St Naul’s recorded a big win over Glenfin at the Pairc Gearoid O’Gallachoir, Mountcharles on what was ideal conditions for the game on Saturday.
St Naul’s 3-7 Glenfin 0-9
The victory for Barry Meehan’s side meant they climbed to second in the Marley Travel Division 2 table behind Killybegs.
Before the contest, St Naul’s were missing John Rose and young Dermot Gallagher from the starting line up but were able to call on Peader Mogan who has returned from Australia. Glenfin also had a number of late withdrawals.
Neither side was able to field their county senior players.
After a laboured start, the home side secured a superb goal that was started and finished by Michael Coughlan following good link play by Daniel Brennan, which got the home crowd roaring their team on.
Points were traded with Stephen and Gerard Ward and Jason Morrow scoring points for Glenfin while Daniel Brennan and Lee McBrearty from open play and Stephen Griffin from a free-kick scored for St.Naul’s in the first half.
St.Naul’s also had to rely on a very good Gavin Mulreany save to go in at the break 1-03 to 0-03 up.
After a quick point by Danny McGlynn at the start of the second half, St.Naul’s swiftly replied by the impressive Michael Coughlan.
St Naul’s started to turn the screw when Daniel Brennan hit the second goal for the home side with another fine strike before the 40-minute mark.
Danny McGlynn, Jason Morrow and Gerard Ward again kept the scoreboard ticking for Glenfin with Stuart Johnston reacting quickest when Gavin Mulreany’s free dropped short to put the ball over the bar.
Glenfin tagged on a couple of more points after a Stephen Griffin point from a free but it was a nervous last few minutes as Glenfin closed the gap to just three points.
But a ‘45’ from The Naul’s goalkeeper left some distance between the sides and a very close range goal from Stuart Johnston after a good run by Daniel Brennan right on full-time.
St.Naul’s ran out very deserving winners on a scoreline of 3-07 to 0-09. A good all round team performance for St.Naul’s with some of their young players growing in stature throughout the game while they were helped along the way by the more seasoned campaigners.
St Naul’s: Gavin Mulreaney (0-1 ’45’); Martin Breslin, John Relihan, Conor McBrearty; Daniel Gallagher, Peadar Mogan, Michael Coughlan (1-1); Lee McBrearty (0-1), Barry Griffin; Ian Campbell, Daniel Brennan (1-1), Cathal Lowther; Shane Conneely, Stuart Johnston (1-1), Stephen Griffin (0-2,2f).
Glenfin: Andrew Walsh; Gary Herron, John Harkin, Martin O’Donnell; Odhran McGlynn (0-1), Ross Marley, Gary Dorrian; Stephen Carr, Stephen Ward (0-1); Conor Ward, Jason Morrow (0-2), Daniel McGlynn (0-2); Gerard Ward (0-3,1f), Ciaran Bradyt, Matthew McGinley. Subs: Kyle O’Meara for C Ward 40; Packie McGrath for McGinley 52.
Referee: Niall McCready (Aodh Rua)
