Result: 3-09 to 3-13

Someone put it to me that this was the best performance from a losing side he had seen. Boden dominated for fifty minutes and lost our shape in the final ten. However, what I am seeing is progress each week and I have no doubt that the wins will come. This is definitely the second game that got away from us. Brendans last week when we could have won it with the last kick of the game and Davis’ today. It is a learning curve for all of us, we have to keep our scores ticking over and then close games out. Management will definitely learn from it.

Quite simply, some of our play was outstanding. We ran Davis’ ragged at times. I think every player that made an appearance today deserves a mention. The weather conditions were horrendous but to a man they rose above it and put on a performance worthy of Croke Park. In fact, Jim Gavins Dublin would not fancy us on this form. Adam Farrell in goal pulled of some amazing point blank saves, this young man stood up to Davis’ older crew and was so composed. We’re lucky to have him between the posts for sure. Shane Bobbett, Michael Dunne and Barry O’Donnell occupied the full back line and worked so hard and put their bodies on the line for the cause. Take a bow men.
Our half back line was led by the ever youthful Ian Clarke. He was flanked by Aiden Garvey and James McTiernan. Both wingbacks have bags of pace and they made huge inroads into the Davis’ goalmouth.James getting in on the scoring with a well taken point after a run down the wings.  All the time not neglecting their defensive duties. Aiden gave a man of the match performance, a young man just out of minor and a star in the making. He can only progress  his craft playing alongside the likes of Ian Clarke, no better mentor in my opinion. Keep it up young man.
Marshling Bodens midfield were Conor Barton and Seamus Keane. We worked hard in training the past week or so on the breaking ball. They did not disapoint. We must have won about 80% of the kickouts and breaking ball, a massive improvement. This was down to Conor and Seamus and was instrumental in our attacking play.
The half forwards of Sam Lally, Kevin O’Reilly and Carl Maloney all got on the score sheet. Sam 1-1, Carl 1-1, Kevin 0-1.
Their work rate was exceptional, working hard to stem the Davis’ attack and go on the counter attack. Damian Kenny, Ciaran Doyle and David ” Gilly ” Gilheaney graced the forward line. Gilly was running his marker ragged, didn’t give him a second,a thorn in his side. He also helped himself to a goal along the way. Damian contributed to the Boden scoreline with three well taken points. Not one to wait for the ball to make its way to him, he was making all the running and was demanding the ball. Ciaran was showing his class and was spreading the ball around the forward line with pinpoint accuracy. A huge loss when he came off with a tweaked hamstring.
Our full compliment of substitutions were used and they helped their team-mates straight away. Sean Mulligan for Ian Clarke, Andy Hughes for Ciaran Doyle & James Hutchinson for Carl Maloney. Andy was very unfortunate to pull up with an injury but Ross McCormack stepped in. He was unfortunate not to register a goal when his shot was somehow scrambled away by the Davis ‘ defence.
A lot of positives to take from the game, we can see the progress been made by the team and the future bodes well for the JAs. Keep the faith Men, we learn from it, park it and move on. Hold the heads high. Boden Abu.
Report by Martin O’Donnell.