Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 11:57am

Drumlane too strong for Ballymachugh

Philip Donohoe sends the ball forward as the Drumlane players close in. Pic: Adrian Donohoe
Pic by==: 97

JOE CROWE Memorial Park, Lacken, was the setting for this intermediate championship clash on Friday night last. There was no disputing the merits of Drumlane's win which was accomplished against a Ballymachugh side unable to raise their game to the level of being able to really trouble their west Cavan opponents with the exception of the opening period.

Drumlane went into the game as the form team as a result of their performances in Div 2 of the league, where they achieved an eleven match unbeaten run. However there were a number of absentees due to injuries which forced team manager Ollie Fay to reshuffle the team. Ballymachugh's league form in Div 3 suggested that they would struggle in this type of company and their manager Stephen King was aware that he was up against it.

There was a surprise start to the game however when Ballymachugh took a 0-2 to 0-0 lead after two minutes through Killian Smith and James Kiernan. Drumlane quickly settled into their task however and were on level terms by the ninth minute thanks to Daragh Seagrave and a Barry Corrigan free.

Richard Fitzsimons restored Ballymachugh's lead from a free in the fifteenth minute before Barry Corrigan responded in kind. Drumlane were displaying early nerves as they fell behind again through full-forward James Kiernan in the eighteenth minute before J. P. Kelly came to their rescue after Seagrave's shot at goal was blocked.

It was Barry Kiernan's turn to give Ballymachugh the lead again with four minutes of the first-half remaining. The same player missed a goal opportunity minutes later. With Ballymachugh hanging on to their 0-5 to 0-4 lead and half-time approaching, Drumlane launched a series of attacks but to no avail resulting in two wides and an effort from Barry Corrigan coming back of an upright.

Ollie Fay must have been concerned at that first-half performance. After what must have been some tough talking, Drumlane started the second-half with real determination and were on level terms within two minutes from Barry Corrigan after good support from Fergal Brady. Dane O'Dowd shot the lead point on six minutes and three minutes later second-half sub Daryl McConnell sent in a high ball towards the Ballymachugh square where Fergal Brady got his fist to it and ended in the net.

A 1-6 to 0-5 lead looked a lot more comfortable for Drumlane but they found it difficult to go on and take control. Ballymachugh worked hard without being terribly convincing in front of goal, an example of this weakness saw James Kiernan through on goal but his shot was blocked and another opportunity went wide. There was a gap of five minutes since Brady's goal before Glen Fitzpatrick shot a point.

Ballymachugh got their first of two second-half scores in the 22nd minute from midfielder Philip Donohoe. However the task confronting the team seemed a hopeless one and with the pressure easing, Drumlane's full-back John O'Dowd had time to leave his area and break up the field to have a shot at goal which produced a great save from goalkeeper Patrick Baxter.

Drumlane consolidated their strong position with further scores from Barry Corrigan, J. P. Kelly and Glen Fitzpatrick. Ballymachugh had one final effort over the bar from Barry Kiernan two minutes into injury time.

Drumlane now play Knockbride in Breffni Park on Saturday next while Ballymachugh meet Drung on Friday night in St Felim's Park, Drumalee at 8oc.

Drumlane -Darren Murphy; Robbie Smith, John O'Dowd, Neil McCann; Brendan O'Reilly, Glen Fitzpatrick (0-2), J. P. Kelly (0-2); Dane O'Dowd (0-1), Barry Corrigan (0-4); John Fitzpatrick, Cormac Fitzpatrick, Gareth Corrigan; Daragh Seagrave (0-1), Fergal Brady (1-0), Barry Cunningham. Sub. Daryl McConnell for Cormac Fitzpatrick.

Ballymachugh - Patrick Baxter; Padraig McInerney, Brendan McLarney, James McLarney; John Fox, Gavin Smith, Michael Halton; Padraig Sheridan, Philip Donohoe (0-1); Barry Kiernan (0-2), Ritchie Fitzsimons (0-1), Ciaran Goldrick; Killian Smith (0-1), James Kiernan (0-2), Stephen Baxter. Subs. David Kerrigan for James McLarney, Ciaran Goldrick for Padraig McInerney.

Referee, Jimmy Galligan, Lacken.

Return to: Homepage | Sport Index | This article