St Eunan’s College made it three wins from three in the Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup this afternoon.
St Eunan’s College 2-13 St Patrick’s, Downpatrick 2-8
By Connor McGinty
After consecutive victories against Colaisti Inis Eoghain and Roe Valley, it was St. Patrick’s Grammar School of from Downpatrick that stood in the way of Neil Gordon and Colm McFadden’s men.
A fiery start was the only way to describe opening period of play, any other variation would be offering unjust recognition to an interesting game of football.
Eunan’s started sloppy; numerous turnovers proving costly however still showing promise in their play. St.Pat’s capitalised on poor passages of play, gaining several points from play due to complacent St Eunan’s play.
On the 25th minute in what could be a turning point in hindsight, Shane Doherty was pulled back when through on goal but a poor refereeing decision saw the coin tossed with possession ending up in the hands of ‘Red High’
Great play from the Downpatrick students saw a goal added to their tally. O’Hare found McMullan who was patiently waiting in the corner of the square to see St Eunan’s trail 1-07 to 1-05 at half time.
A turn of fortunes from the off occurred with Eunan’s now exploiting the oppositions errors, showing slight superiority in the play, thankful not to be all but buried at half time. The momentum grew and with McDevitt smartly picking out Finn, who distributed to McGettigan with Precision for the later to get his second goal of the day.
St.Pat’s showed prosperity and must be admired for their fight however couldn’t make the most of their short periods of possession. McEniff who took his fair share of contact was unlucky not to convert a magnificent attempt from 40 metres out.
Not converted but with the help of the upright it fell to Pauric McGettigan, unlucky not to get his hat trick with the resulting attempt eventually cleared.
The most physical challenge yet for the Sentry Hill outfit that now face St. Louis of Ballymena in a four-day turnaround on Friday. Six points from six with the Ballymena outfit only acquiring two out of four.
The Gordon and McFadden duo will be hoping to come out of the group unscathed however anything in this competition is possible, as they know only too well.
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