U12 Inter-League Ulster/Connaught Group Stage

Donegal Schoolboys 2-2 Sligo/Leitrim

Donegal and Sligo/Leitrim shared the spoils in a tense opening tie of the inter league group stage. From the start the nerves were evident though it was Donegal who fashioned the opening chance of the game when Frankie Campbell played Jamie Grant in, only to be crowded out by the Sligo/Leitrim defence. It was Sligo/Leitrim who came closest to breaking the deadlock early on when Seamus Keogh broke down the right hand side and fired a shot of the Donegal crossbar. Jack Murphy was looking lively for Donegal and when a harsh free kick was given against the Sligo/Leitrim keeper it presented the midfielder with an opportunity to strike which he duly obliged. The second half started much the same and Donegal doubled their advantage in the 39th minute. Enda McDevitt's interception in the middle of the pitch allowed him to advance and play through pacey striker Jason McDaid who delightfully finished over the onrushing keeper. Sligo/Leitrim hit back 4 minutes later when a corner from the right was flicked on at the near post to Cian Kilcoyne in the six yard box to sweep home. Donegal were given an opportunity to restore their 2 goal lead instantly when Jack Murphy was fouled inside the Sligo/Leitrim box. The midfielder picked himself up, though his confident strike was denied by Cathal Feely in the Sligo/Leitrim goal. The Sligo/Leitrim netminder again foiled Donegal minutes later when he denied both Calvin Murray and Conor Black in quick succession. With 10 minutes remaining it was Sligo/Leitrim who grabbed an equaliser when another corner from the right was met by Bryan Lynch who's header looped into the net. In the closing it was Donegal who looked the most likely to find a winner but no clear cut chances arose and they had to settle for a draw.

DONEGAL SCHOOLBOYS: John Mathews, Ciaran Tobin, Jack McAuley, Donal McBride, Stephen Black, Jack Murphy, Jamie Grant, Enda McDevitt, Jason McDaid, Frank Campbell, Conor Black. Subs used: Ciaran Moore, Michael Harris and Calvin Murray.