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“We could have and should have won” – Doogan 31.10.08

VHI Healthcare Ulster Senior Ladies Club Final

MOVILLE'S superb draw with Donaghmoyne in the Ulster Senior Ladies Club Football Championship in Galbally, South Tyrone last Sunday drew praise from both team managers.
Moville boss Anthony Doogan said his side had performed superbly when their backs were to the wall in the second half.
Moville’s Anita Doherty was repositioned as an extra defender in front of the full back line and Niamh Hegarty was redeployed as a third midfielder. Mr Doogan said the steps were necessary to try to negate the Monaghan side’s wind advantage after the break.
“It was a superb second half performance given that there was a gale-force wind against us and we were only two points up at the break. We rearranged at half-time to set us up with a comprehensive defensive mentality, with an extra defender, extra midfielder an two lines of two [up front]. We worked the ball up [the field] very slowly with lots of control.
“We were nervous in the first half and over-kicked the ball. The wind was so strong that passes ended up over the end-line and side-line,” said Doogan.
The Moville coach took issue with the assertion that, coupled with Moville’s sterling defensive effort, Donaghmoyne’s display had been somewhat flat.
“I don’t think anyone was flat out there today. It was a superbly competitive game of football. Both defences were superb in their handling and working the ball calmly out of defence. It was typical low scoring winter football.
Anthony Doogan
“We went into the dressing room [after the match] convinced that we could have and should have won the match. We had about 70% of the possession, although we had no option against the wind but to work the ball deliberately up the field and the ball just never got into someone free in the full forward line to get the scores.”
Donaghmoyne went into the game as favourites, but after 60 minutes of football against the Monaghan side Doogan was adamant the ‘fear-factor’ had now gone.
“The is absolutely no [fear-factor]. We’re absolutely gunning for the next match. We are convinced that we can win.”
A relieved Donaghmoyne boss Francie Coleman said his side ‘were lucky to get a second chance’ against the Donegal champions.
“I thought Moville were a fine team, they do nothing wrong. They move the ball very fast, but still keep the ball well and work for each other. They were very unlucky they didn’t win today.”
That said, Mr Coleman stressed Sunday’s performance was not Donaghmoyne at their best.
“We didn’t play as a team today and seemed to panic in front of goals, but I must say the backs on both teams were on top.
“The girls are disappointed at how they played, but relieved to get a second chance. It was a big plus for Moville to get a draw today and it will help them maybe more than it will help us.”
The sides will meet again at Pearse Park on Saturday for the right to face Carnacon in the All Ireland semi-final in twelve days time. The Mayo champions defeated Roscommon’s St Brigids in the Conacht final on Sunday.
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