Stone retain U21 title - 28/01/03

Longstone 0-13 v Bryansford 0-10
County U21 Football Final 2002

Longstone Captain Conor Smith with Cup	Longstone Team which won the County U21 Final
Photos Taken By Louis McNally @ Longstone v Bryansford U21 Final at Ballykinlar

Longstone retained the Donaghy cup, winning the county U-21 Championship for the second year in succession ,when they proved to be too strong for the East Down Champions, Bryansford, in an entertaining game played at Ballykinler on Sunday past. Playing with great heart and conviction, Bryansford found that the calibre of Longstone was just too much.

A strong wind favoured the champions who raced into a two point lead through Conor Smith. Two frees by Chris Brannigan had the match level by the eighth minute before Trainor put the Stone in front.

Bryansford should have a goal later on the 18th minute when Fearghal Maguire was sent through for goal. Maguire's shot flew inches over the bar, to his disappointment. Lonstone added two more points through Smith and Barry Doran.

To add to Bryansford's misery, half back Stephen Ward was forced out of the game with a fractured collarbone. Longstone continued to threaten but were unable to add to their tally. Half-time 0-6 to 0-3 in favour of the Stone.

Bryansford now playing with the wind took to the field for the second half with enthusiasm. Longstone introduced substitute Stephen Doran into the fray. Fifteen seconds into the half and Doran had added his name to the score sheet. By the 40th minute the teams were still separated by six points (Brannigan having exchanged points with Doran and then Trainor).

Brannigan added four points for the Ford to cut the lead to two with five minutes left on the clock. The scores standing at 0-11 to 0-9.

A Trainor free was cancelled out by Brannigan before Lonstone player McComb burst away from midfield and pointed with seconds left to the final whistle.

League secretary Seamus Walsh presented the cup to the joyful Longstone Captain, Conor Smith.

Longstone team and scorers:
Conor Trainor, Ciaran Rodgers, Eamon Quinn, Ciaran Trainor, Glen Burden, Gerard Quinn, Conrad Rodgers, Norman McCombe 0-01, Sean Quinn, Barry Doran 0-01, Conor Smith 0-03, Ambrose Rodgers 0-01, Eamon Trimble, Aidan Trainor 0-05 and Mark Poland.
Sub Used: Stephen Doran 0-02.

Bryansford team and scorers:
S. J. Brannigan, Stephen Toner, Aidan Kane, J.J. Brannigan, Darragh Neeson, Stephen Ward, Paul MacFerran, Joe Ireland, Calum King 0-01, Niall Neeson, Chris Brannigan 0-08, Conor Gribben, Fergal Maguire 0-01, Daryl Valentine and Rory Donnelly.
Subs Used: Brendan McVeigh, John Rice, J.P. Brannigan and Daryl Murphy.

Referee: Con Reynolds.

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