WHEN ALL WAS said and done in Ture a draw seemed to satisfy both sides as Damien Browne’s injury time free secured a share of the spoils for Red Hughs at Naomh Padraig.
Naomh Padraig, Muff 0-12 Red Hughs 1-09
Browne and his opposite number Colm McColgan each scored five points for their teams on an afternoon that entertained without getting out of third gear.
Calvin Bradley’s 25th minute goal was a key moment for Red Hughs, but it was Naomh Padraig who probably left feeling that they should have had the win in this Michael Murphy Sports Junior A Championship clash.
There was the moment, five minutes from the end, when McColgan fetched a high ball into the edge of the square, spun and fired goalward, but his shot flew up and over Ciaran Kelly’s crossbar.
[adrotate group=”68″]These two sides are vying for the promotion places in Division 4 of the All-County Football League, but the Muff men entered today without stellar figures in Damian Diver, Eunan Keaveney, Ryan McColgan, Mark Doherty, Anthony McColgan and Donegal minor Aidan McLaughlin.
It was the hosts, though, who began with a pep in their step, Colm McColgan, Declan McLaughlin and Cathal McColgan putting them 0-3 to 0-1 ahead.
McLaughlin’s second free of the day had them 0-4 to 0-2 in front when they were rocked back on the heels as Red Hughs broke for the goal. Oran Doherty’s endeavour was vital and it was from James Carlin’s deliver that Bradley took receipt of the ball.
[adrotate group=”37″]Bradley drilled a bullet to the back of the Naomh Padraig net, his low drive giving Joe McCauley little chance.
At the break, the teams were level, 0-6 to 1-3, Carlin scoring the leveling point in added time after James Curran curled over and Colm McColgan boomed over from the ’45.
Browne and McColgan traded scores at the outset of part two before Bradley put the visitors back in front and Browne showed his prowess with an enterprising hit in the 43rd minute that put two points between them.
[adrotate group=”76″]Curran’s rampaging runs from deep were a real feature for Naomh Padraig and he ended with three points.
One of those, in the 44th minute, might have ended in a goal, but Curran elected to settle for a point.
McColgan fisted off the post and a follow-up by Martin Duffy didn’t trouble Kelly and there was a sense that a winner could be found by either team.
[adrotate group=”46″]Curran was falling when he still managed to land a fine score. With McColgan and Darragh McConway also raising white flags, Naomh Padraig were two to the good as the time went to the discretion of Enda McFeely, the refere.
Just as he was about to blow for time, Browne, moments after he delightfully split the sticks from just beyond the ’45, kept his cool to earn Seosamh Mac Ceallabhuí’s men a useful draw.
[adrotate group=”37″]Naomh Padraig, Muff: Joe McCauley; Justin Gallagher, Damian Laird, Gary McKinney; James Curran, Enda McColgan, Greg Breslin; Cathal McColgan (0-1), Colm McColgan (0-5); Darragh McConway (0-1), Martin Duffy, Stephen McLaughlin; Barry McColgan, Declan McLaughlin (0-2, 2f), Brian McColgan. Sub: Barry Hegarty for E.McColgan (50).
Red Hughs: Ciaran Kelly; Pauric McMenamin, Sean Sweeney, Dylan Irwin; Gerard Melaugh, Shane Gallagher, Cathal Doherty; Damian Browne (0-5, 3f), Oran Doherty; Alan Mongan, Calvin Bradley (1-1), James Carlin (0-1); Colm Melaugh (0-1), Martin Bonner, David Gallen. Sub: PJ Gallagher for Gallen (50).
Referee: Enda McFeely (St Mary’s, Convoy).
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