An opportunistic Paddy Byrne goal helped Naomh Columba to a valuable Division Two win over Termon this afternoon.
Termon 0-11 Naomh Columba 1-11
By Chris McNulty at The Burn Road
Byrne lobbed to the net in the 28th minute for a goal that ultimately decided an eventful day at The Burn Road as Glen took their third win in a row.
Termon mounted a stirring comeback for a time in the second half, but saw Kevin McDaid and Daire McDaid sent off in the closing stages – just when the home side looked like they might complete the turnaround.
Daire McDaid posted seven points in an excellent display for Termon, but he saw red having been fouled by Ryan McNern in added time.
Kevin McDaid had made the long walk six minuets before the end for an apparent trip on Ryan Gillespie.
A majestic 55-metre point by Daire McDaid brought Termon, who looked dead and buried not long beforehand, to within two points. McDaid took on what seemed an outrageous attempt, but his kick sailed between the posts.
Termon had all the momentum at that stage and kicked six of the game’s final seven points, with Caolan McDaid rifling over the top when he was fed by Nathan McElwaine. The Termon substitute might well have rattled the net from that position, but had to settle for a point.
Daire McDaid nailed a 50-metre free and went one better from play spin after. Caolan McDaid was denied an equally impressive point by an upright as Naomh Columba survived.
With Termon down to 13, McNern kicked an insurance point for Glen.
The game’s ending was in marked contrast to its beginning, which was characterised by a series of wides in the opening quarter, when all that troubled the scoreboard was a Byrne ’45.
Daire McDaid was thwarted by a fine stop by Naomh Columba ‘keeper Shane O’Hare, but he hoisted Termon’s first point in the 18th minute.
Glen led 0-3 to 0-2 when Byrne stepped up with one of the plays of the day late in the half. Termon ‘keeper Michael Boyle strayed out towards his ’45 in possession, but disaster struck when a pass inside was cut out.
Byrne took aim and, with Boyle away from his sentry, the shot dropped into the Termon net.
Aaron Doherty, who has recently joined the ranks of the Donegal senior squad, was introduced on 26 minutes and a wonderful score from the youngster had his side 1-6 to 0-3 in front at the changeover.
Doherty sparked new life into the Glen charge and he added two more points in the second half, putting them eight up at a stage when it had the look of a game that was over.
Termon had other ideas, but they were undone by themselves in those frenetic closing moments and it’s five games now without a win for the men in maroon.
Termon: Michael Boyle; Paul McDaid, Kevin McDaid, Caolan Gallagher; Shane Doherty, Nathan McElwaine, Oisin Cassidy; Aiden Sweeney, Declan O’Donnell; Daniel Connaghan, Christy Connaghan, Anthony Grant (0-1); Enda McCormack (0-2), Daire McDaid (0-7, 2f, 1 ’45), Ryan McFadden. Subs: Caolan McDaid (0-1) for Grant (39), Johnny McCafferty for McFadden (48).
Naomh Columba: Shane O’Gara; Martin Cunningham, Philip Doherty, Barry Carr; Pauric Ward (0-1), Kevin McNern, Stephen Jones; Paddy Byrne (1-1, 1 ’45), Fionn Gallagher; Ryan McNern (0-2), Lanty Molloy (0-1), Gavin McGinley; Ronan Gillespie, Ryan Gillespie (0-3, 1f), Kieran McBrearty. Subs: Aaron Doherty (0-3) for Ronan Gillespie (26), Pauric O’Neill for McGinley (50), Ronan Gillespie for McBrearty (black card, 52).
Referee: Liam McConigley (Downings).
Tags: