Sporting Ennistymon Football Club Vs Lifford F.C – Premier Division

Sporting Ennistymon started their 2021/22 season with an opening day 3-2 win over Lifford F.C as they welcomed the Ennis side to Lahinch.

Sporting started the brightest and was nearly ahead on 3 minutes. A Darren McNamara cross was flicked over by Sean McConigley, who just could not direct his effort on goalward. It was a sign of things to come. 14 minutes later, the two linked up again, with Sean McConigley chesting and volleying home a Darren McNamara cross. Lifford F.C. was back on level terms in a matter of minutes.  Lifford’s number 11 equalised a few minutes after from a corner kick.

An Ixim Dagge shot outside from outside the box produced a fine save from Liffords keeper on 21 minutes. Dagge put Sporting back in front on 28 minutes as he finished high to the top right corner.  Michael Leigh fouled Liffords number nine in the box just before the half and the same player converted the resulting penalty to leave the sides level at the break.

Sean McConigley and Cian Fahy made way for Ciaran McMahon and Eanna Collins at halftime.

Halftime scoreline: Sporting Ennistymon 2-2 Lifford F.C

Lifford’s left-back fouled Ciaran McMahon on the hour mark. Eoin Marrinan scored the resulting penalty, which proved to be the winner. Sporting had the chance to extend the lead on 77 minutes. Good link-up play between Ciaran McMahon and Darren McNamara leads to a deflected shot that hit the post.

Good defensive work from Michael Leigh, Chris O’Keefe and Shane Kearney saw Sporting rewarded with all three points.

The Sporting Ennistymon teamsheet

Sporting Ennistymon F.C XI: Joe Gallagher, Tiernan Hogan, Shane Kearney, Michael Leigh, Ciaren Monaghan, Eoin Marrinan, Darren McNamara, Chris O’Keefe, Sean McConigley (Ciaren McMahon – HT), Ixim Dagge, Cian Fahy (Eanna Collins – HT).