Skipper Maxwell wins it for MCA

Although the game was played in non stop rain at Lisneal, it didn’t stop both teams playing some excellent football.

MCA had the upper hand in the opening exchanges and captain Ian Maxwell was unlucky to see his goal bound effort strike his own team mate Jack Doherty who in turn was unlucky to see his shot go narrowly wide.

The opening goal finally came about through some skillful play by Jack Doherty, who broke free before firing past Daniel Jones.

As so often happens, City were left to rue their earlier misses when Institute were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal, Blake Hill hit a thunderous drive which Shane Wallace could only palm out. The Institute forward was first to react to the breaking ball and made no mistake.

Institute should have taken the lead when an excellent ball split the MCA defence. but keeper Shane Wallace raced from his line to deny the Institute forward.

With the game delicately poised it was left to inspirational skipper Ian Maxwell to fire home the winning goal.

Jack McCloskey delivered another superb ball into the box which Institute defence failed to deal with, the ball fell kindly to Ian Maxwell who made no mistake slamming the ball high into the the net leaving the Institute keeper no chance.

Institute to their credit didn’t drop their heads and fought hard to gain an equaliser.

This was an excellent all round team performance. It would be hard to pick a man of the match so an extra word of praise goes to Jack McCloskey, Ryan Higgins, Odhran McCrossan and Ian Maxwell who were outstanding.

Maiden City: Shane Wallace, Ryan Higgins, Ethan Coll, Jack McCloskey, Jamie Burke, Ian Maxwell, Odhran McCrossan, Adam Doherty, Justin McGee, Jack Doherty. Subs: Eoghan Crilly, Josh Green, Oran McGill, Michael Kelly (all used).