TWO RAPID-FIRE goals laid the way for Naomh Conaill to post an impressive AllSportstore.com All-County Football League Division 1 win at Termon this evening.
Termon 3-12 Naomh Conaill 3-20
It took just 19 seconds for Eunan Doherty to drive Naomh Conaill in front and Leon Thompson added a second goal in the third minute to establish a foothold for the side managed by Martin Regan and Martin Doherty, who are now just a point ahead behind Kilcar at the top of the table.
Brendan McDyer, a half-time substitute, slapped home a third goal in the second half to make it 3-14 to 0-11 but Termon did manage three late goals, through Ricky Gallagher and two from Daire McDaid, who finished the evening with 2-6.
[adrotate group=”38″]Naomh Conaill, like they did at O’Donnell Park against St Eunan’s last month, goaled within 20 seconds to give themselves both a lead and a huge psychological advantage. The goal came from Eunan Doherty, who smashed past Michael Boyle following a pass from Eoghan McGettigan.
Two minutes later, Eunan Doherty turned provider when he set up Leon Thompson for a second goal to put Naomh Conaill firmly in the driving seat, 2-2 to 0-0 up following Dara Gallagher’s free.
Termon finally got off the mark on the 10th minute, through a fine Austin Marron score before two long-range free-kicks from Daire McDaid made it 2-2 to 0-3.
[adrotate group=”76″]It was a decent enough contest for a spell then, although Termon, managed by Francie Friel, were always chasing those two goals.
The home side scored the last three points to go in 2-7 to 0-7 in arrears, although Leon Thompson was in great form up front for Naomh Conaill, having posted 1-3 from play in that opening half hour.
The Naomh Conaill joint-management team rung the changes at half-time, with their strength in depth obvious with McDyer, John O’Malley and Stephen Molloy sprung from the bench.
With five points, Enda McCormick of Termon was doing his able best to help keep his side in touch and they did get back to 2-10 to 0-11 down.
[adrotate group=”82″]However, a galloping break from Naomh Conaill, initiated by Dermot Molloy, saw a lay-off to Dara Gallagher and onto the re-introduced Leon Thompon, who squared for goal number three on 48 minutes.
McCormick was forced off having been hit hard and almost fair by a genuine Leo McLoone shoulder, but Termon did at least rally.
Brendn Friel, on 52 minutes, played a delightful ball into space in front of the Naomh Conaill square and Daire McDaid won the race against visiting goalkeeper Stephen McGrath to grab a goal for the hosts.
Naomh Conaill, though, had too many aces in attack. Finishing off their personal totals for the evening, Dermot Molloy, who was also taken back on, scored four points and McGettigan three.
With four minutes left, the away team were 3-18 to 2-12 in front. However, Ricky Gallagher, at the second attempt from close range with his first effort was punched off the post did pull a goal back for Termon.
[adrotate group=”45″]Then, with the last play of the day, Daire McDaid got in and although it seemed as though referee Aidan McAleer had blown, the goal was allowed to stand. There were few complaints from either side and it is Naomh Conaill who, although may not be overly happy with the late concessions, left the Burn Road with two useful league points.
Termon: Michael Boyle; Kevin McElwaine, Kevin McDaid, Shane Callaghan; Steve McElwaine, Ricky Gallagher (1-0), James McSharry; Brendan Friel, Aidan Sweeney; Nathan McElwaine, Caolan McDaid, Enda McCormick (0-5, 1f); Johnny McCafferty, Austin Marron (0-1), Daire McDaid (2-6, 6f). Subs: Paddy McDaid for K McElwaine (16), Fionntán O’Flynn for Callaghan (half-time), Jimmy Gallagher for McSharry (36), Christy Connaghan for McCormick (43), Anthony McGrenra for McCafferty (49).
Naomh Conaill: Stephen McGrath; Aaron Thompson, Kevin McGettigan, Cathal Ellis; Marty Boyle, Eunan Doherty (1-0), Eoin Waide; Ciaran Thompson (0-1), Leo McLoone; James Doherty, Dermot Molloy (0-4), Dara Gallagher (0-3, 1f); Eoghan McGettigan (0-3), Seamus Corcoran, Leon Thompson (1-4). Subs: Brendan McDyer (1-2, 1f), John O’Malley (0-3, 2f) and Stephen Molloy for D Molloy, J Doherty and A Thompson (half-time), J Doherty and D Molloy for Boyle and Corcoran (45), A Thompson for McGettigan. Black card: James Doherty.
Referee: Aidan McAleer (Naomh Padraig, Muff)
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