DERBY STALEMATE UNDER THE FLOODLIGHTS

COPANY TEAM

Copany and Letterbarrow played out a two all draw under the floodlights in wet conditions in Ballyshannon on Friday night.

Letterbarrow had the first chance in the match but could not capitalise on a mix up in the Copany defense with the striker missing the target.

Copany almost took the lead when Ryan Kerrigans effort cannoned off the post and into the path of Stephen Doherty, who could not adjust himself to find the finishing touch.

Letterbarrow took the lead on 44 minutes, when a fine long range free kick from James McGroary found the top corner of the net in the same net as his expertly taken free kick in the corresponding fixture last year.

Copany were level soon after the half time break, when a dangerous free kick from James Walsh was only cleared to the edge of the box to Paul McGrory, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner on 48 minutes.

On 51 minutes, the visitors retook the lead when some poor defensive work followed by a fortunate rebound left Stephen Graham with the simplest of chances to score against his former side.

Copany found the leveller for the second time on 55 minutes when a Thomas Given free kick from 22 yards squirmed under the keeper to the back of the net.

With the visitors tiring, Copany had the upper hand for the last half hour forcing a flurry of free kicks and corners, and Ryan Kerrigan was unfortunate not to find the onion bag when he danced around two players before rasping the crossbar on 69 minutes.

Kerrigan had another opportunity to secure what would have been a deserved home win near the end following a surging run and through ball from Stephen Doherty but fired straight at the keeper, as the visitors held on for a point.

James Walsh was best for Copany, with James McGroary best for Letterbarrow.

Referee: Liam Farren