the future looks bright!

Final Score: Moynalvey 2-8 Longwood 2-5

Longwood: Malachy Fisher, Shane Campbell, Coyle O'Brien, Brian Stagg, John Gill, Adam Leacy, Conor Dixon, Ciaran Sheridan (Capt) (0-1), Quin Fisher (1-0), Josh Meagher (0-1), Luke O'Donnell (0-1), Donal Stagg, Michael Condon, Sam Dixon (1-2), Ben McLoughlin. Subs: Laoghaire Connolly, Evan Palmer, Luke Brady, Cathal Brogan, David Dixon