Sunday 3rd March 2024

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It was heartbreak for Drumoghill whose gallant efforts to secure automatic promotion came within the width of a goalpost at the end of this encounter at The Moss.

 

With the score level in the 90th minute, Stephen Craig saw his effort from 12 yards rebound back off the inside of the post before Ballybofey were able to clear the ball to safety and ensure they remained unbeaten for an entire season.

 

Drumoghill though deserve credit for giving themselves any chance of winning the game at all after going two goals down inside the opening 15 minutes thanks to a double strike from Declan Glackin.

 

However Drumoghill came roaring back after reduced the deficit thanks to Gareth Hamilton's deft flick with a back heel on 32 minutes.

 

Drumoghill almost equalised a few minutes when later when Niall McCrossans clever through ball sent Liam O'Donnell clear but his effort just went wide from a narrow angle.

 

However, back came Ballybofey to extend their two goal advantage on the stroke of half time when Jude Patton took advantage of a richochet to beat Roy Duffy at his near post.

 

Drumoghill dominated the second half and again reduced the arrears through a brilliant strike from Lee Smyth the edge of the box after being set up by Hamilton.

 

Shortly afterwards, Drumoghill were level and this time it came from a brilliant Barry Tourish free kick from all of 40yards.

 

Odhran Bonnar may have been unsighted and Dylan McElhinney may have got the final touch, but it was game on again and Drumoghill went in search of the winning goal that would secure promotion.

 

However, the elusive winner would not come and left Drumoghill waiting on results elsewhere as Ballybofey completed an unbeaten season.