SEAN MACUMHAILL’S got their second win of the season with a comfortable win over Killybegs last night in Division 2.
MacCumhaill’s 1-12 Killybegs 0-5
By Christopher Doherty, PRO
Both teams were without their county players and the first half proved to be entertaining with plenty of action. MacCumhaills earned a free from the first attack of the game when Stephen Mulligan was fouled but Darren O’Leary was unable to convert.
Photo caption: Nathan Gavigan of MacCumhaill’s bursts through the Killybegs defence in the All-County Football League Division 2 clash of the sides last night in Ballybofey. Photo: Christopher Doherty
It was half-back Gary Dunnion who ventured up the pitch and sweetly connected to point over with the first score of the game and straight away Gavin Reilly had his own score with a right footed effort facing the river end. Killybegs opened their own scoring account on six minutes with a pointed free from Eamon Bonner.
Brian Lafferty’s side-line ball pinpointed Shane Duffy who made a run at the Killybegs back line, found Joe Dunnion and offloaded the ball to midfielder Nathan Gavigan who burst through the tackles and smashed the ball into the net. Killybegs hit their second point from play five minutes later when Ward pointed.
Ronan Dunne reduced the deficit to two points soon after with a point from free. Darren O’Leary who had to shirk off plenty of challenges to win possession went roaring through but was fouled and his resulting effort dropped short to ‘keeper Kevin Martin. Ronan Dunne pointed again from play but Darren O’Leary held off the tackles once again to slot the ball over.
Mac Cumhaills conceded a free shortly after the 20 minute mark and the Killybegs goalkeeper Kevin Martin came up and converted. Christopher Patton was tested when a free in dropped short but he was able to guide the ball to safety. Points from play from Brian Lafferty and an exquisite long rage effort from Steven O’Reilly saw the half out and put the home side in with a three-point lead.
It was Sean MacCumhaills 1-5 Killybegs 0-5 at half-time.
MacCumhaill’s really ran riot in the second half and a steadfast defence restricted the visitors from scoring. Three scores from frees from Darren O’Leary (two) and Steven Mulligan set the tone for the second half. Brian Lafferty had his second point of the game soon after and Stephen Mulligan fisted a point over following an incisive run down the right wing and the lead was now a comfortable eight points.
Mac Cumhaills nearly added a second goal with 10 minutes to go but Gavin Reilly’s effort was diverted by the goalkeeper and his inrushing team mate couldn’t make a clean connection to finish it. Darren O’Leary hit 2 more points from frees and Killybegs recorded a series of wides in an effort to get on the scoring board for the second half.
Sean MacCumhaill’s: Chris Patton; Gerard Grindle, Martin Gallagher, Ronan McMenamin; Joe Dunnion, Gary Dunnion (0-1), Aaron Kelly; Steven O’Reilly (0-1), Nathan Gavigan (1-0); Brian Lafferty (0-2), Gary Wilson, Shane Duffy; Stephen Mulligan (0-2, 1f), Darren O’Leary (0-5, 4f), Gavin Reilly (0-1). Subs: James Beirne for Joe Dunnion, Rory Dunleavy for Gavin Reilly, Adam Lynch for Stephen Mulligan, Darren McGowan for Shane Duffy
Killybegs: Kevin Martin (0-1, 1f); Christopher Cunningham, Niall Carbery, Owen Gallagher; Antonie O’Hara, Barry Cannon, David McGuinness; Christopher Murrin, Paul Cunningham; Eamonn Bonner, Ryan Ward (0-1); Evan Broderick (0-2,1f), Jon ‘Ban’ Gallagher, Daniel O’Keaney. Sub: Ronan Dunne.
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